When it comes to luxury getaways, exclusivity matters (especially during the pandemic), which is why private island buy-outs are booming. Sam Ballard reports
Whether it’s a Caribbean paradise or more unusual European and US private islands, these resorts all have one thing in common: they are designed for exceptionally wealthy individuals.
However, during the global pandemic, staying on your own private island has an added significance – health security. The ultra-wealthy do not have to expose their families to potential carriers of the virus, instead they can cocoon them in pure luxury on a private island…
1. LOPUD 1483, Croatia
Guests can book the entire property until September for €10,000 per night, after which its five suites will be available to individually book. Those who do take it over exclusively can customise their experience completely.
Property manager Anne Roberts-Nissen can oversee the organisation of extravagantly executed anniversary parties, birthday get-togethers or wedding celebrations and says her team will happily arrange for world-class wellness practitioners and yoga teachers to be flown to the resort for bespoke wellness programmes.
As you would expect, LOPUD 1483 is full of masterpieces, including Franco Maria Pretti painting that dates back to 1645.
2. Joali, Maldives
Those with deep pockets – and a lot of friends – can book the entire island from US$90,000 per night between until September 30, and US$185,000 per night between October 1 and November 30, 2020.
For guests 12 years and above, an all-inclusive full-board meal plan (including alcohol for adults) will cost an additional US$450 per night per guest.
3. Felicité Island, Seychelles
Turquoise offers a week’s exclusive buy-out of the Six Senses Zil Pasyon from €330,000. This includes bespoke full-board dining, total privacy, full access to the island and resort facilities, and a host of experiences available once per week – blue water fishing, sunset cruise, guided snorkelling, sustainable marine educational evenings, an “Eat with Six Senses” chef’s table and a sunset tasting of Billecarte Salmon champagne and Provence rosé with the team.
4. JA Enchanted Island resort, Seychelles
Located in the middle of the Saint Anne Marine Park, the JA Enchanted Island Resort can host groups of 24 guests who want to have the lush, 20 sqkm island all to themselves. There are ten villas available, eight of which are 130 square metres and have their own private pool.
The ultra-luxury hideaway offers a variety of bespoke, private experiences including breakfast in bed, moonlight dinners and private barbecues with dedicated chefs. Buy-out rates start from €9,950 per night.
5. Little Palm Island, Florida
The island can accommodate up to 60 people – although is limiting this to 30 during the pandemic – across a range of impressive suites, some of which come with their own outdoor copper soaking tubs and private beaches. Prices start from US$250,000 for three nights.
There is also an on-site event planner who can organise cooking classes, yoga sessions, beach BBQs, casino nights, and cigar rolling lessons.
6. Vommuli Island, Maldives
Of course, if it is your name on the booking then you may as well reserve the John Jacob Astor Estate for yourself – it’s the biggest overwater villa in the Maldives.
7. Thanda Island, Tanzania
It comes with its own marine biologist, who will take you out to see the whale sharks that patrol the waters nearby. Thanda sits in the Shunhimbili Marine Reserve where fishing is illegal – making the area a treasure trove of tropical fish. Perfect for scuba enthusiasts.