Explore the world’s most beguiling private island hideaways. Air Partner asked private island specialist, The Modern Concierge, to come up with this inspiring list of 10 of the world’s best private island hideaways. When it comes to getting away from it all, a private island offers the last word in luxury. Privacy. And clearly, the only way to travel to your private island is by private jet.
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Private islands
As well as giving you total control of time and your in-flight experience, another key benefit of flying privately is being able to easily access some of the most remote - and wonderful - places on earth, such as this wanderlust ‘best of' list of private islands dotted around the world. The combination of private jet and helicopter plus private island conjures up blissful images of seamless departures, palm fronds and deserted beaches; but the real story is the rare seclusion and complete privacy offered by these most private escapes plus the added security of avoiding busy commercial terminals. The most private of islands are only available for exclusive hire of the entire island, while others offer resort style individual rooms or villa accommodation. Even those usually only available for exclusive all-island rental offer seasonal ‘Celebration Weeks’ throughout the year where individual accommodation can be booked.
When it comes to getting away from it all, or celebrating a landmark life-occasion with family & friends, then a private island offers the last word in luxury. Privacy.
1. Kamalame Cay
Andros Great Barrier Reef, Bahamas
When Conde Nast Traveller and Travel+Leisure magazine both vote an island #1 in the Caribbean in their Reader Awards, then you know you are on to something very special. Kamalame is a 97 acre private barrier island sitting just off the coast of Andros - the largest and least developed landmass in the Bahamas archipelago. The island offers a unique mix of ‘resort and residences’ which means if you really love it there, then you could buy your very own slice of paradise with beachfront villas and plots available. The island regularly hosts exclusive all-island wedding and private celebrations, but also individual beachfront resort cottages and owners villas are available throughout the open year (the island closes mid-August to mid-October each year). Kamalame is famous for it’s graceful approach to stylish island living, with a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. As well as having the only over-water-spa in the Bahamas, the coastal waters around the island offer some of the world’s best diving (the Andros Great Barrier Reef is the 3rd largest reef in the world) plus the elite sustainable sport of Bonefishing is what made the island famous when it first opened. The island offers special wellness weeks by London based www.silverliningsretreats.com in November, January and June.
Fly into Nassau airport on a larger jet, such as a Gulfstream 550, or get closer in a smaller jet and land at Andros Town. Clients of Air Partner enjoy special access and privileges at Kamalame Cay - speak to your Account Manager for more information.
2. Calivingy Island
St. George’s, Grenada
A most private of islands, and one rarely read about. Escape to 80 lush private acres and choose from six beaches where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. Up to 50 guests can be cosseted in complete luxury in the islands opulent rooms. Accommodation is within two Balinese and French Colonial inspired residences and three custom designed luxury cottages. At your disposal is a full range of water toys - from a fleet of boats to jet skis and inflatables plus scuba charters to explore beneath the sea. The beach front rotunda offers a dramatic focal point for celebration dinners or parties or perhaps a wedding pavillion? The island is available only for exclusive rentals.
Land at Maurice Bishop international airport
3. Li Galli
Positano, Italy
When one of the great Sorrento hoteliers also owns a private island just off the Amalfi coast from Positano, you know it’s going to be something very special indeed. Welcome to Li Galli. The most glamorous of private islands; previously and famously owned by Rudolph Nureyev and with a visitors book including Sophia Loren and Jacqueline Kennedy. It’s that kind of special place - and offering the unique view of Positano from the sea. Li Galli is actually an archipelago of three islands - with mentions in the history books as far back as biblical times and at the centre of the ‘Siren’s or ‘Le Sirenuse’ - the mythical and dangerous creatures of Homer’s Odyssey. The dolphin shaped island is only available for exclusive rental a few weeks of the summer, by special arrangement and accommodates up to 12 guests in six suites, cared for attentively by a team of nine. Guests feast on produce from the island’s garden, relax by the saltwater or freshwater pool and enjoy the seriously stylish, eclectic decor, with antique furniture, modern artworks and sculptures juxtaposed with colour and pattern clashing Arabic tiles creating the unique interior and giving Li Galli a strong sense of place. Land in Naples and then arrive by boat or helicopter. Make the trip to the mainland to meet artist Paulo Sandulli and his Sirenuse inspired artworks. A boat and private helicopter can be included in the rental arrangement, and at your disposal throughout your stay. Private rentals of Li Galli can be arranged via The Modern Concierge by contacting your Air Partner Account Manager.
Fly into Naples on a Citation XLS and travel just 1 hour 20 minutes to the coast.
4. The Brando
Tetiaroa Atoll, French Polynesia
When National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World list a private island, it has to provide natural wonder. The Brando does not disappoint. That, plus the added mega star wattage of this island having been Marlon Brando’s secret hideaway adds further allure to The Brando. Just north of Tahiti, The Brando has to be one of the most exotic private islands in the world and is available for exclusive all island rental as well as individually booked accommodation in 35 stunning private villas. The association with National Geographic Unique Lodges means strong eco-credentials and cultural highlights, plus excellent family friendly facilities. Best time to visit is between the dry months of May to October, although the island is open year round.
Land in Tahiti for the short 20 minute transfer to the island.
5. Obonjan
Croatia
This could be one for music lovers. Obanjan opens for the summer in the style of a laid back music and cultural festival over the months of July and August, with accommodation in luxury waterfront tents. However, if you are planning a large private or corporate gathering around the end of June or early September, then the island can be available - by very special arrangement - for the exclusive use of your guests, with the food and service tuned to your preferences. Host your own private mini-festival or make it all about wellness and simply enjoy the stunning nature of the Croatian coast and waters.
Travel in a Challenger 300 and land in Split, before taking a boat to Obanjan.
6. Tagomago
Ibiza
One of the few and perhaps the most beautiful private island in Spanish coastal waters, just 900 metres offshore from the east coast of Ibiza. This 148 acre island offers the last word in Ibiza luxury and can be rented with its own boat and helicopter. The island accommodates 10 people in 5 luxury suites within the villa in the middle of the island, plus boasts its very own lighthouse. You may not want to leave but Formentera is just 30 minutes boat ride away. DJ’s can be flown in should you wish to enjoy your own private party. Otherwise, elite wellness leaders can be supplied by www.silverliningsretreats.com to create a bespoke private wellness escape.
Land at Ibiza airport and take a boat or helicopter to the island. The Modern Concierge Ibiza services have been featured in FT How To Spend It and Daily Telegraph. Services are available to Air Partner clients by calling your Account Manager.
7. Voavah
Baa Atoll, Maldives
Only Four Seasons offer an entirely private island in the Maldives - in the 5 acre shape of Voavah situated within the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, so you can expect breathtaking nature (above and below the sea) as well as the legendary Four Seasons luxury and hospitality. Sleeping up to 14 adults and 8 children in two villas and suites. This is another island with boat included - a 19 metre motor yacht for sunset dolphin cruises and manta watching. The island also has its own spa and party space.
Land in Male, and arrive by seaplane.
8. Pegasus Estate Island
Cyclades, Greece
Perhaps the biggest surprise about this 900 acre island is that it is so close to Athens - 30 minutes by speedboat or 15 by helicopter. Perfect for groups of 8 - 22 people, the location gives the island a very long season weather wise and well within easy reach of the major European cities. The main villa sleeps 8-9 with additional residences offering further accomodation to the 22 person maximum. This Greek island retreat has been owned by the same family since 1916 and therefore is unspoiled by modern development. For those who prefer to take their four legged friends on private jet holidays, the island welcomes pets. Horse lovers will enjoy the story behind the island horses and ponies - saved from elsewhere by the island owners. Interiors are chic and retrained, giving concentration to the views and island landscape.
Fly to Athens in a Citation Jet 2 and get a speedboat or helicopter transfer to the island.
9. AndBeyond Mnemba
Tanzania
AndBeyond is an award-winning, luxury experiential travel company offering tailor made vacations - such as at their private island, Mnemba, off the north coast of Zanzibar. Up to just 20 guests can enjoy this romantic private hideaway, sleeping in 11 beachside ‘bandas’ - available either exclusively for your group, or individually. The Mnemba Atoll is a divers paradise so perhaps this one is best for the bubble makers. Guests can enjoy serene sunset Dhow cruises or the seasonal natural spectacle of turtle hatchlings on the beach, birdwatching or do nothing at all really.
Getting there means landing at Zanzibar International Airport and then a 90 minute drive through lush spice plantations and then wade knee deep to board the waiting boat for the 20 minute crossing to the island.
10. Necker Island
British Virgin Islands
It is perhaps the most famous private island in the world with an equally famous owner in Sir Richard Branson. This fantasy island in the British Virgin Islands comes replete with with water toys aplenty, freshwater infinity pools and tennis courts. It’s also an island which offers suites and villas for individual booking during ‘Celebration Weeks’. This year, during August, September and October with 4, 7, 9 and 10 night packages still available, you have the opportunity to experience Necker alongside 16 other couples. Bag the Great House Master Suite to rule the roost.
Land in Tortola (Beef Island) or Virgin Gorda. Necker Celebration Weeks can be booked with The Modern Concierge by speaking to your Air Partner Account Manager for further information of these special packages.
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