There's no better place to practice social distancing than a private island. On these idyllic stretches of sand, it’s easy to go your whole stay without seeing another guest. Or you can rent out the entire island. You might as well go big or stay home.
Related: The Best Private Islands in the World
From an iconic property in French Polynesia to a new resort in the blissfully beautiful Maldives, these are some of the best private island resorts in the world to safely social distance.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, Maldives
Set to open on October 31, the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa joins established brands like Waldorf Astoria, JW Marriott and Six Senses in what may be paradise on Earth. This sustainable hotel has 50 posh over water and land villas to choose from with pristine views of turquoise waters and the island’s house reef.
Satellite Island, Australia
There are no roads and no WiFi on this remote 84-acre Tasmanian island. Available for exclusive hire only, you and 12 of your nearest and dearest will be the sole explorers of the unspoiled destination that is Satellite Island. Here you can collect your own oysters and have your private chef create a seafood dinner with the finest local Bruny cheese, bread, and meat.
Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
Three hours from Singapore is a collection of six private Indonesian islands that make up one of the world’s best eco-friendly, all-inclusive retreats. The Bawah Reserve experience comes with a daily spa treatment, plenty of healthy food options, beachside yoga and pilates, laundry and non-motorized water sports.
Cape Fahn Hotel, Thailand
Just off the coast of Koh Samui, is the new Cape Fahn Hotel. Opened in 2018, this private island escape screams honeymoon haven. Every villa here has a private pool with refined Thai touches and hospitality throughout. One of the nighttime highlights of a stay here is a Moonlight Cinema. You can choose a favorite movie, some popcorn and cocktails to enjoy while on floating pool chairs.
North Island, Seychelles
Seychelles is a bucket list destination, and there’s no better place to stay than this sustainable barefoot private island. North Island has only 11 beachside bungalows, so both privacy and a tan are easily achieved. Swim until your content then venture onshore for a 24K Gold Age-Defying Facial at the rustic, yet refined, resort spa.
Isle of Eriska Hotel, Scotland
On the west coast of Scotland with majestic mountains in the distance sits the luxury Isle of Eriska Hotel. Made up of 34 bedrooms, there are a variety of types from a garden cottage to a spa suite. Outdoor lovers will enjoy daily nature walks to see area otters and deer as well as golf, croquet, archery, kayaking, and more.
Laucala Island, Fiji
Fiji has plenty of opulent private islands to choose from. Laucala Island offers visitors the chance to experience an untouched and super secluded slice of this island nation. There are 25 glamorous Fijian style villas to call home. Swim in the resort’s glass-edged pool, play a round of golf and try dishes from five different restaurants—all included.
Necker Island, British Virgin Islands
Sir Richard Branson’s private island paradise is also open to the public. Bali meets the British Virgin Islands in the design style of the spacious 11 rooms in the Great House on Necker Island. There is also Leha Lo, which has incredible 180-degree ocean views or the Bali Lo Complex in the middle of the island’s lush rainforest surrounded by lemurs and iguanas.
Calivigny Island, Grenada
For exclusive-use rent only, this family-owned private island is a ten-minute boat ride from Grenada. You’ll be greeted by a team of people ready to take care of your every need from Michelin-star chefs, personal trainers, nannies for the kids, and wellness professionals. Calivigny Island is the perfect place for a destination wedding, with room for up to 40 guests.
The Brando, French Polynesia
It’s no surprise that Marlon Brando’s private playground is the resort choice of the stars. Originally serving as an escape from Hollywood, The Brando’s 35-beach front villas each come with a private pool and media room. The standout spa offers Polynesian treatments galore, while the restaurants offer fresh Polynesian-inspired dishes.
Gladden Private Island, Belize
This Belize getaway calls itself “The World’s Most Private Island Resort.” Located among the unbelievably blue waters of Belize’s Barrier Reef, is an all-inclusive hideout for a small family of two to four people. The staff sleeps on a separate island close by, and there are no neighbors; at Gladden Private Island, you truly have the private island sanctuary to yourselves.
andBeyond Mnemba Island, Zanzibar
Off the coast of Zanzibar is the tiny, yet glamorous andBeyond Mnemba Island. There are 12 thatched-roof villas, each with a private butler. There are no doors on the villa, just mosquito nets, so guests enjoy the calm of the ocean and the tranquility of the nature surrounding them. Ideal for couples, it’s an all-inclusive, nature lover’s dream.
The Nautilus Maldives
The secluded sanctuary found at The Nautilus Maldives has just 26 beach and ocean houses, each seemingly more private and lavish than the next. From the tropical cocktails served to resort guests at sunset to the logistics of private transfers and expedited immigration and customs, your every need is attended to when vacationing with this five-star resort. Underwater experiences are just as luxurious as their overwater villas—with guided diving excursions to take in the natural beauty of the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. After an exhilarating dive, retreat to your ocean house, propped over an emerald lagoon with a private pool.
