10 Private Island Vacations That Are Surprisingly Affordable
East Sister Rock Island
For those shy of venturing too far off land, this private retreat in the Florida Keys is located just a three-minute boat ride from the mainland. Despite its proximity to the shore, the house maintains its secluded feel with dense greenery and unobstructed ocean views. From $1,333 per night, sleeps eight.
Little Harvest Caye
Little Harvest Caye is a 1.5-acre secluded retreat in Belize. On its private waterfront, visitors can kayak, snorkel, paddle board, dive or saltwater fly fish. The only people on the island are guests and staff, who live in a separate house. There’s a boat and driver available on call to take guests around the bay or into the nearby village of Placencia. From $1,855 per night, sleeps 14.
Pink Pearl Island
Pink Pearl Island is an undiscovered gem of nature in Nicaragua. The island’s white sand beach is a popular place for turtles to nest. The island itself is located among a group of coral islands, making it an ideal place for diving and snorkeling. And, according to the owners, there are absolutely no mosquitos on the island. From $500 per night, sleeps 12.
Malvanua Island
Why trek to a public park when you can experience nature in private? Renting out Malvanua Island in Vanuatu is like renting out a nature reserve — with luxurious accommodations attached. Guests at the beach house not only have the charming two-bedroom digs but access to three white sand beaches, snorkeling in the coral reef and 25 acres of island to explore. From $190 per night, sleeps four.
Little Peter Oasis
While some may believe the best time to explore nature is when the sun is out, this private island was designed for night owls. The lagoon of this Belize island is illuminated with blue LED lighting at night to ensure the day doesn’t have to end just because the sun has set. The two-bedroom over-the-water bungalow is the closest you can get to sleeping on a yacht without getting seasick. From $1,250 per night, sleeps four.
Private Heaven
It doesn’t get more eco-friendly than escaping to a private island getaway powered by solar energy. Private Heaven is a secluded Caribbean escape that’s committed to lessening its carbon footprint. Guests at the lodge are able to get to the coral reef in just a few steps or cook some barbecue while overlooking the expanse of water. From $345 per night, sleeps six.
Coco Prive
For the private island getaway with no mind to budget, this luxurious villa comes complete with complimentary spa treatments. The island, located in the North Male Atoll of the Maldives, has six separate luxury villas — designed for maximum protection from the paparazzi, if that’s what your life entails. Swim in infinity pools or the ocean before watching a film at the outdoor cinema or dining on the beach. The options are seemingly limitless. From $45,037 per night, sleeps 11.
Melody Key
Go all out. Melody Key is home to the largest villa in the private Florida Keys (3,500 square feet), developed for people who want to live off the grid in comfort. Each of the three bedrooms has its own terrace and there’s even a rooftop observation deck for hosting your own sunset cocktail hours overlooking the water. From $1,375 per night, sleeps eight.
Over Yonder Cay
For the active private islander who doesn’t want to sacrifice any luxury, this private Exuma four-bedroom villa will do nicely. Guests are surrounded in five-star luxury with amenities like a heated saltwater swimming pool, spa-inspired bathrooms, a private chef and their own nine-hole golf course. From $20,000 per night, sleeps eight.
Royal Belize
It’s a party in the middle of a World Heritage Marine Reserve. The Royal Belize is capable of accommodating up to 18 guests in its three separate villas. Spend the days on sun-soaked beaches or fishing on the Caribbean. A manager, island chef and concierge take care of all of the details so your entire crew of friends can soak up the private island vibes. From $5,383 per night, sleeps 18.
It’s not difficult to live fabulously — if you know where to look for deals. Although a private island vacation may seem like a pipedream for those of us without our own yachts or mansions, they can be surprisingly affordable. From the Caribbean to the Maldives, rental search engine HomeToGo has...