A tonic for... the best that money can buy
It's difficult to think of anything quite so decadent as staying at a resort so plush that a whole island is reserved exclusively for its guests. But there are plenty of these luxurious private island resorts to be found across the world. Go green with envy as we take a tour of the very best...
Ultimate luxury on private island resorts
Cayo Espanto lies three miles off the coast of Belize and is pretty much smack bang on the world's second largest barrier reef. The full island can be rented for, ahem, a mere US$10,000 a night for 16 guests, and that includes meals and full butler service. More information: A Private island
Ultimate luxury on private island resorts
With 850 largely forested acres to wander around, hills to clamber up and seven white sand beaches, Guana Island is pretty special. It is usually shared between 30 (very wealthy) guests, but it is possible to rent it out for just yourself and your family if you happen to be absurdly wealthy. More information: Guana island
Ultimate luxury on private island resorts
Voted by Islands magazine as one of the best private islands in the world, Matangi, is pretty special. Free snorkelling and kayaking are included in the rates, while the beachfront bures (traditional Fijian huts) are incredible places to stay. More information: Matangi Island
Ultimate luxury on private island resorts
If you happen to have £208,099 idling away down the back of the sofa, you can buy exclusive occupancy of Peter Island for five days. Otherwise, you can pay to stay in one of the private island's villas like a mere mortal. The island covers 1,800 acres of stereotypically gorgeous tropical terrain, and each villa has at least one private pool. More information: Peter island
Ultimate luxury on private island resorts
The Aitutaki Lagoon resort has its home on a little private islet in one of the world's most spectacular lagoons. All guests are greeted off the boat by a warrior in traditional dress and the overwater bungalows are arguably the world's most spectacular. More information: Aitutaki Lagoon Resort
Ultimate luxury on private island resorts
Bedarra is pretty much as good as it gets when it comes to staying on the Great Barrier Reef. It includes just 16 villas set in rainforest, is renowned for top-quality service and has a spa. Transfers are provided to nearby Dunk Island, where it is possible to play golf or go water-skiing and horse-riding. Bedarra itself is largely about the luxury and pampering though. More information: Bedarra Island
Ultimate luxury on private island resorts
Kurumba boasts of being the Maldives' first private island resort. Guests have 48 acres to themselves, can have special candlelit dinners and can go snorkelling over the coral. The island is surrounded by a white sand beach and a truly stunning lagoon. More information: Kurumba Island
Ultimate luxury on private island resorts
Lying 40 miles to the south of the larger St Vincent, this 113 acre island is surrounded by two miles of white sand beaches. It is billed as a total escape, with no televisions or telephones in the rooms. But, of course, highly-trained staff are always there to cater to your every whim. More information: Petit St Vincent
Ultimate luxury on private island resorts
This island, which lies almost bang on the equator, can only be rented out as a whole and is aimed primarily at rich Singaporean families. Pulau Pangkil Kecil lies off the coast of Sumatra, and once you're there you'll have twenty staff to look after your every whim. Fishing and sailing trips can be provided, as can masseuses and everything else is set up for the ultimate in relaxation.
More information: Pangkil Island
Ultimate luxury on private island resorts
From the east coast of Mahe - the main island in the Seychelles - you can see a cluster of gorgeously green islands sitting in the Indian Ocean. The largest of these is Sainte Anne, a private island owned by Beachcomber Resorts. The Sainte Anne Resort has 87 private villas, 27 of which have private pools, and five restaurants. The fine-dining restaurant is often regarded as serving the best food in the Seychelles. The island itself covers 220 acres and is in the middle of a marine park.
The Sainte Anne chaps are keen to avoid the trap that many private islands can fall into of just being a relaxing, secluded treat. There's plenty to keep guests occupied, including some great walking trails. The island also boasts two tennis courts as well as a fitness centre and those looking for adventure can also go kayaking, snorkelling and scuba diving. And for after all that activity, there is a state-of-the-art Clarins spa. More information: Saint Anne resort