Empty beaches? Yes. Private resorts? Even better. Your own island? Now we’re talking. If you’ve ever dreamed of buying a private island of your own (who hasn’t?), these 10 picks from Private Islands magazine, ranked from affordable to aspirational, are a good place to start.
Best Islands to Live On | Best Beachfront Hotels for $200 a Night or Less | Caribbean Snorkeling Resorts
10. Kastawei Island, Vanuatu: $199,000
Kastawei Island may be just less than an acre in size, but this little piece of real estate has a natural bay that’s perfect for a boat — and some of the prettiest water we’ve ever seen.
Learn more about Kastawei Island on privateislandsmag.com.
9. Tahifehifa Island, Tonga: $370,205
Just beyond the surrounding reef, you can spot whales in the water — while standing on your own beach.
Learn more about Tahifehifa Island on privateislandsmag.com.
8. Pink Pearl Island, Nicaragua: $500,000
Besides your own tropical paradise, the purchase of this island also comes with three thatch bungalows (your new home) and a speedboat (appropriately named The Black Pearl) to take you to the mainland — if you ever decide to leave.
Learn more about Pink Pearl Island on privateislandsmag.com.
7. Motu Opuou, French Polynesia: $742,886
This might be the perfect island. Flanked by two larger islands, Motu Opuou is protected from winds, and a barrier reef offshore keeps the lagoon water crystal clear.
Learn more about Motu Opuou on privateislandsmag.com.
6. Pelican Cay, Bahamas: $2,500,000
Yep, you can own 3 acres of pure bliss on this Bahama island. During the day, go snorkeling at the reef, and at night, curl up in your private one-bedroom bungalow under the coconut palms.
Learn more about Pelican Cay on privateislandsmag.com.
5. Bannister Caye, Belize: $2,500,000
This 2.8-acre island is currently leased out as cruise-ship stop, where lucky guests can enjoy snorkeling or hanging out on the floating trampoline. But when it’s all yours, the only guest you have to please is, well, you.
Learn more about Bannister Caye on privateislandsmag.com.
4. Dumunpalit, Philippines: $3,400,000
Dumunpalit also goes by Turtle Island, a nod to the 150-plus-foot-high volcanic towers that resemble fins flipping through the turquoise waters.
Learn more about Dumunpalit on privateislandsmag.com.
3. Portofino Caye, Belize: $4,500,000
Get the whole fam to pitch in for this Caribbean island. With three villas, separate staff quarters, an open-air palapa (perfect for family gatherings), six gazebos, commercial-grade kitchen facilities, a secluded plunge pool and a private marina, you’ll have all the space in the world to stay as close (or as far away) as possible.
Learn more about Portofino Caye on privateislandsmag.com.
2. Manuhangi Atoll, French Polynesia: $8,667,003
Who needs a private pool when you can have a private lagoon surrounded by a coral reef?
Learn more about Manuhangi Atoll on privateislandsmag.com.
1. Saddle Back Cay, Bahamas: $12,995,000
Saddle Back Cay is named after the saddle shape of the island. Want to see it for youself? The island boasts a killer 360-degree view from one of the highest points in the Exumas. When you feel like coming back down to sea level, a hidden sandbar that appears with the rise and fall of the tides is the perfect place to feel grounded again.