ISLANDS picked the world’s 12 best private-island resorts as well as more than 100 such private islands all across the planet, from the surprisingly accessible to the beautifully exotic. Any of these private islands holds the promise of the dream escape, where you can have the luxury amenities of a resort while still feeling like the island is all yours. Explore the resorts on our Best list, and zoom in on this map to find the exact locations of all 100+ islands and how to book your trip there.
Australia: Lizard Island
The lizards are big; the clams are giant; the staff smiles are huge.
Bahamas: Star Island
The promise of a new “green” retreat in Eleuthera is why Star Island made this list.
Belize: Cayo Espanto
This hideaway in the cayes of Belize could grant practically any wish, except for smoked fish.
BVI: Peter Island
Gloating isn’t the best reason to visit Peter Island. But it can be fun.
Canada: Sonora Island
British Columbia is dotted with private islands — for fishermen. But Sonora Resort has a bit more than a cabin.
Cook Islands: Akitua Only one resort lets you stay on the stunning Aitutaki Lagoon: the appropriately named Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa.
**Fiji: Matangi
**](article.jsp?ID=1000070260)Fiji’s only treehouse accommodations put the privacy literally over the top.
Maldives: Veli and Dhigu
In this island nation dotted with 80 resorts, it’s impossible to pick just one that’s the best — so here are two.
Philippines: Pamalican Island
Like a nesting doll, the Amanpulo resort here offers a retreat within a retreat.
Seychelles: Frégate Island
This island was a paradise before the Frégate Island Private resort was built — and it still is.
Tahiti: Tautau
The staff of Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa on this motu facing the “Vanilla Island” specializes in privacy.
Turks & Caicos: Pine Cay
Other places say they’re “Old Caribbean”; the Meridian Club on Pine Cay means it.
