Islands of superlatives – seven completely private hideaways
Accessible only by boat or seaplane
Many private islands are situated in locations that can only be reached by boat or seaplane – so even the journey there becomes a special experience in itself. Here we present seven private islands where exclusivity is not ostentatious but deeply moving, where wellness and activity go hand in hand, and where the quiet dream of the ultimate retreat – complete with all the comforts of the modern world – becomes a reality for a moment.
Isla Sa Ferradura (Ibiza)
One of the world’s most exclusive retreats is Isla Sa Ferradura in the Bay of San Miguel. The 35,000-square-metre private island is connected to Ibiza only by a narrow strip of beach. Set in the heart of a stunning nature reserve, Isla Sa Ferradura is regarded as an oasis of tranquillity – and a hideaway for magical moments.
A hideaway for magical moments.
An extraordinary master suite and nine exclusive bedrooms provide space for holidays with family, friends or for special ‘once-in-a-lifetime events’, as the island is available for exclusive hire only. The 24-strong service team guarantees absolute discretion and provides round-the-clock, all-round care, ranging from a chef’s service to housekeeping, night security, a babysitting service and guided excursions.
A jacuzzi, hammam, massage room, yoga deck and wellness area, a fully equipped gym and a spectacular 23-metre infinity pool invite you to enjoy sporting activities and relaxation. One of the many highlights: the sunsets on the incredible 750-square-metre rooftop terrace. Pure James Bond magic!
Necker Island (British Virgin Islands)
The British entrepreneur and billionaire Sir Richard Branson has created a private retreat on Necker Island, a 30-hectare island in the British Virgin Islands, which guests can hire. Surrounded by turquoise waters and colourful coral reefs, Necker Island, with its snow-white beaches, guarantees complete privacy and a luxury Caribbean holiday.
The villa and guest houses can accommodate up to 48 guests. A dedicated and discreet team of staff attend to guests’ every need, both on the island and out on the water. A highlight of the cuisine: a floating sushi bar. Renewable energy sources such as wind power are used to supply Necker Island with electricity.
Como Laucala Island (Fiji)
With its own runway for private aircraft, Como Laucala Island offers a holiday in a secluded natural paradise. Although Como Laucala Island, with its 25 villas, is one of the largest private island resorts in the world, the residences are situated in secluded spots – just like private homes – above the water, on hilltops, in the heart of the rainforest or on gentle beaches.
The 18-hole golf course was designed by the Scottish golf course architect David McLay Kidd. Enchanting nature experiences include horse rides along the beach, hikes, underwater scooter excursions through the reef and sailing trips. Perched on a hilltop in this extraordinary natural paradise, the spa delights guests with the magical sound of birdsong. And the creative, nutritionally balanced COMO Shambhala Kitchen, served in the lounges and bars, ensures a comprehensive and thoroughly enjoyable sense of well-being.
Banwa Private Island (Philippines)
Nestled within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Banwa Private Island combines first-class service with a genuine commitment to sustainability (including its own organically run farm) and nature conservation. The beach villas, situated not far from the nesting grounds of the critically endangered hawksbill turtles, are among the largest and most luxurious in the world, ranging from one to twelve bedrooms, and guarantee complete privacy.
The unrivalled landscape and close connection to nature – the island is home, for example, to the Tabon bird and the Mantanani owl – enhance the unique wellness experiences at the Meridian Spa, the Pilates facilities and on a dedicated yoga platform. In short: no tourists, no cars, no noise, no pollution and plenty of turquoise sea – Banwa Private Island guarantees the perfect holiday.
No tourists, no cars, no noise, no pollution and plenty of turquoise sea.
Gladden Private Island (Belize)
If only the very best is good enough for you, Gladden Private Island is the perfect choice. There, guests can look forward to an exclusive, completely private luxury island experience. The journey there is by helicopter flight over the Belize Barrier Reef. One of Belize’s finest chefs takes guests on a culinary journey, serving his gourmet dishes on the villa’s roof terrace, at a barbecue on the beach or over dinner on the jetty. It is said that Gladden is the most exclusive retreat in the world. This private island certainly comes very close to absolute perfection.
Bawah Reserve (Indonesia)
Just over an hour’s flight by seaplane from Singapore lies the Bawah Reserve, comprising six private islands in the Indonesian Anambas Archipelago. The philosophy: to offer guests unforgettable experiences within a thousand-hectare, unspoilt marine reserve, whilst respecting the land, wildlife and culture.
The reserve’s 36 suites, bungalows and villas, which feature up to four bedrooms, offer direct access to the turquoise lagoon and white sandy beaches; some are perched on stilts above the sea, whilst others lie secluded beneath the trees as tropical oases of tranquillity. In the four restaurants and bars, fresh, local ingredients are transformed into sophisticated culinary experiences – whether in the restaurant high up in the jungle canopy, the bar at the very top of the island, or over dinner on the sandy beach. The Bawah Reserve is an unforgettable setting for very special occasions
andBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge (Zanzibar)
Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean is a true island paradise. Surrounded by reefs and crystal-clear waters, Mnemba Island lies off the north-eastern coast of Zanzibar’s main island, Unguja. As there are only 12 banda bungalows at the andBeyond Mnemba Island Lodge, the number of guests is limited, ensuring an intimate and unhurried experience. Each banda has its own private stretch of beach with a baybed, sun loungers and an outdoor shower.
Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean is a true island paradise.
Through yoga and meditation, sound and energy therapies, body, mind and soul become one and find their way to balance and inner peace. As befits the Spice Islands of Zanzibar, the cuisine at andBeyond Mnemba Island is inspired by the exquisitely light and wonderfully fragrant dishes of the archipelago.
What private islands and prime locations have in common
Seven private islands, one shared principle: it is not the amenities that determine the value, but the indivisibility of the location. An island cannot be densified, replicated or divided. In this respect, it is just like a prime lakeside location or an established villa plot in the south of Munich. Anyone who buys there is paying for something that cannot be replicated.
The second common feature is discretion. What the service teams at these properties handle as a matter of course applies just as much to the sale of a property: no property is put on the market without prior consultation, and no address is disclosed without good reason. Anyone wishing to sell or find a property in this segment will find the right framework at Luxury Properties in Munich. The Munich Market Report shows how supply and prices have developed recently.
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