PRIVATE ISLANDS
North Island, Seychelles
For a total blow-out, it has got to be North Island. Seamlessly blending bespoke eco luxury (it has just 11 villas) with absolute relaxation, it’s a paradise island of white sand beaches and granite boulders where high-profile guests such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who honeymooned here, can completely switch off. As much a conservation project as a resort, giant tortoises roam, rare birds tweet in the treetops and the rich marine life is heaven for snorkellers.
Taprobane Island, Sri Lanka
A two-and-a-half acre tropical fantasy located just 100 metres off Sri Lanka’s south coast and reached only by wading through knee-deep water or on the back of an elephant (yes, really). Once you’ve arrived it’s an oasis of palm trees, beach, infinity pool and an octagonal villa built in the Twenties by an eccentric Count. A staff of six, including a chef and butler, have catered to the whims of royalty, film stars and recluses as well as honeymooners.
suggested read:The 30 most expensive buildings in the world
Cocoa Island by COMO, Maldives
Yes it’s the Maldives, but forget cutting-edge design and self-conscious furnishings: Cocoa Island is charmingly simple. All 33 villas are inspired by dhonis (traditional Indian Ocean sailing boats), and you can step straight off into the sea. Ringed by a white sand beach, its COMO Shambhala Spa is a treat and a restaurant serving delicious Maldivian delicacies is the only other thing you really need.
The Brando, French Polynesia
Once Marlon Brando’s private retreat, his eight children united after the film star’s death to create this new super luxe resort on Tetiaroa Island accessible only by private plane. The island is now home to vast thatched villas, each with a slice of private beach, pool and media room. There’s plenty on offer to idle the days away – treatments in the Varua Spa, paddleboarding to an uninhabited island or visiting the environmental research station to discover more about the island’s wildlife.
Song Saa, Cambodia
Serenity reigns at this all-villa island resort on an archipelago 30 minutes by boat from mainland Cambodia. Overlooking a deserted golden beach, 27 villas are dotted between palm trees or set over the sea and all have private decks and plunge pools. The diving is fabulous – the owners created a marine reserve – and rates include all meals and most drinks, so there’s no shocking bill at the end of your stay.
Comments