Do you dream of escaping to your very own paradise island with no cars or crowds, just complete seclusion? We’ve rounded up the best private island hideaways around the world for you and your family.
Fowl Cay Resort, The Exhumas, Bahamas
Whisk your family off to your very own private island at Fowl Cay in the Exhumas, a collection of tiny islands in the Bahamas. There are just six individually designed villas spread across this 50-acre retreat but you get all the luxuries you could wish for. Whether you’re feeling like spending lazy days on the beach or setting out on an exciting island adventure, there’s plenty to keep kids of all ages entertained. A chef will even pack a picnic for you to take on your very own powerboat to a deserted beach.
COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands
Discover an exclusive 100-acre private island paradise, a three-hour flight from New York. Located in the Turks and Caicos, COMO Parrot Cay is a super chic resort with an A-list guest list. It has 74 rooms, many of which have private pools, plus an award-winning spa and a mile long immaculate beach. Popular with families wanting a secluded and relaxing retreat, Parrot Cay prides itself on its personalized service and provides butlers to attend your every need 24-hours a day. Days can be spent doing as much or as little as you wish and there’s plenty of activities including watersports and biking to keep your brood busy, as well as the Play by COMO kids activity program.
Petit St. Vincent, St. Vincent & The Grenadines
Create a lifetime of memories for your family with a dream vacation on Petit St. Vincent Private Island, accessible via light aircraft from Barbados. This lush 115-acre Caribbean resort has a low-key vibe and just 22 gorgeous villas. No Wi-Fi or televisions means you can enjoy more quality time as a family. There are two restaurants, a spa and an impressive array of land and water sports and island-hopping excursions for the whole family to enjoy.
Jumby Bay Resort, Jumby Bay Island, Antigua and Barbuda
Jumby Bay Resort, an Oetker Collection property, is a one-of-a-kind luxe beachfront retreat set on a 300-acre private island off the coast of Antigua. Ideal for families seeking a secluded hideaway with five-star facilities, the resort boasts 40 stunning rooms and villas, world-class restaurants with kids’ menus, a beach bar and swimming pools. The awesome Jumby Explorers program for 3 to 11 year olds will come in handy when you need a break and the island’s turtle sanctuary is always a hit with younger guests.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
This bewitching private island paradise is located on Dhaalu Atoll, a 40-minute seaplane ride from Male. With twin islands Play and Chill, Niyama Private Islands are perfect for families wanting laidback luxury and seclusion. As well as an array of stunning accommodation options including overwater bungalows, there’s a spa, multiple topnotch restaurants and endless unique experiences and activities for kids of all ages. The more family-focused island, Play, has a kids’ club and daily adventures for little explorers.
Fregate Island Private, Fregate Island, Seychelles
For the ultimate family vacation, the exclusive Fregate Island Private located in The Seychelles, four degrees south of the equator, is hard to beat. The idyllic retreat is set on an enchanting private island fringed by seven beaches. Each of the 17 mahogany villas comes with a huge deck, infinity pool and Jacuzzi as well as a butler and island buggy. There are new adventures to be had every day for your brood and a kids’ club (for 5 to 12 year olds) when you feel like some adult-only time.
Heron Island Resort, Queensland, Australia
For the family vacation of a lifetime, check in to Heron Island Resort on Heron Island, a coral cay located right on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. You and your crew can experience splendid isolation and relaxed island living at this idyllic resort, where you’ll find charming accommodation and an array of activities with an ecological theme. The island is famous for diving and snorkeling and there’s a Junior Rangers program for 7 to 12 year olds.
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, Aruba
The idyllic Renaissance Aruba has both a family-friendly property with large suites and an adult-only property for those looking for a getaway. But the best part of this resort is the private island, exclusively available to guests of the resort by way of a water taxi. Paddle around in the secluded bay, rent a luxurious beach cabana or enjoy a fruity drink on the beach. Enter relaxation mode lounging in an overwater hammock or enjoying the ocean view while getting a massage at the exclusive Spa Cove. Family-friendly Iguana Beach is perfect for young kids to enjoy. Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the famous pink birds that reside on Flamingo Beach.
By Hannah Freedman