Business Finance Media Technology Policy Wealth Insights Interviews

Art Art Fairs Art Market Art Reviews Auctions Galleries Museums Interviews

Lifestyle Nightlife & Dining Style Travel Interviews

Power Lists Nightlife & Dining Art A.I. PR

About About Observer Advertise With Us Reprints

The Most Remote Private Island Resorts, Where Seclusion Is the Ultimate Luxury

From Fiji and French Polynesia to the Seychelles and Madagascar, these far-flung resorts turn a castaway fantasy into a five-star escape.

As we watch ever-growing crowds of tourists descend upon the most popular city destinations, whether that be Rome, Tokyo or Paris, where packed streets and lengthy museum queues have become the norm, it seems that privacy has become one of travel's greatest luxuries. While the idea of a private island has always held a whimsical allure, the ability to disconnect from the outside world has become increasingly desirable, especially as our lives are inundated with technology keeping us in constant contact with each other. Rather than exploring a destination while attempting to navigate through bustling sidewalks awash with tourists amid the background noise of deafening honking cars, today’s most restorative vacations drown out the din with lapping waves, swaying fronds and whistling seabirds. 

Despite their remote locations, popular places like Hawaii and the Bahamas feel more accessible than ever, encouraging the most discerning travelers to get more creative. Certain destinations lend themselves particularly well to those seeking ultra-private escapes; Tahiti, for example, is home to countless petite islands and hidden enclaves for a truly off-the-radar jaunt—and for those who don't want to remain on the high seas, there's always the option of a charter that will take you to the most exclusive isles in the country. The Seychelles—the smallest country in Africa—is made up of 115 islands, many of which are uninhabited, while others house some of the most secluded, luxurious hotels in the world.

From Turtle Island in Fiji’s magical Yasawa Archipelago to the Brando resort in French Polynesia, the world’s most exclusive island hotels offer the rare opportunity to live a castaway fantasy elevated by five-star comfort and premium service. These secluded sanctuaries encourage travelers to slow down, connect with nature and recharge their batteries, without the distractions and demands of society. Here, guests forgo busy lobbies and packed beaches for a more bespoke and intimate adventure in their own personal paradise. Whether you’re looking to check snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list or adventure around one of Madagascar’s most untouched isles, these are the tropical resorts offering the most authentic private island experiences.

The Most Exclusive and Secluded Private Island Resorts

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island

&Beyond Mnemba Island

Miavana by Time Tide

Vahine Private Island

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island

Desroches Island, Seychelles

Traveling to the Seychelles is not for the faint of heart—there’s no getting around the fact that it is a serious trek, no matter where you’re coming from. But once you reach the East African archipelago, you’ll forget all about that days-long journey and wonder if you should start planning your next jaunt to the Seychelles already. Desroches Island is an even more secluded, exclusive spot within the already remote Seychelles—a private island only accessible via a 35-minute plane ride from Mahé, which lands directly on the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island airstrip. Located in the Amirantes Bank, this is one of the more remote locations in the already off-the-grid Seychelles. From the moment you land, you’re on island time—there’s no cell service, though those who can’t be torn away from their phones will be pleased to discover there........

© Observer