PRINCESS Margaret, Marlon Brando, the Bacardi family – anyone worth knowing has owned a private island and, for those who can afford it, the appeal of a personal paradise is not lost on the modern holidaymaker.
Fuelled by developments in destinations such as the Maldives, private island resorts have defined a new level of unadulterated luxury.
“The standard of luxury, particularly in the Maldives, is continually improving and it’s having a knock-on effect in other destinations,” said Abercrombie and Kent head of planning Kay Durden.
Privacy and peace come as standard in all pr ivate island resorts, but here we outline a few more of their selling points.
Where:Kamalame Cay, Bahamas.
Why: the shallow waters surrounding this 96-acre island off the coast of Andros offer the best bonefishing in the world.
Guests can use the resort’s own flat boats or head to deeper waters to reel in a marlin, tuna or shark. A good night’s rest is then guaranteed since this tranquil island has just 19 rooms.
For those wanting complete privacy, Kamalame Cove is a private villa on a four-acre peninsula, sleeping eight people in its four bedrooms. It comes with a private pool and full-time staff.
How: Exsus Travel offers seven nights’ all-inclusive accommodation in Kamalame Cove villa on Kamalame Cay, from £3,370 per person in November, based on eight people sharing. This includes flights and transfers.
See also:Abaco Club on Winding Bay. This private members club – the creation of Peter de Savary, founder of Skibo Castle in Scotland – is featured by only three operators in the UK – Carrier, Azure and Caribtours.
How:Caribtours offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast at the Abaco Club from £2,720 per person twin-share in November in a Club Cabana room. This includes flights and transfers.
Where:Peter Island, British Virgin Islands.
Why: the BVIs are renowned for possibly the best and most relaxed sailing in the world. Guests of Peter Island, the largest privately-owned island in the BVIs at 1,800 acres, can use the complimentary hobie and laser sailboats, or charter a fully-crewed 40ft yacht.
Back on dry land, this year the island has undergone a $22m facelift with its 52 rooms and two villas being refurbished. As of February 2007 it will offer a new six-bedroom private villa, Falcon’s Nest, complete with home cinema and helipad.
How: Caribtours offers seven nights’ full-board in the Hawk’s Nest villa on Peter Island from £3,330 per person, based on six people sharing in November. Price includes flights and transfers.
See also:Little Dix Bay is another resort in the BVIs on Virgin Gorda. By the end of the year, work will have been completed on its eight new Rosewood junior suites and three new hilltop villas, plus the renovation of all its 100 rooms.
How: Kuoni World Class offers seven nights’ room-only accommodation at Little Dix Bay from £1,593 per person twin-share in November. The price includes flights and transfers.
Where:Frégate Island, the Seychelles.
Why: Frégate Island is home to some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna. Guests stand a good chance of meeting an Aldabra Giant Tortoise, weighing an average of 330lbs and measuring 90cms in length. Guests can also watch turtles lay their eggs in the sand.
The island is exclusive for up to 40 guests staying in 16 deluxe villas. And with seven beaches, it’s easy to shun human contact in favour of the animals.
How: ITC Classics offers six nights on Frégate Island from £5,819 per person on a full-board basis in November. This includes flights and transfers.
See also:North Island is one of the most exciting conservation projects in the Seychelles, focusing on rehabilitating and reintroducing the endangered flora and fauna of the islands. The resort, which has 11 two-bedroom villas, was named Best Hotel on Earth in 2005 by Harpers and Queen.
How: Seasons in Style offers seven nights’ all-inclusive in a villa on North Island from £7,690 twin-share in November. Price includes flights and transfers.
Where:Huvafen Fushi, the Maldives.
Why: this chic designer resort boasts the world’s first underwater spa treatment rooms, with therapies including wraps of exotic frangipani, coconut milk or lime and ginger.
The relaxing atmosphere continues in the resort’s 43 bungalows, the pièce de résistance being the two Ocean Pavilions, set 200m out over the Indian Ocean.
How:Carrier offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast in a Luxury Ocean Pavilion at Huvafen Fushi from £7,850 per person in November. Price includes flights and transfers.
See also:Soneva Fushi Resort and Six Senses Spa, the Maldives. The spa offers ayervedic treatments.
How:Azure Luxury Hotel Collection offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast in a Crusoe suite at Soneva Fushi from £3,515 per person twin-share, including flights and transfers.
Where:Karma Samui, Koh Samui, Thailand.
Why: privacy is all very well, but for those wanting to spice it up with the odd night out, the new Karma Samui resort – which opened earlier this year – is ideal. It has just 36 villas, each with a private pool, kitchen, ensuite bathrooms and four-poster beds.
The dizzy sights and sounds of Koh Samui’s Chaweng Beach, with its clubs, bars and restaurants is just five minutes away.
And, if the indulgences of the night before take their toll, guests can let the spa therapists come to them rather than stagger to the resort’s Chakra Spa.
How: Abercrombie and Kent offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast at Karma Samui from £1,369 per person twin-share in November, including flights and transfers.
See also: Sila Evason Hideaway on Koh Samui is 15 minutes from the nightlife of Chaweng Beach and five minutes from the island’s Big Buddha. It has 66 villas.
How: Western and Oriental offers seven nights’ room-only in the Presidential Villa at Sila Evason Hideaway from £5,855 per person, based on four sharing in November. Price includes flights and transfers.
