Top 5 Private Islands You Can Actually Rent
Every year, another glossy list of "the world's best private islands" does the rounds, and every year, at least half the entries turn out to be closed for renovation, mid-sale to a new owner, or simply not available to anyone outside the owner's address book. Laucala, for one, is dark until at least early 2027 while it undergoes a full rebuild under new ownership. It's a good reminder that "private island" has become one of the most overused phrases in luxury travel.
This list is different, every island below can genuinely be booked today, either as a full exclusive-use buyout or as a resort's own villas on an island with nothing else on it. We have kept pricing to a broad indication only - peak season, celebration weeks, and the kind of bespoke requests we handle daily (a superyacht rendezvous, a full production crew for a wedding, a specific chef flown in) all move the number in ways a published rate never captures. That's where we come in: the value we add is in the timing, the transfers, and the details that never make it onto a resort's own website.
Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
Two tiny islands, Koh Ouen and Koh Bong, joined by a single footbridge in Cambodia’s Koh Rong Archipelago, around 30 minutes by speedboat from Sihanoukville, make up Song Saa Private Island. Cambodia’s first luxury island development, it remains one of the few genuine private-island experiences in Southeast Asia (beyond Thailand and the Maldives). The atmosphere is barefoot and unhurried, with the jungle, reef and surrounding ocean taking centre stage. Twenty-four pool villas are spread across the two islands, ranging from jungle and ocean-view villas to Cambodia’s only overwater villas. The design is understated and environmentally conscious, using reclaimed timber, driftwood and upcycled materials throughout, with private pools and open-air spaces that blur the line between villa and nature. A protected marine reserve runs between the islands, giving guests direct access to healthy reefs and marine life including seahorses and dugongs. Days can be spent snorkelling, kayaking through mangroves, exploring by boat or simply settling into the island’s secluded beaches. The resort also has a strong conservation programme supporting marine protection and local community initiatives. Rates start in the low thousands per night, with full-island buyout available on request. Best for clients looking for a design-led, barefoot escape with a genuine conservation story. An ideal way to finish a wider Cambodia itinerary would be combining Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh and the country’s cultural highlights with several days of complete island seclusion.
Formiche Island, Tuscany, Italy
Six hectares of rock in the Tuscan Archipelago, Formiche Island is home to a restored 1901 lighthouse that can be rented exclusively for up to four guests. Around 40 minutes by boat from the Tuscan coast, the island offers a rare combination of complete privacy, maritime heritage and untouched Mediterranean landscape. The lighthouse has been transformed into an intimate two-bedroom retreat, with understated interiors, private outdoor spaces and panoramic views across the Tyrrhenian Sea. One of its most unusual features is a natural thermal spring that emerges from the rock at 38.7°C, while the surrounding waters lend themselves to swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding and diving. Private boat excursions, fishing and other experiences can also be arranged. With a minimum two-night stay and space for just four guests, Formiche is less about resort-style excess and more about having an entire piece of the Mediterranean completely to yourself. It is particularly suited to couples, small families or clients looking for an intimate escape with a distinctly Italian sense of place.
Cayo Espanto, Belize
Three miles off Ambergris Caye, on the edge of the world’s second-largest barrier reef, Cayo Espanto is proof that a private island doesn’t need to be enormous to be extraordinary. Just six villas are spread across the tiny island, with a mix of overwater and beachfront residences, each with its own plunge or splash pool, open-air shower and private outdoor space designed around the surrounding sea. The service is personal: every villa has its own dedicated houseman instead of relying on a concierge desk, while dining is completely tailored, with three meals a day planned around each guest’s preferences and served wherever they wish. The island can also arrange private beach dinners, sunset cruises and personalised excursions, making the experience feel closer to having your own private residence than staying at a resort. Cayo Espanto sits within easy reach of Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Great Blue Hole, with exceptional opportunities for diving, snorkelling and fishing. Anglers come specifically for bonefish, tarpon and permit, while the surrounding reef offers encounters with tropical marine life and some of Belize’s most spectacular underwater scenery. A full-island buyout sleeps up to 18 guests and typically runs into the low five figures per night, while individual villas start considerably lower, in the low thousands. Best suited to smaller groups, honeymoons and serious anglers looking for complete privacy without sacrificing access to some of the Caribbean’s most exceptional waters.
Glamp Island, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Opening in November 2026, Glamp Island is a new private-island retreat in Panama’s Bocas del Toro archipelago, built around a small collection of overwater glass domes surrounded by Caribbean jungle. Rather than a conventional luxury resort, the concept is pretty intimate: each dome sits directly over the water with a private deck, glass panels above the bed and direct access to the sea. The King Dome sleeps two, while the Double Queen accommodates up to four, with the entire island designed to host only a small number of guests at any one time. A thatched overwater community hub provides the social heart of the island, serving daily breakfast, drinks and fresh local produce, while experiences extend into the wider Bocas del Toro archipelago, from snorkelling, fishing and surfing to jungle hikes and cultural excursions. The island is reached by a private boat transfer of around 15–20 minutes from Bocas Town, making it secluded without being difficult to access. Private island buyouts will be available for groups of up to 10 guests. Best for guests looking for something genuinely new and under-the-radar, with a more adventurous, design-led take on Caribbean island living.
Pelorus Island, Australia
Rising from the Great Palm Archipelago on the Great Barrier Reef, just off the coast of Townsville, Pelorus Private Island is a 400-hectare wilderness with a single luxury residence and no other accommodation on the island. The entire property is reserved exclusively for one group, whether that means a couple taking one suite or a larger party occupying all five, with space for up to 11 guests. Access is by private helicopter or yacht, immediately setting the tone for the complete seclusion that follows. The 913-square-metre residence combines five ocean-facing suites with expansive living and dining spaces, a beachfront infinity pool and wide verandas overlooking the Coral Sea. Everything is tailored around the guests, from private-chef dining using local produce and seafood to bespoke daily experiences. The surrounding reef can be explored directly from the beach, while private charters open up the wider Great Barrier Reef for diving, fishing, island-hopping and outer-reef excursions. Kayaks, paddleboards, Seabobs, jet skis and snorkelling equipment are included, with more specialised experiences available on request. Best suited to families, small groups and milestone celebrations looking for a private Great Barrier Reef experience.
Please note that pricings are indicative only and will move with season, group size and demand. For availability, transfer logistics, and access get in touch with our Fixer team.
Comments