The 5 Most Beautiful Private Islands in the World

Clapboard Island is the quintessential New England retreat for those looking to escape up north. This spectacular 19th-century, shingle-style home is surrounded by a fragrant pine forest and the rippling waters of Maine’s Casco Bay. The off-the-grid estate—featuring updated furnishings, decor, and appliances—sleeps up to 26 guests. Visitors can take a stroll along the winding walking paths to Deepwater Pier for a day of sailing before finishing off the night with a delectable seafood dinner (you can get freshly caught lobster delivered on the island).

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Once the home to the owner of Indonesia’s Bawah Reserve, the tucked-away locale has recently been reimagined as a private island. The gorgeous wood detailing and breezy linens give each of the six cliffside lodges a spectacular sense of place amongst the island’s native flora. Guests can snorkel in the reef-encircled lagoons before recharging at the Kayu Spa housed in a traditional Javanese house overlooking the neighboring islands.

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While it may only be a quick yacht ride from the airport, Ithaafushi feels a million miles away in terms of haute luxury, beauty, and private island sensibility. Operated by Waldorf Astoria, guests can choose from a variety of beachfront or overwater villas with access to an entertainment clubhouse, a fully equipped fitness center, and fine dining restaurants (the restaurants are located on the main island). One of the standout amenities of the island includes its spa wellness concierge which helps curate the perfect treatment to meet all your relaxation needs.

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Sparkling turquoise waters, playful lemurs leaping from the treetops, and sandy white beaches welcome visitors as they step foot onto Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island. The private paradise in the British Virgin Islands houses up to 48 adults and six children in Balinese-style houses where the concierge, personal chefs, and massage therapists are ready to help make guests’ stays unforgettable. Sustainability is at the forefront of Necker Island—all of the island’s power is generated from three giant wind turbines and a solar farm. The island also has a wildlife specialist team dedicated to studying endangered species including giant tortoises, rare Madagascan lemurs, lizards, and flamingos.

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Just a quick boat ride from Ibiza, Tagomago provides a quiet escape with its 148 acres of unspoiled landscapes and sandy coves. A modernist Finca-style villa, a part of Mandarin Oriental’s StayOne collection, serves as the island’s only residence and features five double bedrooms fitted with spa-style bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the surrounding sea. The picturesque beaches of the Mediterranean island provide the perfect playground for activities such as paddleboarding, waterskiing, and sunset picnics.

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