Does a private island escape sound unattainable? Who hasn’t fantasized about flying off to an exotic private island retreat to have your every whim catered for? Everyone is making travel bucket lists for the year ahead so Kimberly Rosbe and the Executive Edge Travel team has selected 8 tantalizing private islands within reach from a Hollywood hotspot in the Turks & Caicos to Makepeace Island upstream from Noosa Heads. Jet off to Zaya Nurai Island near Abu Dhabi, an Aman private island in Montenegro or your own atoll in the Maldives, Cheval Blanc Randheli. After an African safari, chopper to Azura Quilalea Island in Mozambique or sip breakfast champagne at The Brando of French Polynesia. Or be among the first guests to newly opened Bawah Island northeast of Singapore. Tempted yet? Read on.
#1
Zaya Nurai Island, Abu Dhabi
A slick, hip, Asian-style lair on the Arabian Gulf and just 15 minutes from the cultural and entertainment explosion of Abu Dhabi, Zaya Nurai Island is the most unique and exclusive private island resort in the Middle East.
Cool and contemporary, 42 colossal beach villas showcase white linen, bleached wooden furniture, outdoor terraces with private infinity pools, white billowing curtains, massive sliding glass doors and St Tropez deep day beds.
Five restaurants ranging from Mexican, Levantine seafood, International and Italian serve up locally grown organic fruit and vegetables, line-caught fish and biodynamic wines. Dance at the boho Smokin’ Pineapple Beach Club, yoga at sunset, watch a movie at the outdoor cinema, jetski off the beach, or sip cocktails at the Book Cellar. Be sure to don your Versace sunglasses and finest designer gear, this place is oh-so chic.
Check out Executive Edge Travel’s Zaya Nurai Island deal
Wellness focus
At the water’s edge of Zaya Nurai Island, or inside overlooking a garden, take your pick and relax mind and body with yoga, meditation, Tai Chi and pilates.
#2
Bawah Island, Indonesia
Inviting first guests to this naturally-lux retreat, as of August 1 last year Bawah Island opened, 150 miles northeast of Singapore in the Anambas Archipelago.
The first property in this region of Indonesia, Bawah is literally breaking new ground literally. The Anambas Islands occupy 295 islands of which only 19 are inhabited and Bawah is the 20th to be inhabited.
Arrive by sea plane to a marine conservation park where everything revolves around the lagoon and the virgin rain forest.
Embracing eco-friendly construction, built entirely by hand with no machines, Bawah features a combination of beautiful over-water bungalows and beachfront tented suites.
Bawah is a playground of five lush jungle islands with three crystal clear lagoons and 13 powder beaches. Committed to ocean conservation and sustaining the local environment, Bawah is a “project of love designed to integrate people with nature”.
#3
Azura Quilalea, Mozambique
In the pristine waters of Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago, Azura Quilalea is an African-chic Robinson Crusoe-style castaway private island for the exclusive use of 18 lucky guests to retreat.
Nine luxurious seafront villas have the Indian Ocean literally at your doorstep.
Take a few steps from your villa into the water for some of the most spectacular, undisturbed snorkeling in the world among the Quirimbas marine sanctuary reefs. Scuba straight off the beach. Kayak the mangroves, deep sea fish, or lounge in a hammock beneath the giant baobabs.
While sailing on the island dhow, watch dolphins frolicking as the sun sets or spot humpback whales on their seasonal migration past Azura’s shores. It is paradise found for marine life lovers. More island indulgence? On the clifftop, Spa Azura offers unique African treatments against the backdrop of the ocean lapping against the headland cliffs.
Check out Executive Edge Travel’s Kimberly Rosbe’s experience at Azura Benguerra Island, Azura Quilalea’s sister property in Mozambique.
The local Mozambique Butlers at Azura stand out. They are part of Azura’s commitment to the community and upliftment of the country’s people. Your Butler will attend to your every whim with genuine warmth and friendliness. Menus are based on what is fresh and likely caught that day. Dining is a simple understated affair.
Expect lots of Mangrove Crabs as well as Crayfish at your beach dinner.
#4
Aman Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
On a mile of sandy beachfront in the center of Montenegro’s Adriatic coast between the coastal villages of Przno and Sveti Stefan lies Aman Sveti Stefan Island. A fortified fishing village dating back to the 15th century, uncover your own little private island base to explore the historic wonders of centuries past with major scenic and cultural attractions just a stone’s throw away.
Choose from 50 guestrooms, cottages and suites with an historic ambience or the 8 fireplace suites with Juliet balconies overlooking the sea at Villa Miloèer which have been restored with a harmonious blend of old European grandeur and contemporary style. Expect to step back in time for dinner in a setting reminiscent of its fabled past. Aman Sveti Stefan’s Villa Miloèer offers personalised guided excursions along the Montenegrin coast including boating on the Adriatic, visiting the old town of Budva and the well-preserved baroque city of Perast and exploring the Bay of Kotor, a World Heritage Site.
Pay homage to the region’s incredible past with a stay at Aman Sveti Stefan Island.
Check out Executive Edge Travel’s Aman Sveti Stefan deal
#5
Makepeace Island, Queensland
Upstream from Noosa Heads and owned by none other than Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Australia co-founder Brett Godfrey, Makepeace Island is a 25-acre heart-shaped island for the entertainment of up to 22 privileged guests.
Barefoot luxury and tranquility amongst the secluded Australian wilderness with all the attractions of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast a mere boat ride away.
Resident kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas roam outside large Balinese style open plan spaces overlooking the river and lagoon pool. Share a glass of bubbles in the 15-person hot tub, circumvent the island on kayak, take a 4WD beach tour or a sunset lake cruise.
End your day with a gourmet picnic at a secluded oasis on the northern beaches.
Check out Executive Edge Travel’s hot deal for Makepeace Island.
#6
COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos
A one-hour flight from Miami on its own private island in the Turks and Caicos, COMO Parrot Cay is a well-known celebrity hotspot and Hollywood’s favorite retreat in the Caribbean.
Just reopened in December after a stunning renovation, detox in style at Parrot Cay’s Eastern-influenced Como Shambhala Retreat which soothes weary souls with yoga, meditation, Pilates, acupuncture and Ayurvedic treatments.
Check out Kimberly Rosbe’s Turks & Caicos article featuring COMO Parrot Cay
Since it opened in 1998, the property caters to guests with names including Donatella Versace, Amber Valletta, Raquel Welch, Bruce Willis and Paul McCartney, just to name a few.
Arriving by boat from the mainland and whisked away via golf buggy down a bumpy mile path, the island has no restaurants (besides the resort), no shops, no houses, no stores and most importantly for the famous, no paparazzi.
For the not-so-famous, it’s just as special. Accommodation interiors are whitewash with teak finishing and range from garden view singles to ocean facing rooms to one to five-bedroom suites and villas. Dinner is served alfresco beside a 5, 500-square foot infinity pool or at the Terrace restaurant which serves healthy organic fare to compliment a feel-good vacation regiment at the world-renowned spa.
Consider it a health retreat for the privileged and you can snap up a great deal with Executive Edge Travel
#7
Cheval Blanc Randheli
North of Male, a group of unspoiled islands surrounded by a large coral reef called Noonu Atoll contain an exclusive oasis.
Conceived by architect Jean-Michel Gathy, Cheval Blanc Randheli is an invitation to experience French “Art de Recevoir”. In every villa, a ‘Majordome’ looks after guests’ every desire, whilst the ‘Alchemists’ design tailor-made activities and unforgettable outdoor experiences.
A fleet of traditional wooden dhonis and excursion boats await to sail the waters of the atoll. Hidden by lush vegetation, each villa encloses a private universe of spectacular interior design from materials from the Indian Ocean – coral, rattan, bamboo and mother-of-pearl.
Check out the Cheval Blanc Randheli deal for your next private island escape.
“… This Polynesian eco-friendly resort fuses carefree luxury with cutting-edge technology in its 35 secluded villas with private plunge pools on blinding white beaches.”
#8
The Brando, French Polynesia
“The ‘basic’ champagne is Champagne Ruinart and, yes, you can have it for breakfast!” A toast begins each day to playtime in paradise, says Executive Edge Travel’s co-founder and head of leisure Yvonne Verstandig. Read her ‘Luxury Muse’ Private Islands article featuring The Brando.
The former Polynesian home of Marlon Brando, The Brando, is an all-inclusive luxury resort in Tahiti only accessible by a 20-minute flight from Papeete by private aircraft. The exquisite atoll of Tetiaroa sits on one of a dozen privately-owned small islands (motus) which surround a breathtaking three-mile wide lagoon. This Polynesian eco-friendly resort fuses carefree luxury with cutting-edge technology in its 35 secluded villas with private plunge pools on blinding white beaches. The Brando’s two restaurants showcase local-inspired dishes, East/West fusion and classic French cuisine. Fancy a holistic treatment inspired by ancient traditions? The luxurious spa and wellness center nestles around a serene lily-covered pond to escape the world.
Don’t miss out on Executive Edge Travel’s Brando deal
In this biodiverse natural sanctuary, embark upon naturalist-led tours or professional-led photo safaris. Or learn to play the ukulele or a Polynesian dance. Or get back to basics and explore the island paths on bike and picnic on your favourite beach.
Executive Edge Travel is a globally renowned leader for booking luxury travel experiences/properties.
To book contact your Executive Edge Travel Designer on 03 9519 7777 or email leisure@executiveedge.com.au
