HONEYMOON RESORTS

Best Private Island Honeymoon Resorts

by Rachel Vine

Private islands top the list as some of the most luxurious honeymoon destinations. Whether you opt for a paradise for two or a small, personalized resort stay, below are some of the world’s best picks to live out your castaway fantasies.

Darby Islands, Bahamas – With over 800 acres and five islands as your own private playground (rental is limited to one group at a time), a trip to the Darby Islands, located in the remote Exumas, is a trip to paradise. There are pristine beaches, exquisite snorkeling spots, and caves to explore.
Little Thatch Island, British Virgin Islands – This island, located near Tortola, is a soothing retreat for guests looking for minimal interaction with others. Groceries are ordered and stocked in the kitchen of your cottage upon your arrival, offering the perfect opportunity to take advantage of a fully-equipped kitchen and outdoor barbecue. If your cooking skills are not up to par, restaurants on neighboring islands are a mere five minutes away by boat. Other cottages on the island are few and isolated, and with minimal staff, you are wonderfully, perfectly on your own.
Cayo Espanto, Belize – The second-largest barrier reef in the world, the Belize Barrier Reef, is a mere 20 minutes away from this five-star resort, making the diving and snorkeling in these Caribbean waters some of the world’s best. Cayo Espanto can accommodate a maximum of 16 people, but with no shared common area and your own personal staff, you’ll feel miles away from anyone. The island is also available for full rental. Check out this island >
Islas Secas, Panama – Northwest Panama is home to this group of 16 small islands on the Pacific coast. Designed to be low-impact on the environment, seven small “casitas” have been built with stunning oceanfront views on the cluster’s largest island – leaving you welcome to explore the other uninhabited 15 in the archipelago. Fishing holes and surf spots are a boat ride away, and after a day of exploring, scrumptious regional dinners tempt you back.
Isla Bonita, Brazil – This mile-long island is rented out to only one group at a time, ensuring the maximum level of privacy for honeymooners. A 26’ boat with captain is included for excursions on the high seas, and the isle’s manager and five staff members are on call to fulfill your every need. Be on the lookout for the wildlife: macaws and small monkeys call the island home.
Dolphin Island, Fiji – Crystal-clear waters and stunning coral reefs, exotic tropical fruits and wafting sea breezes … Fiji is as close to heaven as one can get, and the privacy of Dolphin Island is simply divine. You and your honey are the only two guests, allowing for the ultimate getaway. At low tide, you can walk the perimeter of the island and investigate tide pools and reef life.
Mounu Island, Tonga – The Kingdom of Tonga straddles the International Date Line, and is the first country in the world to watch the sun rise. What better place to do just that than your own private beach? Mounu Island is a 6½-acre island available to no more than eight people at a time. Its warm waters attract an annual migration of humpback whales to mate and calf, and turtles nest on its shores during the summer months. Check out this island >
Motu Tetaraire, Tahiti – Nine acres are yours to call your own – for the length of your stay, of course. The island is a part of the atoll of Rangiroa, bordered on one side by the Pacific and the other by the infinitely deep Rangiroa Lagoon, and the combination provides an abundance of exquisite, unparalleled sea life.
Taprobane Island, Sri Lanka – The best way to reach this 2½-acre fantasy island is by wading through the sea on an elephant – a grand entrance. While 200 yards separate the island from the mainland to the north, nothing is to be found between the island and the South Pole, leaving you to feel as though you are truly on the edge of the world. A staff of five caters to your every need, and excursions to Buddhist temples, tea plantations, and the exotic rainforests of Sri Lanka can be arranged. Writers, royalty, and rockstars have found themselves inspired by this magnificent place.
Caribe Cay, Bahamas – At this small, two-acre island, the only other people you’ll encounter are there to serve you. All meals are included and consist of local specialties and catches of the day. It is located less than two miles from Harbour Island, should you catch a bit of “island fever”.