For a tranquil escape in Australia, book a stay on the heart-shaped Makepeace Island, located on the Noosa River on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. To get there, take a private boat transfer from Noosa Heads, which is just minutes away from the island. This luxurious destination was originally developed as a private retreat for family and friends of Sir Richard Branson. These days the private hideaway is available for exclusive hire for up to 20 people.

Guests can enjoy an extensive range of onsite facilities including tennis courts, swimming pools, a spa and water sports. Executive chef Zeb Gilbert will design menus specifically for guests using local organic produce from across the region. To explore further afield, go for walks through the World Heritage listed Fraser Island and Great Sandy National Park, or beach horse riding on North Shore’s white sand dunes.

The exclusive island rental includes three luxury villas, four rooms in the Island House and the unique Boathouse. The price includes boat transfers, limitless river transfers, twice daily housekeeping, all meals, beverages and full access to the island facilities. Rates starts from AU$18,000 per night.

Find out more: Makepeace Island

Imagine having this whole island in pristine Tasmania just for your group escape. Located in Coles Bay (near the famous Wineglass Bay) in the Freycinet National Park, the destination offers lots of adventures throughout the year. Flanked by the majestic backdrop of the Hazards mountain range, Picnic Island is surrounded by coves and beaches just a short distance away. Hosted retreats include kayaking to the shoreline and hiking, or waking up for sunrise yoga on the deck. 

The lodge accepts exclusive private bookings for up to 10 people. As this place is more rustic, you would need to bring food and groceries along or book a ferry back to the mainland to visit the local pub. Otherwise, try catching your own fresh fish and seafood. Collect mussels off the rocks or dive for abalone and sea urchins if you’re the more adventurous sort. If you’re lucky you may spot whales or meet curious dolphins and seals on the island. 

International visitors can fly into either Launceston or Hobart and drive just over two hours to Coles Bay, where Freycinet Adventures will transport guests for the 10-minute trip to the island. Alternatively, you can fly seaplane from Hobart direct to the island. Exclusive hire starts from AU$2,200 per night, including water taxi return, for up to 10 guests (king double or twin in five bedrooms).

Find out more: Picnic Island

This stylish villa is situated on its own private island just 900m from the north-east coast of Ibiza. Guests of Tagomago will enjoy much needed privacy in a stunning natural environment – after all, it is touted as Europe’s most exclusive private island. Arrive on Tagomago by tender-boat in just five minutes from the bay of Pou des Lleo, in the North-East coast of Ibiza. These vessels are at your disposal 24 hours a day. Ibiza town can be reached in 35 minutes. 

This luxury property boasts outdoor facilities including a swimming pool, jacuzzi, and an outdoor fitness area. The terraces are furnished with sunrise and sunset chill-out areas for relaxing outdoors, and there is a barbecue too. There is also a private jetty for mooring as well as many water sport activities including jet skis, wakeboard, paddle surf, canoeing, fishing, snorkelling and sailing. Land activities include nature walks, hiking or perhaps a jog to Tagomago’s lighthouse.

Rates for Tagomago Private Island start from £107,000 per week and include chef, butler, captain, water sports, concierge and maid services. Transfers to and from the airport are also included. 

For more information, visit www.theluxurytravelbook.com or https://tagomago-island.com/

Related: The best luxury holiday experiences to tick off your travel bucket list

ÀNI Private Resorts – the world’s first collection of private resorts – are located in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Anguilla and Dominican Republic. Designed exclusively for a single group at a time, they offer the ultimate privacy and personalised service. Furthermore, the all-inclusive stays cover the dining experiences, spa treatment, activities and tailored excursions. 

In Thailand, ÀNI Private Resorts is located on the unspoiled Koh Yao Noi. The resort can accommodate up to 20 guests across two Ocean Villas, two Family Villas, each with two guestrooms, and four Pool Suites. What’s excellent is that this property offers direct access to the beach overlooking the pristine waters and limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay. 

To destress, there is a double spa treatment room with jacuzzi, and a fully equipped gym. Open-air settings for dining and relaxation include a sunken lounge deck, and a rooftop meditation area. Up to 10 spa treatments per day are included, as well as personal training, non-motorised watersports, guided cycling tours, movies by moonlight, Thai cooking classes, and more. The resort’s dedicated team is available around the clock to tailor to your requests. The expert local team can even organise activities beyond the resort. These may include rock climbing, island-hopping cruises by longtail boat or private yacht, drawing lessons at the ÀNI Art Academies Thailand, Muay Thai boxing training, and visits to the Phuket Ethical Elephant Sanctuary.

Find out more: ÀNI Private Resorts

Naladhu Private Island Maldives is an exclusive island retreat situated on the fringe of a pristine lagoon in the Maldives South Malé Atoll. It’s about 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport in Malé. In this stunning locale, there are 20 private houses surrounded by a lagoon, coral-fringed beaches and lush vegetation. Gather up to 50 guests to join you for your memorable getaway. Each well-appointed residence comes with an infinity pool and 24/7 dedicated butler service.

You can also have your bespoke culinary creations designed by the resort’s chefs who’ll whip up Maldivian cuisine or any international flavours you prefer. Choose to have ocean-view dining on your terrace, the in-room experiences or romantic meals on the beach. The team can even arrange for a wine tasting or picnic on the white-sand beaches. For something romantic, sail into the sunset on your own private yacht while sipping champagne. Besides that, the island offers an extensive range of watersports like diving and surfing, as well as spa and wellness treatments.

Find out more: Naladhu

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