The New Age of Getaways: Private-Island Resorts

If you’re tired of the same old same when it comes to your travel destination accommodations, these five ultra modern and sophisticated private-island resorts won’t just reimagine your next trip – they’ll redefine the experience entirely.

First, the 45-villa Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Maldives actually spreads itself out across three private islands. Less than a year old (the resort was opened in November) and managed by LVMH Möet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the uber-stylish rooms are either beachfront or overwater with full-sized private infinity-edge pools and unobstructed ocean views.

A few oceans away, the Dubai-based One&Only Resorts recent opened a 726-acre, 160-room resort dubbed the One&Only Hayman Island. Opening on July 1, the Australian-based resort will feature renovated rooms, larger suites, an a cabana-filled main pool, with a separate adults-only pool to come. Also on site will be the One&Only Health Spa with an adjacent salon, using only the island’s botanical gardens for its treatments. Another perk? Diving experts will text guests on expeditions to the Great Barrier Reef.

Though the Rusewood Jumby Bay completed a $28 million renovation in 2009 in the Caribbean, the resort only just recently got the last of its finishing touches in place: an 18,000-square-foot estate home known as the Lazy Lizard. The beachfront estate is just one of the 56 homes on the 300-acre island and among the 12 available for rent. At 5-acres, Lazy Lizard features six guest suites, a main house, a large, private pool, floating pavilion, tennis court and a private fitness center. A full staff with butler services, a chef and a housekeeper are also on-hand to keep guests looked after.

On the Polynesian island of Tetiaroa, Robb Report boasts that the Brando is one of the most anticipated private-island openings of the year. The namesake of the infamous actor, developers of Tetiaroa worked tirelessly to blend Marlon Brando’s eco-friendly wishes with the most high-end luxury-resort standards. With all 35 villas near zero-carbon-footprint, the island is one of the most eco-conscious places on the planet. They even had enough room to spare to include outdoor tubs, private lounge pools and separate living and sleeping spaces. The Brando is set to open in July.

Further north – way further – off the jagged Maine coast sits the unusual and groundbreaking Inn at Cuckolds bed and breakfast. There are just two suites, with enough room to fit six guests, in the renovated 19th-century lighthouse. Managed by two innkeepers, the Inn is a luxury escape – and a completely private one, at that.

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