The luxury of seclusion

The CC Selection of the most beautiful private islands

Robinson Crusoe feeling in pandemic times - why not? Small, beautiful private islands around the world are just waiting to be discovered. Make your own tracks in the sand, in the rainforest, among lush exotic plants, on hidden, crystal-clear lagoons and turquoise-green oceans - paradise has many faces, if you have the necessary "small change". CC has made a selection.


Bawah Reserve and Elang, Indonesia

300 kilometers northeast of Singapore, secluded from the hustle and bustle of the world, lie six tropical islands in the Anambas archipelago, including Bawah Reserve. If you fly in by seaplane, you can already see from above what makes this island paradise so special: 13 glistening white beaches surround the islands, two turquoise-green lagoons glow between tropical plants, and in between you can also see the 36 lodges with the only overwater bungalows in Indonesia. Only one island is still untouched - Elang. This will change next year when six new lodges are opened above the rocky cliffs. Designer Sim Boon Yang has focused entirely on sustainability and used only recycled materials that harmonize perfectly with the surroundings. The wrap-around terrace offers a fantastic view of the ocean, to which a private path leads from each lodge - as well as to the clubhouse, the beachside restaurant with bar and the spa with infinity pool. "Adults only" is the motto here, and a butler service guarantees private luxury. www.bawahreserve.com


Nukutepipi, French Polynesia

The small private island of Canadian artist and Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté belongs to the south-easternmost atoll of the Îles du Duc de Gloucester group. To put it simply: it is still around 1,000 kilometers to Bora Bora. So this island, "far away from it all", can only be reached by private jet from Tahiti in around one and a half hours. This is another reason why it is one of the most exotic private islands in the world. 13 beach villas for 50 guests are on offer - all in authentic South Sea design with dark wood interiors, furnished with antiques, light-colored fabrics and oversized lookouts. Some of them have a Jacuzzi and infinity pool with a view of the lagoon and a private dinner location, such as the Master Villa with several rooms, its own kitchen, bar and movie theater. The barefoot restaurant on Kaipoa Beach or the Fare Kai Tuatako under palm trees are also typical. There is no shortage of activities here: in addition to the ten-kilometer circular walk, there are plenty of water sports, whale watching, deep-sea fishing and fitness. Various spa treatments based on the South Seas tradition are also on offer. www.vladi-private-islands.de


Gladden Private Island Resort, Belize

It doesn't get any more exclusive than this: the tiny island, the size of a soccer pitch, is located in the largest coral reef in the western hemisphere off the Central American state of Belize and can accommodate just four people in two master suites. This puts this hideaway at the top of the list of the world's most private islands. The view from the approach is sensational, revealing the full splendor of the reef from above. In the middle of a palm grove lies the elegant "Mayan-style" villa made of high-quality natural wood, with chic interior design and an exceptionally beautiful terrace with panoramic views of the sea and the neighboring island. The service staff live there with the chef and captain, who are on hand around the clock to cater to your every wish - all-inclusive, of course. Perfect for honeymooners or couples with sabbatical ambitions. www.gladdenprivateisland.com


Thanda Island, Tanzania

This small island paradise off the coast of Tanzania is just eight hectares in size and its owners - the Swedish investor couple Olofson - have been welcoming paying guests for four years now. From the helicopter that you board in Dar es Salaam, the private island looks like a green dot in the turquoise blue ocean. The villas, built in a fragile colonial style, shine bright white. The light-flooded main house can accommodate ten people, with eight more in cottages on the other side of the island. As the sea around the island is also a strictly protected diving reserve, whale sharks, sea turtles and manta rays live here - perfect for snorkeling excursions. Other activities include tennis, gym, jet skis and, of course, all kinds of water toys. The Thanda yacht - a classic beauty dating back to 1935 - is also a real eye-catcher, as is the spa with its impressive glass pool. Kids love the traditional Tanzanian bandas on the beach, where they can find their own realm at some distance from the main house. www.thandaisland.com


Voavah Private Island, Maldives

Although the Four Seasons Private Island at Voavah is "only" one of thousands of islands in the Maldives, it can boast of being the very first hotel island in the world that is located in a UNESCO biosphere reserve and also functions as an exclusive hideaway. Up to 22 people can stay on the island, with three options: In the mezzanine
Suite high above the sea, in a Water Villa directly on the sea or in a Beach Villa on the beach. The ambience is elegant with high-quality materials and wonderful views from the spacious verandas. The hotel has its own luxury yacht for exploratory tours, a diving school and plenty of toys for big boys such as Seabobs and X-Jetblades, as well as a unique spa. There are several dining options: Self-catering at the Beach House, requesting a personal chef, barbecuing on the beach or taking advantage of the Four Seasons catering on a boat trip to enjoy the sunset from on board. www.fourseasons.com


Kasiiya Papagayo, Costa Rica

This eco resort opened two years ago in Guanacaste on the Papagayo peninsula. The resort, which extends over 49 hectares, is a showcase project by French designers who used only natural materials from the tropical forest without cutting down a single tree. That's why the seven tent-like suites are hidden in the jungle. They are tastefully furnished with natural materials and tone on tone with the woods. They also
They also have outdoor showers and bathtubs on the terrace overlooking the ocean. This is also where the private paths lead to - made of wood, of course. The restaurant menu also focuses on organic and local food, which is in keeping with the philosophy of this resort. Now they are just waiting for the prize for all this sustainability, which was awarded the Dezeen Award 2020 for "The world's best architecture, interiors and design". www.kasiiya.com


Islas Secas, Panama

From Panama City, you can take a seaplane to the 14-island archipelago of Islas Secas. You can also opt for a 75-minute boat trip to see more of the Gulf of Chiriqui, a National Marine Park that is perfect for whale watching and snorkeling on pristine coral reefs. On one of the islands, owner Louis Bacon has created an exclusive paradise for 18 guests with his eco and sustainability principle without plastic. Accommodation is in seven casitas surrounded by tropical gardens and with the best views of the ocean. All villas are made of local wood with a huge canopy and minimalist furnishings and can accommodate four people.
and offer space for four people. Only the one-bedroom Casita Mirador is reserved for honeymooners. Guests particularly appreciate the delicious fish creations by chef André Pastias, which he serves in his cathedral-like restaurant. Cocktails are served afterwards in the Hemingway Bar. www.islassecas.com