Private Island Resorts for Honeymoons

Private Island Resorts for Honeymoons


Looking to get away with your extra-special somebody—and, preferably, nobody else? These five romantic private island resorts deliver sun, surf, sand, and seclusion, at off-the-path oases that you'll have (practically) all to yourselves. It's like being marooned on a desert island, but with all of the amenities of a luxury resort, along with a doting staff. Each of these ultimate get-away-from-it-all island retreats promise private paradises tailored for two—just be prepared to pay for the privilege of playing at castaways.

Turtle Island Resort, Fiji

Hosting a maximum of 14 couples at a time, who are privy to as many private beaches, not to mention the services of a friendly Fijian staff numbering more than 100, Fiji's Turtle Island Resort presents the ultimate in seclusion and romance. Set amidst the lush greenery of the Yasawa Islands chain, the 500-acre isle renowned for its Blue Lagoon setting (twice pictured in the films of the same name), Turtle Island welcomes honeymooners with private beaches for two (perfect for champagne-and-lobster picnics), and all-inclusive activities like sunset horseback rides, sailboat lagoon tours, side-by-side treatments in the new spa (one couples' massage is included), and guided scuba diving. Couples share spacious "bures," private timber cottages with soaring thatched roofs, king-size canopied beds, sunken Jacuzzi tubs, and even tongue-in-cheek his-and-hers side-by-side toilets—all with the services of a personal "Bure Mama" (think butler, in the form of a motherly Fijian figure). All-inclusive pricing covers all meals and beverages (including free-flowing vintage wines, cocktails, and champagnes), which can be enjoyed on a seaside perch or floating pontoon for two, or via communal dinners with the rest of the guests. Rates from $2,499 per night, per couple, all-inclusive.

Peter Island Resort & Spa, British Virgin Islands

The largest private island resort in the British Virgin Islands, Peter Island Resort & Spa has been welcoming Caribbean-bound couples in search of easy-going elegance for more than 30 years. The 1,800-acre tropical isle brings together five beaches (including dreamy Deadman's Beach), countless coves, swaying palm trees, and forested mountains for an unspoiled island escape. Bunk down in one of 55 units, including indulgent private villas with your own staff and incredible ocean views; beachfront junior suites, set just steps from the sea; or value-friendly ocean-view rooms. Couples can opt for treatments at the Ayurveda-inspired spa (book one of the open-air bohios for couples' massages); book private beachfront dining experiences (like picnics in secluded coves or tiki torch-lit dinners); throw back cocktails with a Caribbean steel drum band; or partake in activities like snorkeling, sea kayaking, deep sea fishing, hiking, or diving (some activities carry fees). Guests enjoy a three-to-one staff-to-guest ratio, with intuitive service to attend to your every need—from unpacking your bags to crafting your customized island itinerary. Rates from $385 per couple, per night, including select activities.

Cayo Espanto, Belize

Just off the coast of Belize, this intimate private-island paradise—measuring just four palm-forested, turquoise water-enclosed acres—beckons honeymooners for pampering and privacy. Sign up for optional activities like world-class sportfishing, snorkeling, or diving on the world's second longest barrier reef, and indulge in all-inclusive meals, catered to guest preferences (served at your villa, on the beach, or the dock). Retreat for romance at one of just seven beachfront villas, complete with private infinity edge plunge pools (one over-water villa boasts a glass-floor instead), alfresco showers, and private docks—plus the on-call services of personal butlers. Rates from $1,495, per night, per couple, including meals, select beverages, and some activities.

Hayman Island, Australia

Just off Australia's Queensland coast in the Great Barrier Reef-fringed Whitsundays chain, Hayman Island's resort combines the best of luxury digs and pristine nature. Of the 210 guestrooms, try the eight, light-flooded Beach Villas (designed by the same architect behind Amanresorts) for the ultimate in couples' indulgence, with private pools and beach butler service, or the secluded Retreat Rooms, nestled under a tropical garden canopy. Opt in for sunset cheese-and-wine picnics on secluded beaches; twilight dining next to waterfalls or by the beach; or for activities like snorkeling or diving on the Reef, tennis or golf putting, catamaran sailing or seaplane flights, or simply lounging by the lagoon or iconic pool. Rates from $590 per night, per couple, including breakfast and some activities.

Parrot Cay by COMO, Turks & Caicos

Tucked into the paradisiacal Turks & Caicos chain, Parrot Cay's thousand island acres lay claim to miles of powder-white sand beaches, a vast Asian-inspired spa, and laidback luxury digs, all supported by intuitive service. Hop a speedboat across translucent Caribbean waters, where optimum beachfront villas beckon with four-poster beds, garden showers, and personal plunge pools; or try the garden-view or terrace rooms, amongst the more affordable of the 72 guest units. COMO hotels are known for their yoga and wellness programs and sublime COMO Shambhala Spa, ideal for zen-minded duos looking to rejuvenate. Guests can also head out snorkeling, kayaking, water-skiing, or simply lazing by the infinity-edge pool overlooking the Caribbean. After working up an appetite, share a healthy meal for two at the romantic beachfront Tiki Hut. Rates from $475 per couple, per night, including breakfast and some activities.
Modern-day explorer, perpetual seeker, and diligent travel scribe Elissa Richard has set out circumnavigating the globe on an ambitious 14-month adventure. Tag along on her travels through Europe, Asia, the South Pacific, and Latin America—and on the high seas in between—as she reports back to Fodors.com on captivating cruises, hot hotels, and timely travel trends.

Photo credits: Turtle Island Resort courtesy of Turtle Island Resort; Peter Island Resort & Spa courtesy of Peter Island Resort & Spa; Cayo Espanto courtesy of Cayo Espanto; Hayman Island courtesy of Hayman Island; Parrot Cay by COMO courtesy of Parrot Cayby COMO