Hoping to avoid the crowds this summer? Carolynne Dear seeks out the most exclusive private island packages.
Maldives
LUX North Male Atoll Resort & Villas has launched an Island Buy-Out package this month, offering guests the run of a six-hectare desert island.
You and your family and friends could be enjoying access to 67 one- and two-bedroom Beach and Overwater Villas, plus two, three-bedroom LUX Retreats on the beach with a private dock.
Surf season is currently in full swing and - naturally - the resort has its own surf spot, The LUX Break, which is a mere five-minute jet-ski ride away.
Pandemic ponderings? In addition to recommendations by the Health Protection Agency in the Maldives, the resort has introduced Collective Care, including hospital-grade cleaning, minimal contact services such as QR codes for restaurants and spas, a la carte rather than buffet dining and an in-resort doctor.
The package includes return speed boat transfers with Malé International Airport and all meals at the resort’s three restaurants.
What: Island Buy-Out Package.
Where: LUX North Malé Atoll Resort & Villas, Maldives.
When: Until October 31, 2021.
How much: From US$180,000 per night for a minimum three-night stay.
Mozambique
Step onto the soft white powdery sands of Medjumbe Island and cast your coronavirus-cares away.
You can forget the crowds because Medjumbe Island, located off the coast of Mozambique in the sparkling Indian Ocean, is just one kilometre long and 300m wide.
Settle into the 12 luxe beach and pool villas that can accommodate up to 24 of your nearest and dearest.
The resort offers some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in the world, or simply relax on the beach.
The package includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, one Dining by Design experience, an excursion to nearby Quissanga Island with a BBQ or picnic, scuba, fishing and snorkelling trips and return air transfers from Pemba International Airport.
What: Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort Private Island Package.
Where: Medjumbe Island, Mozambique.
When: Until December 31, 2021.
How much: From US$19,280 per night for a minimum three-night stay.
Seychelles
Gather together 20 family members and close friends and head off to Felicité Island in the Seychelles, accessible by private helicopter or yacht from Mahe International Airport.
The Six Senses Zil Pasyon resort is set amid dramatic granite boulders with pockets of powdery beaches - this is barefoot living at its most luxurious.
The resort offers 28 one- and two-bedroom pool villas secluded amongst the tropical landscape and with sweeping ocean views from private decks and pools.
Included in the resort’s exclusive island package is a choice of villas and residences, which are assigned prior to arrival and subject to guests’ preference, all daily meals (created specifically for the group) and full access to all resort facilities.
What: Six Senses Zil Pasyon Private Island Experience.
Where: Felicité Island, Seychelles.
When: Ongoing.
How much: From €330,000 for a week-long stay.