Best Private Island Resorts for a Honeymoon in 2022 (2023)

Best for Luxury: Velaa Private Island, Maldives

Why We Chose It: Velaa Private Island in the Maldives is known for its unbeatable luxury, stunning overwater bungalows, and spacious residences—couples who book this private island resort will be impressed by the incredible scenery and over-the-top amenities.

Pros

• Myriad villa and suite options, some with private pools
• Ocean views in every direction
• Romantic pool residence only accessible by boat
• Three gourmet restaurants on-site

Cons

• Not adults-only
• Can host more guests than other private island resorts
• Hard to get to

Velaa Private Island Resort offers unparalleled luxury in the middle of the Indian Ocean, as well as the perfect place to relax away from the crowds. This resort exists on its own private island with 43 villas and residences available, some of which feature private pools. Couples can also book a romantic pool residence that is suspended over the water separate from the island and only accessible by boat. This residence features a separate bedroom and living space, an outdoor gazebo for dining, a personal gym and spa treatment room, and a private Jacuzzi, pool, and outdoor sunken tub.

When couples feel like leaving their romantic bungalow, they can retreat to the main island for an array of sporting activities, yoga, snorkeling, diving, or boat trips around the island.

Notable Amenities

• Spa
• Tennis court
• Squash court
• Climbing wall
• Yoga

Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts: Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia

Why We Chose It: Malaysia's Pangkor Laut Resort lets couples enjoy the great outdoors among the unspoiled natural beauty of centuries-old rainforests. Guests can partake in activities like jungle trekking, morning yoga, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more.

Pros

• Outdoor activities galore in the jungle and surrounding waters
• Numerous romantic villas and estates available, including overwater bungalows
• Some room options have private pools
• Very affordable (as little as $230 per night with double occupancy)
• Six restaurants and bars to choose from
• Complimentary honeymoon perks
• Two large resort pools

Cons

• Remote and hard to get to
• Not adults only

Malaysia's Pangkor Laut Resort is unique as a private island resort because it sits on 300 lush acres of rainforest. Guests can enjoy the beauty of the ocean, but also explore the jungle with its greenery and animals on expert guided hikes. Other activities include morning yoga, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and morning tai chi quan.

Room options for honeymoons abound at this resort, with private residences and overwater bungalows among available options. For example, the property's Pavarotti Suite features more than 2,600 square feet of space, a luxurious sunken tub with ocean views, a separate living area, and an expansive outdoor deck.

Notable Amenities

• Spa Village
• Tennis courts
• Squash court
• Library

Best for Exclusivity: Ithaafushi - The Private Island, Maldives

Why We Chose It: Ithaafushi - The Private Island is a Waldorf Astoria property for total privacy and exclusivity.

Pros

• Private island resort with lodging for up to 24
• Overwater lodging options, along with oceanfront residences
• Guests can access 11 restaurants and amenities at the main resort island
• Two large pools, including a lagoon pool

Cons

• Remote and hard to get to

Ithaafushi - The Private Island is one of the bookable lodging options available at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. This means you can get the privacy and exclusivity of your own personal island, but you also have access to the amenities of a larger resort. For example, you can retreat from your private island to dine at any one of the main resort's 11 restaurants, swim in its pools, or play a few games of tennis.

The private island itself features three separate residences with two, three, or four bedrooms, for those traveling with family. Each one features upscale decor, fine linens and luxury bedding, a private infinity pool, and unbelievable water views. The property will also customize your stay with meals prepared by a dedicated chef, private spa treatments, and wellness activities crafted to nourish your body and soul.

Notable Amenities

• Spa Wellness Concierge
• Tennis courts
• Water sports center
• Fitness center

Best for Beach Lovers: Ambergris Cay, Turks and Caicos

Why We Chose It:Ambergris Cay is surrounded by the clear waters and soft white sands of the Turks and Caicos, making this resort a beach lover's dream.

Pros

• Short plane ride away from Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
• All-inclusive pricing with food and drink included
• All suites and villas are beachfront
• Complimentary golf carts
• Complimentary round-trip air transfers from Turks and Caicos

Cons

• Not adults only
  

Just a 20-minute plane ride from Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, Ambergris Cay private island resort stuns guests with its natural beauty. The beach and turquoise waters are as pristine as nearby Grace Bay Beach, yet this all-inclusive resort is free of all the crowds and noise.

This property offers all beachfront accommodations, including suites and villas with up to three bedrooms. All room options have their own private plunge pool, indoor and outdoor showers, and expansive outdoor living space where you can take in the ocean views.

Notable Amenities

• Spa
• Clubhouse activities center
• Watersports
• Complimentary fishing excursions
• Tennis courts

Best for Nature Lovers: Islas Secas, Panama

Why We Chose It: Panama's Islas Secas private island resort is located on a jungle-covered archipelago that is 75% undeveloped and powered entirely by natural energy. Guests can book seven private casitas that hold a total of 24 guests.

Pros

• Resort powered by sustainable energy
• Home to 750 species of fish and 128 species of plants
• Private casitas feature indoor and outdoor living space
• Some rooms boast private pools
• Large infinity pool for resort guests

Cons

• Remote location
• Only one main dining option
• Not adults only

Panama's Islas Secas private island resort can host up to 24 guests at a time in its luxurious residences and suites. Guests will enjoy panoramic ocean views from their jungle bungalows, which focus on integrating indoor and outdoor space with an upscale vibe.

Resort guests have peace of mind knowing this property is powered by renewable energy with a focus on conservation. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the jungle and learning about its plants and animals, along with activities like diving, fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, yoga, and more.

Notable Amenities

• Water sports center
• Spa
• Yoga classes

Best Small Resort Experience: Cayo Espanto Island Resort, Belize

Why We Chose It: This small private island resort features seven private villas, including an overwater villa with a private dock. The resort can only accommodate 18 total guests, making it ideal for couples who want minimal interaction with others during their romantic trip.

Pros

• Seven luxurious villas to choose from, some with private pools
• All-inclusive pricing includes meals and drinks
• Property is known for hosting celebrities
• Meals prepared by award-winning chefs

Cons

• Small property is only 4 acres in total
• Not adults only

Cayo Espanto Island Resort offers several unique villas for guests to choose from, including villas with private pools and overwater rooms. Because of the small size of the resort, guests can enjoy views of the azure seas in every direction, plus stunning sunrises and sunsets.

This property has its own award-winning chefs who are trained to craft menus using fresh local cuisine. This resort also boasts an array of activities that can be planned on your behalf, from tours of local Mayan ruins to boating trips, snorkeling excursions, scuba tours, and more.

Notable Amenities

• Spa
• Helicopter transfers available

Best Remote Option: The Brando, Tetiaroa

Why We Chose It: This all-inclusive resort is located on a remote island in French Polynesia called Tetiaroa, which is only reachable via a private 20-minute flight from Tahiti.

Pros

• All-inclusive pricing with two restaurants to choose from
• Room service included
• 35 villas and residences with one to three bedrooms
• Large infinity pool with beach bar

Cons

• Cost of air transfers not included
• Not adults only

The Brando is one of the most luxurious all-inclusive resorts in the world, yet it's also a private island resort that is about as far-flung as they come. You'll have to get to Tahiti first, after which you'll need to book a private air transfer to Tetiaroa. Once you arrive at the property, all your food and drink are included in the nightly rate.

Guests can book villas with one to three bedrooms here, as well as beachfront residences with multiple spaces for dining and entertaining. Couples craving privacy and romance should look into the resort's one-bedroom villas, which feature more than 1,000 square feet of space, private pools, a cozy sitting room, and a huge veranda for lounging.

Notable Amenities

• Spa
• Tennis courts
• Organic garden
• Bicycles included

Best for Extended Stays: Mandarin Oriental, Canouan in The Grenadines

Why We Chose It: The Mandarin Oriential is located on Canouan in The Grenadines, which is home to more turtles than people. While it's perfect for a getaway of any length, this property offers extended stay benefits like resort credits, air transfers, a personal golf cart, and more.

Pros

• Additional benefits for stays of 30 days or longer
• Location in the Caribbean is easy to access
• All-inclusive packages available
• Five restaurants and bars to choose from
• Resort sits on 1,200-acre estate
• Large infinity pool

Cons

• Resort does not own the entire island of Canouan
• Not adults only

The island of Canouan is only 3.5 miles wide, and it is virtually untouched. The Mandarin Oriential sits on a huge 1,200-acre estate that lets guests enjoy the stunning scenery and ocean views without all the crowds. Also note that Canouan is a major yachting hub and that it's surrounded by the largest coral reef in the Caribbean.

This resort boasts an array of villas and suites with up to four bedrooms, including a romantic one-bedroom beachfront suite that features more than 1,200 square feet of space just steps from the powder sand beach. There are four unique restaurants to choose from at this property, as well as a lively bar next to the resort's stunning infinity pool.

Notable Amenities

• Spa
• Tennis courts
• Golf and yachting nearby

Best Ocean Views: Cape Fahn Hotel, Thailand

Why We Chose It: Cape Fahn Hotel sits along the coast of Koh Samui, Thailand on its own private island. Because all the resort's suites are elevated, they boast some of the most stunning ocean views one can imagine.

Pros

• Complimentary transfers from main island
• All suites are cliffside with unbelievable water views
• All suites feature private pools
• Three large resort pools, including an adults-only pool
• Stunning white sand beach

Cons

• Only two main restaurants to choose from
• Not adults only

Cape Fahn Hotel is located on a private island off the coast of Koh Samui, an island that is part of Thailand. This property features suites with one or two bedrooms, all of which boast unbelievable water views and their own private pools. Honeymooners who want extra privacy can even book the Fahn Noi Pool Villa, which sits far away from the rest of the resort on a cliff overlooking the sea with its own huge plunge pool, verandah for lounging, and separate space for living and dining.

Guests who book this resort can indulge in authentic Thai massage, get lost in a story in the reading room, go kayaking or snorkeling, or simply relax on the white sand beach.

Notable Amenities

• Spa
• Fitness center
• Reading room
• Activities pavilion

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