Once we are able to travel again, buyouts – whether that be a yacht, an island, private villa or resort – are an option for those looking for total privacy and their very own space. Here are getaways around the world with buyout options from the Galapagos to the African bush when international travel starts to open up:
Fregate Island Private
Fregate Island Private offers exclusive island rental, where guests can enjoy the entire island to themselves. Fregate’s live-in staff are the only others on the island to ensure all of guests’ needs are met during their exclusive stay on Fregate. Guests will stay in one of Fregate’s beautiful villas complete with private pools. They will also have their pick of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, windsurfing, kayaking, deep-sea fishing and participating in hands-on conservation experiences, like assisting in turtle hatchlings and even cultivating sea coral, as well as walks amongst the island’s giant tortoises and observe the island’s “Little Five”.
Quasar Expeditions - M/Y Grace
Quasar Expeditions offers unforgettable exclusive cruises around the remote Galapagos Islands, 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. To make the trip as private as possible, Quasar's M/Y Grace (Princess Grace Kelly's honeymoon yacht) is available for charter for up to 16 passengers. Renovated in 2017, the M/Y Grace boasts eight cabins, including a Grace Kelly Suite, indoor and outdoor lounges, an outdoor dining area, coffee bar, and jacuzzi to enjoy the Galapagos in style. Quasar cruises allow travelers to explore the wonders of the islands by kayaking, snorkeling and hiking. Guests can also expect to see plenty of native wildlife, including turtles, sea lions and the infamous blue-footed boobies, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Carlton Hotel St. Moritz
Situated in St. Moritz, one of the most well known ski resorts in the world, the all-suite Carlton Hotel St. Moritz is a classic example of the destination’s renowned elegance and exclusivity. With breathtaking views of the frozen Lake St. Moritz and the Engadine mountains beyond it, the Carlton allows guests to rent out the entire hotel, featuring 60 suites over seven floors (and a penthouse suite if desired), a sun terrace over 2,000 square feet, two restaurants (one with two Michelin stars), a bar and lounge, and a spa and wellness center spread over three floors. Tailor-made services are also available, including a butler service, party planner, over 80 spa treatments, babysitting, an on-site ski shop, and organization of all activities through the concierge, creating an unforgettable winter wonderland vacation.
Mandapa
Once open again, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve will again offer the Exclusively Yours buy-out option. Guests who stay at the reserve as part of the experience can expect luxurious amenities, legendary personalized service and a combination of authentic Indonesian and Mediterranean cuisine, while being immersed in the natural beauty and Balinese culture of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Exclusively Yours guests are treated to 35 suites and 25 private pool villas, round trip airport transfers, daily breakfast at Sawah Terrace, half board meals (lunch or dinner), 24-hour butler service and private use of all wellness facilities, including the Vitality Pool, sauna and steam room and 24-hour fitness center. Situated along the Ayung River and amidst the gentle hills of Ubud, the spiritual center of Bali, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a secluded retreat meant to relax one's mind, body, and soul.
Singita
Singita offers various buy-out options, including recently renovated Singita Castleton, the former home of the grandfather of Singita’s Founder, Luke Bailes. Surrounded by 45,000-acres of untouched wilderness in South Africa’s Sabi Sand Reserve, Singita Castleton ensures that future guests benefit from the utmost exclusivity and comfort in the African bush. As part of Singita’s Private Villa Collection, guests at Castleton enjoy the comforts of a private game-viewing vehicle as well as a full staff complement, which includes a Field Guide, private chef and host. Game drives, mealtimes and activities are entirely according to preference, so guests have complete freedom to choose the rhythm of their days. The perfect location for a bush escape for families and groups of friends, Castleton offers numerous opportunities for shared activities – from boules to tennis, cricket and a private pool, combining the best elements of an authentic safari with the rustic charm of a farmhouse. The main house boasts comfortable, beautifully designed communal living spaces, and cottages accommodating a maximum of 12 guests. https://singita.com/lodge/singita-castleton/.
Pangkor Laut Estates
The Estates at Pangkor Laut Resort represent Southeast Asia’s past gentry, conjuring an atmosphere that recalls the romantic lifestyle of a British estate manager of old Malaya. Situated on the northern part of the Pangkor Island, each of these eight private sanctuaries feature luxurious comforts, house between one to four bedrooms, separate living and dining pavilions, as well as a private pool with dramatic views; all set across acres of pristine rainforest. Estate One, Two and Four are beachfront featuring a natural marine aquarium at their doorstep in the form of the cove’s waters. Estate Five to Nine, sited on hilltops within the rainforest, are magnificent examples of living in a colossal natural arboretum. A personal butler on call serves every estate and a private chauffeur-driven car is available, should one decide to venture around the island where a litany of pleasant surprises await at the main resort. https://www.pangkorlautresort.com/the-estates.html.
The Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa — Nelson Mandela Villa
Just a two and half hour drive or 45 minute helicopter ride up north of Johannesburg is the exclusive Nelson Mandela Villa at Shambala Private Game Reserve. Situated on nearly 25 acres in the Limpopo Province, the Nelson Mandela Villa at Shambala Private Game Reserve is set under the watchful guardianship of the picturesque, malaria-free Waterberg mountains, and the magnificent African bushveld is home to a variety of remarkable flora and fauna also includes The Big Five. The Nelson Mandela Villa offers spacious and elegant accommodation, including one presidential suite and five luxury bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms. The Presidential Suite has an en-suite double bathroom and his and hers dressing room, as well as a private dining area with kitchenette and a private living room with a television. Set in secluded, natural surroundings, the Nelson Mandela Villa offers a wide range of amenities and services including bush picnics, game drives, star gazing, and sundown cruises, just to name a few. After a day of exploring the private reserve, guests can enjoy the villa’s luxuriously elegant formal lounge equipped with a fireplace, as well as an informal television lounge, and an elegant and spacious dining area with seating for up to 14 people. The villa also offers an outdoor deck and lounge, 2 private studies, a business center and an indoor/outdoor heated swimming pool situation on a viewing deck that overlooks a private watering hole. Shambala Private Game Reserve also features a spa for a unique and intimate wellness retreat with individualized treatments for relaxing, revitalizing and rejuvenating the senses.
Natural Selection — Safari House
Within the Natural Selection portfolio is Safari House, a traditional Namibian farmhouse located in the heart of the Etosha Heights Private Reserve. Offering genuine hospitality, this exclusive use property is the perfect base for a family or group of friends to explore the 148,200 acres of pure wilderness. With unpretentious and traditional Namibian hospitality, Safari House sleeps up to six guests in three bedrooms and welcomes children of all ages. There is a pool for cooling off after dusty game drives and a water hole in front of the house making the veranda the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon, watching what comes down to drink. Meals are homemade and hearty, and a highlight is a traditional Namibian braai (BBQ), cooked in front of the guests and enjoyed sitting out under the stars. The biggest luxury Safari House offers is the freedom that comes with a private guide and vehicle. Game drives are entirely tailored to guests’ needs and flexibility is never a problem, whether guests would like to look for big game or the smallest of birds on game drives.
THIRDHOME- Royal Belize Private Island
Available through THIRDHOME Exchange, Royal Belize Private Island has three spacious homes on it, making it the perfect fit for those looking for total privacy. Complete with a full staff including a manager, chef, concierge, and service team, guests will enjoy paradise without having to worry about a thing. Days can be spent relaxing or staying busy with beach games, paddleboards, sea kayaks, snorkeling, SCUBA, sailing and fishing. The island’s concierge can arrange a variety of activities including zip lining, waterfall hiking, helicopter tours, cave tubing and excursions to the Mayan ruins.
Little Palm Island - Florida Keys
Located off the shores of the Florida Keys and accessible only by private boat or seaplane, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa has announced that it will be available for buy-outs at rates starting at $250,000—and going up to over $1 million with personalized add-ons. Located off the fabled Florida Keys coastline, on a lush, private island dotted with crushed seashell paths amid verdant tropical foliage and exotic wildlife, rests Little Palm Island Resort & Spa – a destination like no other. Your new island home is thoughtfully designed and well-appointed with the utmost luxurious amenities and an intriguing modern British Colonial attitude. Authentic thatched roofs and vaulted ceilings are complemented by private outdoor showers, vibrant ocean views and plush, all-new interiors. A true escape, Little Palm’s perfect combination of privacy and luxury is maintained through a long-standing tradition.
Kokomo Private Island Resort - Fiji
As the travel industry begins to turn a corner and see bright apertures on the horizon, from flight bookings outpacing cancellations and folks starting to search for international travel options, many remain mindful of how and where they will be journeying to next. For some, the further away they can get from the confines of their home (and others), the better––even if that means opting for renting their own private island. Albeit, a very select few will have access to some of the more luxurious options available; however, after months of self-quarantining, the uber rich will look at ways to safely self-isolate elsewhere…Enter Kokomo Private Island Fiji, the $100 million dollar “passion project” and brainchild of Australian real estate tycoon and billionaire, Lang Walker––located in the pristine waters of Fiji, which remains relatively COVID-19-free. As of May 6, 2020, only 18 cases and no deaths had been reported. In the coming months once travel restrictions lift, Kokomo is available for full island buyouts, starting at $150,000 per night. For a select few, the price is just right to be as far away from the madness enveloping the world as possible––about 11 hours flight time from the U.S. West Coast (easy nonstop flights from L.A. and SF). The newest and most lavish destination in the region, Kokomo Private Island is the 140-acre jewel of the South Pacific surrounded by the Great Astrolabe Reef and spectacular white sand beaches; and featuring ultimate privacy, superior service, and exceptional sustainability-driven dining.