Pure Luxury: The World's Best Private Islands

Unfortunately, you need to own a small fortune to actually buy one, but luckily there are shorter term options for those with a slightly humbler ‘net worth’. Here are some of the world’s most luxurious private islands you can pay to stay on.

Gladden Caye

Situated 20 miles northeast of Placencia in Belize, this luxury private island is designed for just one couple. It has all-inclusive service, with a dedicated team of staff residing on a smaller island behind Gladden Caye. Surrounded by the tranquil Caribbean Sea, the island offers excellent privacy and stunning views.

It also hosts a variety of guest chefs from some of the best kitchens around the world, whose dishes you can enjoy in the Mayan style villa or on the beach. It does not come cheap, but staying on this island is certain to be a once in a lifetime experience.

Voavah (pictured)

Voavah lies in the heart of the Maldives, and is another luxury island which you won’t forget in a hurry. Unlike Gladden Caye, it hosts 22 people as opposed to a single couple, and is ideal for a group holiday. Accessed by seaplane or speedboat, the island offers many activities to be enjoyed at your leisure.

You could, for instance, go for a cruise in the luxury yacht, or enjoy the best treatment in the Oceans of Consciousness spa, which also offers yoga and meditation classes. Other features include a beach house, dive centre, library, water sports and a games room, so there is certainly no shortage of things to do.

Wadigi

The Wadigi Island is probably one of the more affordable luxury private islands, and is located in the picturesque Fiji. More specifically, it is in the Mamanuca Islands, which are a volcanic archipelago, and is usually accessed via a 10 minute helicopter ride, an exciting way to kickstart your island adventure.

Like Voavah, the island offers a range of water and land based activities for you to choose from, and a truly amazing private beach for relaxation. It is not uncommon for people to book weddings on this island, as it is probably one of the most memorable places to tie the knot.

Chapwani

Zanzibar’s hidden gem is the Chapwani Island which lies off the coast of Tanzania, and it stands out as a picture perfect destination. It holds a maximum of 20 guests, with no shortage of activities for those staying there.

You can request for the resort to arrange a boat trip with the local fishermen, as well as a private spice tour (the island used to be a base for spice merchants and explorers). With a wealth of culture and beautiful scenery, this island is sure to take your breath away.

Calala Island

Calala Island is a a luxury private island resort nestled in the undiscovered part of the Caribbean, off the coast of Nicaragua. Experience barefoot luxury in a pristine paradise with a team of 25 Calala-lalas (also known in some parts of the world as "staff") for a maximum of 8 guests. They ensure your every desire is met, seamlessly. Each of the four bungalow suites were designed by leading architect Matthew Falkiner, and carefully created with you in mind. Located directly along the beach and with the finest handcrafted Nicaraguan furnishings, each suite perfectly marries you with your tropical surroundings. With only four suites on the entire 9.5 acre island, complete privacy comes as standard, as does waking up to the birds tweeting at sunrise and to the sunset that must be seen to be believed.

These stunning destinations all offer the most luxurious stay for those searching for an island paradise. It is not uncommon to find businessmen and wealthy traders checking their economic calendar against these awesome backdrops, although they are ideal for those looking for the perfect holiday experience.