Lost Paradises: 8 Secret Islands You Can Rent All For Yourself

Imagine a vacation where the only person hogging the pool float is you—and only you. Blissful, uninterrupted, sun-soaked peace. No strangers splashing nearby, no kids cannonballing into your personal space, just pure, customizable paradise. For a few glorious days, the world shrinks to you, your chosen people (if you even feel like inviting anyone), and a private island that feels stolen from a billionaire’s daydream.

What most travelers don’t realize is that renting an entire island isn’t just a fantasy reserved for celebrities and tech moguls. Private islands exist at every corner of the globe, from rugged Scottish hideaways where you can play lighthouse keeper for a weekend to chic Aegean escapes where the water is so blue it looks filtered in real life. Want something wild and remote? Done. Prefer beach-club energy with no crowds? Also an option.

Some islands are shockingly affordable—think cheaper than a fancy resort—while others carry more zeroes than your bank app is emotionally prepared to display. But price aside, all promise the same irresistible reward: total privacy, total freedom, and the ultimate travel flex. Because nothing says “I needed a break” quite like disappearing to an island with your name on the booking.

Hvaler, Vesterøy, Norway

In Norway’s Hvaler archipelago, famous for the most sunny days in the country, you can rent your own rugged little island. What to expect from a little Nordic island? Small private beaches, lots of rocks, a cozy cabin with a kitchen hut, and a basic privy, for we are all humans after all. It’s simple, serene, and shockingly soothing. From about £250 per night, you forget about the resort glitz and go all in on barefoot walks in the mornings, fresh sea air, and the kind of quiet that resets your brain.

Eilean Sionnach, Isle of Skye

Just a tiny island with giant vibes. Eilean Sionnach gives you the whole lighthouse cottage and the island around it all to yourself. In 2023, the Times magazine gave this private retreat a huge shout-out, calling it one of Scotland’s best places to stay. With all the gorgeous views and blissful solitude, it’s easy to understand why. Getting to the lighthouse might be a little tricky physically, as it requires walking over slippery rocks, but hey, who doesn’t like a little adventure every once in a while? From £395 per night, it’s the perfect mix of cozy, cinematic, and gloriously disconnected. Bring your camera, your boots, and a lot of books.

Prince Island, Belize

Just off San Pedro, this eight-acre private retreat is reached via a short flight from Belize City, plus a 30-minute boat ride. It can fit up to 18 adults and four kids, so a big family vacation would be perfect here. The heart of the island is a social hub with an infinity pool, shaded lounges, and a pool table. Rates are individual but always more than you’d think. Because of that, the all-inclusive package is a must: private-chef gourmet meals, curated cocktails, daily housekeeping, and fun excursions—you’ll get all this and more.

Cycladic Private Island, Greece

Ditch the crowds of Santorini and Mykonos and claim a Cycladic island all to yourself. The basic package can accommodate up to 20 people (with options to scale events up to 500). The staff has been trained to either be at your every beck and call or almost unnoticeable, if you prefer it that way, and the island’s hiking trails add a bit of spice and adventure. Athens is an easy boat ride away if you really want to. But let’s talk about prices: that basic package starts at €5,000 per night! That’s a bit steep, but the payoff is starring in your personal Greek epic. Just don’t go messing with people or animals, like Grandpa Zeus used to do.

Osea Island, UK

Only 90 minutes from London, Osea sits in Essex with room for up to 188 guests. This place is like a private little village with four event spaces, 28 self-catered properties, a heated outdoor pool, saltwater lido, tennis court, cinema, games room, gym, bikes, and 4.5 miles of coastline. Prices start at £48,000 for a week, varying by season. It’s expensive because it’s celeb-approved, and the on-site studio has hosted names like Stormzy and Rihanna. Weddings, company retreats, all sorts of orgies probably—Osea is the UK’s most extra group getaway.

El Coyol, Lake Nicaragua

Ten minutes by boat from Granada, El Coyol is a freshwater island with a deeply natural feel. Grab seven of your pals and go chill in a dazzling 12-meter infinity pool, and explore plenty of tucked-away nooks for reading, napping, or debating who’s on kayak duty. Double and single kayaks are included for exploring the surrounding islets. From about £1200 per two nights, it’s a gorgeous location for romantic escapes, birthdays, or simply turning off your group chat for 48 blessed hours.

The Island, Oxfordshire, England

Hardwick Parks hides a tiny private island you reach by driving a provided motorboat for roughly two minutes. It fits up to 22 guests and comes loaded with group-trip attractions: an Arctic Spa hot tub, a barbecue and pizza oven, table tennis, and a kids’ play area. Stays start at £3,500 for four nights, which is a hefty sum to fork over, but if you rent them with a group of friends, it’s not that bad. It’s close to home, big on activities, and absolutely Instagram-friendly.

Necker Island, British Virgin Islands

Yes, that Necker—Sir Richard Branson’s 74-acre Caribbean fantasy with white-sand beaches and glowing turquoise water. It can accommodate up to 48 adults across 24 rooms, plus some kid-friendly rooms, of course. On specific dates, individual rooms are available if you’re not booking the whole island, but it’s rare. Exclusive use starts at around $6,043 per night, but the service, setting, and story are a once-in-a-lifetime experience.