Lost Paradises: 8 Secret Islands You Can Rent All For Yourself (3 of 5)

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.