TOP PRIVATE ISLANDS

TOP PRIVATE ISLANDS

A private island takeover offers the utmost in privacy and indulgence for group getaways. In the last several years the market has expanded, with a selection of new islands emerging alongside old favorites that continue to up their game. Take a look at our top choices from around the globea cross section of remote retreats, each with its own unique take on the ultimate island holiday.
BY SCOTT GOETZ

HIGHVIEW / MUSHA CAY

LIVING AREA / HIGH VIEW

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LIVING AREA / PALM TERR

ACE

THE TRIP AND HOW TO GET THERE

Before jetting out to Musha Cay, gather your group in the Bahamas with a stay at Kilkee House, a majestic estate on a private stretch of land. Located on the western end of Paradise Island near the One&Only Ocean Club, its a five-minute helicopter transfer from Nassau International Airport. Offering 11,000 square feet of space, this former residence of Sir Richard Harris (which has hosted The Beatles, Errol Flynn, Richard Burton and Pierce Brosnan), has four bedrooms in the main house, a gourmet kitchen, formal dining room for 18, a wood paneled library, a gym, private guest cottage and staff quarters all along 200 feet of harbor front. A chef, housekeeper and 57-foot Viking Sport
BEACH PAVILION / MUSHA CAY

Fisherman with three staterooms are also included ($24,000 a night). Contact | President Colleen Kosoy,

MUSHA CAY AND THE ISLANDS OF COPPERFIELD BAY

Island essence | When David Copperfield bought Musha Cay and its nearby neighboring islands in 2006 there was already a private resort in place, but he has made it truly magical. With an impressive $30 million refurbishment and the same production team that creates his legendary shows running the island, Musha Cay is now a virtual fantasy island unlike anywhere else. Top accommodation | 12 bedrooms and 13-and-a-half bathrooms are spread throughout five luxury homes around the island, each offering its own private beach and spacious living and dining areas accented with treasures from Copperfields worldwide adventures. Perch yourself at Highview to be the king of your own island: Its 10,000 square feet of space commands a 360-degree view of Musha Cays 10 uninhabited surrounding islands and includes a two-story living pavilion, two grand master bedroom suites, steam room, Jacuzzi and outdoor fireplace. Standout service | The islands magic team produces a custom $20,000 treasure hunt that includes helicopters, pirates, pyrotechnics and the unlocking of interactive codes hidden around the island. Style | Modern island fantasy with Balinese touches, by David Copperfield and Cathy Daly, 2011 Island action | Exploring the three-acre Secret Village preserve where magic and monkeys meet for a once-in-a-lifetime primate adventure; playing pool on Harry Houdinis pool table surrounded by a historical magic collection unrivaled in the world; every type of watersports imaginable, including a 37-foot Midnight Express, 28-foot Nautilus Rib Catamaran and a fleet of Yamaha jet skis; fortune telling. Dining bests | Gourmet dining in a candlelit sea cave; beach barbeques at Daves Drive-in with a massive movie screen set amongst coconut palms; sunset cocktails on one of the longest sand bars in the world. Number of rooms and suites on island | 12, in five houses Whos slept here? | Penlope Cruz and Javier Bardem, Bill Gates Nightly rate | Exclusive island takeover from $37,500 Location | Exuma Chain, southern Bahamas; a 15-minute flight from the George Town Airport, Great Exuma Contact | Island Director Cathy Daly, (242) 355-4040; cathydaly@me.com; www.mushacay.com

(561) 818-0531; cmkosoy@gmail.com; www.kilkeehouse.com

SANDBAR / MUSHA CAY

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TOP PRIVATE ISLANDS

SEAGRASS LOUNGE / LAUCALA

THE TRIP AND HOW TO GET THERE

Air Pacific flies direct from LAX to Nadi and offers an easy connection to New Zealand. Combine your island stay with Ker & Downeys New Zealand Discoverer package (about $20,000), which includes a stay at the number one golfing property in the region, Kauri Cliffs. Book the 4,200-square-foot Owners Cottage with two suites, private pool and hot tub. Contact | Kauri Cliffs General Manager Kerry Molloy, 64-9-407-0010; kerry@ kauricliffs.com; www.kauricliffs.com Contact | Ker & Downey Vice President David Jones, (281) 371-2500; djones@ kerdowney.com; www.kerdowney.com

LAUCALA
Island essence | Fijian culture combines with an outrageous infrastructure to make this island our top choice for those seeking an exotic locale with every possible luxury. An extensive refurbishment transformed the island, which once belonged to Malcolm Forbes and now offers an 18-hole golf course designed by David McLay Kidd of Bandon Dunes fame, a horse stable, a marina, a 167-foot main pool, a spa and 25 residences spread throughout nearly five square miles of tropical jungle. Top accommodation | The Hilltop Residence boasts over 10,000 square feet of combined living space with three separate private residences. A resort within a resort, this mountaintop compound is the crown atop Laucala, offering a panoramic 4,176-square-foot lap pool amidst lush landscaped gardens, a main residence with lounge, dining room, library, outdoor pavilion, two 1,367-square-foot one-bedroom guest residences and special services such as a private cook, chauffeur and nanny. Standout service | The island controls the air space and water surrounding it. Operating day and night, its airport has a 3,900-foot airstrip that can accommodate most business jets and provide international port of entry with customs clearing. Three aviation hangars are available on the island. Style | Fiji luxe, by Stephen Albert and Lynne Hunt, 2009 Island action | Diving the Great White Wall (one of the top 10 dive sites in the world); horseback rides on deserted beaches; spa treatments with handmade local products; golf and tennis;
BEDROOM / HILLTOP RESIDENCE

island with stops to watch the active fruit bats. Dining bests | Most flights arrive in the morning, so start your stay with an in-villa brunch with smoked fish, egg specialties and baked goods; enjoy breakfast and dinner in the fine dining Plantation House; hip sunset cocktails in the Rock Lounge; teppanyaki barbecue and Asian/Fijian outdoor dining above the ocean at Seagrass Restaurant. Number of rooms and suites on island | 25 villas Whos slept here? | Oprah Winfrey, John Travolta Nightly rate | From $26,000; island takeover from $150,000 Location | Off the northeastern coast of Taveuni, Fiji; a 45-minute King Air flight from the Nadi International Airport Contact | General Manager Maja Kilgore, 679-888-0077; m.kilgore@laucala.com; www.laucala.com

kava ceremonies in the Fijian village; a watersports center

BEACH BAR / LAUCALA

featuring a Riviera Open Flybridge, a Fijian wooden outrigger and a collection of sailboats; sunset jet skiing tours around the

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TOP SUITES ISLANDS PRIVATE

MALDIVES DELUXE / HUVAFEN FUSHI

THE TRIP AND HOW TO GET THERE

Stop over in Dubai to be whisked by helicopter to the rooftop of your first private island, Burj Al Arab. Toast with a bottle of Cristal then set off on a gastronomic journey through each of the hotels restaurants with a special Culinary Flight program. Stay for two nights in the Royal Suite (about $19,058 a night), spending one day of indulgence at Jumeirah Zabeel Sarays Iklik Hammam and Spa on the Palm Islands. Contact | General Manager Heinrich Morio, 971-4-301-7777; baareservations@jumeirah.com; www.jumeirah.com

HUVAFEN FUSHI
Island essence | Young jetsetters flock to this little fushi, or island, in search of overwater Maldivian glamour with cutting edge design, the worlds first underwater spa, a massive LED lighted infinity pool, an overwater gym and a fleet of high-tech luxury dhonis (local sailing yachts). Top accommodation | The 8,600-square-foot Beach Pavilions avant-garde two-story design comes with a dedicated butler, offers views of the lagoon and has a glass floor from which to view the fiber optic lit pool from the second story. The outdoor oasis boasts an open air shower and oversized bath in a garden as well as a rainshower on the second floor deck. A central living area houses a Bose surround sound theater system with a 60-inch plasma screen TV and DVD player. Standout service | When a guest admired a classic chess set on display in the hotel, staff had it packed up and shipped to his next destination as a gift. Style | Modern Maldivian chic, by C&C Studios Carl Ettensperger, 2004 Island action | Reiki treatments in LIME, the resorts underwater spa; exploring Coral Garden and the drift dive wall at Rasfari for big pelagics with FLOAT; cruising overnight in a private dhoni; stingray feeding and coral adoption. Dining bests | Masterful and delicious raw cuisine (reef fish carpaccio, vegetable lasagna and cold tom yum soup) from RAW; candlelit dinner over shark-filled waters in the fine dining restaurant, SALT. Number of rooms and suites on island | 43, including the Beach Pavilion
EXTERIOR VIEW / BEACH PAVILION

Nightly rate | From $5,050; island takeover from about $2.5 million a week Location | North Male Atoll, Kaafu, Maldives Contact | General Manager Parvis Jurcik, 960-6644-222; parvis.jurcik@huvafenfushi.com; www.huvafenfushi.com

BEACH PAVILION / HUVAFEN FUSHI

Whos slept here? | Reported guests include Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Roger Federer

ATOLL AERIAL VIEW / HUVAFEN FUSHI

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THE TRIP AND HOW TO GET THERE

Fly into Dar es Salaam on Turkish Airlines new route, then head to the edge of the Serengeti for a safari with Singita Grumeti Reserves. Stay in the luxurious lodges of Sasakwa or Faru Faru and then venture out with Singita Explore, a new mobile camp. Afterward, fly to Pemba and onto Rani Resorts Matemo Island to discover the World Heritage Site of Ibo Island (buy exquisite, one-of-a-kind silver necklaces and bracelets from local artisans) before a restful evening at Medjumbe. Contact | Ker & Downey Vice President David Jones, (281) 371-2500; djones@kerdowney.com; www.kerdowney.com
SAILING DHOW / MEDJUMBE

MEDJUMBE
Island essence | Arabian fishing dhows sail past this tiny strip of land in the Quirimbas Archipelago with nearly nothing on it but an abandoned lighthouse, a central two-story palm-thatched dining hall and 13 small chalets. Though its mostly undiscovered, honeymooners, divers and those who wish to do nothing but walk on the beach and reflect will love the privacy, charm and the genuineness of the local staff that this castaway island offers. Top accommodation | All of the chalets are the same (though rooms 12 and 14 have better beaches and offer the most privacy). At only 560 square feet, what youll lose in palatial digs, youll make up for in rustic romance. Expect blue Arabinfluenced furniture and lighting, blue tiled baths, an outdoor shower with bamboo walls, a Jacuzzi on the deck and a hammock in which to laze the day away. Amenities include champagne and fruit upon arrival, capulana (Mozambican sarongs) and woodcrafts at turndown. Standout service | The island staff arranged to have a wedding ceremony in the coral gardens, complete with a palm frond arch and minister, for one diving fanatic couple. Style | Zanzabari/African coastal design, by Rani Resorts, 2004 Island action | Diving the Edge Of Reason along the 2,625-footdeep continental shelf; big game tag-and-release fishing; whale watching; private sunset cruises on an Arabian dhow. Dining bests | Spend a lazy afternoon lunch sipping caipirinhas on the deserted isle of Quissanga as a private butler serves grilled Mozambican prawns. End with a soothing massage on the beach. Number of rooms and suites on island | 13 Whos slept here? | Top names from the worlds of business and entertainment Nightly rate | From $530; island takeover from $15,800 Location | Quirimbas Archipelago, northern Mozambique Contact | General Manager Victor Fernandes, 258-25-070-000 ext.1; gm@medjumbe.co.mz; www.medjumbe.com
AERIAL ISLAND VIEW / MEDJUMBE DOUBLE ROOM / MEDJUMBE

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SEYCHELLOIS STYLE / FRGATE ISLAND PRIVATE

OUTDOOR

LIVING / FR

GATE ISLAN

D PRIVATE

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TREETOP DIN ING / FRGAT E ISLAND PR IVATE
AT ISLAND W ERFALL/ FRGATE ISLAND PR IVATE

THE TRIP AND HOW TO GET THERE

The unique location of the Four Seasons Seychelles makes guests feel as if theyre already on a private island before they ever head to one. Book a Hilltop Ocean View Villa for a weeks stay in the amphitheater-like jungle atmosphere atop one of the most perfect beaches in the country (from $1,140). Each retreat offers stunning glass walled bathrooms and infinity pools that appear to float in the treetops. Dont miss Chef Sherla Mathurins Seychellois creole cuisine paired with a world-class wine list. Contact | General Manager Alastair McAlphine, 249-393-000; alastair.mcalphine@fourseasons.com; www.fourseasons.com From the Wharf Hotel & Marina,
POOL VIEW / PRESIDENTIAL VILLA, BANYAN HILL

charter the M.Y. Coetivy ($9,000 a night), the only true luxury yacht in the region, and sail to Praslin and La Digue before

FRGATE ISLAND PRIVATE

Island essence | This veritable aviary opened in 1998, reverting a coconut plantation back to its indigenous Seychellois flora and fauna, and is now as close to Jurassic Park as one can get (conservation efforts have brought back the magpie robin, once almost extinct with just 22 left in the world). The resort centers around a grand Balinese-style lobby, restaurant and main pool with villas dotted along granite outcrops above pristine beaches. Top accommodation | Book the 13,465-square-foot Presidential Villa, Banyan Hill, a mountaintop compound thats out of view from other guests. Furnished with a collection of antiques from around the Indian Ocean from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, it includes three separate sleeping villas and one main living pavilion with a communal 82-foot pool. Standout service | The dedicated private butler serves at every meal, regardless of location, providing more privacy and even less contact with the outside world. Style | Southeast Asian with French colonial touches, by Wilson & Associates, 1998 Island action | Feeding James, the nearly 100-year-old Aldabra giant tortoise who walks freely upon the grounds; guided nature walks; indulgent treatments at the Rock Spa; big game fishing and diving from the propertys fleet of boats; sunset cocktails on Anse Victorin, rated one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Dining bests | Creole cuisine at Plantation House; breakfast in the treetop canopy surrounded by inquisitive ferry terns; barbecue lunches on a remote private beach; high tea served on a lookout at the islands highest point. Number of rooms and suites on island | 17 villas Whos slept here? | A-list entertainers like Emma Thompson, Elizabeth Hurley, Claudia Schiffer and Pierce Brosnan; business magnates like Bill Gates Nightly rate | From $14,218; island takeover from $76,380 Location | A 20-minute helicopter flight from the Seychelles International Airport on Mah Island
CLIFFSIDE / FRGATE ISLAND PRIVATE

heading to Frgate, where you can use it for all your sea adventures. Contact | Ker & Downey Vice President David Jones, (281) 371-2500; djones@kerdowney.com; www.kerdowney.com

POOL VIEW / HILLTOP OCEAN VIEW VILLA

LIVING AREA / HILLTOP OCEAN VIEW VILLA

OUTDOOR LIVING / HILLTOP OCEAN VIEW VILLA

Contact | General Manager Ian Barbour, 248-4-670-100; gm@fregate.com; www.fregate.com

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TOP PRIVATE ISLANDS

THE TRIP AND HOW TO GET THERE

The proximity to chimpanzees via helicopter offers the unique opportunity to cover all of Africas great apes in one trip. Start off by landing your private jet in Kigali, Rwanda, where youll clear customs in a VIP lounge before taking off in a helicopter bound for the hilltop suite at Governors Camps Sabinyo Silverback Lodge. The next few days will be spent enjoying private gorilla viewings with the head warden, lectures with leaders from Dian Fosseys Gorilla Fund and trips to see her grave and the rare golden monkeys there. Continue
LAKE VIEW / LUPITA ISLAND

onto Tanzania for a Serengeti safari experience and then head to Lupita, where their helicopter will arrange transport and a three-night visit to Greystoke Mahale, one of the only places to see chimpanzees in the wild. Contact | Ker & Downey Vice President David Jones, (281) 371-2500; djones@kerdowney.com; www.kerdowney.com

LUPITA ISLAND
Island essence | This wild, densely forested granite island rises precipitously from Lake Tanganyika, the worlds longest and second deepest freshwater lake, and offers a birds eye view across to the mainland. With a history resonating from the African Queens World War I intrigue between the Belgian and British forces, this spot gives safari-goers the option of ending their adventure by taking the resorts helicopter to nearby Mahale Mountains National Park to visit chimpanzees. Top accomodation | The 2,900-square-foot Livingstone and Stanley suites have spacious living rooms separating two bedrooms with en suite baths. Amenities include solar-powered water heaters, in-floor changeable colored lights, waterfall showers, an open air stone bathtub and a plunge pool. Canopy beds and African artifacts adorn the suite. Standout service | One guest requested to jump out of the resorts helicopter into the lake, James Bond-style, at 50 feet. Style | Rustic safari charm, by owner Belinda Lithgow, 2011 Island action | Helicopter flights to Kalambo Falls (second highest in Africa) on the Tanzania/Zambia border, overnight trips to Katavi National Park for game viewing; diving in Lake Tanganyika with rare freshwater cychlids; Nile perch and goliath tiger fishing. Dining bests | In-suite dining with an African choir and witch doctor dance under the stars, ending with Cuban cigars and 20-year-old Glenmorangie scotch. Number of rooms and suites on island | 13, including two Family Suites Whos slept here? | Nick Lachey, screenwriter Polly Draper Nightly rate | From $2,100; island takeover from $25,000 Location | North of the Zambian border on Lake Tanganyika, Rukwa region, western Tanzania Contact | Owner Tom Lithgow, 255-784-266-558; tom@firelightexpeditions.com; www.lupitaisland.com

POOL BAR / LUPITA ISLAND

KALAMBO FALLS / LUPITA ISLAND

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SIX SENSES SPA / SONEVA GILI

SONEVA GILI
Island essence | Eco-exoticism and Robinson Crusoe castaway glamour combine to make this overwater island resort the most romantic of our top picks. Come here to kick off your shoes and do absolutely nothing but destress and detox from the modern worldbut with every possible luxury at your disposal. A dedicated butler, or Mr. Friday, can coordinate your entire stay, organizing private dinners, spa treatments at the overwater Six Senses Spa and diving excursions into the Maldivian blue. Top accomodation | The Private Reserve is the worlds largest overwater bungalow, covering a staggering 15,000 square feet over two floors. Five separate buildings designed in rustic-chic style deliver uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean and offer two master suites with floor-to-ceiling windows (in addition to a third bedroom), private sundecks and en suite open air bathrooms, a private spa and gym, a waterslide, a sea garden and a natural coral pool. Guests have access to personal motorized transfer boats and a dedicated Mr. and Mrs. Friday (private staff). Standout service | One celeb guest surprised his girlfriend with a scenic helicopter flight. While they were out, hotel staff wrote will you marry me? on the beach in coral and shells. The evening ended in dinner on the beach with over 1,000 candles. Style | Barefoot luxury, by Sonu and Eva Shivdasani, 2005 Island action | Decadent treatments in the overwater Six Senses Spa; riding bikes around the island; group yoga; tennis; diving and snorkeling along the world-class reefs; private sunset cruises. Dining bests | Sipping diamond-infused water in the bar; five courses of Peruvian/Japanese fusion fare made with the daily catch and paired with an array of sakes; private dinners and chocolate tastings in the wine cellar; dining on fresh organic produce under the stars in the islands garden. Number of rooms and suites on island | 45 Whos slept here? | BBC TV presenter Monty Don, sports figures and dot com gurus Nightly rate | From $8,500; island takeover from $495,000 Location | Lankanfushi Island, North Male Atoll, Maldives Contact | General Manager Iain McCormack, 960-778-3654; iain@sixsenses.com; www.sixsenses.com
AERIAL VIEW / PRIVATE RESERVE

THE TRIP AND HOW TO GET THERE

The Maldives are just off the coast and south of India, making this a great island getaway after completing Ker & Downeys Royal India programan ultra-luxurious 12-night itinerary featuring historic palace hotels in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, as well as Agra and Delhi. Contact | Ker & Downey Vice President David Jones, (281) 371-2500; djones@ kerdowney.com; www.kerdowney.com

BEACH BAR / SONEVA GILI

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TOP SUITES ISLANDS PRIVATE

AERIAL VIEW / AMAN SVETI STEFAN

THE TRIP AND HOW TO GET THERE

The Adriatic Coast is prime territory for yachting. Fly Lufthansa Private Jet to Split and charter one of two new luxury motor yachts, Serenity II, managed by Yacht Marine Management & Consulting, or Tiziana, a 118-foot classic sailing superyacht thats available for selective charter use. Trust in yachting specialists Medcollection, who have easy access to these vessels and can plan custom itineraries to private bays, hip places like Hvar and ancient sites such as the castle at Kotor, before ending at Aman Sveti Stefan. Contact | Lufthansa Private Jets Global Premium Customer Management Director Sabine Drflinger, (888) 2610814; serviceteamprivatejetus@dlh.de; www.lufthansa-private-jet.com Contact | Medcollection Owner Lorrie Croze, 90-252-313-8306; lorrie@medcollection.com; www.medcollection.com

AMAN SVETI STEFAN

Island essence | Leave it to Amanresorts to turn an iconic historical island in the Adriatic into the site of their star European property. The families who abandoned this fortified village, which dates back to the 15th century, would be honored by the painstaking care Aman took during renovations to retain its rich heritage. Red tiled roofs, exterior structures and evergreen trees have all remained, but now they are well-lit, the interiors have been modernized and the island boasts two cliff edge pools and several dining areas, both at the pools and in the islands central village square. A land bridge connects the mainland beaches to the grounds of Villa Milocer, where youll find more dining options and a spa after the second phase of the resorts development is complete. Top accommodation | Every room is unique and offers views of the sea or the islands inner piazzas, but book the Sveti Stefan suite for its two-story layout and private swimming pool. Local woodwork and handicrafts highlight the cool, clean-lined rooms, while plush ottomans in enormous dressing areas and deep soaking tubs invite guests to spend hours primping for dinner. Standout service | The hotel has arranged helicopter flights to discover the regions grand canyon, where youll be greeted by untouched waterfalls and a picnic lunch with superb Serbian wines. Style | Historical Montegran modern, by Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston International Architects, 2011
PRIVATE POOL / SVETI STEFAN SUITE

Dining bests | Private dinners on the precipice of Queens Chair with views of Budva Bay; seafood skewers sprinkled with herb salts made at the nearby monastery; wine tasting, antipasti and cigars at the local island taverna. Number of rooms and suites on island | 50 Whos slept here? | Sophia Loren, Kirk Douglas Nightly rate | From $3,551; island takeover from $78,025 Location | On the coast of the Adriatic Sea, south of the Bay of Kotor, southwestern Montenegro Contact | General Manager Henry Gray, 382-33-420-000; hgray@amanresorts.com; www.amanresorts.com

BEDROOM / TIZIANA

Island action | Cruising the World Heritage Site Bay of Kotor; visits to Ostrog Monastery; private tastings of the regional wine; visiting the old towns of Budva, Cetinje and the baroque city of Perast.

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