The best and most exclusive islands for your sunny winter holiday. From private island retreats to overwater villas, the Caribbean to the Pacific and of course the Indian Ocean islands.
Which of these will be your winter sun destination?
Anguilla
Caribbean island bliss, only a two-leg flight and 40-minute boat transfer away from home. Stay at the Caribbean’s best hotel, on the region’s best beach, Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel.
This freshly-renovated estate hosts Moroccan-Mediterranean opulence, with cosy local Caribbean hints. It serves the type of barefoot luxury most travellers crave, and is more intimate than its competitor Four Seasons.
Expect soft white sand and shallow, sparkling waters. Travel to Anguilla from January to March for the clearest skies, lowest humidity and almost no chance of rain.
Ithaafushi the Private Island, by Waldorf Astoria (Maldives)
White sand, coral reef, private swimming pools and luxe villas. It’s a Maldives island, but Ithaafushi is not a Maldivian island resort. It’s a fully private island.
Waldorf Astoria deliver hyper exclusivity with Ithaafushi, an island for up to 24 friends and family, only bookable as a complete island buyout.
You get the same excellent service and amenities as sister island, Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi, but it’s your own tropical paradise, not shared with anybody else. Availability for winter 2022 – 2023 is already highly limited.
Miavana
A private Indian Ocean island with only 14 villas, the smallest of which measures 450 square metres. Where all villas have private decks, plunge pools, beach access and butlers.
Of all the islands all over the Indian Ocean, none can rival Miavana for the quality of accommodation and experience.
There’s white sand for miles here, plus a vibrant forest filled with endemic Madagascan wildlife. Scuba diving, whale watching, turtles hatching, deep sea fishing, helicopter excursions…Miavana has it all. It’s one of the world’s most exclusive island retreats, perfect for explorers wanting to combine an exclusive beach holiday with adventure and wildlife.
Travel to Miavana via Reunion Island.
JOALI Being
JOALI Maldives is one of the best island resorts in the Maldives – everyone who has visited will agree. Exceptional accommodation, stunning location, great design and service.
Last year they opened JOALI Being, with an entirely new wellness concept. It’s adults only, with no alcohol and a minimum five-night stay.
A spectacular new island concept, where everything is dedicated to your lasting wellness. One of the most original and exciting new properties we’ve seen anywhere in the world.
Don’t go here for a classic beach holiday. If you want to improve your long-term health while holidaying in paradise, JOALI Being is the place.
Do you demand the best beach holiday?
Zanzibar
Zanzibar isn’t a destination for top-tier luxury. The island’s two best beach resorts are Czech owned. Zuri Zanzibar has the best accommodation, while Tulia Zanzibar is more remote and has the best service.
Zanzibar is not a typical tourist island paradise. It’s true Africa and the vibe is authentic. We love the imperfectly perfect service and how much fun you can have.
Zanzibar is a winter sun destination to follow your winter safari adventure. Explore Tanzania and Kenya on a multi-day safari, then get your beachside fix on the same trip.
Lanai, Hawaii
Lanai island measures 350 square kilometres and there are only two places to stay, both operated by Four Seasons. Sensei Lanai is an adult-only wellness property hidden in pine-covered mountains populated by wild deer. Four Seasons Resort Lanai is a family-friendly beachfront property with a kids club and oceanfront golf course.
Lanai is for explorers seeking a secluded and exclusive version of the Hawaii travel experience. This is the last unspoiled island of Hawaii.
Temperatures around 30℃ are relatively constant throughout the year, so come for the sun and combine Hawaii with a layover in Los Angeles or San Francisco.
Necker Island & Moskito Island, Caribbean
These are Richard Branson’s private islands in the Caribbean. He’s the entrepreneur who launched Virgin Galactic and circumnavigated the world in a hot air balloon. So he knows how to explore.
Completely private white-sand beaches, contemporary accommodations, turquoise waters and no other guests.
Necker Island accommodates 48 people and is usually chartered for exclusive use, although there are some “celebration weeks” when it’s available for couples booking individually.
Moskito Island has three contrasting private estates. Oasis is super contemporary for 18 guests. Point is a sprawling complex of individual villas for 14 adults and eight children. The Branson Estate is barefoot luxury in three villas that combine colonial and Balinese styles.
French Polynesia
How does Bora Bora sound for your next holiday? Or what about Tahiti? These islands are part of French Polynesia, in the South Pacific.
Yes, it takes a long time to get there, upwards of 24 hours. So it’s not as easy as a Seychelles or Mauritius holiday. But it’s a lot more exclusive. And you can combine different islands and experiences. Here’s the ultimate holiday in French Polynesia.
So when you’re tired of your friends coming back with the same stories about the same islands in the Indian Ocean, blow them away with your tales of French Polynesia.
Your Winter Island Holiday?
Where else do you want to go this winter? Back to a favourite Maldives island? Or somewhere new or exotic that also offers amazing weather, beaches and exclusivity?
Everyone travels differently. We have personal recommendations to help you enjoy the dream winter holiday, as a couple, with the family, or a week away with friends.
