Not merely private island resorts, rather six islands completely exclusive to you. In the Maldives, Seychelles and Tanzania.
These are the most private and exclusive options in the Indian Ocean, ideal for group holidays with family and friends, for sharing an intimate experience together with the people you love.
All come with their own service staff, hosts and chefs. Most have their own spa, bar, gym and yacht.
Coco Prive Kuda Hithi, Maldives
Six villas on a palm-fringed island of white sand, on an intimate 1200 square metre island.
A jet ski, scuba dive instructor and unlimited diving. Plus an island cinema, cocktail bar, extensive wine cellar, and a comfy area for sleep outs beneath the stars.
Coco Prive Kuda Hithi can accommodate up to 12 guests and is 80 kilometres north from Male. It’s secluded, secret and serene.
There’s a split-level master residence with epic views, opening onto the main pool which is shared with three other villas. Although note this is comfortably the smallest of the private islands on our list.
Manta Villa and Gecko Villa are standalone with private pools, separate from the other accommodations, private enclaves on an already private island. We love the architecture by Guz Wilkinson too: light, airy, fully in tune with the remarkable Indian Ocean setting.
Ithaafushi the Private Island, by Waldorf Astoria
For the Maldives, Ithaafushi is completely in its own league in terms of space – a private island measuring 32,000 square metres!
The accommodation is perfect for three family groups holidaying together, with a two-bedroom overwater villa, three-bedroom beach villa, and four-bedroom main residence. These are located on opposite corners of the island, creating privacy between different people in your party.
Then there’s an overwater spa, excursions by yacht, all the watersports including great snorkelling in your private reef.
This is the sister property of Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi, which is among the best large resorts in the Maldives. We especially love the resort’s gastronomy and you can easily take a boat from the private island, to dine at any of the main island’s 11 restaurants, or use any other amenities.
Ithaafushi can officially accommodate up to 24 people, but to ensure optimal comfort we’d revise that down to a maximum of 15 adults plus children.
La Cigale Estate, Praslin, Seychelles
Not quite a private island, but close. A nine-bedroom private estate on two kilometres of the sublime Cote d’Or Beach, Praslin island.
La Cigale is a real Seychelles experience, an estate owned and operated by a Seychellois family. It’s not a beautiful island that could be anywhere, it’s rooted in Praslin.
This is particularly beneficial for curating a program of authentic experiences, like going out with the estate’s fishermen, or the Creole-inspired cuisine.
A piece of the Seychelles to call your own, where everything comes with the warm feel of Seychellois hospitality.
In total La Cigale accommodates up to 18. The main colonial-style plantation house has five ensuite bedrooms, including the owner’s Captain’s Suite. Four independent suites with private pools are scattered in the gardens.
There’s a spa, gym, tennis court, children’s pool, dine-in wine cellar, plus plenty of different entertaining spaces. And a farm to table dining concept or anytime anywhere.
Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island, Maldives
A sprawling four-bedroom residence on its own 8,000 square metre island, defined by exceptional design and entertainment spaces.
This is an island to share with your besties, for eight girlfriends or four couples enjoying real indulgence away from it all. It’s an exclusive-use island with a dedicated overwater spa offering Guerlain rituals.
This private island is a few minutes across the water from Cheval Blanc Randheli resort. You have a dedicated boat to access anything at the main resort, including the restaurants and sports facilities.
At each hour of the day you could be hanging out somewhere new: piano lounge, main lounge, the bar, dining room, dining deck, overwater sunset pavilion, 25-metre outdoor pool, jacuzzi, or one of the beaches encircling the island.
Thanda Island, Tanzania
A wild card entry because we don’t specifically know this property. It’s been an exclusive-use island since 2016 and is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. We’re keen to discover it properly.
Adventure, relaxation and complete privacy, on your own 80,000 square metre island.
Thanda is huge!We know islands of a similar size in the Maldives where they take over 200 guests! It’s located in a marine reserve off the coast of Tanzania, but not in the Zanzibar archipelago. Thanda is a small sister island to Mafia Island.
Guests have three private vessels for exploring: a 12-metre adventure yacht, a 9-metre deep-sea fishing cat, and a 11-metre motor cruiser.
Accommodation is in five suites, for a maximum of ten adults plus children. Maybe it’s a beach getaway to combine with your Tanzania safari?
Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah
A Four Seasons experience on your own island. For you and up to 21 guests.
It’s all about possibilities on this 20,000 square metre island. A tropical Eden for quiet extended family relaxation. A party paradise. A wedding venue. Perhaps a base for water sports and adventures, as a 19-metre Four Seasons yacht is at your disposal.
Led by an island chief, Voavah very much brings the Four Seasons signature service, style and facilities. The island has its own dive centre, spa, beach house, water sports centre and accommodation that’s nicely spaced to provide privacy among your group.
Both the three-bedroom beach villa and two-bedroom overwater villa have their own pools. Then the smaller mezzanine suites provide additional accommodation – they can be used by couples or as bunk rooms for children.
Like all the exclusive-use islands on this list, Voavah is where you can easily slip under the radar. If you need anonymity then these remote mid-ocean islands are ideal.
An Exclusive-Use Island for Your Indian Ocean Holiday
This is merely an overview of your options. When we dive deeper into each island we can further compare the style, service, activities and options.
Each of these islands is unique. Each is truly one of a kind. And each can be booked far ahead of time. Contact us and we’ll explore the possibilities for you.
