The Maldives is an incredible destination.
The best Maldives private islands are like paradise on earth.
We’re fortunate to live on an earth where there are many paradises to uncover.
So from an untouched Pacific island to upcoming island destinations and private Caribbean islands, here are some exotic alternatives to your Maldives holiday.
The Brando, French Polynesia
Summer is the time to discover French Polynesia. And while Bora Bora is paradise, for an illustrious private island escape there’s nowhere to rival The Brando.
The island of Matu Onetahi is only accessible by helicopter.
Here, 35 oceanfront villas hide among the coconut palms, on an island 20 – 50 times larger than most Maldives private island resorts.
You have access to the entire Tetiaroa Atoll as well. We recommend combining The Brando with a stay on Bora Bora, like Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora or Conrad Bora Bora Nui.
andBeyond Mnemba Island, Zanzibar
A barefoot oasis in the Indian Ocean and another exotic choice that’s perfect for travel from June to November.
Mnemba Island is only a 15-minute speedboat ride from Zanzibar yet the atmosphere is completely different.
Exclusivity reigns here, with only 12 suites and more than two staff for every guest.
The island’s powdery white sands are amazing for sunseekers from June to September. Pro tip: this is also a great time to go on a safari in nearby Tanzania!
Necker Island, British Virgin Islands
Richard Branson’s private Caribbean island is a delightful space of untamed beaches and white sandbanks, stretching around the most turquoise of waters.
For most of the year it’s booked on an exclusive-use basis, for up to 48 family and friends.
The ten Bali-inspired villas can also be booked on an individual basis during “Celebration Weeks.”
During these weeks you can experience a billionaire’s island indulgence as just a couple or small family. We recommend travel here from August to November.
Look out for the lemurs and giant tortoises who also call this paradise home! And consider a combo with the Cayman Islands.
Sumba Island, Indonesia
It’s becoming cliche to describe an island as “how Bali used to be.” It’s strange that so many people are searching for this holiday on the island of….Bali.
Indonesia has 18,000 islands and our favourite right now is Sumba. Like Bali, there’s a magnificent mix of tropical jungle, glorious beaches and a unique indigenous culture.
Unlike Bali, this wild island destination remains untamed.
NIHI Sumba offers the intimacy of a private island resort, on an island you could explore for weeks and weeks. We love its unpretentious luxury, solitude and sustainability.
Cap Karoso beautifully captures the mystery of Sumba Island and combines it with contemporary design and flair. It’s one of the hottest new beach hotels we know.
The very best time to visit Sumba island is May to July.
Yao Noi, Thailand
Thailand’s last untouched paradise?
Tourism on Yao Noi has been slow to develop and that’s proved to be a major drawcard for discerning travellers.
While other islands balance mass tourism with luxury resorts, Yao Noi remains a place of undeveloped beaches, fishing villages, hiking in lush forests and private snorkelling.
Limestone islets dot the horizon in all directions and there are two places to stay. Anantara Yao Noi is on our hot list of new hotels to visit in 2023. It will be great for families.
Six Senses Yao Noi is a rustic and heavenly space of thatched-roof villas, each with private pools. This is a castaway paradise for couples.
Yao Noi is being developed as a year-round destination, with October to April best for beach holidays and April to October best for scuba diving.
Oman
Do you need to stay on an island to have the feeling of an exotic island holiday? Maybe not when you consider what’s possible in Oman.
Here’s a country with over 3000 kilometres of Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean coastline.
Many of the beach areas feel completely cut off and private, because they’re backdropped by big mountains and sand dunes.
Six Senses Zighy Bay is an awesome combination with Dubai, because Dubai International is the closest airport. You can even paraglide the final part of the journey to the resort!
Alila Hinu Bay is a gloriously isolated beachfront property in South Oman, near Salalah. Save this one for winter, when direct Prague to Salalah flights resume.
Anguilla
What attracts you to the Maldives? White beaches, beautiful design-led resorts, marine activities, space, exclusivity, private villas? Perhaps all of the above?
So how about Anguilla in the Caribbean? We had many clients discovering Anguilla this winter and expect many more will travel here next winter.
The freshly renovated Belmond Cap Juluca is our top resort choice, thanks to its beach, intimacy and stunning suites.
We also had good feedback from Four Seasons Resort & Residences Anguilla. Look out for our reviews of other Anguilla hotels in the near future too.
Your Exotic Alternative to the Maldives?
We have more ideas, including islands in Europe and getaways in the Atlantic Ocean. This month, two of our clients are off to the Komodo Islands in Indonesia!
If you’re looking for an island holiday that won’t be the same as everybody else’s, we are here for you.
