Gladden Island

This is quite likely the most secluded island getaway available — and also the most lavish. A place where you feel like you're the only people on the earth, but a Daiquiri is just a handshake away. Gladden's topography drew owner Chris Krolow in two mangrove-ringed islets, one in front of the other, a half-hour chopper ride from Belize City across the western hemisphere's largest barrier reef. Krolow has built a solitary villa on the first island and relocated the workers to the second. Guests are delightfully alone on their Robinson Crusoe dot to browse around the sleek, Mayan-inspired house, sprawl out on a day bed by the pool or swim in the blue water. However, the chef, manager, and concierge are only a two-minute boat ride away.

A privacy light indicates whether the housekeeper has arrived to tidy up the room, the spa therapist is preparing for a massage in the palapa, or a barbecue is being lighted for a supper of chargrilled lobster and garden salad.

The Maya Mountains shimmer in the distance from the roof terrace, and the sea around the island is quiet. This is in a marine reserve with whale sharks and dolphin pods. The boat captain can arrange mainland excursions (such as shopping in Placencia or a tour of the Mayan ruins), but the most prudent thing to do is to stay put. This is Central America's shiniest island hideaway until Leonardo di Caprio opens Blackadore Caye in Belize later this year.

Ariara Private Island

Ariara, located in the Calamian archipelago about 160 miles south-west of Manila, has a curving, palm-fringed beach, a sea so clear that you can see right through to the sandy bottom, a slightly mysterious, jungly center for the adventurous to hike through, and, shimmering away in the distance, even more, sand-rimmed and forested islands to explore. Take the island in its entirety: with its large thatched central sitting and dining areas, four beach cottages, and two villas (all of which have been designed by Jorge Yulo, a hot Filipino architect), it can house up to 18 people.

There is 35 staff who give their pampered guests the time of their lives. Lunch under the palm trees? Dinner beneath the stars? But of course. Want to practice yoga or have a massage? All can be arranged. Feeling active? So, this island for what you need. Because here you can do everything that you want!

Pulau Joyo Private Island

The southern reaches of the South China Sea are peppered with islands - sprawling archipelagos, clusters of teardrops, and uninhabited wildernesses. And there's an astonishing number that you can take over. Pulau Joyo, though, remains by far the most charming. It's smaller than nearby Nikoi, less flashy than Batu Batu, prettier than Pangkil, and more authentic than the Maldivian-style over-water villas of Telunas. It's small but there's plenty to do: paddleboard around the shoreline, swim, snorkel (avoiding the odd jellyfish), kayak out to the reef, gather shells and chase hermit crabs on the footprint-free sand, or just hole up on your shaded deck listening to the dried Alang-Alang grass roofs rustle in the breeze. Anyone with really itchy feet can charter the 140ft Hang Tuah for fishing expeditions or sail to the nearby islands of Binyoso, Lina, and Murbai.

Laucala Island

A private island in the South Pacific, Laucana unities dramatic rai-forest-laced landscape and white sandy beaches with unparalleled levels of luxury and privacy.
No expense has been spared at the exclusive tropical hideaway, where 25 Fiji-styled villas are set amid coconut plantations, beside deserted beaches, and atop the island’s volcanic mountains, overlooking fertile coral reefs and endless jungle.
Style and sustainability go hand in hand throughout, from the natural fibers, and woods used in design to the wild orchids harvested in gardens and organic produce grown on island farms. A private island covering 12 square kilometers, Lucana offers dramatic extremes in the landscape: volcanic mountains covered in tropical rainforest and postcard-perfect beaches, untouched mangroves, and coral reefs brimming with marine life.

Fregate Private Island

Fregate Island Private is one of the most opulent luxury hotel resorts in the world. It is the easternmost of Seychelles' granitic Inner Islands and offers a diverse range of activities and services. The resort also takes its role as guardian of this wildlife-rich island seriously, devoting significant resources to nature conservation.

No expense has been spared at the exclusive tropical hideaway, where 25 Fiji-styled villas are set amid coconut plantations, beside deserted beaches, and atop the island’s volcanic mountains, overlooking fertile coral reefs and endless jungle.