From the Philippines and French Polynesia to Seychelles, vacation like royalty and celebrities at some of the world's most exclusive private island resorts.
The Brando Island, French Polynesia
Regarded as one of the greatest actors of the 20th Century, Marlon Brando is known for having starred in films such as The Godfather and A Streetcar Named Desire. He is perhaps less well known as a hotelier. Sitting in the South Pacific on the breathtakingly beautiful atoll of Tetiaroa, are a dozen small islets known as ‘motus’ surrounded by a sparkling lagoon and enclaved by a coral reef. It is here in French Polynesia, thirty miles north of Tahiti when filming Mutiny on the Bounty, that the actor came up with the idea of developing a private island resort, The Brando, a dream he realised with with Richard Bailey (a hotelier and environmentalist). But The Brando is not, as one might assume, a fantasy refuge for the rich and famous, nor is it a status purchase by a wealthy actor. Marlon Brando’s original vision was to create a sustainable development that protected the atoll, the coral reef, and the sea life, and also introduce visitors to life in French Polynesia. Today, The Brando is a pioneering model of sustainable tourism and has also established an Eco-station for marine biologists via its non-profit organisation Tetiaroa Society.
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There are 35 villas at this private island resort with plunge pools at every villa, three restaurants, a world-class wine cellar, two bars and around-the-clock room service. In 2023 the French chef Jean Imbert was enlisted to design a new sensory experience for guests combining elements of local culture and heritage as well as introducing some of Marlon Brando’s favourite dishes inspired by his personal archives. The ‘experiences’ offered at The Brando are what really sets it apart from many other resorts: Guests are invited to learn how to open and use a coconut (handy skills if you are planning on becoming entirely self-sufficient) as well as music lessons from local Tahitians. There are trips to visit the ancient marae or stone temples that have been preserved by the Tetiaroa Society, and excursions to watch baby sea turtles hatch (November to March), from July to October humpback whales can be spotted. The atoll itself is a snorkeller's paradise and paddle boards and kayaks can be hired to explore the glittering lagoons. Private boats can also be organised for fly-fishing enthusiasts but only on a catch-and-release basis, there are also amazing walking tours to explore the islets.
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Wandering down the tree-lined paths through lush jungle The Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa offers treatments from traditional facial rituals to massages with Polynesian instruments, yoga, breath work and sound healing. Here too lies a commitment to local traditions with guests leaving feeling a powerful ‘mana’, a central concept of Polynesian spirituality that refers to the life force or spiritual energy that permeates all living things.
With a list of well-known celebrities and international guests, The Brando is accessible only by its own dedicated air carrier and there is a strict no-paparazzi rule; that it is located in one of the most remote areas of the world only adds to its appeal as one of the most exclusive private island resorts in the world. Tetiaroa is also also available for exclusive use with guests able to rent the entire resort. Marlon Brando once said of his fame “Privacy is not something that I’m merely entitled to, it's an absolute prerequisite” and it might be said that here on an atoll in French Polynesia, you can find exactly that. Plus, a heavy dose of Zen. @thebrandoresort
Waldorf Astoria Platte Island, Seychelles
Even hearing the name 'Seychelles’ instantly transports us to a world of palm-fringed beaches and aquamarine seas. On the serene shores of Platte Island which is only half a square mile in size, the Waldorf Astoria Resort has launched 50 seafront villas, ranging from one to three-bedroom villas the largest being five bedrooms. Each villa is surrounded by expansive gardens, with the newly opened resort occupying the entire island. It also comes with its own airstrip and daily flights to and from the main island of Mahe.
The island which had barely been inhabited before (it was previously a coconut plantation) is abundant in wildlife, exotic seabirds and turtles – and the villas have all been designed to allow guests to be fully immersed in nature. Platte Island (French for flat) had the perfect geography for a villa-only resort where the design also takes inspiration from the local wildlife.
Each villa has a dramatically ridged roof that fans out into an outdoor canopy, an homage to the shell of the hawksbill turtle, and beneath enormous panes of folding glass lead to a wooden deck with a private pool. Interiors are focused on using local materials, rope, rattan and bamboo which are paired with rustic linens in cream and taupe and everywhere there are collections of shells.
The three restaurants at Waldorf Astoria Platte Island in Seychelles serve everything from sushi to Mediterranean food: Maison des Epices specialises in local Creolatino food and Moulin has a fine dining tasting menu and an expansive vegetarian menu with the majority of ingredients grown on the island. La Perle, is the lunchtime option with a Mediterranean selection of dishes. The resort offers outdoor activities including kitesurfing, saltwater fly-fishing, scuba diving and bikes to cycle around the island. There are also Creole cooking classes and clay sculpting classes with Gerhard Buckholz, a renowned Austrian bronze and contemporary artist. There is time here to perhaps explore a more creative way to spend your days without distractions, the essence of private island life. @waldorfastoriaplatteisland
Nay Palad Hideaway, Philippines
Although not strictly a totally private island, Nay Palad is located on the southeastern tip of the island of Siargo in the Philippines. It is the passion project of Bobby Dekeyser, the former goalkeeper for Bayern Munich football team and also the founder of furniture company DEDON, and his daughter Carolin. Envisioned with the help of Dekeyser's friend, the award-winning designer Daniel Pouzet who is renowned for his incredible art installations, Nay Palad is the perfect blend of serenity, culture and service.
Open-air nests hang from palm trees where guests can relax and read, a hidden rooftop lounge bed accessible only by a ladder is the perfect place for an afternoon nap and the vast U-shaped communal sofa has been positioned to take in the endless ocean views. With only 10 villas ranging from one bedroom to three bedrooms, this is a ‘small is beautiful’ concept, with the crown jewel, the Perelah Villa, boasting its own private beach, pool and treehouse. Each of the villas has bathrooms designed with incredible stone floors and high-pressure showers, local Filipino craftsmen have made most of the furniture including the hand-carved benches in each of the bathrooms.
The Hideaway spa specialises in Hilot, a Filipino massage tradition acclaimed for its healing abilities and there is also a dedicated yoga pavilion and an outdoor cinema. Chef Justin Mechill uses the freshest island catch of the day and local produce to create exceptional food and the cool circular bar serves the best rum cocktails. Renowned for its epic surf break, Cloud 9, is within easy distance of the resort and there are plenty of water sports available. Nay Palad Hideaway was designed to put its guests in the barefoot luxury mindset as it certainly succeeds. @naypalad
Alphonse Island, Seychelles
With a coastal shoreline of only 3.42 miles, Alphonse Island has long been considered the fishing mecca amongst those seeking world-class fly and game fishing. The atolls are home to a huge population of bonefish, triggerfish, barracuda and grouper. But this private island also offers something that few other places can, a total digital detox. The island has minimal wifi and guests arriving here must succumb to a 99% digital unplug and surrender fully to island life.
With 21 private beach bungalows and five one-bedroom beach suites, the bungalows are set out on the eastern shoreline of the island, no more than a few metres from the beach and most guests choose to cycle around the island (a golf buggy is also available). The bungalows, designed by Florence Masson, a Mauritian decorator, are both elegant and rustic, fitting effortlessly into the surroundings. Each property is set on a raised wooden platform with a thatched roof, open-air shower and with a private garden where you might just see one of the local Aldabra tortoises strolling past. The Le Lys Bar at the heart of Alphonse has been totally renovated and the excellent bartenders serve farm-fresh cocktails. Dolphins and whales can be spotted while sitting at the bar.
The Bijoutier restaurant combines Creole specialities and of course freshly caught fish of the day. There is a fresh juice bar set in a lush garden and for lunch, the team at Alphonse Island in Seychelles can take you on a short boat ride to St Francois, where a buffet BBQ is served on the sand flats that overlook the lagoon. Sitting beneath a parasol, eating tantalisingly fresh food and listening only to the waves, there is little reason to ever want to leave this private paradise.
There is also a private 54-foot catamaran called A’mani which can be taken out for day trips or just to watch the sunset. Alphonse, like the other private island resorts on this list, takes conservation seriously and the ICS (Island Conservation Society) works tirelessly to restore and preserve its climate whilst ensuring all aspects of the resort follow strict sustainability guidelines. A stay on Alphonse Island contributes to maintaining the ecosystem and supporting the ongoing clean-up effort and other marine research programmes. @bluesafariseychelles
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