Imagine how blissful it would be to leave behind the horrors of traffic, the constant blathering of everyone around you, and the stifling air of urban life. As Martin Perron, Director of Marketing for Caribbean Way explains, “Discerning travelers are increasingly looking to private island rentals and villa rentals for their Caribbean vacations. More and more people are realizing that the comfort, luxury, and value associated with island vacations are unparalleled. After all, what could be more luxurious than a secluded hideaway in paradise surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters?”
Renting a private island doesn't mean sacrificing the luxuries of life. Many rentals come with finer accoutrements than five star hotels.
Musha Cay in the Exuma Chain of the Bahamas allows you to bring up to 24 guests to stay in three villas spread among 150 acres. A staff of 35, including a world-class chef, will fulfill your desires. The $37,000+ price tag per night includes unlimited use of all amenities, including a fleet of watercraft. Some 2,700 tonnes of white sand was shipped to the island from Florida to create seven private beaches with sugar-soft sand.
Want to stay closer to home? Consider Breakwater Island in the Georgia Strait, British Columbia. The two homes on the island sleep six. The island is 1.4 kilometres long and is covered with fir and arbutus trees. There is a sandy swimming beach near the two houses and a famous eel diving area. Boats are available for the renter’s use.
Island Rental Questions to Ask
When choosing an island to rent, there are many things to consider:
- How easy is it to get to the island? Some spectacular islands are difficult to access.
- How many bedrooms will you need?
- Do you want a pool, a beach, or both?
- Is food and/or a chef supplied?
- Is there full-time staff on the island? Do you want a maid to come in for a quick daily clean or do you want a chef, butler, maid, caretaker, and nanny on site?
- If you want them, are there telephones, Internet connections, and satellite TV? Will your cell phone work at this location?
- What is included in the rental price?
- If you plan to boat to the island, what is the moorage capability?
As Perron explains, “Private island rentals offer many advantages that clients won’t find at a hotel or resort: maximum privacy, ultimate comfort, personalized service, and superior value. Whether it’s a holiday with friends, a family reunion, wedding, or corporate retreat, private island rentals make the ultimate vacation experience.”
But Perron is quick to point out, “The very thing that makes a private island rental desirable – its exclusive location – can also create different challenges for travelers. Most private islands are reached only by private boat or float plane. Many private islands are too small to accommodate private jets so special arrangements must be made to land elsewhere. Clients considering a private island rental should enquire about transportation to, and on, the island.”
Perron continues, “Those who enjoy urban attractions such as restaurants, shops, and a vibrant nightlife won’t find them on a private island; travelers who rent private islands do so primarily to enjoy the company of family and friends in an intimate setting. Private island guests with special needs (e.g. allergies, medications, mobility restrictions) should enquire before booking whether these can be taken care of on the island. Sometimes medical aid is only available on larger neighboring islands or on the mainland.”
Consider Money Key Island located 25 kilometres from Key West, Florida. The caretaker is absent to ensure your total privacy but can be on site within five minutes. Guests prepare their own meals but a grocery delivery service is available. There is a superb entertainment system and high-speed Internet access via satellite. A boat is included in the rental price for travel to the mainland or other islands. Fishing gear is supplied as the area has some of the best fishing and diving in America.
Popular Private Island Rental Destinations
Where are popular island areas? According to Renee Redmond, Director of Operations for Private Islands Online, “Far and away, the most popular and idyllic islands are in the Caribbean. The Bahamas is definitely one of the world’s most desirable locations. Maine is a much-coveted location on the eastern U.S. seaboard. But if you are willing to forgo a sandy beach for a mountain vista and some pine trees, Canada with its million lakes and thousands of kilometres of coastline, has more islands than any other nation.”
Ready to rent a private island? Consider Necker Island owned by Virgin Group founder Richard Branson. Located in the British Virgin Islands, Necker is almost completely encircled by coral reefs, ensuring its seclusion from the world, and is marked by sandy beaches. The 74-acre island comes with its own helipad, pools, sporting amenities, calypso band, and a staff of 42. With one large house and two small ones scattered throughout the island, Necker can accommodate 26 visitors. Past guests include Mel Gibson, Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford, Oprah Winfrey, and Michael J. Fox.
For more information or to book a private island getaway, check out the following:
- Caribbean Way – This Quebec based web site rents private islands in the Caribbean with prices ranging from under a thousand dollars a night to tens of thousands, depending on the number of occupants and the degree of luxury.
- Private Islands Online – “A one-stop resource for anyone interested in buying, selling, renting, or learning about private islands.”
- Sanctuare – This web site lists some luxurious private island properties.
Toby Welch - Toby is a full-time freelance writer who specializes in magazine articles, online writing, e-books, and manuscript editing.
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