Summary
While exclusive private island escapes are often perceived as expensive retreats, visiting a far-flung island can be affordable. Your dream private island vacation can be achieved without compromising your budget. Travelers can enjoy luxurious accommodations starting at just $50 a night.
Explore picturesque destinations like Fiji or the Maldives and savor attributes like stunning sunsets, crystal-clear waters, and soft white-sand beaches without paying exorbitantly. From Panama to Kenya and even Europe, private island resorts abound to match various preferences and budgets.
Here, we present eight unique and breathtaking properties situated on their own private expanses where a memorable vacation awaits without exorbitant costs.
Urraca Private Island Eco Resort, Panama
Nestled in the lush Bocas del Toro archipelago on Panama’s northern coast, Urraca offers a unique island experience. The resort is constructed on stilts over crystal-clear Caribbean waters, allowing guests to observe abundant marine life beneath. A nearby barrier reef keeps waters calm, making it perfect for snorkeling and diving adventures. The bioluminescent waters surrounding the mangrove island create mesmerizing views at night.
The intimate eco-friendly retreat features six overwater bungalows, complete with private balconies and outdoor showers. While four of the bungalows share two full bathrooms, the honeymoon hut is available for an additional fee and offers a private bathroom and deck with direct water access.
Nightly rates from $195, urracaprivateisland.com
Likuri Island Resort, Fiji
Likuri Island is an idyllic destination off Fiji’s main coast, rich in local history. Guests have opportunities to engage in cultural activities such as plant tours, Fijian weaving and cooking classes, and visits to ancient pottery sites. Coupled with Fiji’s stunning beaches and clear waters, popular activities include surfing, snorkeling, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding.
The island features 23 bures, or Fijian bungalows, located amidst lush greenery just steps from the beach, all with private bathrooms. A buffet restaurant offers a wide selection of dishes crafted from fresh, organic ingredients, while the beach bar provides a variety of local beers, wines, and cocktails with beautiful ocean views.
Nightly rates from $50, likurifiji.com
Gem Island Resort & Spa, Malaysia
Set on a verdant 8.5-acre island, just a 15-minute boat ride from the Malaysian mainland, Gem Island Resort & Spa serves as an ideal couple’s retreat without breaking the bank.
Guests may select from a range of romantic accommodations, which include villas with private balconies overlooking pristine waters and one-bedroom “hideaway” jungle suites. Guests can relax with a massage at the island’s spa before indulging in delicious meals while enjoying stunning coastal views from the waterfront restaurant.
Nightly rates from $125, gemisland.com.my
Nangyuan Island Dive Resort, Thailand
This serene resort comprises three private islands linked by sandy bars, situated in the Gulf of Thailand. The property features fifty-six bungalows and villas equipped with modern-day amenities, private bathrooms, and porches (some overlooking the ocean). A laid-back waterfront eatery, a coffee shop, and a beach bar add to the resort’s offerings.
As the name implies, the resort specializes in diving tours and classes, making it a paradise for both seasoned divers and beginners eager to explore vibrant marine life. Significantly, the resort also provides discounted rates for divers.
Nightly rates from $89, nangyuan.com
Rock Island Resort, Philippines
Rock Island Resort prides itself on being “the best place to watch the sunrise and sunset” and it’s easy to understand why. This budget-friendly property, located on a tiny rock island in Cambatong Bay, is just a short five-minute boat trip from the Hinatuan Enchanted River, a captivating natural attraction known for its turquoise waters.
The resort features air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, accommodating up to nine guests. Guests can enjoy a seafood restaurant, a viewing deck, and specially designed “picnic cottages” built on stilts providing direct water access, ensuring multiple vantage points for enjoying breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.
Nightly rates from $46, expedia.com
The Sands At Chale Island, Kenya
Situated off the Kenyan coast, this paradise spans 15 acres of lush forests, including a secluded white-sand beach frequented by nesting turtles and idyllic coral reefs. The resort not only offers striking views but is also home to diverse plant and animal life, contributing to an unmatched tropical island experience.
Guests at The Sands At Chale Island can access three swimming pools, a bar, a gym, a spa, and abundant space for sunbathing and unwinding with a cocktail. Various accommodation options are available, including standard rooms with balconies, overwater suites, and small villas; the Suite on the Rocks stands out with its thatched-roof design on its own private islet, accessible via a stone bridge.
Nightly rates from $199, thesandsatchaleisland.com
Makunudu Island, Maldives
As one of the Maldives’ oldest resorts, established in 1982, Makunudu Island boasts an outstanding reputation among visitors who repeatedly return to enjoy the sun, breathtaking views, and a getaway from daily life. Guests often indulge in snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, or simply lounging on the pristine beaches.
This cozy private island resort encompasses 36 rooms and spacious beachfront bungalows with private bathrooms, catering to both couples and families. A restaurant serving fresh seafood, a bar, volleyball and table tennis areas, as well as a diving school, provide entertainment options for guests.
Nightly rates from $172, makunudu.com
Isabella Valamar Collection Island Resort, Croatia
It’s indeed possible to find a dreamy, affordable private island getaway in Europe. Located on Sveti Nikola in the Adriatic Sea, Isabella Valamar Collection Island Resort is just five minutes by boat from Poreč, Croatia.
This expansive four-star beachfront resort provides a diverse array of tranquil accommodations. The elegantly furnished rooms and family suites boast private balconies and bathtubs, with some offering stunning views of historic Poreč.
Guests are treated to private beaches, a range of adult and children’s pools, as well as a wellness center, all designed to ensure a relaxed atmosphere. The resort’s bars and restaurants deliver delightful Mediterranean and traditional Croatian cuisine, paired with breathtaking sea vistas—perfect for alfresco dining.
Nightly rates from $157, valamar.com
