Cover Image: Banwa Private Island

Book out these islands and resorts to experience an utterly private, luxurious escape with your nearest and dearest

Travel restrictions may still be in place, but that hasn't stopped us from thinking about our next getaway. After so many months of zero travel, we're dreaming of pristine waters, white sand beaches and our very own slice of luxury.

Feel the same way? To experience the very best, these private islands and hotels allow you to book out their entire resorts for you to enjoy all for yourself – along with a selection of your closest friends, naturally.

From Indonesia to The Philippines, here's where you can experience an ultra-luxe and exclusive stay in Asia.

1. Amanwana, Indonesia

Situated on Moyo Island, just 90-minutes from Bali, Amanwana is a stunning natural retreat. Spanning more than 32,000 hectares of protected jungle, the resort offers incredible vistas of the turquoise, coral-rich Flores Sea. Set in between the jungle and the shore, Amanwan features 12 luxury guest tents suites—pairing a wilderness experience with modern luxury.
 
The entire island can be privately booked for the ultimate secluded retreat. Spend your days discovering the abundance of aquatic life on the picturesque dive sites, enjoying sunset cruises, snorkelling adventures, or even exploring the cascading waterfalls and hidden caves of the island. When it comes to relaxation, the Jungle Cove Spa offers a full menu of Aman signature experiences to help you unwind.
 
Find out more at aman.com.

2. Alamayah, Indonesia

It’s only a 50-minute flight from Bali, but Sumba feels like a different universe. Home to one of the last flourishing prehistoric tribes on earth, Sumba’s rich culture and raw natural beauty make it a true gem; it also hosts only a handful of responsible hotels committed to preserving this special community. The newest name is Alamayah, a five-star boutique retreat located in the beachside village of Kerewe.

Getting here is an adventure in itself—guests take a two-hour drive through mountains, waterfalls and mahogany forests that introduce the island’s untouched scenery. With only six private suites, the intimate hotel is focused on helping guests reconnect with themselves, offering activities such as yoga, sound healing, jungle treks and, of course, surfing. The all-inclusive stay also features a healer’s body analysis, three plant-based meals a day, as well as medicinal mixology.

Find out more at alamayah.com.

3. Ariara, The Philippines

Ariara is all about low-impact luxury—promising guests a glimpse of the Philippines as it was before tourism descended on the islands. Boasting 125-acres of pristine beach and forest, guests can choose to stay in tropical beach cottages or in elevated jungle villas. With the exception of local fishermen bringing in the catch of the day, the surrounding sea is yours and yours alone to explore by jet ski, snorkel, scuba, or on Ariara's restored 100-foot trimaran. 
 
The fully-staffed private island can be exclusively yours, catering to up to 18 guests, with every experience tailored to meet your needs from. No request is too great – from on-site yoga to making sure that your favourite wine or champagne is on-site before you arrive, the staff will have you covered.
 
Find out more at ariaraisland.com.

4. Bawah Reserve, Indonesia

Just a three-hour journey from Singapore is Bawah Reserve—one of Indonesia’s most exclusive, off-the-grid resorts. Set amidst the Anambas archipelago, Bawah is a sanctuary for mindful travellers. It is the first island in Indonesia to be powered by a renewable micro-grid, boasting 35 safari tent-like villas hand-built from sustainable materials such as bamboo, recycled teak and copper. The property hosts up to 70 guests at any time, though we imagine further restrictions will be implemented once it is re-opened. Bawah Reserve will also be unveiling Elang Private Island this year, an adults-only private island experience featuring six eco-consicous cliffside lodges created by Singaporean design Sim Boon Yang.

With the surrounding beauty of flourishing greenery and tranquil blue waters, entertainment here comes in the form of the great outdoors—there is no TV or radio in the suite, and Wifi connectivity is limited. Instead, the resort offers the sandy beach at your doorstep with a myriad of water sports options, a well-appointed open-air spa, and other activities like yoga and trekking.

Find out more at bawahreserve.com.

5. Banwa Private Island, The Philippines

Located in North-eastern Palawan in the Sulu Sea, Banwa Private Island is set on six hectares of lush, verdant landscape and pristine white sand beaches. Promising untouched nature at its very best, the island sits in the heart of a marine protected area, home to the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle, the Dugong and numerous other rare and endangered species. For water lovers, the nearby Tubbataha Reef is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s top 10 dive sites. Activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing and more are on offer for all experience levels.
 
The island’s villas have been designed to immerse guests in natural beauty, with luxury in mind. Floor to ceiling windows offer stunning views of the pool, beach and garden terrace, all with the utmost privacy. As your own island hideaway, all six villas can be exclusively booked for the ultimate tranquil escape.

Find out more at banwaprivateisland.com.

6. Brother Island, The Philippines

Accepting only private bookings, Brother Island will be nothing but yours during your stay. The exclusive private island is located just a stone's throw from the popular destination of El Nido, but promises to offer an experience that’s worlds away from the tourist hotspot.
 
The friendly staff can cater to your every need, including bespoke bookings for both weddings and yoga retreats. Packages include a private chef that will cook traditional Filipino fare with locally grown produce. Kayaking and snorkelling gear can be rented, and guests can opt to book island hopping tours of the neighbouring picturesque bays and islands to further enhance their stay.

Find out more at brotherisland.ph.

7. Cempedak Island

A pristine beach paradise located just in our own backyard—Cempedak Island, off the coast of the Riau islands in Indonesia, is just less than three hours away. Built with ‘barefoot luxury’ in mind, the adult-only resort is the perfect place for an urban detox. There is no air-conditioner, TV, fridge, or single-use amenities here, but you can count on the clever and beautiful design of the eco-conscious resort and its 20 villas.

Built from natural materials like sustainable bamboo and alang alang cogon grass, fully immerse in the gentle sea breeze and the comforts of organic textiles in your abode. And in the day, explore the natural wonders that the isle has to offer with its thriving flora and fauna. Every day is a feast at the resort’s only restaurant, with ingredients freshly picked from an on-site garden or its seven-hectare farm in Bintan.

Find out more at cempedak.com.

8. Mandapa, a Ritz Carlton Reserve, Indonesia

Set along Ubud’s Ayung River and surrounded by verdant rice paddies and rolling hills, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve introduces hotel guests to another side of Bali. The five-star secluded retreat promises to relax one's mind, body, and soul, all while guests are immersed in the natural beauty and Balinese culture.
 
Though not set on its own island, the entire Mandapa Reserve can still be exclusively yours, with guests being treated to luxurious amenities, personalised service and a combination of authentic Indonesian and Mediterranean cuisine during their stay. The Ubud resort not only features 35 suites and 25 private pool villas, but also offers a range of activities and experiences, with everything from exploring hidden temples, catching the sunrise from atop Mount Batur, or driving a vintage VW convertible from village to village on offer.

Find out more at ritzcarlton.com

9. Nihi Sumba, Indonesia

Set “on the edge of wilderness” on a private coast of the little known Sumba Island, Nihi Sumba is a rustic chic resort that champions the barefoot luxury lifestyle.  There’s something for everyone here—surfers looking to take on the world’s most coveted wave, Occy’s Left, wellness aficionados who want to indulge in a full day ‘spa safari’ at NihiOka, and even chocolate lovers looking to indulge in all things chocolate at Chris and Charly’s chocolate factory.

Formerly named Nihiwatu—after the beach of Nihiwatu—the resort was first operated by surf enthusiasts Claude and Petra Graves, and brought to greater heights by entrepreneur Christopher Burch and hotelier James McBride into the tropical-luxe, 28-villa property it is today. What has not changed however, is the resort’s mindful treatment of the island’s heritage, culture, and community.

Find out more at nihi.com.

10. Nikoi Private Island, Indonesia

Sister to Cempedak Private Island, Nikoi Private Island offers the same unspoilt beauty made friendly for the whole family. Regarded as one of the most stunning islands off the east coast of Bintan, Indonesia, the 15-hectare isle boasts pristine sandy beaches, colourful coral reefs, and magnificent white granite boulders. Nikoi offers 20 private beach houses, but the island can also be booked in its entirety.

The property blends seamlessly with the beauty of its surroundings, designed mindfully around the natural canvas of the island and built with locally-sourced materials and pieces of driftwood. This creates a restful space and sense of belonging for those looking to reconnect with nature. A myriad of activities will keep you distracted from your phone here, from adventurous sports of rock climbing, mountain biking, and windsurfing to a relaxing session at the dedicated all-natural spa. 

Find out more at nikoi.com.

11. NoaNoa Island, The Philippines

Book out NoaNoa Island in The Philippines and enjoy your own slice of private luxury. Set on a remote private island, the hotel is situated amidst a lush jungle ecosystem and overlooks a spectacular coral reef. Keen divers can snorkel straight off the beach and reach the reef within four metres for a truly unique underwater excursion. Activities such as kayaking, snorkelling and glass-bottom boats are all available, with island-hopping tours to other Palawan islands also on offer.

Designed with sustainability in mind, and dedicated to protecting the reef it sits on, the hotel's eco operation makes use of solar power and organic and local produce—even going so far to offer its own reef-safe sunscreen to all guests. The island's local and friendly staff can cater for up to 12 guests at one time.

Choose to arrive in style and book a seaplane or helicopter to transport you straight to the island from Manilla. 

Find out more at noanoaisland.com.

12. Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia

Set away from the tourist hub of Sihanoukville—just a 25-minute drive and 40-minute boat ride away—is Song Saa Private Island, the ultimate destination when it comes to exclusive luxury. The stunning eco-resort is set on the Koh Rong Islands and was created with sustainability in mind, featuring a range of luxe ocean view jungle villas.
 
For a true taste of privacy, the resort can be booked for private events, including weddings and bespoke corporate gatherings. Promising to go above and beyond to make your stay as memorable as can be, a host of adventures and activities are available to enhance your private island experience, along with a range of sumptuous global and local cuisines. It’s barefoot luxury at its very best.

Find out more at songsaa.com.

13. Pulau Pangkil Private Island Resort, Indonesia

Pulau Pangkil is an exclusive tropical island resort located off the South-Eastern corner of Bintan Island, Indonesia. The private island paradise describes itself as “Survivor with maids and butlers”, with its driftwood palaces serving as the luxury accommodation on the island, and more than 20 staff on hand to offer the very best personalised service.
 
Perfect for a relaxing break, the island has ample hammocks for you to take in the scenery at your own pace. For those looking for more of an adventure, sailing, kayaking, fishing and snorkelling trips can all be arranged.

Find out more at pangkil.com.

14. The Legian Sire, Indonesia

Affectionately known as Bali’s sister island due to its proximity—it’s a mere 25-minute flight or a ferry ride away—Lombok is definitely coming into its own. All the more so with the upcoming opening of The Legian Sire in December. Set on the 3.8-kilometre Sire beach, the all-suite resort features 46 luxurious rooms and a penthouse, with the smallest suite at 100 square metres.

Designed by Studio Affandy & Yeo—whose principals are prodigies of Indonesian design legend Jaya Ibrahim—the interiors celebrate local culture and craftsmanship. It also seamlessly blends with the architecture of award-winning ESA International, headed by Putu Edy Semara. The firm crafted a stunning two-tiered swimming pool, one tier measuring 70-metres and the other 50-metres, and a clever masterplan that allows every suite to enjoy a large private terrace with ocean views.

Find out more at lhm-hotels.com.

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