Full-Island Buyouts
A handful of islands are never sold by the room. You rent the whole place, staff included, and for the length of your stay nobody else sets foot on it. This category covers those buyout-only and buyout-first islands, the ones built for a wedding, a reunion, or a family that wants total control of the schedule. We rank them on how completely the booking clears the island, the minimum stay and guest cap, what a full buyout actually costs per night, and how the experience holds up once your own group is the only one running the show.
- 1
Sir Richard Branson's 74-acre private island in the British Virgin Islands, available for whole-island exclusive use with accommodation for up to 56 guests, full staff, and all meals included.
- 2
An 80-acre ultra-luxury private island off Grenada, exclusively available for whole-island buyout with 25 suites, Michelin-starred chefs, and white-glove service for up to 40 to 48 guests.
- 3
A private 11-island archipelago spanning 700 acres in the Exuma Cays, with five guest houses and whole-island-only rental for up to 24 guests starting around $50,000 per night.
- 4
The Maldives' largest private island at 32,000 square meters in South Malé Atoll, operated by Waldorf Astoria and rented whole to one group of up to 18 guests, featuring three distinct residences with accommodations across a main residence, beach villa, and overwater villa.
- 5
A 72-acre private island in the Exumas with four individually designed villas accommodating up to 30 guests, accessible only as a whole-island buyout starting around $44,000 per night.
- 6
A 5-hectare private island off Tanzania's coast with one luxury villa and two traditional beach lodges, renting exclusively whole for up to 24 guests at $33,300 to $40,750 per night, minimum five-night stay.
- 7
A three-acre volcanic islet in Fiji's Mamanuca Islands with a single villa and dedicated staff of nine, reserved exclusively for one party with no other guests or day-trippers permitted.
- 8
A 125-acre private island in Palawan with eight beachfront cottages and jungle villas accommodating up to 20 guests, fully staffed and bookable only as a whole for seven-night minimum stays starting around $9,000 per night.
- 9
A 42-hectare island resort in Australia's Great Barrier Reef off Cape York Peninsula, bookable as a whole-island exclusive experience for up to 12 guests with all-inclusive facilities and private airstrip.
- 10
A 7.5-acre private island off the Belize coast in a UNESCO marine reserve, booked exclusively as a whole-island retreat for one group of 10 to 16 guests with three villas and a small, dedicated team.
Frequently asked questions
What is the largest group size I can accommodate with a full island buyout?
The largest option is Necker Island, which can host up to 56 guests. Other islands in this category cater to smaller groups, ranging from intimate settings for 10 guests to mid-sized gatherings for up to 48 people.
Are there any islands that require a minimum stay?
Yes, some islands have specific booking requirements. Thanda Island requires a minimum of five nights, while Ariara Island requires a minimum stay of seven nights.
Can I find an island that is suitable for a very small, intimate group?
You have several options for small groups, including Wadigi Island which is a three-acre islet with a single villa. If you have a group of 10 to 16 guests, Royal Belize is also a great choice.
How much should I expect to pay per night for these exclusive rentals?
Prices vary significantly depending on the destination and scale. For example, Musha Cay starts around $50,000 per night, while Over Yonder Cay starts around $44,000 per night.