Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Top 10 most exclusive private island resorts in the world

The epitome of luxury travel is staying at a fabulous 5-star hotel that is set on its very own private island. The following ten elite resorts, all of them located on private tropical islands, rank among the most exclusive hotel properties worldwide, offering absolute discretion, unique experiences, and word-class service (with price tags that match their reputations).

There’s more information (with reviews + YouTube videos) below the slide show. Think I missed one? Leave a comment, or take my poll below!

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10. INTERCONTINENTAL HAYMAN ISLAND, GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA

Hayman Island is a private island resort in the heart of the Whitsundays, managed by the InterContinental Hotel Group. The nearest island to the Great Barrier Reef, Hayman Island is ideal for nature based activities and exceptional guest experiences. Featuring 160 guest rooms, suites, villas and penthouses across three main accommodation wings, the property presents guests the ultimate in barefoot luxury. Restaurants and bars offer an array of local and international cuisines, while the spa is a heaven for the body and soul. The resort’s on-island experiences range from nature-bound walking trails, immersive wildlife tours, fish feeding, cultural weaving classes and a curated collection of sports and fitness activities including yoga, tennis lessons, state-of-the-art golf simulator and more.

• Hotel website: InterContinental Hayman Island
• Other accolades: Hayman Island also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in Australia, the world’s most amazing beach resorts, and luxury hotels with private helipads.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD resort credit).
• Review: read my review of Hayman Island here (when it was still managed by One&Only).

9. CALALA ISLAND, NICARAGUA

Tucked away in a little-known corner of the Caribbean (off the coast of Nicaragua), Calala Island is a hidden gem featuring just four suites on the entire island, accommodating a maximum of eight guests (suites can be rented individually or the entire Island booked exclusively). A dedicated team of 30 staff for a 4:1 staff to guest ratio caters for guests’ every desire. Dining is a moveable feast: on your terrace, in the restaurant, at the pool bar or on the beach. Expect Michelin-inspired tasting meus in the evening and casual classics at lunch. The island is a nesting site for the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles so expect to see them laying, hatching and meandering to the sea during the various seasons.

• Hotel website: Calala Island

8. AMANPULO, PHILIPPINES

Accessible only by private plane, tropical Pamalican Island is around an hour from Manila, yet feels a world away from anywhere. Managed by the famous Aman group – one of the most luxurious hotel brands in the world – since December 1993, Amanpulo is the only property on this Philippine island. Its 40 airy casitas and villas open to 5.5 km (3,5 miles) of coral sand that encircle a jungled center. With a convivial poolside clubhouse, an Aman spa, dive center and a laidback beach club, guests can be as active as they choose; a snorkel on your private beachfront might be all the exertion required to complete a day of restorative lounging. Other diversions include tennis courts, island hikes, turtle spotting and exploring the kaleidoscopic reefs just offshore.

• Hotel website: Amanpulo
• Other accolades: Amanpulo also features in my top 10 list of luxury hotels with private airports.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and one a la carte lunch for two).

7. COMO PARROT CAY, TURKS & CAICOS

COMO Parrot Cay, a favorite among celebrities, is the northern Caribbean’s preeminent private island, wrapped in sweeps of sand and peaceful seas in the Turks and Caicos. It combines 1,000 unspoiled acres and a 1.5 km (1 mi) long, powder-sand beach with relaxed luxury. The region’s best spa, the award-winning COMO Shambhala Retreat, provides holistic, Asian-inspired therapies. Guests can choose from 72 unique guest rooms, suites, villas, and beachside houses, all decorated with understated elegance. For absolute privacy, reserve a residence tucked away from the main resort. The island’s two restaurants serve gourmet dishes, including organic, healthful COMO Shambhala cuisine.

• Hotel website: COMO Parrot Cay
• Other accolades: COMO Parrot Cay also features in my top 10 lists of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean and luxury hotels loved by celebrities.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD hotel credit).
• Review: read my review of COMO Parrot Cay here.

6. &BEYOND MNEMBA ISLAND, TANZANIA

If you have ever harbored the secret wish of finding yourself the sole inhabitant of a beautiful tropical island, but without the effort of having to lift a finger to fend for yourself, &Beyond Mnemba Island is just the place for you. This romantic, private hideaway is an award-winning barefoot beach paradise just off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, accommodating a maximum of 24 guests at a time. Guest relax and unwind in the exclusivity of their own stretch of beachfront, where 12 beachside bandas peep out onto unblemished sands from the dappled shade of the casuarina pine forest and overlook the Mnemba atoll (a scuba diver’s delight). From snorkeling, swimming, ands kayaking to massages in the beach, to doing nothing at all, &Beyond Mnemba Island has something for everyone.

• Hotel website: &Beyond Mnemba Island
• Other accolades: &Beyond Mnemba Island also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels & resorts in Zanzibar, the best luxury hotels in Tanzania, and Africa’s most astonishing beach retreats.
• Review: read my review of &Beyond Mnemba Island here.

5. LAUCALA ISLAND, FIJI

Set upon 3,500 exclusive acres Laucala private island resort is set amidst coconut plantations, sandy beaches, rich green mountains and breathtaking natural beauty. True luxury is appreciated in the privacy of the resort’s 25 Fijian-styled villas widely spread on the northern tip of the island. Seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living creates an inspiringly relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere. Featuring an iridescent kaleidoscope of activities – scuba diving, sailing, fishing, tennis, cycling, golf, yoga, culture nights, tours, and water sports – the resort’s integral philosophy incorporates the island’s resources into guest experiences, with products and ingredients raised and grown on the island for use in the spa and across the five gourmet restaurants and bars.

• Hotel website: Laucala Island
• Other accolades: Laucala Island also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most expensive hotels, the world’s most over-the-top hotel experiences, and luxury hotels with private airports.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD hotel credit).

4. THE BRANDO, FRENCH POLYNESIA

The Brando is a unique luxury resort on French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful private island of Tetiaroa – an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Tahiti. The Brando offers carefree luxury in the midst of pristine nature and is only accessible by a 20-minute private plane flight from Tahiti. The resort’s 35 villas sit on white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds. This Polynesian style resort also offers two restaurants showcasing Polynesian-inspired dishes, East/West fusion and classic French cuisine, as well as a luxurious spa and wellness center. It was in this natural wonderland that the legendary actor Marlon Brando settled down, and finally found his home.

• Hotel website: The Brando
• Other accolades: The Brando also features in my top 10 lists of the most expensive hotels in the world, the most luxurious resorts in French Polynesia, the world’s best hotels for a honeymoon, the  best beach resorts in the South Pacific, and luxury hotels with private airports.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks at the Brando when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and 100 euro resort credit).
• Review: coming soon

3. TIME + TIDE MIAVANA, MADAGASCAR

Located on an idyllic island off the coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, Time + Tide Miavana is very possibly the most remote luxury castaway  in the world. Fringed by an exceptionally beautiful white sand beach and a sprawling coral reef, the resort represents an insanely beautiful haven where guests can enjoy unique bespoke experiences in ultimate privacy. Dotted along the pristine beach, the resort’s 14 massive pool villas are a masterpiece in luxury and design. Guests step directly onto the powder-soft sand from their private decks to enjoy spectacular panoramic Indian Ocean sunsets extending to the far contours of mainland Madagascar. Boat and helicopter transfers are provided to the mainland, where the resort’s guides can lead you to a world of lemurs and chameleons, and a mosaic of unexplored coves.

• Hotel website: Time + Tide Miavana
• Other accolades: Time + Tide Miavana also features in my top 10 lists of the most remotely located luxury hotels in the world, the world’s best hotels for a honeymoon, and the best things to see & do in Madagascar.
• Review: read my review of Time + Tide Miavana here.

2. SONEVA JANI, MALDIVES

Inspired by a word that means wisdom in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani is located on Medhufaru island, which is part of an uninhabited five-island cluster in the Noonu Atoll. The Maldives’ most exclusive and stunningly beautiful hotel is fringed by pristine white beaches, blanketed with lush tropical greenery, and surrounded by a 5.6 km (3,4 mi) lagoon of crystal clear waters with uninterrupted 360° views of the Indian Ocean. Each one of Soneva Jani’s massive water villas has a private pool and opens to its own stretch of lagoon, with most villas featuring slides going directly from the top deck into the lagoon below. The highlight of the villas is the retractable roof in the master bedroom, which slides back at the touch of a button so that guests can lie in bed and stargaze.

Contact me to get complimentary Soneva ambassador benefits at Soneva Jani (e.g. resort credit, and two personalized Soneva experiences).

• Hotel website: Soneva Jani
• Other accolades: Soneva Jani also features in my lists of the best luxury hotels in the Maldives, the most fabulous overwater villas in the Maldives, the best new luxury hotels of 2016, the most astonishing beach retreats in Asia, and my favorite hotels in the world.
• Review: read my review of Sonev Jani here.

1. NORTH ISLAND, SEYCHELLES

North Island is the world’s most exclusive hideaway and one the best hotels I’ve ever been to. The insanely beautiful island has only 11 opulent hand-crafted villas overlooking the pristine, powder-white sands and turquoise waters of the Ile Du Nord eco-reserve. Raised off the ground to catch the cooling Indian Ocean breezes, all villas open up onto your private garden and the beach. Plunge pools and outdoor showers provide the finishing touches to your private sanctuary. The island’s lounge and dining areas, scenically located health spa and gym, library and dive center, and a rim-flow swimming pool are all built into a granitic outcrop. The resort was the decor for the honeymoon of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge in 2011.

• Hotel website: North Island
• Other accolades: North Island Seychelles also features in my top 10 lists of the  best luxury resorts in the Seychelles, the most astonishing beach retreats in Africa, the world’s best luxury hotels,  the world’s most expensive hotels, and the world’s best honeymoon resorts.
• Review: read my review of North Island Seychelles here.

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The post Top 10 most exclusive private island resorts in the world appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Today (May 27, 2015): top 10 hotels with private helipads and airports.

Only a select few, fabulous hotels & resorts around the world offer their VIP guests the possibility to arrive by air, adding a soupçon of glamour to an already exclusive holiday experience. I hereby present you my selection of 10 ultra-luxurious hotels that have spectacular helipads, amazing airstrips or their very own private airport. And while arriving at a luxury hotel by helicopter is already pretty decadent, all attention of course goes to the top hotels in the list which not only have their own private airport, but fly in their guests on their privately owned plane(s)!

There is more info below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your most amazing hotel helipad or private hotel airstrip in the comments section, or take my poll at the bottom of the page!

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10. THE PENINSULA HONG KONG, CHINA

Hong Kong’s oldest hotel continues to set hotel standards worldwide, offering a blend of the best Eastern and Western hospitality in an atmosphere of unmatched classical grandeur and timeless elegance. In 1994, the original hotel was extended with a 30-storey tower, which is topped off by a private helipad that is used to transport VIP guests to and from Hong Kong International Airport in under 7 minutes.

• Hotel website: The Peninsula Hong Kong
• Other top 10 accolades: The Peninsula Hong Kong features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Hong Kong.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

9. TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL & SPA, SOUTH AFRICA

Nestled between the unspoiled natural beauty of the Table Mountain National Park and the Atlantic Ocean, the award-winning Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town is a perfect getaway in what is undeniably one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Hotel residents have the unique opportunity of taking a 8-minute helicopter flip to the V&A Waterfront from the hotel’s private helistop, while overflying spectacular scenery.

• Hotel website: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
• Tip: enjoy VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, tea by the sea for two people, a luxury one way airport road transfer, early check-in and late check-out; for stays of 4 or more nights guests also receive a scheduled helicopter transfer for two to the V&A Waterfront).
• Review: read here my review of the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa.

8. BURJ AL ARAB, DUBAI, UAE

The distinctive sail-shaped silhouette of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, a glittering architectural marvel in the middle of the Arabian Gulf,  is more than just a stunning hotel, it is a symbol of modern Dubai. There’s no better way to arrive at this iconic hotel than by a 15 minute helicopter transfer from Dubai’s airport, offering birds-eye-view of the desert city’s glimmering skyline and culminating in a dramatic landing on the hotel’s helipad on the 28th level.

• Hotel website: Burj Al Arab
• Other top 10 accolades: Burj Al Arab also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most expensive hotels, the world’s most outrageous hotel experiences, and world’s most amazing hotel lobbies.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and a complimentary 50-minute massage for up to two people, per room).

7. ONE&ONLY HAYMAND ISLAND, AUSTRALIA

In the heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Queensland, lies Australia’s most iconic private island resort, One&Only Hayman Island, where stylish elegance reflects the harmony of the surrounding natural splendour. The ultraluxurious resort has its own helipad, to whisks its well-heeled VIP clientele straight from the airport or Australian mainland to their suites while they can enjoy spectacular views  of the Whitsunday Islands.

• Hotel website: One&Only Haymand Island
• Other top 10 accolades: One&Only Hayman Island also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most exclusive private island resorts, the world’s best family hotels, and best luxury hotels in Australia.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and one island escape for two).
• Review: click here to read my review of Hayman Island.

6. SINGITA BOULDERS LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA

Considered to be one of Africa’s most luxurious safari lodges, Singita Boulders Lodge is situated in the world-renowned private Singita Game Reserve in Sabi Sands on the wildlife-rich banks of Sand River. Singita Boulders offers just twelve suites, all overlooking the wilderness, framed by floor to ceiling glass walls. Guests are flown in to Singita’s private airstrip, located 10 minutes from the lodge.

• Hotel website: Singita Boulders Lodge
• Other top 10 accolades: Singita Boulders Lodge also features in my top 10 lists of Africa’s most luxurious safari lodges and the world’s most spectacular hotel bathrooms.

5. THE BRANDO, FRENCH POLYNESIA

The Brando, former home of actor Marlon Brando, is a unique luxury resort on the breathtakingly beautiful private island of Tetiaroa – an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles northeast of Tahiti. Two luxurious 8-passenger Britten Norman Airplanes are on hand to transport guests from a private terminal at Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport, delivering them to the resort in only twenty minutes time.

• Hotel website: The Brando
• Other top accolades: The Brando also features in my list of the best new luxury hotels of 2014 and in my top 10 list of the world’s most expensive hotels.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and 100 euro resort credit).

4. DESROCHES ISLAND, SEYCHELLES

Desroches Island is a luxurious resort in the remote Amirante Archipelago, 230 km from the capital Mahé and considered to be one of the most pristine and untouched islands still around today. The island is clothed in exotic jungle that guests can explore by bicycle to discover the unique fauna and flora. With its own private fully serviced concrete airstrip, Desroches Island and Mahe are connected by daily scheduled flights and private charter plains.

• Hotel website: Desroches Island.
• Other top 10 accolades: Desroches Island also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury resorts in the Seychelles.

3. AMANPULO, THE PHILIPPINES

Set on its own private island in the Sulu Sea, Amanpulo is the epitome of a tropical paradise, and has been for the past two decades. It is managed by Aman, the world’s most exclusive hotel brand. Located 288 kilometres south of Manila, the island is five kilometres long and only 500 metres across at its widest point. From Manila, guests travel one hour southwest by private plane, landing on Amanpulo’s own airstrip.

• Hotel website: Amanpulo
• Other top 10 accolades: Amanpulo also features in my top 10 list of the world’s most exclusive private island resorts.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and one a la carte lunch for 2).

2. LAUCALA, FIJI

Laucala is one of the worlds most exclusive private island resorts, offering unspoiled wilderness of rainforest, mangroves, and beaches. Private aircraft are permitted to land on Laucala’s airport, with international procedures such as customs and immigration clearance organised on-island by request. Laucala Island’s private airport operates day and night, with the concrete airstrip suitable for jets with a maximum 40 t MTOW (aircraft type Falcon 900).

• Hotel website: Laucala
• Other top accolades: Laucala also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most exclusive private island resorts, the world’s most outrageous hotel experiences, and the world’s most expensive hotels.

1. SONEVA KIRI, THAILAND

Soneva Kiri is Thailand’s ultimate luxury hideaway, surrounded by untamed jungle and pristine beaches, and offering palatial villas, authentic Thai experiences and mouth-watering organic food. The resort has its own ‘hidden’ airport on a nearby jungle-covered island. A 90 minute flight in the resort’s private plane will take you there from Bangkok, soaring through the skies over Thailand’s eastern seaboard and coast over the Gulf of Thailand.

Contact me to receive a complimentary room upgrade at the time of booking when you decide to spend your holiday at Soneva Kiri (which I highly recommend!).

• Hotel website: Soneva Kiri
• Other top 10 accolades: Soneva Kiri also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most beautiful hotel beaches, the world’s most amazing beach resorts, the most astonishing beach retreats in Asia, the world’s most outrageous hotel experiences, the world’s best luxury hotels, the world’s best family hotels, the world’s most remote hotels, and the resorts with the best private plunge pools in the world.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when you book via Virtuoso (e.g. villa upgrade, breakfast, early check-in , late check-out, welcome Champagne with Thai tapas on arrival, and a 30 minute spa treatment for two).
• Review: to read my review of Soneva Kiri, click here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gcl5BosdfM

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