Discover the ultimate in seclusion with these top seven private retreats, ranging from an elegant villa on the tranquil island of Corfu to an entire island escape in the remote Anambas archipelago.
Ideal for couples craving a romantic hideaway or travellers desiring a peaceful retreat away from the city’s hustle and bustle, these exclusive destinations promise unmatched serenity and relaxation.
Longitude 131˚, Australia
Longitude 131˚, set against the backdrop of Uluru and the Kata Tjuta desert, is Australia’s premier luxury retreat. It features sixteen tented pavilions nestled among the red-rust dunes of the Central Desert, offering a unique connection to the outback’s landscape and heritage.
The camp showcases vibrant Aboriginal artworks and regional relics, with a bar and restaurant serving contemporary Australian cuisine. Friendly staff are always on hand to share stories about the area.
Longitude 131° is designed to blend luxury with a deep sense of place. Guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of Uluru from their pavilions, with custom furnishings and Indigenous art enhancing the experience. The pavilions feature floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor decks, and the opportunity to sleep under the stars.
The skies over Uluru-Kata Tjuta offer a stunning display of stars, making it a stargazer’s dream. Table 131° is renowned for its outdoor dining experience, where a menu is prepared on a remote dune top and served under the stars. Chefs work by torchlight to present a four-course meal, creating a natural theatre experience.
Spa Kinara, situated among the spinifex and red sand, is designed as a cool, tranquil retreat. Reflecting traditional Aboriginal shelters, or wiltja, Kinara (meaning ‘moon’ in Pitjantjatjara) provides a spiritually grounding experience, linking the ancient land with the vast sky.
The Beach House at Patina Maldives
Luxuriously spread over two storeys, the three-bedroom Beach House at Patina Maldives is the very definition of contemporary living as envisioned by award-winning Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan. Reclaim your day with stretches of room for wellness activities; or indulge in the very best of the resort’s culinary finesse with a spacious bar and kitchen to host as your own. All within a private, cosy enclave that is a mere stone’s throw from all that makes Patina special.
The Beach House offers a rooftop terrace and a large private 21m pool set within the lush green of an enormous tropical garden, the perfect setting to gather with family and friends. The ground floor houses an open-concept bar and dining space. The second floor features a large outdoor dining deck.
There is an outdoor campfire space with an expansive covered entertainment area. The Beach House features both indoor and outdoor family dining with a private chef on request and provides the utmost privacy of all the accommodations at Patina Maldives.
Secret Bay, Dominica
Perched on a clifftop where the rainforest meets the sea, Secret Bay is one of the world’s top boutique resorts and a celebrated Relais & Châteaux property. Located on Dominica, the “Nature Island” of the Caribbean, this secluded six-star resort features residential-style villas with private plunge pools, dedicated villa hosts, on-call concierges, chefs, and guides. Guests also have access to a hidden beach and curated experiences tailored to their preferences.
The villas at Secret Bay are known for their blend of high design and local craftsmanship. Constructed entirely from sustainably sourced tropical hardwoods, each freestanding villa offers spacious indoor and outdoor living areas, private plunge pools, modern kitchens, covered terraces, and stunning ocean views. These villas provide a private sanctuary to reconnect with nature and each other.
A highlight of staying at Secret Bay is the fresh, sustainable cuisine. The resort’s hyperlocal culinary concept fosters a deep connection between guests and the land, enhancing its reputation as a leader in sustainable food tourism.
The newly opened Bwa Mang Wellness Pavilion offers a perfect spot for guests to rejuvenate in one of the finest private yoga retreats with wellness classes. Located over the Cario River with views of Tibay Beach, the pavilion provides an ideal setting for memorable wellness experiences, whether in intimate sessions or small groups.
Ultima Corfu, Greece
The island of Corfu has long stolen the hearts of travellers, but it is Ultima Corfu’s multi-tiered villa that makes a journey here all the more special. Step through this doorway to heaven and discover paradise. Tranquillity is the first word that springs to mind when you think of Ultima Corfu. Arrive by boat to this authentic Greek villa’s private dock and enjoy utter seclusion for up to 12 guests. The deep blue waters beyond are inescapable, with the property boasting 180-degree views of the Greek and Albanian coasts.
Ultima Corfu sits above and beyond. It was designed in an understatedly stylish manner so that Corfu’s backdrop can speak for itself. A fusion of pale woods, honeyed hues and milky stone, set against the dazzling backdrop of nature makes it feel otherworldly.
From the gym to the cinema room to the hilltop jacuzzi and the two infinity pools, you’ll be drawn back year after year. Recount the day’s events with loved ones in the heart of the villa or while sharing a bottle of wine in one of the sea-facing terraces. There are six suites, each comprising a private dressing room, bathroom and, of course, views that will make your heart sing.
Wellness is very much on the menu, and you can expect personalised touches that will make your stay exceptional. The villa has two heated infinity pools on two different levels, plus an impressive waterfall, spa, a mosaic-tiled hammam with stone seating, and a Jacuzzi.
Watch lobster tails searing on the barbeque, enjoy the Luxury Ultima Breakfast served by the pool, and taste traditional Greek delicacies as the sun sets. Ultima Corfu’s mouth-watering dining experiences are best served with the sounds of the waves crashing below. Expect a blend of Mediterranean-inspired dishes and seafood delicacies fresh from the sea you’re overlooking. With a uniquely talented chef at your service, you will receive tailored culinary experiences focusing on dining al fresco.
Villa Nina at Eden Rock – ST Barths
Villa Nina is an unbelievably beautiful 3-suited ultraluxe house perfectly situated bang on the beach. Its exceptional privacy and quality are teamed with Eden Rock and Oetker Collection’s refined hospitality. Dedicated Chef & Butler service is provided around the clock linking the house with Eden Rock’s total luxury hotel services.
The newly rebuilt and remodelled contemporary accommodation includes fabulous detailing perfect cuisine superb housekeeping and an outstanding art collection displayed within Villa Nina’s Private Gallery. Oversized doors and windows open directly onto the bay of St Jean with wonderful views of the ocean and the horizon. The villa has a private pool and spa pool three large king-sized suites and large indoor and outdoor areas to relax in.
Villa Nina is rentable twinned with Villa Rockstar next door together making 9 superb double suites plus everything anybody reasonably might wish for. Visit and check it all out. At 9 suites and 18 people together it’s one of the world’s greatest beachside houses and is perfect for fine family reunions or weddings or round number birthdays or other anniversaries…or whatever to remember forever.
Chevel Blanc Randheli Private Island, Maldives
A breathtaking haven away from the rest, Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island is the purest expression of exclusive privacy. Meet the new definition of exquisite island living here. Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island sprawls across a 1-ha dedicated island, accessible from a private berth and jetty. This four-bedroom villa with over 2,200 sqm is the epitome of lush, modern island living with exceptional indoor and outdoor spaces, a dedicated team of Ambassadeurs and a vibrant array of tailored services and amenities.
In the main house, three light-filled successive reception rooms border a 25-metre-long swimming pool, inviting guests to musical interludes around a grand piano, blissful relaxation on the multiple sofas and loungers or a festive cocktail party around the private bar.
The impressive master suite offers unparalleled bird’s-eye panoramas of the sea, double bathrooms, dressing rooms, office and lounge areas. Two guest bedrooms feature grand bathrooms, dressing rooms and terraces, ideal for children. A separate guest villa with spacious indoor and outdoor spaces is perfect for travelling companions seeking a high sense of privacy.
Fine crafts, bespoke furniture and artwork enhance the interiors of this unparalleled villa. Outside, various terraces, tropical gardens, private beaches, an al-fresco dining pergola, and meditation pavilions bring relaxation to the tropical setting. A private spa treatment room, fitness centre and screening room complete this ultimate island stay.
Cheval Blanc’s exquisite Art de Recevoir ensures a truly memorable experience for guests of the Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island. Overseen by a dedicated team – available 24/7 and housed on premises – guests will be pampered by tailored activities and unforgettable experiences that are made-to-measure to meet every individual’s wish.
Elang Private Residence at Bawah Reserve Indonesia
Elang Private Residence is part of Bawah Reserve, a resort comprising six pristine islands 160 miles northeast of Singapore in Indonesian waters. Developed as the owner’s holiday home, Elang is open exclusively for buyouts. With expansive views of the ocean and turquoise lagoons from every lodge, it offers the ultimate private island experience. Each of Elang’s beautifully appointed lodges provides a unique perspective of paradise and is designed for comfort and privacy with full-width outdoor balconies, living and dining areas and two bathrooms.
Encircled by coral reefs in vibrant turquoise waters and blanketed by a variety of native trees, Elang Private Residence offers its guests unique experiences in natural, tropical surroundings. Whether you want to simply relax, explore the islands by foot or by boat, be pampered or re-energised at Kayu Spa or dive into one or more of our many adventurous activities, Elang is your perfect launchpad.
Dining on Elang is a culinary adventure that is bespoke to each guest’s wishes. You may prefer to be surprised and delighted each day by the chef’s choice of options, to make each meal utterly indulgent. Elang caters to all tastes. Whether you have an adventurous palate or dietary preferences, the team will work with you to ensure a memorable dining experience.
Elang’s chefs rise to the occasion, tailoring cuisine inspired by the natural surroundings and the four elements – fire, water, earth and air. Island woods smoulder in wood-fired ovens to impart a distinctive smokiness to meats; freshly caught local seafood is seasoned with salt harvested from the same ocean; permaculture gardens yield delectable organic vegetables, while the island clay features in plancha cooking; infusions of air-dried fruits and herbs enhance the botanical cocktails. Working in symphony, they all imbue the menus with the subtle yet resonant flavours of these islands.
Elang guests may choose from a variety of dining venues: The Club House, the Owner’s Lounge, and The Beach House, at any of the venues on Bawah Island. Or dine in-lodge, or at one of the resort’s exquisite destination dining locations.
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