To many of us, a private island seems like something out of a Hollywood movie. Imagine a romcom situated in an exotic country, where the lead actors spend their days diving into the crystal blue waters and strolling around on the sandy beaches surrounding the villa. And when they’re inside, they get to enjoy beautiful views on every side and luxury that’s almost too much. In real life, many celebrities actually have their private piece of heaven but of course, why share? But if you’ve always dreamt of living on a private island, we’ve got good news. It’s possible (at least for a few days), even when you’re not stinking rich.
Let’s face it, you’re not the only one with that dream. Airbnb even has got a whole section dedicated to islands, some of them private, others shared. And even though prices can get pretty steep, there are private islands out there for almost every budget. Depending on the size of them you might have to get some friends to come with you to be able to split the price but honestly, that shouldn’t be too difficult: just show them the location and a couple of pictures and they’ll probably be packing their bags.
We searched the islands for rent and selected 5 we wouldn’t mind staying at. Some criteria include the fact that the island is private (you want to be able to do some skinny dipping after all) and the price, which should be reasonable, whether it’s a small cabin for just two people or a big luxurious villa for twenty. So if you’re still looking for some dreamy travel inspiration, do read on.
1. Tiny off-grid cabin in Borås Ö, Sweden
If you’re looking to get away from it all and to get back to basics, this might be your prime location. Even though the small, typically Swedish cabin is new, there are no running water or electricity on-site. Meaning you’ll have to stay warm and to cook on a wood fire and once it’s dark, you better go to sleep. Luckily, there’s an LPG-powered fridge in the cabin to at least make sure your food doesn’t go bad. In return, you’ll get 10 hectares of private island and a breathtaking view. The owner will drive you to the island by boat and you’ve got a boat and kayak at your disposal as well.
Prices start at 157 euros a night, for a maximum of 4 guests.
2. Comfortable house on Fafarikulac, Croatia
Looking for something with a bit more modern comfort and a warmer climate? Then this house in Croatia is what you’ve always wanted. Just looking at the interior you wouldn’t even notice you’re far away from other human beings but really, this 7000 square meter island is all yours. Your private boat gets you wherever you want to go and the sea is just a few steps away, perfect to feel awake in the morning.
Prices start at 199 euros a night, for a maximum of 6 guests.
3. Three cabins for the price of one in Kuopio, Finland
It almost seems too good to be true but here, you get three Finnish Mökki all for you. And it wouldn’t be Finland if you wouldn’t have a sauna, so there is one on-site, completely running on wood. Thanks to the enormous windows in the three cabins, you always get an outdoorsy feeling and during summertime, you can pretty much spend all your time outside on one of the many sun terraces. Scandinavian coziness at its best.
Prices start at 175 euros a night, for a maximum of 6 guests.
4. Feel like a hermit on Outer Sheep Island, Canada
If you can’t cope with anyone anymore and you really want to isolate yourself from the rest of the world for a bit, we’ve found the place to do so. Only reachable by kayak and with just a few elementary basics in the cabin, getting back to basics gets to a whole other level when staying here. Want a shower? Just dive into the sea. You might even get to see a seal if you’re lucky.
Prices start at 88 euros a night, for a maximum of 4 guests.
5. Exotic luxury at Fort Morgan Cay, Honduras
Okay so this island experience is definitely the priciest one on the list and you’ll have to take friends with you as the minimum amount of people to stay at this place is 10. But in return, you get to enjoy Honduras in a very special way, including three meals and numerous activities a day. It’s an all-in if you want, but a little different than usual. Definitely a place to put on your bucket list.
Prices start at 273 euros per person a night, for a maximum of 20 guests.
