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No man is an island, but we all deserve to escape to one every once in a while. And boy, do we have some islands for you. We’re not talking Gilligan’s Island or Lost here—there’s nothing bare bones about these private-island getaways. These resorts are more in keeping with Fantasy Island, with every luxury and splurge taken care of, right down to private pontoon planes whisking you onto the island, personal butlers arranging parties on the beach, menus customized to your tastes, unlimited cigars and cognac, and masseuses at your beck and call.
Everything is top-notch, from the five-, six-, and seven-star service to the 1,000-thread-count bed linens. The best part is that most of these islands can be yours alone—rent them out all for yourself and there’s no need to worry about snagging the perfect poolside chaise or tipping the maitre d’ for the table with the best view. The only thing missing is Tattoo—but even that shouldn’t be put past the imagination of the people running these private island resorts. All you’d have to do is ask… and, of course, add it to your tab.
The Rania Experience, Maldives
The Rania Experience is one of the most exclusive vacations you’ll ever take. You’ll have not only your own seven-acre desert island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, but also Rania, the former private yacht of a sheik in Dubai, which can take your party of nine out to sea. As the resort’s website says, “One island, one yacht, one million possibilities.” And when you’ve got a private butler, gourmet chef, spa therapist for unlimited massages, and dive instructor on hand to take you on unlimited dives, the possibilities do seem nearly endless. Sleep on land in one of the open-air villas overlooking the pool, or venture onto  the 86-foot speed cruiser with four air-conditioned bedrooms, satellite plasma TVs, a dining area for nine, indoor and outdoor lounges, and a Jacuzzi. Cruise to nearby islands to frolic on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, or hang out in the resort’s entertainment center, complete with a home theater, plasma TV, DVDs, billiards, laptops, preloaded iPods, and satellite telephones. It doesn’t get more remote, relaxing, or ridiculously luxurious than this. Rates start at $10,000 per couple per night, plus $750 for each person after that. 800-719-6422; www.raniaexperience.com.
Turtle Island, Fiji
 This 500-acre private island just off the coast of Fiji is home to the famous Blue Lagoon beach and has all the trappings of an island paradise: thatched cottages (called bures) situated right on the sand, gentle South Pacific trade winds, seaplane-only access, and fourteen tropical beaches to explore. But most desert islands don’t have a staff of more than 100 Fijians to satisfy your every need. Sip vintage champagne; go horseback riding, boating, scuba diving, and snorkeling; enjoy a lobster picnic; indulge in the resort’s famous four-hand massage; or simply lounge in a hammock strung between two coconut palms. Follow in the sand footprints of a celebrity or two: Britney and K Fed spent their honeymoon here, as did Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey. (We’ll assume this island paradise had nothing to do with the divorces—blame those on Hollywood!) Rent out the entire island for $275,000 per week for up to 28 guests; this includes all
activities, food, drink, and a personal nanny for every child. Alternatively, you can stay in one of
the 14 bures for $1,632 a night. 800-255-4347; www.turtlefiji.com.
Fregate Island, The Seychelles
 Coexisting with nature is a high priority on Fregate Island, the most secluded of the Seychelles, located just four degrees south of the equator in the Indian Ocean. The island’s seven powdery white-sand beaches are surrounded by giant granite boulders and protected by granite barriers. Enjoy some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna, including a variety of turtles and giant tortoises. Sixteen Colonial-style villas built of native mahogany blend into the natural surroundings, and all have outside terraces with daybeds and Jacuzzis to extend the living area. Spend your days swimming in two freshwater pools, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, game fishing, or taking a boat trip to an even more remote island. There are two restaurants and the holistic Rock Spa, perched atop a cliff overlooking the ocean. The island’s maximum capacity is 40, and rates start at €2,185 ($3,012) per night per couple. +49-6102-50 13 21; www.fregate.com.
Cayo Espanto, Belize
With a staff-to-guest ratio of two to one and a maximum occupancy of sixteen, this island retreat off the coast of Belize promises the utmost in privacy and luxury. Each five-star oceanfront villa offers a king-size bed outfitted in Yves de Lorme linens, private dock, personal splash pool, and alfresco shower, along with a butler and chef to cater to your every whim. Or be among the first to stay in Cayo Espanto’s two brand-new over-water bungalows, which debuted in August with 360-degree water views of the calm, azure Caribbean. New menus, created daily just for you, are based on a questionnaire you’re asked to fill out before you arrive. Fly-fish outside your door, scuba dive or snorkel just 20 minutes away at the world’s second-largest barrier reef, visit a Mayan ruin by plane, or hop on a boat to a nearby island where you can play 18 holes of golf. Or simply enjoy a massage after a day of exploring deserted islands on a skiff. Rent the entire island, starting at $12,000 per night, or share it with other guests for $1,695 per night. 888-666-4282; www.aprivateisland.com.
Jumby Bay, Antigua
This Rosewood Resort, a 300-acre private island two miles from Antigua, is a secluded, all-inclusive luxury hideaway accessible only by boat. Enjoy the three white-sand beaches by day and retreat at night to one of 40 suites beautifully decorated in the British Colonial style. Either rent out the entire island for $50,000 per night in the off-season, or take advantage of the resort’s Private Island Rendezvous package, in which you and five companions are flown by private jet from New York City down to Jumby Bay’s beautiful seaside estate home for five nights of pure heaven. You’ll have a personal housekeeper, chef, butler, and massage therapist to cater to all your needs. This package includes three meals daily; unlimited cocktails, wine, and champagne; use of a private plunge pool, beach, and tennis courts; private morning yoga on the beach; non-motorized water sports; and a yacht cruise. Private Island Rendezvous rates start at $97,500; ocean view rooms start at $775 per night. 888-767-3966; www.jumbybayresort.com.
Peter Island, British Virgin Islands
This Caribbean classic, just a short boat ride from Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, seems to have patented the formula for private-island getaways. The qualities that originally drew travelers here in the late 1960s are enduring ones that keep them coming back: romantic seclusion, untouched beauty, and a world-class resort atmosphere. Add a recent multimillion-dollar renovation to the list, and you’ve got a modern hideaway. This 1,800-acre island offers relaxed elegance with beachfront suites located right on the sand, five beaches, and 20 secluded coves. Lounge by the pool, paddle a sea kayak, windsurf, play beach volleyball or tennis, be pampered at the spa, or explore world-famous dive sites at neighboring islands. Or be truly pampered in one of the brand-new private villas, complete with a full staff. These mini-estates allow you to enjoy all your favorite things—such as favorite champagne in the fridge, favorite meals freshly prepared, favorite CDs in the racks, and favorite pillows on the beds. A villa director will contact you prior to your arrival to customize the estate to meet all of your needs. Villa rates start at $2,900 per night; oceanfront rooms start at $560. You can also buyout the entire island for five nights, with rates starting at $259,600. 800-346-4451; www.peterisland.com.
Perhaps the most famous private island home for hire is Sir Richard Branson’s on Necker Island. This 74-acre island, located in the British Virgin Islands, is a short boat ride from Tortola and even faster by helicopter (the ride’s free if you’ve flown in on Virgin Atlantic). Create your own vacation with a staff of 64 to orchestrate your every move. Choose the 10-room Main House with amazing Balinese furnishings and ocean views, or one of the four Bali guesthouses.
What’s included: All meals and drinks (including alcohol), return launch to the airport, three pools and Jacuzzis, two tennis courts, windsurfing, waterskiing, sailing, use of speedboats and a gym, fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, the services of a calypso band for one party night, and more.
Who’s stayed there: Matt Lauer, Princess Diana, Mel Gibson, Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Robert De Niro.
What it costs: $46,000 per night for up to 28 guests. If you don’t mind inhabiting the island with other guests whom you don’t know, you can stay for $22,000 per couple per week for select times during the year. 800-557-4255; www.neckerisland.com.
 Then there’s Musha Cay at Copperfield Bay. Yes, that’s Copperfield, as in David. This four-island, 500-acre private resort in the Bahamas, owned by the famous illusionist himself, is something truly magical. The ultra-swank resort in the outer reaches of the Exuma chain can accommodate 24 guests—chosen only by you. Pull a disappearing act of your own on one of the 25 beaches, or be as active as you like with snorkeling, diving, fishing, sailing, and waterskiing. Musha Cay offers five English Colonial villas, each with its own private beach, lighted championship tennis court, and heliport. From the extensive wine cellar to dinner and fireworks on the beach, there’s nothing that’s been overlooked. Copperfield has even claimed to have found the fountain of youth here. While we’re not sure you can buy a piece of eternity, you can certainly come close to heaven on earth for only $24,750 per day, for up to eight guests. 877-889-1100; www.mushacay.com.
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