Owned by Virgin billionaire Sir Richard Branson, the Necker Island is a 30-hectare private getaway located within the British Virgin Islands that’s surrounded by gorgeous turquoise waters, coral reefs and beautiful sandy beaches. A staff of 31 will pamper to the needs of 28 lucky guests for a total package price of 53,000 USD a night. Hefty? Yes, but following in the footsteps of Mariah Carey, Oprah, Jay-Z and Beyoncé is pretty precious.
Fly to Tortola in the BVIs and then take a helicopter from there
Cousine Island
If you’re looking for a more manageable size of island then Cousine is your best bet. You and seven of your closest friends can spend the days sipping mai-tais and exploring this 25-hectare paradise, safe in the knowledge that you are indulging in one of the most eco-friendly resorts in the world. The cost of such discretion will amount to 9,500 USD a night but that’s a small price to pay for complete isolation, right?
Fly to Mahé in the Seychelles and then take a helicopter from there
Ilha de Boipeba
This island paradise is 100 km south of Salvador, in the Tinhara Archipelago. While Jesuits may have established human life there in 1537, Boipeba’s subsequent development has (thankfully) been stunted due to difficult access. Its rare beauty encompasses Atlantic rainforests, savannas, dunes and everglades that complement the coral reef-protected, dazzling white sand shoreline.
Fly to Salvador in Brazil and then take a private plane to Boipeba
Pansy Island
Pansy Island is a teeny-tiny piece of heaven that only emerges from Mozambique’s emerald waters at low tide. To get to Pansy you’ll have to take a 30 minute boat ride from Benguerra Island, the second largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago and a piece of paradise in its own right. It’s worth it as Pansy is the ultimate beach experience and, without a single tree in sight, you won’t have any troubles topping off your tan here.
Fly to Benguerra Island in Mozambique and then take a 30-minute boat ride
Papafragas
Papafragas is a beautiful beach, hidden in the north of the island of Milos in Greece, but coveted by those who seek an unforgettable beach experience. The tiny sliver of sand lies at the end of a fjord flanked by sheer white cliffs, and to reach the open sea you must first swim down a narrow channel before then passing through a small cave. Now that’s the definition of some remote relaxation.
Fly to Athens in Greece, drive 10km to Piraeus and then take a 7-hour ferry ride to Milos
New Chums Beach
The only way to reach New Chums is by getting down and dirty. But if you’re after the holy grail of unspoiled golden sand then you’ll feel exceptionally rewarded after wading through the shallow lagoon of Whangapoua Beach before then trekking 30 minutes along the rocky shoreline. Far from any people, with your back to a dense forest and your front facing the warm, azure waters of the Pacific you’ll never want to leave.
Fly to Auckland in New Zealand, drive to Whangapoua and then trek to New Chums
