We could all do with escaping reality sometimes and where better to do it than on your very own island? Private islands aren’t just for the super-rich, from simple log cabins and rustic lakeside lodges to luxurious but affordable tropical retreats, we’ve sought out some spectacular places perfect for a secluded escape. Remember that national and local COVID-19 restrictions may affect overnight stays at the moment so don’t forget to check before traveling. Prices are correct at the time of writing.

Surrounded by the Venetian lagoon, this tranquil island can be found next to Cavallino-Treporti in northern Italy. Although Island Falconera is not far from Venice, one of the country’s most famous cities, the pretty forest and fauna that decorate the landscape makes it feel like a secluded paradise. 

Nestled among a gorgeous backdrop of trees, the traditional pink farmhouse consists of six private bedrooms, three bathrooms and a spacious living room with a loft which can accommodate up to 16 people. The shared kitchen comes equipped with all the essentials for cooking and dining including pots, pans, dishes and silverware.

Inside, a fireplace keeps guests warm while the garden includes a BBQ grill, perfect for cooking alfresco in the summer months. With its prime spot along the lagoon, the farmhouse provides spectacular views across the water and can only be reached by boat from Cavallino-Treporti. Island Falconera can be rented from around $114 a night. 

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Just a few minutes’ drive from historic Vis, this fairy-tale island in Croatia is a magnificent sight. Overlooking the sea, the lighthouse was named after the English officer Sir William Hoste who defeated the French naval fleet in a battle nearby in 1811. The cottage alongside the lighthouse was built in 1873 and can accommodate up to 10 people.

With its charming and inviting decor, the roomy cottage consists of four bedrooms, five beds and four bathrooms. It comes equipped with a kitchen with all the essentials as well as a dining area, spacious entryway and living space. The dining area offers jaw-dropping views across the Adriatic.

Outside, there’s a private hot tub with sweeping sea views where guests can soak up the scenery or sit back and relax on the outdoor decking and sun loungers, a great spot for alfresco dining. The island can be accessed either by private boat or organized transfer and costs around $1,223 a night with a four-night minimum stay.

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Sitting on the Charente river in France between Angoulême and Cognac, this adorable little island is just a two hours’ drive from Bordeaux, Poitiers and Limoges. Crossing a small bridge from the town of Mosnac, the island has a gorgeous house with two bedrooms, ideal for a family of four or a small group of friends.

On the top floor of the house are the two bedrooms with a shower and a separate restroom. Downstairs, there’s a large living room with a dining area including a refrigerator, oven, microwave and coffee maker. The ground floor overlooks a large private garden with a table, two deckchairs and a barbecue which offers picturesque views across the river.

The island also has a small private wood, a swimming pool and access to the river for kayaking or swimming. A kayak that can hold two adults and two children is available to use, perfect for exploring the water as well as several bikes and self-service scooters ideal for an outdoor adventure. The charming house is available from around $116 per night and requires a minimum two-night stay. 

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Located just off the rugged Isle of Skye, the largest of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, this isolated island can only be accessed by boat or on foot to the rocky shoreline and its four-bedroom cottage can sleep up to eight people.

Inside, each room is well appointed and tastefully decorated with high quality fixtures and fittings, creating a cozy retreat for a tranquil weekend away. The bedrooms each have their own deluxe en-suite and there’s also a characterful living room and dining room to enjoy. The kitchen is well-equipped and offers breathtaking views back to Isleornsay (the village opposite Isle Ornsay).

Alongside its cottage and lighthouse, the island also has four acres of lush greenery, home to an array of wildlife making it ideal for nature walks. For guests missing the outside world, across the shore is a traditional Highland pub, great for a drink with friends or dining out. Prices for the Scottish island start from around $779 per night with a minimum three-night stay. 

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Just 18 minutes from the idyllic beach resort of Placencia in Belize, Bird Island sits inside a beautiful coral reef in the Caribbean Sea. Situated in protected waters, the colorful island retreat only takes one booking at a time providing complete privacy for its guests, with the entire island all to themselves. The quirky accommodation can sleep up to six people.

The island has three single-level homes with four bedrooms, four beds and three bathrooms, perfect for a large group getaway, with room to sleep an extra two guests if needed. Each bedroom and bathroom comes with all the essentials needed for a comfortable stay. The accommodation is self-catered with a well-stocked kitchen although guests will be taken food shopping during their stay.

The beautiful outdoor area includes a dining area, barbecue grill and a fire pit perfect for relaxing around during summer evenings. With its beautiful crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reef teeming with marine life, the island is a great place for snorkeling, swimming or kayaking. Fishing equipment can also be provided. Bird Island can be rented for around $696 per night with a four-night minimum stay. 

Overlooking the pretty Juggler Lake in Minnesota and less than two hours from Fargo in North Dakota, this cozy cabin is an ideal lakeside escape. With an impressive 18 acres of private old growth forest home to an array of wildlife including deer, beavers and eagles, the island is a nature lover’s dream. 

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The delightful A-frame cabin features three bedrooms and two bathrooms and can accommodate up to 10 guests. The master bedroom includes a jetted tub, perfect for relaxing while the fully equipped kitchen includes two refrigerators, two freezers and a Weber grill. Alongside the spacious bedrooms, the cabin has a stone fireplace, three patios and satellite TV.

The crown jewel of the island is the incredible lake which is exceptionally clean, ideal for swimming, boating and water sports, boat rental is also available. Fishing in the lake is especially great during the spring and fall months, with fish including perch, walleye, northern pike and bass. The island is just 40 minutes from Itasca State Park where guests can rent bikes and visit the headwaters of the Mississippi. The lakefront island is available to rent for around $350 a night for a minimum of seven nights.

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Just south of Norway lies the Hvaler Archipelago, a group of over 800 islands, islets and skerries including Båtholmen, a tiny private island retreat not far from Oslo. Båtholmen is home to a charming rust-red wooden cabin that can accommodate up to four guests. Fold-away and floor mattresses are also provided which can sleep an extra three people.

Inside, the cabin measures just over 108 square feet (10sqm) with a hidden, small double bed and an additional bed in the loft. Outside, the garden has a fire pit that can double as a barbecue, perfect for alfresco dining. Books, candles and board games are also available to make the cabin feel extra cozy. A small privy next to the main house includes a kitchen, fully equipped with all the cooking essentials.

With its remote location Båtholmen is off-grid, although guests can charge their electronic devices using the 12-volt powered generator. Canisters in the cabin can also be used to collect drinking water (free of charge) from the local grocery store. Båtholmen also has access to various small private beaches at low tide or guests can use the private boat to explore the other islands nearby. To rent Båtholmen, prices start from around $223 per night with a minimum two-night stay.

Considered one of the best fishing lakes in Europe, this lovely island sits in the middle of Lough Corrib in the west of Ireland. Sprawling across an impressive 26 acres of beautiful scenery, guests who stay on the island will share it only with a small flock of sheep. A five-minute boat ride from the eastern side of the lake takes guests to their own little peaceful fishing lodge which can accommodate up to seven people.

Originally built in 1907 by Lord Headley, the historic property was renovated and modernized in recent years to create a comfortable and quiet hideaway. The luxury lodge has five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully fitted kitchen and a spacious sitting room that opens up onto a covered veranda.

With the lake right at your doorstep, the island is the ultimate fishing base, its mid lake position means that all types of fishing is available and the area is quite sheltered. The lake’s rich wildlife ranges from trout and adult buzzers to large sedges and spent mayfly, perfect for fishing enthusiasts. Rabbit Island can be booked for around $255 per night with a minimum four-night stay.

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Located in Horseshoe Bay in Canada, Potato Island is situated on a peaceful spot on Big Rideau Lake around 20 minutes southwest of the town of Perth, Ontario. On the one-acre private island is a traditional Canadian cottage with three bedrooms and four beds. The island is a peaceful sanctuary for up to nine guests to enjoy.

Although the cottage has an older structure, there is hot and cold running water, however the hot water can be limited. There’s a wooden stove which heats the cottage nicely and firewood can be brought by guests themselves or provided by the host for a small fee. The kitchen comes with all the cooking basics. This cottage is perfect for individuals and families who are looking for some peace and quiet. With its waterside location, there are picturesque lakeside views on both sides of the house. 

The island is teeming with a rich variety of wildlife including herons, geese, beavers, mink and the occasional deer as well as plenty of bird life. Big Rideau Lake is pretty clear and there’s even a small beach, it's a great spot for kayaking, canoeing, boating and fishing. Potato Island is available to book from around $204 a night for a minimum of five nights. 

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Characterized by a white sandy beach and breathtaking blue waters, Brother Island lies within El Nido, one of the most beautiful areas of the Philippines. Designed by Lolo Fermin in 1991, the island’s ancestral house features seven bedrooms and three bathrooms spread across two stories providing plenty of facilities for up to 16 guests.

The house includes daily housekeeping as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner made from Filipino cuisine. There’s also a coffee and tea bar, a library and board games to keep the guests entertained. Surrounded by a breathtaking coral reef, kayaking and snorkeling rental is also available to explore the region’s incredible crystal-clear warm waters.

A preserved jungle and bamboo forest can also be found on the island, great for a scenic stroll and guests are free to roam across the island. Brother Island only accepts one booking at a time so guests will have exclusive access throughout their stay. The private island is available to book from around $418 per night with a minimum two-night stay.

Stretching across an impressive 40 acres, this dreamy island lies just off of Roatan as part of the Bay Islands of Honduras. Golden stretches of sand, bright blue waters and tropical greenery are aplenty on Fort Morgan Cay. The all-inclusive private island hosts one group at a time and can accommodate up to 16 guests, an ideal escape for a large group of friends in blissful paradise.

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The house consists of seven bedrooms, 10 beds and seven bathrooms, plenty of space for guests to relax and unwind. For the ultimate luxury private island experience, Fort Morgan Cay provides three meals a day plus appetizers for their guests, prepared with the freshest local ingredients and served family style. The island is home to sun lounges, decks and white sandy beaches and even a pool for guests to relax in the warm weather.

For those wanting a little more adventure, the island offers plenty of complimentary recreational activities for guests including snorkeling, yoga, paddle boating and a catamaran trip. Snorkel equipment and fishing gear are all included. A range of excursions can also be booked including diving, fishing and kite surfing. Prices for Fort Morgan Cay start from around $275 a night with a four-night minimum stay. 

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