Best Private Islands in the world
​The World’s Best Private Islands for the Ultra-Wealthy: Velaa, North Island & Laucala Compared
For those who seek privacy without compromise, only a handful of islands in the world offer the level of exclusivity, service, and natural beauty worthy of the ultra-high-net-worth traveller. Today, we compare three of the finest:
Velaa Private Island – Maldives
This island is perfect for discreet perfection and tailored experiences. Tucked away in the Noonu Atoll, Velaa Private Island is often referred to as the Maldives for those who’ve already seen it all. Owned by a private Czech financier and designed with no expense spared, Velaa offers just 47 villas, many with private pools and direct access to the turquoise lagoon.
Velaa goes far beyond barefoot luxury. Here, guests can enjoy the Maldives’ only snow room, the most comprehensive wine cellar in the Indian Ocean, and private submarine dives — all within an island engineered for privacy and quiet excellence.
Ideal for: Billionaire families, royal households, and returning Maldives guests seeking total discretion.
North Island – Seychelles
This remote island is Robinson Crusoe reimagined in ultra-luxury. North Island is a pioneer in the world of luxury conservation travel. With just 11 villas on a 500-acre tropical sanctuary, this Seychelles jewel blends barefoot elegance with eco-conscious design. The island was made famous by royal honeymooners, and yet remains refreshingly untouched by over-commercialisation.
What makes North Island unique is its re-wilding initiative. You’re not just staying on an island; you're participating in a living conservation project, albeit one with plunge pools, private butlers, and helicopter-only access.
Ideal for: Eco-minded UHNW travellers, private honeymooners, and families wanting exclusivity with purpose.
Laucala Island – Fiji
This island is a tropical grandeur and untamed beauty. Privately owned by the Red Bull founder’s family, Laucala Island is where Fijian soul meets Austrian precision. This 3,500-acre island boasts just 25 villas, spread across beaches, hilltops, and overwater locations, all surrounded by coconut groves and coral reefs.
Laucala is luxury turned maximalist: horse-riding along volcanic cliffs, farm-to-table dining from the island’s own estate, and a David McLay Kidd-designed golf course, all with zero commercial presence. You don’t just escape to Laucala; you inherit it temporarily.
Ideal for: Ultra-private groups, luxury collectors, and jet-setters seeking scale and sovereignty.