Guide to Private Island Getaways for Couples

Taking your loved one on a romantic getaway to a private island is a wonderful way to keep the spark alive and show them how much they mean to you. A romantic vacation at a private island resort comes with beauty and near perfection at every glance with white sand beaches, crystal blue waters, private villas, and beachfront suites.

Where should you start your search for the perfect private sanctuary for a romantic holiday? These 11 private island getaways for couples are at the top of our list.

1. Lizard Island Resort, Great Barrier Reef

Couples swoon over all-inclusive private resorts, and Lizard Island Resort is a memorable one. This resort is recognized by Relais & Chateaux, an exclusive selection of the world’s finest hotels, restaurants, and resorts. It is accessed via an hour-long charter flight over the stunning Great Barrier Reef. 

Lizard Resort offers accommodations ranging from an $18,500 per night three-story direct beach access home, to $3,499 per night for ocean-view plunge pool villas. Villas come with a fully stocked mini-bar, LCD television, private deck, and much more.

Scuba Diving at Lizard Island Resort

Scuba diving is a huge draw to Lizard Island Resort. There are diverse diving opportunities that allow you to explore sea life off the island including a “Discover Scuba Diving” beginners’ course, a refresher beach dive experience, and a full dive reef tour that visits two world-famous dive sites.

2. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida Keys

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa offers luxurious amenities and features including thatched roofs, private outdoor showers, island-produced culinary masterpieces, and vibrant tropical foliage. This adults-only island off the coast of Florida is a couples’ dream come true if you’re planning a private island honeymoon or summer vacation. 

Stay in elegant bungalow suites while enjoying breathtaking ocean views. Step into a distraction-free island with no phones or TVs and focus on what really matters in life. One of the rarest destinations available with domestic travel (for our U.S. readers), this private island resort provides an escape from reality that will never be forgotten.

3. The Aerial, BVI

The Aerial, BVI is our all-inclusive private island resort in the British Virgin Islands that combines the beauty of the Caribbean Sea with transformative personal growth experiences. Our Elevate Love Summit, specifically, seeks to transform relationships by building and expanding love and connection between couples. Speakers, guided meditations, healing discussions, exclusive island activities, and healing food and drink are all included in the Elevate Love Summit experience at The Aerial, BVI.

With a pescatarian-forward menu and only natural, clean ingredients, the island’s private-chef-prepared menu elevates every dining experience. The Aerial, BVI’s dining ethos is, “If it’s here, it’s good for you.” Sailing, horseback riding, glow-in-the-dark paddleboarding, and swimming at a romantic private beach are just a handful of the activities offered in this stellar British Virgin Islands resort. Rest assured, couples are in good hands at The Aerial, BVI.

4. Vahine Private Island Resort & Spa, French Polynesia

This private island resort is situated among coconut palms and boasts famed overwater bungalows with breathtaking views of the surrounding islands. It’s a private sanctuary where couples can feel the warm sea breeze while sleeping in island serenity. 

A noteworthy activity at Vahine Island Resort is going troll fishing at a local lagoon. If a guest catches a fish, the chef will cook it for lunch! More adventure awaits with a visit to a vanilla plantation, pearl farm, and rum factory to immerse you and your loved one in the everyday life of French Polynesia. Each day concludes with a three-course gourmet romantic dinner showcasing French meals with Mediterranean and local island influences.

5. Fowl Cay Resort, The Bahamas

Fowl Cay Resort is a little island in The Bahamas that offers big-time amenities. Fully stocked oceanfront villas set the scene for a week-long private island getaway. Each villa comes with its own private powerboat and unlimited fuel for memorable adventures together.

Professional fishing gear, sports equipment, snorkeling gear, and limitless alcoholic drinks are also available at this all-inclusive private island resort. Finally, a golf cart is provided for quicker access to the beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, or Hill House Restaurant for a fabulous four-course meal.

6. Amanpulo, Palawan Island, Philippines

Amanpulo is nestled in the serene waters of the Philippines’ Palawan Island. This private island greets its guests with an inviting white-sand beach, gentle lapping of the turquoise waters, and lush tropical forests. This resort is perfect for couples who seek refuge in nature while experiencing breathtaking beauty.

The resort offers stunning villas and casitas—each with memorable views and decor. The Beach Pool Casita is just steps from the beach and has a private plunge pool for couples to enjoy at their convenience. The resort’s cuisine includes locally caught seafood and island-grown organic herbs and vegetables. Menus range from Filipino to Japanese to Mediterranean. 

Alternative Dining Options

In addition to the resort restaurants, Amanpulo Resort offers several alternative dining experiences. A Kawayan bar is available for couples who wish to have a picnic on the water between swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The Kawayan bar is a floating bamboo picnic and sunbathing area that is perfectly suited for a romantic lunch for two. Private dining is also available at multiple locations around the island such as a seaside cove or high on a hillside.

7. Thanda Island, Tanzania

This uninhabited island is on the official list of the Leading Hotels of the World. For couples who want to truly experience quiet island life, this elite one-villa romantic spot may be an excellent choice. Coastal whites, greens, and blues color the villa’s large interior. This villa includes access to the following:

• Large living area
• Indoor aquarium
• Wine collection
• Air-conditioned gym
• Library
• Glass-rim flow swimming pool
• Wrap-around dining area
• Beach chalets
• Outdoor copper beach baths
• Private beach access

An executive personal chef will communicate prior to guests’ arrival to decide on the menu and ask if there are any specific requirements. An outdoor BBQ, pizza oven, and cocktail bar are also available for guests.

Activities can include swimming with a gentle whale shark, having a massage on the beach, exploring the spice island of Zanzibar, or diving in the largest marine reserve in the Indian Ocean.

8. Song Saa, Cambodia

Song Saa is a far-flung resort for couples to escape to for a romantic piece of paradise. Spacious wooden villas, a serene spa, and a preserved coral reef are some of the beautiful sights to be seen at this sustainability-minded resort.

Villas are built with reclaimed wood and thatched roofs. Sensual canopy beds are draped with light and airy linen, and up-cycled decor is used around the rooms, giving the place a local flavor throughout.

Menus at Song Saa are based on island-sourced ingredients, including local fruits and vegetables. Wildlife-friendly IBIS Rice from the North is used, as well as cashews and coconuts from nearby villages.

Activities include snorkeling, sea kayaking, morning yoga, an in-villa movie experience, island safaris, diving, private meditation, and a bioluminescence trip.

9. Sandals Royal Caribbean, Jamaica

Montego Bay, Jamaica, hosts the popular Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort. This resort boasts overwater villas, bungalows, and beachfront suites that are sure to please even the most particular of couples. If you choose an overwater bungalow, glass vision floor panels allow you to view Caribbean Sea life during the day and night. Private soaking tubs for two and overwater hammocks are luxurious options for connection with one another and nature.

Sandals hosts several gourmet restaurants that embody cuisines from around the world including:

• Traditional Island
• Thai
• French
• British Pub

Premium liquors and distinguished coffee and wine selections are included in the resort price. For couples who love to enjoy culinary delights with many different tastes, Sandals has you covered.

Activities and Specialty Services

Sandals is an all-inclusive resort that (besides food and drink) also offers scuba diving and snorkeling as part of the price. Couples can take a two-minute boat ride offshore to another island for the day if desired. Secluded private beaches, a swim-up pool bar, beach massages, cocktail parties, and private cabanas are a few more of the romantic activities that couples can enjoy.

As far as services go, Sandals Resort helps couples plan weddings, anniversaries, honeymoons, and even elopements. This resort has a wedding planning team that helps couples every step of the way and has many decor styles for couples to choose from. There are several factors to consider when planning a private island wedding, so be sure to do your research before settling on a location.

Pro tip: There is a dress code at this resort, so be sure to pack for “resort casual” by day and “resort elegant” for evening activities.

10. One and Only Reethi Rah, Maldives

Romance flourishes among the azure waters and powdery white-sand beaches of One and Only Reethi Rah. This luxury resort attracts couples with its blend of exclusivity, serenity, and opulence. Nestled on one of the largest islands in North Male Atoll and surrounded by the waters of the Indian Ocean, Reethi Rah is a magical escape for romance to thrive.

Couples can explore the dynamic sea life while diving and catch a glimpse of manta rays, sea turtles, or even sharks. Other water adventures include fishing, sailing, private yacht excursions, snorkeling, and other watersports.

Dining at One and Only Reethi Rah

There are many dining options to experience at One and Only Reethi Rah, Maldives, but one noteworthy restaurant to consider would be Botanica. Botanica pairs outdoor cooking with garden-grown fresh ingredients. Situated beneath the trees and stars, Botanica offers a serene and quiet setting for delicious meals and intimate dialogue.

11. Miavana, by Time+Tide, Madagascar

Miavana is an island sanctuary for couples who want an adventure. Kitesurfing, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, skiing, diving, and boating will keep water-loving couples happy. Miavana has an interesting history including traveling fishermen, pirates, and a thriving seaweed farm. Miavana is a natural beauty ready to be explored with over 100 lemur species in the area and migrating humpback whales seasonally.

14 oceanfront villas decorated with hand-dyed textiles and local stone are available with direct beach access. The entire island can be booked for your exclusive use or up to 32 guests.

Miavana invests in the future productivity of wildlife economies through community-based learning. Miavana, by Time+Tide, focuses on these four pillars:

1. Replenish the wild
2. Tread mindfully
3. Invest locally
4. Care for the community

Couples who enjoy learning and taking part in sustainability programs may want to consider visiting Miavana or The Aerial, BVI for their special getaway.

Enhance Your Relationship

Romantic island getaways help couples escape the day-to-day hustle and bustle of life to focus on building and enriching their relationships. Romantic dinners under the stars, exploring island shores, attending wellness retreats, or simply enjoying each other’s company while sunbathing on the beach provide beautiful opportunities to relax, unwind, and reconnect.

Research shows that engaging in self-expanding activities as a couple leads to greater relationship satisfaction. Choose a resort that inspires, awakens, and enlightens your spirit and you and your significant other will be sure to have a transformative couples’ experience, rooted in beauty and love.