Seychelles, Mozambique, Maldives – 3 luxury tropical islands you can rent out completely for the the ultimate coronavirus-proof escape, from US$19,000 a night
Our insatiable desire to vacate crowded cities for much-needed convalescing has only been intensified by the coronavirus, but with lots of destinations and resorts closed or unable to accommodate as many visitors as they once could, escaping to a private island could be the answer. Here is a trinity of tropical hideaways that you can rent out in their entirety.
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Felicité Island, Seychelles
This private island in the Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Africa, is home to Six Senses Zil Pasyon. The resort has 28 one-bedroom pool villas, two two-bedroom pool villas and two residences, all nestled among lush tropical vegetation as befitting a resort that typifies exotic luxury.
Until the end of September, the island is at its most temperate making it perfect for those who want to build up an appetite by hiking or walking the island's nature trails. From mid-October, the island, specifically Grand Anse Beach, begins its annual transformation into a turtle nesting haven. Nests are protected and signposted with information for guests.
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Six Senses Zil Pasyon is offering buyout packages for HK$3 million (US$400,000) for a one-week stay for groups of up to 20 people and includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, blue-water fishing, a sunset cruise, guided snorkelling and a sunset tasting of Billecart-Salmon Champagne and Provence Rosé, among other options.
Medjumbe Island, Mozambique
One of the Quirimbas Islands, which are on the tentative list for becoming a Unesco World Heritage Site, Medjumbe is a privately-owned island that is just one kilometre long and 300 metres wide. Home to Anantara Medjumbe, a resort of just 12 villas that can accommodate a total of 24 guests, this postcard-perfect island is skirted by magnificent white sand beaches and surrounded by jade green waters. Each of the thatched-roof villas is decorated in ocean-hues and features ocean views, private plunge pools and soaking tubs.
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Buyout packages start at HK$149,000 (US$19,000) per night and include breakfast, lunch and dinner, an island excursion with a barbecue or picnic, snorkelling, scuba or fishing trips and return air transfers from Pemba International Airport. Three consecutive nights’ stay is required; packages are available until December 10, 2021.
Voavah, Baa Atoll, Maldives
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The first place in the world to be designated by Unesco as an exclusive-use island, Voavah is managed by the Four Seasons. At just five acres, the verdant island is the perfect jumping-off point for exploration as the waters around it are teeming with reef sharks and manta rays. The island has just seven bedrooms (and even if only one bedroom is booked, the island is off limits to everyone else), and also has its own spa and beach house as well as three outdoor pools, a library and indoor and outdoor dining options.
Buyout packages start at US$40,000-55,000 per night, and guests also have the Voavah Summer, a private yacht, at their disposal if they would like to head out for snorkelling or diving.
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Looking for complete social distancing and guaranteed isolation? There’s seclusion in spades at these beach resorts where for a pretty penny you can pay for exclusive access to swim, snorkel and hike utterly undisturbed