The World's Best Private Islands

The resorts of the Maldives are some of the most exclusive in the world, and it doesn't come more secluded than this: a whole island to yourself, with daily spa treatments, free watersports, a private chef and a sommelier-supervised wine cellar coming as standard.

Owner David Copperfield has certainly worked his magic on this cluster of islands in the Caribbean. Sit out under the stars and watch movies on the beach, set off for a picnic on a sand bank or play billiards on Houdini's old table. Five breezy beach houses are spread across the islands, each with its own private patch of sand.

George and Amal Clooney might not have hired out the island as a whole when they honeymooned at North Island in the Seychelles recently, but if you're keen on exclusivity and want an authentic marooned experience you can do just that.

This private island lies just off the coast of Zanzibar. Snorkel with giant tortoises on the spectacular coral reef, then retreat to your far-from-shabby digs: 10 ensuite cottages on either side of a communal living space, kitted out with locally made grass mats, beach views and a backdrop of verdant forest.

One lucky Melbourne family inherited this remote island, set off the coast of Tasmania in the D'Entrecasteaux Channel and so-named for its star-gazing opportunities, and they have generously decided to share it. Sleep in a converted boathouse on the jetty, jump in the caretaker Richard's mule for lunch at Last Glimpse Point and enjoy the peace: the only other residents are some deer and hens.

The Philippines has no shortage of islands (over 7,000 at the last count), but Ariara is a truly special one. This 125-acre retreat, within the province of Palawan, was designed by a British couple, who tired of hotels and wanted to offer an alternative that is designed to feel like a luxurious second home. Enjoy meals in the marble-floored dining hall, watch films on the oversize sofas in the lounge or just hide out in the villas along the main beach, looking out to the sea and neighbouring islands.

Explore Victoria Falls from the Zambezi River's only private island; Sindabezi is a luxury bush camp with five open-sided cottages set on the famous waterway. The eco-lodge looks out across the African bush, taking in the flood plains of the river and the nearby national park.

For a true Robinson Crusoe-worthy experience, look no further than Azura Quilalea, flung off the coast of Mozambique in the Quirimbas Archipelago. All 86 acres will be yours: nine sea-facing villas, a spa and a PADI-approved dive centre, not to mention activities including fishing, kayaking, bird-watching and seeking shade beneath the baobab-trees.

This island retreat three miles from San Pedro on Belize's coast offers seven brightly coloured, Balinese-style villas, each with a private pool, hammock and devoted butler seeing to your every whim.

Owned by Red Bull drinks magnate Dietrich Mateschitz and only accessible by private plane, Laucala in Fiji's Northern Islands is among the South Pacific's most exclusive retreats. Sustainability is key: the estate rears its own livestock, grows its own fruit and vegetables, and bottles its own mineral water – so you can enjoy the scuba-diving, horse riding and watersports conscience-free.