Jul 1, 2020
With coronavirus dramatically changing the way we approach travel, these hotel buyout packages could be a deeper-pocketed traveler’s solution to taking a safer holiday. These offers allow ultimate privacy while making social distancing a whole lot easier, given the fact that you have the entire property yourself (and whichever lucky friends or family members you choose to tag along).
Since the Maldives is reopening this month, one could argue that a super-luxe escape to your own private island is exactly how you should reward yourself for making it out of lockdown alive. If you prefer your private islands with a tinge more green, you can also head to the Seychelles—or Yangon, if you miss the city bustle.
Naladhu Private Island Maldives
-
Champagne service hits differently when on a deserted island. Courtesy of Naladhu Private Island Maldives.
We would be more than okay with playing castaway on this private island resort, where 20 spacious sea-bordering villas come with its own private pool and personal butler. With a medley of watersport activities (from kiteboarding to sailing) all at your disposal plus access to Naladhu’s sister properties, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort and Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, we’re going to bet you won’t miss the crowds at all. Rates start at US $35,000 per night with a minimum stay of three nights.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives
-
Underwater restaurant Subsix. Courtesy of Niyama Private Island Maldives.
A one-night buyout of all 134 spacious villas and pavilions at Niyama Private Islands will cost you US $130,000, but have you ever had an underwater restaurant to yourself while dining on a personalized menu after a day snorkeling, surfing and spa-ing? Yeah, us either. If you’re struggling to think of enough friends to fill up all the villas, you can also opt to book just 30 of them for maximum 65 guests starting from US $40,000 per night.
P.S. The resort boasts one of the best kids clubs in the Maldives, so you won’t have to feel bad about excusing yourself from family time for that 120-minute spa treatment.
Private Island at Six Senses Zil Pasyon
-
A three bedroom residence at Six Senses Zil Pasyon. Courtesy of Six Senses Zil Pasyon.
Accessible only by helicopter or yacht, Six Senses Zil Pasyon on Felicité Island, Seychelles is offering a week-long exclusive island experience from US $371,000. Up to 20 guests can settle into the resort’s mod-tropical villas and residences, which are surrounded by lush greenery and look out to panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. You’ll also be able to indulge in a variety of cool experiences, like Eat With Six Senses chef’s table, a guided snorkel tour around Koko Island Sanctuary, blue water fishing, a sunset cruise along with a sunset champagne tasting.
Book Six Senses Zil Pasyon on Felicité Island
The Strand Yangon
-
Courtesy of The Strand Yangon.
Do like George Orwell and make “the finest hostelry East of the Suez” your home for a month for rates starting at US $130,000. The Strand Yangon is offering guests an all-access pass to their 32 suites with 24-hour butler service and security, daily breakfast at The Strand Cafe, and weekly spa treatments. For what its worth, we can think of few places we’d rather self isolate than at the iconic hotel’s bar sipping with a Strand Sours and listening to jazz.
Kokomo Private Island
The 140-acre island is surrounded by the Great Astrolabe Reef
The ‘seven-star’ ultra-luxe resort follows on from Raffles Maldives Meradhoo and St. Regis Maldives Vommuli by introducing a package that secures the whole property from £150,000 per night. If that sounds expensive, consider the fact that its billionaire owner Lang Walker had to spend $100m just to get the doors open.
By buying out the entire Kokomo Private Island Resort, guests not only gain exclusive access to 140-acres of paradise but also get the added reassurance that comes with having more space to themselves. Indeed, a buy-out includes all five of the island’s luxury residences and its 21 villas. The spectacular white sand beaches will be completely empty and its sustainability-driven restaurants will be ready and waiting.
Fiji itself is likely to see a rapid bounceback in its tourism trade having been more-or-less completely unaffected by the Covid-19 outbreak. The Pacific nation has recorded 18 cases and no deaths at the time of publication. But the pandemic will start to make a significant impact on the economy if the tourists do not return.
The Fijian government has already opened its arms to Australian and New Zealand tourists, with talk of an agreement to travel between countries. It may be more cautious when opening up to the US, which is still experiencing a significant outbreak, but exceptions could be made for the elite, who can limit their exposure by making the 11-hour trip from LA privately.
kokomoislandfiji.com
The buyout includes exclusive access to its five luxury residences
The Kokomo Residence terrace
