You might also like:
“Expensive” and “far-fetched” are typically the first phrases that come to mind when people think about staying on a private island. However, if you’re an avid TPG reader, you’ll know that the world’s most luxurious travel experiences can often be booked for little out-of-pocket cash by redeeming points and miles. And fortunately, the same is true with booking stays at private island resorts.
Rather than list out every single points hotel located on a private island, we’ve curated a list of some of the best properties in different regions of the world. So, while the Maldives has a slew of amazing private island points hotels, we’ve only included one in this list (and gave it the highest rank). Also, a number of these properties are part of either the SPG or Marriott Rewards programs, which means the award prices will change when the two programs are combined into the new Marriott program in August.
1. St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
TPG himself, along with TPG Editor-at-Large Zach Honig, both consider the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort to be one of their favorite hotels in the world, and for good reason. The property is less than two years old, has breathtaking views and offers an endless amount of activities that’ll keep you entertained for as long as you’re there. While 90,000 points per night may sound steep, considering room rates are $1,500+ per night for most of the year and that the lowest-level awards book into overwater villas, redemptions here can get you serious value from your points.
The Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa came in a close second for properties in the Maldives, and offers slightly better award redemption possibilities. But the St. Regis took the crown in our hotel face-off.
2. JW Marriott Venice Resort and Spa
The JW Marriott Venice Resort and Spa is another relatively new property and is set on a private island called Isola delle Rosse (Rose Island) off the coast of — you guessed it — Venice, Italy. The 40-acre island resort boasts 250 rooms, four restaurants, the city’s largest spa and an early 20th century church. The highlight of the property is not the century-old park or the onsite Sapori Cooking Academy, but the rooftop lounge and pool area that give you panoramic vistas as far as the eye can see. Guests have easy access to the heart of Venice thanks to a complimentary boat service to St. Mark’s Square.
3. Sheraton Resort and Spa, Tokoriki Island, Fiji
Tokoriki Island is one of the 20 Mamanuca Islands — the closest group of islands to Nadi International Airport (NAN) and arguably the most picture perfect. Guests visiting the Sheraton Resort and Spa on Tokoriki can expect white sand beaches and clear waters, perfect for diving and snorkeling. The island’s central location makes it easy to go “island hopping” and explore everything that the Fijian islands have to offer.
4. Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina, Autograph Collection
If you’d rather stay closer to home and still get great use of your Marriott Rewards points, consider redeeming them for a stay at the Scrub Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands. The private island is located just one mile offshore from Tortola Airport (EIS) and provides complimentary boat transportation from the mainland. The resort offers three private beaches, three pools, a full-service spa with ayurvedic treatments and a marina. The resort is nearing full recovery from the hurricanes last summer and is accepting reservations online for stays from October 1 onward.
5. Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino
While guests of the Renaissance Aruba don’t actually get to sleep on a private island, the resort still gets a spot on this list because guests have exclusive access to Renaissance Island, the resort’s own 40-acre private island. The island is divided between an adult side and a family side, and features Aruba’s only private beach, along with chaise lounges, huts, hammocks and even flamingos. There are many nonstop options to get you to and from Aruba (AUA) from major cities across the US — including JetBlue Mint from Boston (BOS) and New York (JFK).
6. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa
Located in Bonita Springs, Florida, the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa is the closest resort on this list to home — and the cheapest. Resort guests have access to a private island and beach with hourly shuttle transportation. But this resort isn’t just for beach bumming — the property also features three acres of water attractions which include a lazy river, five waterslides and an adult pool.
Honorable Mentions
Two private island resorts that didn’t make it onto this list but definitely deserve a mention are the W Vieques and Necker Island. Both are fantastic points getaways, but both sustained devastation from last summer’s hurricanes and are not currently accepting reservations. Recovery efforts are still in progress and the W Vieques expects to begin taking reservations after December 31, 2018.
Source: thepointsguy.com