Private islands are not only for celebrities and billionaires, there are secluded paradises available to rent for those willing to spend a little bit extra on their holiday.
Here are just five of the most tranquil sites to choose from:
Makepeace Island, Australia
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Situated in Queensland, Makepeace Island combines luxury and wilderness in its idyllic resort. The Balinese-style accommodation consists of three luxurious villas able to house 22 residents at a time and is ideal for anyone after the ultimate escape.
Island activities include fishing, kayaking and tennis, but if you're after tranquillity, the Lagoon pool and Sundown River cruise might tickle your fancy.
With the Sunshine Coast just a short trip away, it would be hard to resist exploring the Glasshouse Mountains or the award-winning Australia Zoo.
Book here.
Mounu Island, Fiji
This 6.5-acre piece of paradise is snuggled to the south of Vava'u, deep within the kingdom of Tonga. Valued for its raw beauty, the island's eco-resort was built to have minimal impact on the environment. The rustic wooden property stands isolated in tropical greenery and uses solar power, while rain water is filtered for drinking.
Due to the warm waters surrounding Vava'u, southern humpback whales can come quite close to the island in calving and mating seasons, swimming all the way from Antarctica. Sometimes you can see them from the windows of the resort, and there is the option to go snorkelling with them too.
Book here.
The Aateli Island, Finland
Aateli Island, which translates to Nobility Island, is located in the grand Nasijarvi Lake of Finland, a short boat ride away from the Vuokatti ski resort.
Here, you can stroll on the picturesque beach or through the woodlands, while the Aateli's own boats, the Princess Vilma and General Jermu, are available for a calm, quiet ride if you'd like to explore Nasijarvi Lake more intimately. For family fun, there is a Winter Resort and the Angry Birds Activity Park nearby.
Book here.
Taprobane Island, Sri Lanka
This Sri Lankan landmark was founded in the 1920s by eccentric Frenchman Count de Mauny Talvande, who settled on the tantalising tropics while searching for an earthly paradise. Determined to transform the virgin wilderness into the Eden he envisioned, Talvande spent years developing his white dream villa, which still stands today.
His five-bedroom home is now available to rent and holidaymakers may cross the waters via elephant or enjoy a dip in the swimming pool. The island itself inspired Kylie Minogue to pen the song Taprobane (Extraordinary Day) and pianist Jason Kouchak to compose Dark Island.
US composer and author Paul Bowles took ownership of the land after Talvande's death and wrote that at times, "the fecundity of the tropics could propel him into a state bordering on euphoria".
Take a quiet moment inside Talvande's dream house and you, too, can experience the joy.
Book here.
Guana Island, British Virgin Islands
Guana Island has seven white-sand beaches scattered across its length, with green mountains overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
A trip to this Caribbean islet is bound to excite nature-lovers, with the stout-rock iguana and Caribbean roseate flamingo among the exotic wildlife.
This island is all about getting away from the world - you won't find a TV or phone inside the rooms –and from sunset cruises to snorkelling and badminton, it's safe to say there will never be a dull moment.
Book here.
Why Bhutan hopes tourists will put a smile back on its face
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
