10 stunning private island retreats in the Asia-Pacific

Vibrant coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, exotic birds, and towering palm trees.

Imagine turning that perfect postcard into reality with a private island resort in Asia.

Secluded yet sophisticated, Asia’s best private islands offer completely customizable itineraries – from cultural tours and scuba diving to horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, or simply lounging in the sun.

While you could visit the Maldives – where every resort is on its own island – why not explore the more hidden gems of Cambodia, Indonesia, and Tasmania instead?

We’ve curated a selection of sun-drenched destinations across Southeast Asia and the Pacific for you to explore:

1. Bawah Reserve, Indonesia

If Indonesia's crystal-clear waters have caught your attention, Bawah Island is the perfect retreat to call home during your stay.

Accessible by seaplane, this rustic-chic resort is nestled in a tranquil six-island archipelago, located about hours northeast of Singapore.

The all-inclusive rates cover nearly everything – from transfers to meals, spa treatments, yoga, pilates, meditation, laundry, and non-motorized water sports, leaving only alcohol and diving as optional extras.

Within the marine conservation area, guests will discover 35 bamboo bungalows, including 11 perched over the water, an open-air cinema, and a wide variety of outdoor adventures.

Spend your days snorkeling or relaxing on the beach – Bawah Island is a sanctuary filled with sandy shores, jungles, mangroves, and opportunities for scuba diving.

Bawah Reserve, 01 Desa Kiabu Siantan Selatan, South Siantan, 29791, South Siantan, Indonesia; [email protected]

2. Haggerstone Island, Australia

Located at the northern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, Haggerstone Island brings the 'Castaway' fantasy to life with its thatched beach huts and timber houses filled with handcrafted furniture and quirky treasures.

A family-operated resort founded by Roy and Anna Turner 30 years ago, the all-inclusive journey begins with a private charter flight from Cairns to Haggerstone’s exclusive airstrip on Hicks Island, just a short 15-minute boat ride from the resort.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted with refreshing welcome drinks, stunning clear waters, and pristine white sands.

The main lodge serves meals crafted from freshly caught seafood and ingredients grown on-site, offering a true taste of the island's natural bounty.

The island's most opulent villa is House Mawu, a sprawling timber residence perched on a hill with stunning lagoon views. It features two bedrooms, a full kitchen, a cozy lounge, a fireplace, and a kid-friendly loft area.

Whether you're on a romantic honeymoon or vacationing with the whole family, the abundant marine life will be a highlight. The waters around the island are home to manta rays, turtles, and vibrant coral reefs.

Haggerstone Island, Shelbourne QLD 4875, Australia; [email protected]

3. Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia

Committed to sustainability, Song Saa Private Island stands as the sole luxury resort in the Koh Rong Islands, situated off the coast of southwestern Cambodia.

Melita and Rory Hunter, an Australian couple, discovered the island about 12 years ago while on a sailing adventure.

They bought the island from a local family who wanted to sell in order to return to mainland Cambodia.

The only hurdle? The island was in desperate need of restoration, as the surrounding marine environment had suffered due to pollution and overfishing.

The Hunters rehabilitated the island by adding plumbing, setting up recycling and waste management systems, and in 2007, they proudly launched Cambodia’s first certified marine reserve.

Spanning across two scenic islands, the resort features 27 thatched-roof suites made from driftwood, local stones, and bamboo. It also includes a gym, spa, an overwater restaurant, and easy access to prime snorkeling and sailing spots in the archipelago.

Song Saa Private Island, Koh Rong Archipelago, Cambodia; +855 92-609-488

4. Nihi, Indonesia

While the Indonesian archipelago is home to numerous island retreats, Nihi stands apart as one of the most unique and luxurious options.

Spanning the entire island of Sumba, located about 250 miles east of Bali, this stunning resort is shared with the indigenous Sumbanese people and a handful of wild horse herds.

At this 567-acre sanctuary, guests can enjoy full-day 'spa safaris' at the Nihi Oka Spa, hiking, village explorations, fishing, world-class surfing, snorkeling, ping pong, a beach cinema, horseback riding, and much more.

After a day filled with adventure, unwind in one of 27 luxurious rustic villas, each featuring canopy beds, expansive verandas, and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.

Nihi, Desa Hobawawi, Kecamatan Wanukaka, Sumba, 87272, Indonesia

5. Turtle Island, Fiji

This 500-acre tropical retreat, owned and operated by the Evanson family, served as the filming location for the 1980 film 'The Blue Lagoon.'

Exclusively for adults, this resort blends luxury all-inclusive accommodations with immersive Fijian cultural encounters, making for a truly unique experience.

A scenic seaplane journey to Fiji’s Turtle Island in the Yasawa Islands archipelago begins the experience, where guests are welcomed with traditional Fijian songs, a glass of champagne, and warm embraces from the staff.

This resort has the feel of an upscale adult summer camp, offering a range of energetic activities, group dinners where guests mingle, and a mix of cultural experiences, from choir singing to a kava ceremony and traditional meke dancing.

Mornings kick off with options like a sunrise horseback ride, a Champagne breakfast on the beach, or an exciting deep-sea fishing trip. In the afternoon, guests can unwind at private beaches or enjoy thrilling scuba diving adventures.

Wherever you are on the island, a dedicated walkie-talkie connects you to your Bure Mama, your personal butler, who can arrange extra beach time or bring you a fresh gin and tonic.

Dining revolves around fresh seafood, often caught that day (sometimes by the guests themselves), while the island’s abundant gardens provide a steady supply of fruits and vegetables.

In a bid to increase its eco-conscious efforts, the resort plans to become the first 100% solar-powered resort in Fiji by this spring, furthering its commitment to sustainability.

Turtle Island, Yasawa Islands, Fiji

6. Picnic Island, Australia

Off the southern coast of Australia, Tasmania boasts stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and a brand-new private island retreat.

Picnic Island, which opened in 2017, is owned by Jane and Clem Newton-Brown, and features copper and wood designs crafted by local architect John Latham.

The island’s five sleek cabins offer breathtaking views of Freycinet National Park and the pristine beaches of Wineglass Bay, located just across the water.

The hotel can accommodate just 10 guests at a time, offering a shared space known as the Birdhouse where visitors can relax, enjoy meals, and socialize by the fire.

Depending on the season, guests may encounter a variety of exotic wildlife on the hotel grounds, including resident penguins, as well as whales, dolphins, and seals.

The region is perfect for hiking, with expansive grassy areas inland and striking rock formations along the coast. Those with special interests can arrange personalized experiences, such as fishing trips or yoga retreats.

To get to Picnic Island, it's a short 10-minute water taxi ride from Coles Bay on Tasmania’s eastern shore, although guests are also welcome to bring their own boats and moor them overnight.

Picnic Island, Freycinet, Coles Bay TAS 7215, Australia; +61 411 255 179

7. Amanpulo, Philippines

As one of the Philippines’ most luxurious resorts, Amanpulo stands out for its exclusivity, featuring its own private airstrip.

To reach Amanpulo on Pamalican Island, guests typically depart from the Amanpulo Lounge at Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, followed by a 70-minute seaplane flight over the Sulu Sea, heading northeast from Palawan Island.

The resort features 42 luxurious “casitas,” offering a glamorous retreat with either sea or jungle views and private pools. Additionally, the one- to four-bedroom villas include personal butlers and private chefs to cater to every need.

Once you’re settled, enjoy pristine white-sand beaches, exceptional scuba diving (with an on-site PADI dive center), tennis, hiking, gourmet dining, and rejuvenating spa treatments.

Amanpulo, Pamalican Island, Philippines; +63 2 976 5200

8. Tavanipupu Private Island Resort, Solomon Islands

Often referred to as the “last paradise on Earth,” the Solomon Islands are brimming with stunning natural beauty.

Tavanipupu Private Island Retreat is nestled on the eastern edge of Guadalcanal, accessible by seaplane from Honiara to Marau Sound, followed by a short boat ride to the island.

A popular spot for honeymooners and VIPs, Tavanipupu is also famous for hosting the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their 2012 visit to Australia for the Queen’s Jubilee.

The 13-hectare island offers an intimate and secluded atmosphere, complete with coconut groves, 13 charming bungalows, rattan furnishings, and expansive verandas that overlook the serene Marau Lagoon.

Guests can enjoy a range of activities, including snorkeling, wakeboarding, sport fishing, biking, or kayaking along the island’s coastline. For a unique experience, they can also enjoy a private picnic on a sand spit.

The resort features an overwater bar offering prime sunset views, while the luxurious “Royal Bungalow” (named after the Duke and Duchess) includes a private jetty and an outdoor courtyard shower.

Tavanipupu Private Island Resort, Solomon Islands, +677 36082

9. Cempedak, Indonesia

Cempedak, situated miles away from the hustle and bustle of civilization, focuses entirely on the experience of the destination itself rather than the journey to get there.

Getting to this secluded island retreat requires a bit of effort: start with a one-hour ferry ride from Singapore’s Tanah Merah terminal, followed by a one-hour taxi journey, and then another half-hour ferry trip.

As you approach the island, you’ll see the stunning crescent-shaped villas perched above the coastline, with bold white boulders scattered across the landscape, reflecting the light beautifully.

The 20 bungalows on the island come with plunge pools and breathtaking ocean views, offering direct access to the 42-acre expanse of white-shell beaches and vibrant coral reefs.

In the lush mangroves and dense rainforests, wildlife such as pangolins, hornbills, and monkeys roam freely in their natural habitat.

Throughout the island, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including tennis, croquet, snorkeling, scuba diving, rock climbing, and cycling.

Cempedak, Air Gelubi, Bintan Pesisir, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands, Indonesia; +62 811-7008-040

10. Vivanta By Taj, Malaysia

Situated off the coast of Langkawi, on Malaysia’s Rebak Island, Vivanta By Taj perfectly merges the allure of a private island with sleek modern amenities.

Spanning 390 acres of untouched beauty, the resort offers remote beaches, ancient 300-million-year-old forests, vibrant coral reefs, and intricate mangrove networks.

And that’s just the beginning: Adventure enthusiasts can make the most of tennis, squash, volleyball, yoga, biking, and complimentary nature walks available throughout the property.

Snorkeling and diving are among the top activities here, but for those who prefer to stay dry while exploring marine life, Underwater World Langkawi on the main island offers an incredible display of penguins and fur seals.

For dining, guests can indulge in a variety of culinary experiences across eight restaurants and bars, plus private dining options scattered throughout the island.

One of the most romantic spots on the island is the Moon Deck, a secluded wooden jetty where couples can enjoy intimate, personalized dinners with stunning views of the Senari Straits.

Vivanta By Taj, Rebak Island, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia; +60 4 966 5566