Private Islands: Real Costs, Control, and How to Choose

Private islands are a tool for privacy, certainty, and flawless hosting. The price spectrum starts around one thousand dollars per person per night at resort islands and around nine thousand dollars per night for compact buyouts built for two. From there, larger islands scale to six figures per night and the most famous atolls reach several million dollars for a week. The best choice depends on headcount, service expectations, season, and transfer logistics.

Prices and policies verified on September 17, 2025 and subject to change.

The three formats

Resort island
A full service resort occupies its own island. You reserve a villa or an estate and enjoy serious privacy with restaurants, spa, gym, medical support, and water teams already in place.

Island buyout
You take every residence. Schedules, menus, and programming revolve around your guests with no outside traffic.

Micro island estate
A purpose built hideaway for a couple or a small family. Staff work from a support islet or a discrete back of house so the main beach feels entirely yours.

The cost spectrum you can plan against

Resort island baseline
Plan from one thousand dollars per person per night in good seasons for entry categories. Villas are often priced as a flat rate for two guests, with supplements for additional guests.

Compact buyouts for two
Expect around nine thousand dollars per night as a starting point in value periods. Rates move with season and inclusions. Longer stays can unlock complimentary transfers or signature experiences.

Core group buyouts
For islands that sleep eight to thirty guests, nightly rates commonly range from the high five figures to the low six figures depending on capacity, season, and what is included. Divide by confirmed headcount to compare against flagship resort suites or a yacht charter.

Flagship atolls and icons
Quoted by the week from several hundred thousand dollars into seven figures. These programs bring deep staffing, marine fleets, serious culinary capability, and fully custom events.

Always include
Government taxes, service charges, conservation or park fees, and transfers by seaplane, helicopter, or private boat. Weight and weather limits can affect both timing and cost.

When to go for smooth operations

Caribbean and Central America
The broad fair weather window runs from December through early August. Summer and early autumn bring higher storm risk but also strong value.

Indian Ocean and the Maldives
Calmer seas and clearer skies are most common from December through April. May through October brings passing squalls and more wind, balanced by attractive offers and remarkable marine life in certain atolls.

Seychelles
April and May, then October and November often deliver lighter winds and smooth water that suits snorkeling and gentle boating.

French Polynesia
The drier stretch runs April through October. May and September are favorite shoulder months for comfort and availability.

Transfers that protect the experience

Seaplanes
Plan daylight arrivals and aim to land by mid afternoon to connect the same day. Baggage allowances are lower than long haul flights, so coordinate camera gear and dive kits early.

Speedboats and domestic hops
Many islands sit one to ninety minutes by boat from a main hub. Farther islands pair a short domestic flight with a quick boat ride. These options can run after dark and help late landings.

Private charters
Helicopters and small planes keep control and privacy high. Expect firm weight limits and seasonal weather calls. Always keep a backup plan.

What creates real value

Control of schedule
Breakfast when you wish. Dinner when you are ready. Program changes on the hour without venue conflict.

Security and privacy
Single point of entry, managed air and sea access, and a clear buffer from drones and paparazzi. Staff and vendor agreements as standard.

Capability on island
Medical room with a defined escalation plan. Trained marine crews. Backup power and satellite communications for continuity.

Service culture
High staff to guest ratios, butlers who run daily briefings, culinary teams that can handle strict wellness programs and complex allergies, and a parallel program for children and teens.

How to choose for your group

Headcount and layout
Confirm bedroom count, bed splits, and how close villas sit to one another. Many groups prefer a central house for gatherings and separate cottages for sleep.

Inclusions and extras
Clarify exactly what your rate covers. Meals, house drinks, and non motorized water sports are common. Ask about park fees and taxes so the final bill matches your plan.

Privacy protocol
Understand rules for visiting boats, drones, and day permits. On resort islands, select perimeter villas with private docks or reef side settings to reduce passing traffic.

Wellness and recovery
Look for warm water hydrotherapy, cold immersion, yoga pavilions, and sleep friendly rooms with real blackout and quiet.

Buyout math made simple (Using median buyout rate)

Twelve guests at one hundred twenty thousand per night
Ten thousand per person per night with full control and private programming.

Twenty four guests at one hundred eighty thousand per night
Seven thousand five hundred per person per night with serious facilities and a full activity grid.

Forty guests at three hundred thousand per night
Seven thousand five hundred per person per night with total island control, robust security, and custom events.

Program blueprints

Family celebration
Seven nights. Estate villas by family unit. Parallel kids and teens program. Two signature dinners on the beach. One day of purpose tied to reef or community work. Jet arrivals aligned to seaplanes.

Leadership retreat
Four nights. Morning meetings with full privacy controls and broadcast quality video options. Afternoons for water and wellness. Evenings for roundtable dinners. Written communications plan and response times posted in each villa.

Client impact event
Five nights. Island takeover. Temporary structures, lighting design, and controlled media moments. Yacht drop in aligned with island rules. Curated philanthropy element that is authentic and measurable.

Risk and reputation management

A clear NDA policy for staff and vendors.
Drone and perimeter rules that are stated and enforced.
Medical escalation plan with response times and roles.
Insurance review for event builds and specialty activities.
A single decision maker delegated to approve changes on site.

Smart ways to protect budget without losing privacy

Travel in shoulder months that still have calm seas.
Reserve an estate cluster on a resort island instead of a full buyout when headcount is light.
Stage two or three showcase dinners with a private chef and use restaurants for the rest.
Match international arrival times to local transfer windows to avoid forced overnights.

Your planning checklist

1. Mission of the trip and must win outcomes

2. Headcount with a plus two buffer for security or support

3. Preferred sea conditions and travel window

4. Buyout or resort island estates based on control and medical capability

5. Staff plan by role

6. Menus and wellness needs confirmed two weeks out

7. Transport plan across jet, seaplane, and marine legs

8. Communications and power backup confirmed in writing

9. Clear privacy and media policy

10. A one page program with optional days for weather or mood

Why book through WYTA

You get best available rates, VIP meet and greet service, private drivers where needed, and lounge access at the airport on qualifying itineraries. We coordinate seaplanes, domestic hops, and boats so no one waits around. We secure the villas that match your group and we handle the quiet details that keep the trip effortless.

Speak with a senior advisor

Ready to plan your island
Text 714 584 3368
Email hello@wytagroup.com

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