Heaven is a place on Earth

may 25, 2016

What could honestly be more serene, more luxurious or more wondrous than retreating from the world at large to your own private paradise? Join us as we delve into the world of private-island resorts, off-limits to the bothersome bustle of everyday life. Image courtesy of cntraveller.com Even the thought of vacationing on a private island with it's own resort staff and attendees sounds like it would cost a fortune. You would be forgiven for thinking that the only way to access these oases of opulence would be by striking it lucky on the Royal Vegas online casino. However, this doesn't have to be the case. Let's take a look at some of the most majestic private island resorts across the world that you never knew were within your grasp. Image courtesy of www.cntraveller.com Ariara, The Philippines Located around 160 miles south-west of Manila lies Ariara. This ocean jewel lies within clear turquoise waters which offers visitors the chance to experience some of the most colourful marine life on the planet. Within the island interior you'll find a dense mysterious jungle, perfect for hikes, while on the fringes you'll find shimmering white sandy beaches to bask on. There are 35 staff who's soul responsibility lies in pampering those who journey to the island offering starlit dinners, yoga, massages, paddleboarding and kayaking. If you're the feeling a little more adventurous, there are jet-ski's to boost your adrenaline, as well as speedboats if you fancy a little island-hopping. So, what will all this luxury set you back? If you booked out the island with 17 of your closest friends and family, you would only need $460 per person per night. Image courtesy of thebrando.com The Brando, French Polynesia Nestled within it's very own coral reef in one of the remotest regions of Earth lies the atoll of Tetiaroa. It's made up of dozens of smaller islands sporting a crystal-clear ocean view. To get to this far-removed retreat, you'll need to fly from Tahiti which will give you a chance to gaze on the beauty of this archipelago before enjoying the luxuries it has to offer. This is a place for the reserved among us to think, to dream and to breathe; relishing in the wondrous peace of seclusion. With only 80 guests being welcome at any one time, there will be none to spoil your appreciation of it's natural beauty.   Image courtesy of pulau-joyo.com Pulau Joyo, Indonesia  The South China Sea is a haven for hundreds of tiny islands, vast archipelagos and hidden gems; many of which are available for you to visit and enjoy. None can compare however, to Pulau Joyo. Shipping magnate Antony Marden originally intended for the island to be a holiday home for his family but luckily, this paradise has been open to the public since 2011. Visitors will find gracefully restrained furnishes, local antiques bedecking the six houses and rustic hessian-coloured fabrics adorning decorating the scene. This is quite a small island but it still manages to offer visitors plenty to do  from kayaking and paddle-boarding to snorkeling and fishing. Image courtesy of thesimplesol.com Isleta El Espino, Nicaragua For those who truly want to get off-the-grid there is Isleta El Espino. To reach this rustic retreat you will need to take a private boat from the charming colonial town of Granada across Lake Nicaragua. This journey will take you past the lush, thick jungle, uninhibited wildlife and even local fisherman bringing home their catch. This vacation marvel is the brainchild of Andrew and Kristen Werner who sought to create a sustainable but gorgeous eco-lodge for visitors to enjoy. All electricity used by the resort is drawn from solar panels and all water is filtered straight from the lake. There are three bedrooms, with one being a treehouse, that epitomize the search for rustic luxury with polished concrete floors, hand-painted tiles and indigenous wooden furniture. Every morning here begins with a calming yoga session and every evening ends in the jovial cheers of those enjoying dragon-fruit cocktails. Image courtesy of dolphinislandfiji.com Dolphin Island, Fiji New-Zealand designer Virginia Fisher has succeeded in her attempt to create the pinnacle of paradise among the islands of Fiji. The island forms just a part of Alex van Heeren's super-exclusive Huka Retreats portfolio so you can expect the ultimate in luxury and service from the professional staff of housekeeper Dawn Simpson. Here, you can enjoy the finest in Fijian cuisine, retreat to the seclusion of the romantic hilltop bure or commandeer a sailing boat and head out into the Bligh Strait. Regardless of how you choose to relax, you'll be greeted by the call of local birds and the far off songs of local fishermen. Now, if salt and sand have less of a place in your perfect holiday than a few other people, make sure you check out this feature showing off stunning resort pools from around the world. Either way, you may just end up filling your entire vacation schedule!