Destination Wedding
Private Paradise: The World's 8 Top Private Island Resorts for Exclusive Destination Weddings
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Curated by The Travel Siblings • Written by Angela Desveaux
Hosting a wedding on an exclusive private island resort is the very epitome of luxury. From the azure waters of Fiji to the exotic allure of Zanzibar (and a world of oceans in between!), we’ve curated EIGHT hidden gems where extraordinary dreams soar to exotic heights.
1. KOKOMO PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT
Yaukuve Levu Bay, Fiji / images courtesy of Kokomo Private Island Resort / @kokomoprivateisland
Kokomo Private Island Fiji is an exquisite, ultra-luxury destination nestled in the breathtaking Yaukuve Levu Bay of the South Pacific. Fijians, renowned for their nurturing personalities and profound sense of family, infuse their innate hospitality into every aspect of Kokomo. The island offers 21 stunning beachfront villas, ensuring an unparalleled experience for up to 120 of your friends and family when exclusively booked. Ocean enthusiasts will discover a haven here, with a plethora of activities ranging from deep-sea fishing to exploring over 30 unique diving sites. At Kokomo Private Island, each wedding is crafted to be truly exceptional and personalized. The culinary experience is tailored exclusively to your desires, with options ranging from five-course tasting menus to lavish sharing platters, all featuring the island’s organic produce.
Wedding groups are spoiled for choice with five larger residence-style villas that offer up to six rooms each, making these ideal for friends and family.
GETTING THERE
Your red carpet treatment kicks off upon arrival at Nadi International Airport, where the island boasts its own dedicated aviation hangar and luxury transfer lounge where you can shower and enjoy some food and beverage ahead of your seaplane transfer high above Fiji’s azure waters.
2. SONG SAA PRIVATE ISLAND
Koh Rong Archipelago, Cambodia, images courtesy of Song Saa Private Island / @songsaaprivateisland
Secluded in the warm sapphire waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia’s Song Saa Private Island spans nearly 100 acres across two beautiful islets. The name itself, Song Saa, meaning “The Sweethearts” in Khmer, sets the tone for a romantic experience. This luxurious resort offers an escape surrounded by Robinson Crusoe-esque jungle foliage and soft white sand. Choose from several enchanting locations for your wedding ceremony, including the option of a Traditional Monk Blessing. Before or after your wedding, unwind at the “Spa with No Walls,” a collection of little sanctuaries nestled across the island, where traditional Cambodian healing treatments await in the embrace of nature.
Wedding ceremonies can include a Traditional Monk Blessing where you’ll receive red string bracelets as a physical reminder of your spiritual experience. 24 Luxe villas and overwater bungalows offer privacy, comfort, and ocean views, and most have private pools and direct access to turquoise waters.
GETTING THERE
Reach the resort with a 45-minute speedboat ride from Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Transfer services are available from Sihanoukville International Airport or other locations within Cambodia.
3. CALIVGNY ISLAND
Grenada, images courtesy of Calivgny Island / @calivigny_island
Calivigny Island is a relatively undiscovered, privately-owned island located in the Caribbean off the coast of Grenada that exquisitely defines “exclusive luxury.” Surrounded by crystal clear water and boasting a pristine white sand beach that stretches over two miles, the island offers complete privacy and exclusivity for up to fifty (very lucky) guests. Exquisitely appointed villas feature private swimming pools, outdoor dining areas, and stunning views. The island has become a ‘secret’ destination for couples that want exceptional service and an intimate luxury destination wedding experience.
GETTING THERE
Calivigny Island is a five-minute boat ride from mainland Grenada. Arriving at nearby Maurice Bishop International Airport, you will be greeted for your private transfer.
4. LIZARD ISLAND
Cairns, Australia, images courtesy of Lizard Island / @lizardisland
Consistently lauded as one of the world’s finest resorts, Lizard Island in Australia is an awe-inspiring private island retreat, uniquely positioned as the sole luxury resort on the Great Barrier Reef. Situated at the northernmost point of the reef, it offers an unparalleled setting for a secluded and intimate wedding experience. With 40 villas and suites that exude a sanctuary-like ambiance, ranging from the magnificent three-story, three-bedroom “The House” to individual villas overlooking the Coral Sea with private decks and plunge pools, every guest will find their perfect haven. Choose to exchange your vows in complete privacy, whether directly on the pristine beach, atop a ridge boasting panoramic views, or within the open-air Wedding Pavilion on Anchor Bay. When it’s time to sneak away for some romance, take a private dinghy to a secluded beach and spend the day immersed in absolute paradise.
Fun Fact: The name ‘Lizard Island’ was bestowed by Captain Cook when he passed it in 1770, a name given because of—unsurprisingly—the amount of lizards he saw at the time.
GETTING THERE
Reach Lizard Island by a scenic one-hour flight from Cairns, where you’ll soar over a 200-kilometer expanse of the Great Barrier Reef before touching down on this island sanctuary.
5. ANANTARA BAZARUTO
Bazaruto Island, Mozambique, images courtesy of Anantara Bazaruto / @anantarabazaruto
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, located on the largest island within Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago and nestled within the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, offers a captivating private island retreat. Enveloped by towering sand dunes, inland lakes, and verdant vegetation, this resort boasts 44 magnificent villas that epitomize spacious luxury, featuring private terraces and awe-inspiring views of the Indian Ocean. Choose to exchange your vows on a secluded private beach, where the gentle Indian Ocean serves as a backdrop of tranquility, or embark on a journey to Pansy Island, a mesmerizing sandbank on the island’s southern tip, surrounded by hues of turquoise and sapphire. For the most intimate ceremonies, set sail on a traditional wooden Dhow boat at sunset, with the horizon as a perfect backdrop. Delve into the island’s villages to immerse yourself in the local Makua culture and traditional way of life, offering opportunities to engage in local crafts and experience the authentic warmth of Mozambican hospitality. Horseback riding at sunset along Bazaruto’s pristine beaches is THE ULTIMATE romantic experience.
GETTING THERE
Your journey to Anantara Bazaruto begins with a scenic flight or boat transfer from Vilanculos, revealing the exotic beauty of the Bazaruto Archipelago.
6. ISLAS SECAS PRIVATE ISLAND & RESERVE
Fort San Lorenzo, Panama, images courtesy of Islas Secas / @islas_secas
A private island buyout at Panama’s remote and wild Islas Secas means you can craft the intimate wedding of your dreams. Eight casitas (accommodating up to 18 guests) have the playful feel of treehouses and are nestled into the ocean-facing wilderness, allowing your group to spread out, relax, and enjoy a sense of adventure. Festivities get underway at a variety of breathtaking locations, while dining is best described as a movable feast of the senses. You’ll taste Panamanian spices, fresh herbs, and produce (grown on the verdant island grounds). Just-caught seafood will be served beneath the palms, or you can be transported to a secluded beach with a picnic, cooler, lounge chair, umbrella and a two-way radio so you can signal for a return when ready. Add dancing beneath the stars on the beach, and a huge range of exciting daytime activities, and you’ve got your perfect tropical paradise wedding.
GETTING THERE
After landing in Panama City, you’ll connect by direct one-hour air transfer, landing on a private airstrip on the main island of Islas Secas. For the ultimate ride, you can privately charter the resort’s Twin Otter airplane to/from Panama City and David or from San Jose and Liberia in Costa Rica.
7. &Beyond MNEMBA ZANZIBAR
Mnemba Island, ZANZIBAR, Images courtesy of &Beyond Mnemba Zanzibar / @andbeyondmnemba
Dubbed “The Millionaire’s Island,” Mnemba Island offers a sheer paradise for up to 20 guests, with attentive staff to address your every wedding whim. Twelve rustic-chic thatched-roof “bandas” are tucked into the dappled shade of the Casuarina pine forest and overlook a beach with sand so white, it looks like it’s been coated with baking powder. Late breakfast trays teeming with tropical fruit, freshly squeezed juice, and Tanzanian coffee can be delivered to your banda, or fresh sushi and chilled Champagne can appear discreetly at your beach lounger at sunset. Weddings are small but meticulously planned and personalized, and can include Masai dancers and Kiswahili hymns. After you’ve said your vows, celebrate by dancing to Ngoma music under the African stars.
Imagine movie nights on the beach as the gentle waves of The Indian Ocean lap at your feet.
GETTING THERE
Mnemba Island can be reached via a 90-minute drive from Stone Town through lush spice plantations that blanket Zanzibar Island. You’ll then board a boat for the last 20 minutes of the transfer. On arrival, you’ll be in island mode right away–with no dock, you’ll hike up your shorts or skirt and wade into shore.
8. VELAA PRIVATE ISLAND MALDIVES
Maldives, Images courtesy of Velaa Private Island / @velaaprivateisland
Located in the Maldives Noonu Atoll, no request is too much at Velaa Private Island making this exclusive private island resort the ultimate dream for an exotic private destination wedding. A full buy-out here means you can enjoy paradise with about 100 guests as the island offers 43 private villas (18 of which are perched over the water), and 2 four-bedroom residences, all with private pools. For maximum honeymoon privacy, the aptly-named “Romantic Villa,” is the only villa accessible by boat. The island also features its own golf course, full-service spa, and countless water sports and activities.
GETTING THERE
The island of Velaa is reachable from Velana International Airport (MLE) by a 45-minute scenic seaplane ride either by Velaa’s 9-seater customized plane or a 15-seater commercial seaplane. For the ultimate start to your time in paradise, you can also get there by chartering Velaa’s luxury yacht Rania, enjoying swimming and snorkeling in untouched reefs along the way.
