It’s getting to that time of year when some (understandably) want to turn their phone off, escape normal life and flee the country for a restful escape. And where better to truly switch off than on an island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Mexico or in the Caribbean? Whether you need a break from the mundane for a few weeks, or are planning a breathtaking getaway with the family in tow, we’ve scoured the globe for the best secluded five-star hotels each calling its very own remote island or archipelago home. 

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius, Mauritius

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius is spread across a secluded spot on the main island and a neighbouring private island named Ile aux Cerfs, connected by a bridge over a sparkling lagoon. Accessible only by Four Seasons guests via speedboat, the latter is an idyllic cove where hotel guests can spend days swimming in the crystal-clear waters or relaxing on shore, with lunch and all-day refreshments provided by the resort’s beach bar, La Plaz Beach Grill, which serves a menu of fresh seafood.

Back on the main island, the resort is home to 135 villas – all featuring open-air architecture, floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor rain showers and private pools – and the jewel in its crown: the five-bedroom Royal Island Sanctuary. Tucked away on the northern corner of the private island, the Royal Island Sanctuary overlooks one of the resort’s three white-sand beaches, with panoramic oceanfront views, two private swimming pools and freestanding bathtubs. Culinary highlights include the Italian-inspired Acquapazza by Sergio Favata, and Lazy Fish, which celebrates local flavours across dishes of mahi mahi, saffron prawns and rum flambéed lobster. Fill your days with sojourns to the expansive spa and curated excursions such as guided tours of the mangroves to learn about the resort’s conservation work. 

From £625 per night. 

Kuda Villingili, Maldives

Home to the largest pool in the Maldives measuring 150 metres, Kuda Villingili Resort is located in the North Male Atoll, just 30 minutes from Velana International Airport by speedboat. The resort is home to 75 villas and residences, each with their own swimming pool, and a carefully-crafted culinary journey which provides guests with distinctive dining experiences across seven restaurants, three bars and an exclusive whiskey and cigar lounge. 

The highlight? The idyllic beachfront spa, located on a slither of sand away from the main resort on its own private island, featuring eight luxurious treatment huts that fringe the water’s edge. Elsewhere, sports enthusiasts can get their endorphin fix at the floodlit tennis courts, state-of-the-art padel court, fully-equipped gym, volleyball court and futsal ground before taking to the water to try snorkelling, fishing, scuba diving and some of the best surfing in the Maldives.

From £1,200 per night. 

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Maldives

Tucked away in the Maldives’ South Ari Atoll, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is perfectly positioned across two wild and beautiful islands to offer a collection of overwater and beach villas that sit in harmony with the natural environment. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Muraka is a unique sprawling residence featuring three bedrooms, with the master suite submerged 17ft underwater so you can sleep while shoals of colourful fish swim overhead. Go upstairs to find an infinity pool and wellness amenities allowing for sunrise yoga and spa treatments on its private sundrenched terrace or call on your 24/7 butler so you don’t have to lift a finger. 

The hotel is also home to 12 world-class dining experiences including the world’s first undersea restaurant, Ithaa, featuring creative fusion dishes and panoramic coral garden views that guarantee reef shark sightings. Bespoke itineraries are designed by the resort's Paradise Curators and include diving with whale sharks, swimming with manta rays, sunset dolphin spotting, coral planting led by the hotel’s on-site marine biologist and bespoke holistic wellness plans at the Over Water Spa & Spa Retreat. 

From £461 per night. 

Casa Chablé, Mexico

Located 37km south of Tulum, Casa Chablé sits within a remote biosphere and UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with diverse life in the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean. Inspired by the region’s incomparable natural beauty, the Mayans named the archipelago ‘Sian Ka’an’ which translates to ‘gate to heaven’ – and during guided kayak, canoe and paddle board tours from the team at Casa Chablé, nature enthusiasts will be immersed in nature as they search for dolphins, turtles and native fish. A boat tour of an ancient Mayan canal system where an aggregation of manatees thrives is a real highlight, while avid bird watchers can spot species such as the emerald hummingbird, Yucatan vireo and turquoise-browed motmot preparing to fly from the surrounding mangroves. 

Casa Chablé features five standalone beachfront bungalows and a main villa housing five guest suites, each with their own private terrace. The property also boasts a thatched-roof gourmet restaurant serving Mexican delicacies, such as Oaxacan cheese, stone crab in green mole with blue-corn tostadas, and mamey-fruit panna cotta. An outdoor yoga esplanade, a rooftop bar with sunset views, and a private beach dotted with canopy daybeds complete this barefoot luxury experience. 

From £592 per night, or full property buyouts are available from £6,616 for up to 22 people. 

Mandarin Oriental Canouan Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Nestled within the sparkling Grenadines lies the small, enchanting island of Canouan. A hidden gem of the southern Caribbean, known for its picturesque landscapes, pristine beaches, and luxurious properties, the island is a firm favourite among celebrities looking for some privacy. Nearby, guests can journey to Tobago Cays, a protected marine sanctuary famous for its sea turtles and coral reefs accessible exclusively by boat. 

One of three hotels on the island, Mandarin Oriental Canouan is where the brand’s signature traditions blend with Caribbean culture. Elegantly combining colonial and chic contemporary styles among its lavish suites and sophisticated villas, the resort is nestled on the white sands of Godahl Beach. The spa doesn’t disappoint with sea views, en suite treatment palapas and therapists meticulously trained to make sure you relax, while Canouan Island’s immaculate beaches, championship 18-hole, Fazio-designed golf course and luxury superyacht marina provide guests with plenty of things to do. 

From £1,624 per night. 

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