Book here: fowlcay.com

It’s all about far-flung and high-end privacy here in the dazzling Exumas—a bundle of 365 tiny isles and cays in the Bahamas’ shimmering Out Islands. With just six whitewashed, two- and three-bedroom villas scattered thoughtfully over this 50-acre private island, Fowl Cay practically feels like one’s own island. From cocktails and dinners taken at the stylish Hill House and games of bocce on the private beach, to your own motorboat for exploring the “neighborhood” and a well-stocked villa kitchen, everything is at your fingertips. 

Rates start at $1,792 (for a one-bedroom villa) per night.

Book here: laucala.com

A private island refuge in the South Pacific, this 3,000-acre getaway features 25 villas set amid coconut plantations, on deserted beaches, and atop the island’s volcanic mountains. All are glamorous versions of traditional Fijian dwellings with gardens and infinity pools lit by tiki torches come dusk. Laucala’s 21,500-square-foot, lagoon-style swimming pool meanders amid palms and tropical flowers; the amenities included in the nightly rate are also free flowing. Expect unlimited cocktails and complimentary golf, tennis, horseback riding, and watersports among the benefits.

Rates start at $4,800 (for a one-bedroom villa) per night.

Book here: gili-lankanfushi.com

Amid the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives archipelago offers lots of private islands and high-end all-inclusive resorts. And make no mistake: This cluster of 45 thatched villas suspended over those intoxicating waters (and anchored by a tiny, white-sand island) is pure Robinson Crusoe luxury. But what sets Gili Lankanfushi apart is its embrace of sustainable practices, environmental protection (including coral reef restoration), and marine biology education. You can feel good while feeling good, in other words. The resort, having closed in January 2019 as the result of a fire, is reopening December 1, 2019 with a host of updates.

Rates start at $966 per night, with bed-and-breakfast, half- and full-board dining packages available.

Book here: fairmont.com

Mexico’s spectacular Caribbean-facing coastline is home to a number of high-end properties, and this luxury nest in Playa del Carmen (40 miles south of Cancun) is a true beauty that offers a range of all-inclusive packages, and kids under five stay for free. The 45 acres of lush grounds hide away 401 rooms and suites, not to mention jungle paths, serene lagoons, plus five (count them) swimming pools and a bone-white private beach.

Rates start at $576 (for a guestroom) per night.

Book here: jademountain.com

Even the most well-traveled guest can’t help but gasp when entering any of Jade Mountain’s 29 suites to take in the view across Soufrière Bay to St. Lucia’s fabled Piton peaks. Architect-owner Nick Troubetzkoy’s design removes an entire wall so that each suite opens to a private infinity pool (five of the suites have Jacuzzis instead) and creates the sense of being suspended in the soft Caribbean air, hundreds of feet above the sea. Access to two beaches and the resort pleasures of Anse Chastanet complete the West Indies dream.

MAP (breakfast and dinner) rates start at $1,500 per person per night.

Book here: comohotels.com

A mile of white-sand beach, stunning minimalist design, and deep wellness programs: That’s the magic formula on this 1,000-acre private island just 30 minutes by boat from the Turks and Caicos capital of Providenciales. And then there’s the sheer beauty of the place: an infinity-edge pool, gorgeous spa, and highly photogenic Balinese-inspired suites and beach cottages. Expect to spot vacationing celebrities, who flock here for the discreet service and tranquil, low-key glamour.

Rates start at $850.

Book here: petitstvincent.com

With 22 one-bedroom cottages and two-bedroom beach villas that are open-air and blissfully wifi-free, it’s supremely easy to unplug on this 115-acre private island with two miles of white-sand beaches in the Grenadines archipelago. What’s more, a second world of delights awaits beneath the surface of the Caribbean: Petit St. Vincent is home to an excellent dive program created by Jean-Michel Cousteau in 2015.

Rates start at $1,260 per night.