8 Private Islands You Can Actually Afford to Rent

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Imagine casually saying to your friends, “Oh, I’m holidaying on a private island in France next summer.” Bragging rights can be yours for less than the cost of a hotel room in Paris when you rent one of these unbelievably affordable private islands.

Editor’s note: Some services and amenities at these locations may be altered/halted due to the pandemic. Save these ideas for when it’s safe to travel again, and always follow all COVID-19 restrictions, rules, and safety regulations both at your destination and upon returning home.

Coz Castel, France

You can’t find a luxury hotel in Paris for less than $273, but you can rent your very own private island in France for that amount—and it sleeps up to 10 people if you want to split the cost and make it even cheaper. Located on the Cotes-d’Armor, the island is just over 650 feet for the mainland and is accessible by car at low tide, so you can get out and explore Brittany as much as you like (as long as you make it back before high tide when the island is surrounded by water).

North Twin Lake, Maine

Nearby Baxter State Park in Maine can get packed during the summer, but you can escape the crowds by booking this private island that has views of the Appalachian-trail ending Mount Katahdin, and no neighbors within a half-mile. The half-acre island is all yours for as little as $150 a night. Unlike Baxter State Park, the island even has excellent cell phone coverage, so you won’t be completely off-grid.

L’llot, Mauritius

No boat is required for the private island L’llot, which is accessible via a rock-and-wood bridged causeway. Spend days lounging on the sand and swimming in the turquoise lagoon, or pop back over to the mainland whenever you feel the need. There’s freshwater on tap, electricity, and all the modern conveniences you’d find at a hotel. The comfortable house has four bedrooms and can sleep up to 8 people. Rates start at $358 a night—a bargain if split four ways.

Saint George, Maine

Get two private islands for one at the low price of $550 a night. This rental off the coast of Port Clyde, Maine, includes both McGee and Barter islands. McGee Island offers 110 acres of solitude and has three houses on it that have a combined 11 bedrooms. Barter Island is undeveloped, and you can take a boat there or walk across a natural land bridge at low tide to explore.

Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire

Stay in one of Lake Winnipesaukee’s original historic homes, which has been renovated into a vacation house with all the modern amenities (including Wi-Fi, new kitchen appliances, and a Sonos speaker system). The three-bedroom house is located on Devens Island, a 1.5 acre island on the lake. Leave your car behind at 19 Mile Bay and rent a boat from a local marina to get here. The island can host up to eight people, and rates start at $465 a night.

La Isla Zacatolsa, Nicaragua

Gather six of your closest friends and you can have a private island together for just $30 per person. For $180 a night, this retreat on the Lake of Granada in Nicaragua is a bargain. La Isla Zacatalosa is a private villa that has its own tennis court, pool, garden, and walking path. You’ll share the island with howler monkeys and birds, as well as a caretaker who will help you with anything you need during your stay. The island is a 10-minute boat ride from the mainland, and your stay includes one free round-trip boat ride.

Bremen, Maine

Start practicing your paddling—this private island is accessible via kayak from Bremen, Maine. Don’t worry, it’s just a few minutes rowing, and kayaks and life jackets are provided. Once you’ve made landfall, you’re rewarded with a stay in a quaint log cabin complete with a fireplace, electricity, and hot water—all for as little as $150 per night.

British Columbia, Canada

You could share an all-inclusive resort with hundreds of other people, or you could have your own private island eco-retreat for $500 per night—your choice. Out There, an off-grid retreat on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia, includes a stocked kitchen for you to make your own breakfast and lunches, and a home-cooked dinner each night. Up to six people can sleep in the island’s tent cabin and yurt; and the island’s fire pits, hammocks, and private beaches are all available for you to enjoy.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Which Caribbean Island Is Right for You?
• 7 Things You Should Never Do in the Caribbean
• 9 Cheap Caribbean Hotels for Under $100 per Night

Caroline Morse Teel would like to book all of these private island stays immediately. Follow her on Instagram @travelwithcaroline.

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