One thing is for certain, we have never missed our friends and family so much. While the pandemic has kept us apart physically- it’s strengthened our desire to travel again and reunite with our loved ones. Resort buyouts are perfect for that family vacation, group reunion, or private celebration you have been waiting for. We can make sure it is just the way you want it!
These private island resorts and yacht ideas stand at the pinnacle of the luxury travel experience, combining castaway freedom, beachfront beauty and the finest hospitality, all without the crowds.
Whether it's for later this year, or planning ahead for 2022-2023, for those looking to plan an epic reunion and exclusive escape, here are our top ten luxury private buyout experiences to put on your radar:
Panoptis Escape- Mykonos, Greece
What We Love: Launching summer 2021, it is set to be the most exclusive property on the island of Mykonos and it’s the perfect spot for that epic trip of a lifetime. Panoptis is a 21 bedroom villa with 12 private pools, at the top of a hill with stunning 360 degree views of the Aegean Sea. I love their simple, yet ethereal philosophy: that of pure relaxation. Think outdoor open-air kitchen with BBQ, a cliffside restaurant and gorgeous private villa retreats for any down time you may want. Guests get access to the private section of Elia beach, with sunbeds and umbrellas so that’s a nice perk. Oh, and the breakfast comes with champagne every morning!
Guest Count: Up to 69 guests (42 adults and 27 children).
Price Tag: From USD$26,000 per night (with breakfast)
Minimum Stay: Three – Five nights depending on the season
Getting There: You can fly into Mykonos directly from many European Gateways. Or fly into Athens and you can Helicopter to Mykonos (just 40 minutes) there are Helipads on property.
Thanda Island- Tanzania
What We Love: The most exclusive property and private island on the Tanzanian coast – Thanda island, is truly paradise at its finest. When we say everything is included, it truly is. On top of all meals and drinks being included, which is fairly standard for these types of experiences, imagine unlimited spa treatments, dive charters, snorkeling experiences (such as swimming with whale sharks), deep sea fishing, jet skiing and more. It’s all part of the buyout experience. Many chose to pair this at the end of a group safari, or simply come to visit this remote piece of paradise for a beach break.
Guest Count: Up to 18 guests max/9 suites
Price Tag: From US$25,000 per night (all inclusive)
Minimum Stay: 5 nights
Getting There: There are many international flights into Dar Es Salaam from around the world. Part of your package is the short return private flight charters from Dar Es Salaam and boat transfers from Mafia to Thanda.
What We Love: This retreat feels so remote, but is paired with luxurious amenities, active adventure and creative, sustaianable cuisine. Up on a mountainside, overlooking the out stretched valley below, I love their suites which feature fire-roasted hot tubs. Set within 111 acres of rainforest jungle, you can embrace the wellness aspects and relax, or pair it with the many onsite activities such as bird watching tours and horse-riding which is included. There are six one-bedroom villas and one three-bedroom villa. Their creative chef produces Haute Cuisine that embodies the local surroundings, using fresh ingredients, all which are enjoyed from the restaurant lounge with its breathraking views.
Guests Count: Up to 18 guests
Price Tag: from US$10,000 per night (all inclusive)
Minimum Stay: 3 nights
Getting There: just 1h 20 from Liberia Airport or 3 hours from San Jose airport. We can arrange private airport transfers, they also have a helipad on property for quicker transfers.
Eustatia Island - British Virgin Islands
What We Love: Secluded. Private. Eustatia Island is consistently voted one of the most beautiful islands in the world. This self-sufficient, 30-acre solar powered island is the perfect exclusive escape. Water days are spent kite surfing, snorkeling, kayaking and sailing. Land days are about yoga, massages and hiking. The island is home to coconut palms, succulents and four stunning hilltop and beach houses – each with an outdoor lounge, gourmet kitchen and chef-prepared meals. Did we mention they have over 300 sunny days a year?
Guest Count: Up to 28 guests
Price Tag: From US$35,000 per night (all inclusive)
Minimum Stay: 3 nights
Getting There: There are two airports in the British Virgin Islands— Terrence B. Lettsome/Beef Island International Airport on Tortola (EIS) and a smaller airport in Virgin Gorda (VIJ). The most direct way to arrive to the BVI from North America is via San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU). If traveling from the UK, flights are available from London to Antigua (ANU) and then Antigua to Tortola. The island features a super yacht mooring with flexible yacht-to-shore dock. There is also a helipad to accommodate fly-in from neighboring islands as well as San Juan, St Maarten and St Thomas. Private planes should land at the Terrence B. Lettsome/Beef Island Airport in Tortola (EIS).
- Please note: The Resort is closed for renovations currently, reopening Jan 2022. Reservations are open already for next year.
Kasbah Tamadot – Morocco
What We Love: Kasbah Tamadot is a superb Moroccan retreat at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, just one hour's drive from Marrakech. Part of Richard Branson's Virgin Limited Edition Hotels, you’ll find relaxing comes easily as you are ideally situated to explore the mountains by foot or even by mule. Each of the accommodations are decorated with artifacts from around the world. Indulge yourself at the traditional Moroccan hammam or take a dip in the outdoor infinity-edge swimming pool. Get a taste for Morocco with an interactive Berber cooking lesson or explore the labyrinth of enchanting staircases and courtyards. You can enjoy a traditional Moroccan BBQ under the stars and buy outs include a Gala Dinner with welcome cocktails and canapés followed by a 4 course dinner paired with wines and entertainment. Take a trip to the Eve Branson Foundation workshops in the local villages to discover all the amazing charitable work taking place – all spearheaded by Richard’s mum.
Guest Count: 56 guests/ 28 bedrooms, suites and Berber tents
Price Tag: From US$45,000 a night (all inclusive)
Minimum Stay: 3 nights
Getting There: Kasbah Tamadot is approximately 45-minutes drive from Marrakech Airport and approximately 1 hour from central Marrakech in the Atlas Mountains just beyond the village of Asni
Aqu Blu + NIHI Sumba – Indonesia
What We Love: This is a once-in-a-lifestime adventure in the remote and rugged vistas of East Indonesia. Imagine sailing through the crystal-clear waters of Indonesia for five days, exploring Komodo National Park. Hike, spot wildelife, find secret waterfalls and dive with manta rays. Then finish the journey at NIHI Sumba for three magical nights staying in five eco-luxury villas, where morning dips with the island’s swimming horses are legendary, signature spa experiences abound, and the world’s most coveted private wave calls itself home. The best time of year for this experience is April-Sept.
Guest Count: Up to 30 guests
Price Tag: From $280,552 (all inclusive)
Minimum Stay: The package is for 9 days/8 nights. Boat charter only is also available.
Getting There: The journey starts from Bali Denpaser airport which serves many international connections and we can help with domestic transfers.
Castle Hot Springs, Arizona
What We Love: Nestled in the pristine Bradshaw Mountains, Castle Hot Springs is a lush and magical oasis on the edge of the Sonoran Desert. The 30-room resort’s idyllic accommodations are surrounded by the famous restorative thermal hot springs. The resort is secluded among the natural landscape of Arizona canyons and palm trees. Very private and great for an intimate group.
Guest Count: Up to 60 guests
Price Tag: From US$50,350 per night (inclusive package)
Minimum Stay: 3 nights
Getting There: Nearest airport is Phoenix, Arizona which is served by countless airlines, both domestic and international. The resort is 45 mins from the airport. If you are flying private, Scottsdale or Deer Valley are best. If you want to take a helicopter to the resort, they depart from Scottsdale.
Villa Fortelunga- Tuscany
What We Love: Firstly, who doesn’t love Tuscany? Paolo and Philip run this amazing boutique hotel, which is a true hidden gem, set above the Val di Chiana enjoying panoramic views across the Tuscan countryside . Villa Fontelunga provides a stylish and relaxing retreat, where guests are warmly welcomed and invited to treat the Villa like their home from home. It is a perfect base for a reunion, with beautiful landscaped gardens for group dining. The villa is walking distance to charming hillside towns. Full catering can be arranged. We love their swimming pool set in the olive grove overlooking the valley. For those who are more active there is also a tennis court and 4 mountain bikes you can use.
Guest Count: Up to 18 guests /9 rooms
Price Tag: From US$4,250 per night (with breakfast- a WLT exclusive)
Minimum Stay: 7 nights preferred- may be able to do less depending on season
Getting There: The two closest airports are Perugia and Florence, both roughly an hour's drive away, but Pisa, Bologna and Rome Ciampino are only two hours.
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Kontiki Expeditions - Coastal Ecuador
What We Love: This brand new luxury yacht and expedition company focuses on sustainability at the core. Aboard the M/Y Kontiki Wayra, there are nine luxury staterooms and the vessel is beautifully designed with contemporary materials, sustainability and comfort in mind. The experience unveils the beauty and authenticity of coastal Ecuador, passing through small, uncrowded towns and historical sites, forests and wetlands, pristine beaches and protected ecological reserves. You get to stop in locations in every province of the Ecuadorian coast, allowing for a complete experience involving nature, exploration, culture, communities, adventure, water activities, farm to table gastronomy, and wellness. If you travel May-Oct you will be visiting during whale season- so lots of amazing wildlife opportunities.
Guests Count: Up to 18/9 staterooms
Price Tag: US$140,000 for the week
Minimum Stay: Packages are based on seven-night sailings. Two itineraries to choose from.
Getting There: Major international flights into Quito or Guayaquil. Itineraries depart from the ports of Manta or Guayaquil.
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge – Botswana
What We Love: Flooded with light by day, indulgently cosy at night, this lodge is perfect for a group buyout with just 12 luxury tented rooms. Each carefully positioned to afford total privacy and sweeping views of the plains. They also come with your own private plunge pool. We love that your stay is all inclusive, including game drives and boat rides. Each safari vehicle seats 6 people so everyone can have a “window seat”. Botswana is regularly rated as the best place to safari in Africa!
Guest Count: Up to 24 guests (12 suites)
Price Tag: From USD$12,800 per night (all-inclusive, based on 16 guests/8 suites)
Minimum Stay: Two nights
Getting There: You need to get to Maun International Airport in Botswana – typically flying in internationally you would need to connect in Johannesburg. From Maun, your 20 minute flight to the private airstrip by the lodge is included in the package.
If you are interested in further information for any of the above experiences, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@wellsluxurytravel.com