No gift will stand out more this Father’s Day than the gift of a lifetime: a luxury vacation to a private island. These remote island vacations don’t sacrifice the elevated style and exceptional service that comes with luxury travel — they only exclude the throngs of tourists and commercial trappings of the most popular island destinations.
When scouring the globe for truly unique travel opportunities, these are the best private island vacations for Dad this Father’s Day.
North Island Okavango, Botswana – Father’s Day Gift Guide 2024
The captivating contemporary African design of North Island Okavango in Botswana blends style and comfort in four luxury safari tents, set against breathtaking views of a lagoon. Each tent includes a private plunge pool, indoor and outdoor showers, air conditioning and a fireplace. Wellness activities, desert tours, cycling, and flying safaris are just a few of the unique experiences on the menu at North Island Okavango. The 7-day Walk of Wisdom allows guests to spend time with the San people, the Indigenous bush scientists and nature masters of the Kalahari. A minimum of 25 percent of the amount paid for each safari goes directly to the support of the San people and wildlife conservation. All-inclusive rates start at $1,395 per night.
Cayo Levantado Resort, Dominican Republic – Father’s Day Gift Guide 2024
Previously honored as the best resort in the Caribbean by TripAdvisor, the Cayo Levantado Resort is an all-inclusive property that occupies an entire island off the coast of Semana, on the Domincan’s northern shores. When he isn’t working out in the indoor or outdoor fitness areas, dad can enjoy spa treatments, outdoor meditation in a tropical garden, or simply take a walk by the beach. The six on-site dining options include Manaya, an international steakhouse with select cuts from Spain, the U.S., Australia and Japan. Cayo Levantado earned the distinguished Four Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide for 2024, highlighting the excellent hospitality and experience the resort offers. Rates start at $665 per night.
Guana Island, British Virgin Islands – Father’s Day Gift Guide 2024
Accommodating only 35 guests at a time, Guana Island is a private island resort on 850 acres of lush wild beauty in the British Virgin Islands — perfect for dads who appreciate biodiversity, hiking trails through dense flowering vegetation, pickleball and endless water sports. The organic orchard supplies produce and herbs for the resort restaurant and spa treatments. Each of the 15 sea-view rooms and four villas has sweeping views of the Caribbean and the Atlantic, and are individually designed absent of televisions and phones. To ensure complete unplugging, there is no public bar, marina or any commercial facility on the island. The all-inclusive rates start at $995 per night.
Como Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos – Father’s Day Gift Guide 2024
Set on its own private island, COMO Parrot Cay spans a mile-long beach and 1,000 acres of unspoiled foot-in-the-sand luxury. The teak and white-cotton accented accommodations span the rooms, suites, homes and villas. The cutely named “Love Pumpkin” villa is one of the most popular villas and homes on COMO Parrot Cay for the expansive main villa and guest house, and the lounge swings on the second floor. The luxury treatment pavilions in the COMO Shambhala Retreat overlook the North Caicos Channel. There’s also a jacuzzi garden, pilates studio and yoga pavilion with daily holistic wellness therapies on hand. The COMO Shambhala cuisine features nutrition-optimized options with healthful, pure ingredients. For dads who appreciate sustainable travel, farm tours and eco-activities abound at Parrot Cay. Rates start at $1,299 per night.
Velaa Private Island, Maldives – Father’s Day Gift Guide 2024
Contemporary luxury marries Maldivian culture to create an exclusive hideaway in the Maldives at the Velaa Private Island Maldives for jet-setting dads this Father’s Day. At the Velaa Golf Academy by Olazábal, dad can tee up on the seven-hole golf course, designed by Master’s golfer José Maria Olazábal, with one-on-one instruction from PGA professionals aided by the latest swing analysis technology. The Velaa Kids Club for children 4-12 is a playground where kids enjoy activities like Maldivian baseball, Koraa (an island treat hunt), and coral painting. The Velaa Kids Club also boasts the most extensive kids’ water park in the Maldives. Inside the Wellbeing Village, guests enjoy extensive wellness treatments, including holistic ayurveda treatments, mindfulness practice, and tailored nutrition with personalized menus and fitness classes for every level. Rates start at $3,150 per night.
Coco Plum Island Resort, Belize – Father’s Day Gift Guide 2024
With only 18 beachside bungalows and one over-water villa, Coco Plum Island resort is the adults-only private island vacation Dad has been waiting for. Opt-in for mainland jungle experiences like cave-tubing and zip-lining expeditions. All-inclusive snorkel packages start at $3,579 per night for a four-night low-season stay from May 30 – December 18.
Pine Cay, Turks and Caicos – Father’s Day Gift Guide 2024
Pine Cay rests on a secluded private island, just a quick boat ride from Providenciales, on the edge of the world’s third-largest barrier reef. The 13 beachfront suites have all-inclusive rates and a treasure trove of experiences. The resort Aquarium is home to turtles and cranes, and a deep-sea fishing expedition gives you up-close views of the illuminating glow worms. Stargazing is a must in the evenings, while daytime adventures on dry land include cycling, hiking, tennis and yoga. Rates start at $1,800 per night.
Manta Island Resort, Belize – Father’s Day Gift Guide 2024
Just a two-hour flight from most U.S. cities, Manta Island Resort is located in Glover’s Reef Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage site and protected marine reserve. Adventurous dads will appreciate the intimacy of only 11 oceanfront bungalows and three 2-bedroom family-style villas. The deep-sea fishing is a draw for dads who enjoy fishing adventures; the wahoo, tuna and blue marlin are nearly always in residence. Kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling and complimentary water sports equipment make this an ideal family adventure destination. The all-inclusive packages start at $4,075 per night.