The Most Exclusive Resorts in the World Right Now

Luxury travel isn’t just about thread count or ocean views—it’s about access, intention, and the kind of experience that feels entirely your own.

In a world where privacy is the ultimate indulgence, exclusive resorts offer more than opulence. They offer space to breathe, to reflect, and to reconnect with what matters.

Whether you’re seeking barefoot luxury on a private island or architectural serenity in the desert, these destinations redefine what it means to truly escape.

Miavana, Madagascar

Accessible only by helicopter, Miavana by Time + Tide is a private island sanctuary off Madagascar’s north eastern coast. With just 14 villas offering panoramic ocean views and direct beach access, it’s a place where exclusivity meets ecological purpose.

Guests can snorkel coral reefs, trek with lemurs, or unwind in total seclusion. Sustainability is central to Miavana’s ethos, with marine conservation and community engagement woven into every detail.

Source: Luxury Lifestyle Magazine

The Brando, French Polynesia

Once Marlon Brando’s personal retreat, The Brando is a carbon-neutral resort on the Tetiaroa Atoll, just north of Tahiti. Guests arrive via private plane and stay in beachfront villas with plunge pools, outdoor bathtubs, and access to a pristine lagoon.

The resort blends Polynesian wellness traditions with cutting-edge sustainability, including seawater air-conditioning and coral restoration.

Source: Every Day Tourist

Amangiri, Utah, USA

Set in the wild canyons of southern Utah, Amangiri is a minimalist desert retreat that redefines silence and space. Its suites are carved into the landscape, offering uninterrupted views and elemental calm.

Guests can hike slot canyons, stargaze from private terraces, or indulge in Navajo-inspired spa rituals.

Source: Luxury Lifestyle Magazine

Viceroy Bali, Indonesia

Perched above the Petanu Valley in Ubud, Viceroy Bali offers 40 private pool villas that blend Balinese tradition with modern elegance. Each villa features jungle views, heated infinity pools, and 24-hour butler service.

Guests can dine at the award-winning Apéritif Restaurant, unwind at Akoya Spa, or take helicopter tours from the resort’s private helipad.

Source: Every Day Tourist

Gundari Resort, Folegandros, Greece

Set high on the cliffs of Folegandros, Gundari Resort is a minimalist sanctuary overlooking the Aegean Sea. With just 27 suites and villas, each featuring infinity pools and panoramic views, it’s a haven for privacy and design lovers.

Guests can explore the island’s untouched beauty, dine on Mediterranean cuisine curated by Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou, and unwind in spaces that feel both intimate and expansive.

Source: The Luxe Insider

Eleven Deplar Farm, Iceland

Tucked into the remote Troll Peninsula, Eleven Deplar Farm is a converted sheep farm turned luxury lodge. Surrounded by mountains and geothermal springs, it offers heliskiing, whale watching, and Northern Lights viewing—all from a design-forward retreat.

Guests soak in geothermally heated pools, dine on locally sourced cuisine, and explore Iceland’s wild terrain with expert guides.

Source: Luxury Lifestyle Magazine

Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia

Located off the coast of Sihanoukville, Song Saa Private Island offers 27 villas built from reclaimed wood and local materials. Each villa features a private pool and ocean views, with access to a marine reserve and holistic wellness sanctuary.

Guests enjoy barefoot luxury, Khmer-inspired spa treatments, and immersive cultural experiences.

Source: Luxury Lifestyle Magazine

Nay Palad Hideaway, Philippines

On the lush island of Siargao, Nay Palad Hideaway blends barefoot luxury with Filipino hospitality. With just ten villas, guests enjoy private terraces, curated island excursions, and traditional Hilot massages in a jungle-fringed spa.

It’s a sanctuary of serenity and adventure, designed for deep rest and playful exploration.

Source: Condé Nast Traveler

Amanbagh, Rajasthan, India

A former royal hunting lodge, Amanbagh is a Mughal-inspired retreat in the Aravalli Hills. Suites feature rose-hued walls, private courtyards, and marble bathtubs. Guests explore ancient temples by horseback or elephant, then return to candlelit gardens and Ayurvedic treatments.

It’s a place where history and tranquillity meet.

Source: Luxury Lifestyle Magazine

Marbella Club, Spain

Set between Marbella and Puerto Banús, Marbella Club Hotel is a beachfront resort with Andalusian charm. With lush gardens, a Thalasso spa, and Michelin-starred dining, it’s a favourite among European royalty and wellness seekers.

Guests enjoy holistic retreats, equestrian experiences, and timeless Mediterranean elegance.

Source: European Best Destinations

Sheldon Chalet, Alaska

Perched on Denali’s Ruth Glacier, Sheldon Chalet is one of the most remote luxury stays in the world. Accessible only by helicopter, it offers panoramic views of the Alaska Range, gourmet meals, and guided glacier treks under the Northern Lights.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travellers who crave isolation and awe.

Source: Uniq Hotels

Turtle Island, Fiji

A pioneer in sustainable luxury, Turtle Island offers just 14 beachfront villas on a private island. Guests enjoy personalized menus, horseback rides, and candlelit dinners on secluded beaches. It’s romance, redefined.

The resort’s deep connection to Fijian culture and community makes every stay feel like coming home.

Source: Tripadvisor

Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway, South Africa

Set in the Welgevonden Game Reserve, Clifftop Lodge offers eight suites with plunge pools and panoramic views. Guests enjoy private game drives, outdoor showers, and gourmet dining in the heart of the Waterberg biosphere.

It’s a romantic, secluded retreat where wildlife and luxury meet.

Source: Discover Africa

Final Thoughts

The most exclusive resorts in the world aren’t just about luxury—they’re about intention. They offer space to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with yourself. Whether it’s a private island, a desert retreat, or a cliffside villa, these destinations invite you to experience travel as transformation.

In a world that often feels too fast, too crowded, and too performative, these resorts remind us that true luxury is quiet, personal, and deeply restorative.