The World's Best Private Island Resorts

"On the faraway islands off southern Mozambique, it’s entirely possible to go off the grid. No place is this truer than at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort, a paradise blessed with a palm-laced coastline, cerulean waters, towering interior sand dunes, and untouched coral reefs. Forty-four luxury villas are sprinkled across this near-private island, which is a whopping 22-by-4 miles—that’s larger than all of Aruba—but still hosts a small village and a second property, both miles away. By day, amble along the beach (you won’t likely see another human for hours), then try your hand at dune boarding, and later retreat to your villa for a mind-blowing sunset of purples, pinks, and reds as traditional dhow boats disappear into the horizon. Or, swim among the dolphins, prolific in this protected tract of the Indian Ocean, and watch the humpback whales skirt past from July to September. Feast on local seafood along the beach—giant multi-pound crayfish are not uncommon here—or request to “Dine by Design,” enjoying dinner out on a sandbar with a personal waiter at the ready. A short flight + boat ride from Johannesburg in South Africa, this relaxing island stay is an easy (and well-deserved) addition to an action-packed African safari." - Paul Rubio