For travelers who have seen it all, and want to see no one, a private island vacation offers the ultimate escape. Whether it’s a multigenerational family gathering, a milestone celebration, or simply a desire to go completely off the grid, private islands represent more than just luxury. They are sanctuaries of curated solitude.
Erica Jackowitz, co-founder of Roman & Erica and Rêve Travel Club, knows better than most what draws people to these hyper-exclusive destinations. “It usually starts with a destination event,” she explains. “A multigenerational trip or a big celebration. Private islands offer an incredible way to be one with your guests or family and truly disconnect.”
But not all private islands are created equal. Some lean toward rustic barefoot elegance; others offer every imaginable amenity. What unites them, Jackowitz says, is the ability to transform a single location into multiple experiences. “The beauty is that you don’t have to move. Every night can be curated to feel different, one night a barefoot beach bonfire, the next a formal dinner under the stars. Each moment becomes its own event.”
She recalls visiting North Island in the Seychelles, a now-iconic destination known for hosting the likes of Prince William and Kate Middleton. “I loved it, but it’s not for everyone,” she admits. “You have to enjoy indoor-outdoor living and be okay with things like going to the bathroom outside with the mosquitoes. I remember waking up my husband in the middle of the night saying, ‘I don’t want to go alone!’”
For those who prefer five-star comfort without the insects, other properties offer a more polished interpretation of island life. But even the most lavish resorts can’t match the true off-the-grid experience of ultra-private homes. Jackowitz describes one such hidden gem in the Bahamas: “It’s so private, you have to sign an NDA to go. It’s not on Instagram, it’s not searchable. It feels like someone’s personal love story — every detail is intentional because it’s their private escape. You’re stepping into someone’s soul, not a brand.”
This level of privacy doesn’t mean sacrificing experiences. In fact, many guests mistakenly assume they’ll be limited in activities compared to larger resorts. “That’s just not the case,” says Jackowitz. “You can have everything; a full spa setup, private beach barbecues, sandbank picnics lit by candlelight. It’s just not listed on a glossy activity sheet. It’s custom-built around you, when and how you want it.”
She recalls organizing a dinner for clients on a remote sandbank surrounded by ocean. “It looked like it had always been there — lanterns, a full chef, everything — but it was all created just for them. That’s the magic of a private island: the illusion of permanence for something utterly fleeting.”
Not everyone who wants to escape craves the open sea. For clients who get seasick or simply prefer to stay grounded, a private island can feel like a yacht without the motion. “You still get the exclusivity, the access to the water, the activities, but it doesn’t move. It’s the perfect alternative for someone who wants that lifestyle but not the boat.”
Of course, luxury at this level comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to security. Jackowitz works with high-profile individuals, and discretion is everything. “Even on private islands, we bring in vetted security teams we’ve worked with for 15 years. It depends on the client, but we’ve flown in armed guards, sourced armored vehicles, whatever’s needed for peace of mind.”
She’s seen what happens when travelers don’t plan for it. “One client rented a villa in Ibiza without security. They were robbed — it was an inside job. That doesn’t happen with us. We know who to trust, because we’ve spent our careers building those relationships.”
So what makes the perfect private island vacation? It’s not just the white sand or turquoise water, it’s the ability to shape the destination to the traveler’s needs, with no one else around. Whether you want to spend your days paddleboarding and spa-ing or simply soaking in the silence, a private island can be anything you want it to be.
And with someone like Erica Jackowitz handling the details, it will likely be more than you ever imagined.