When it comes to private island adventures, Matangi Private Island Resort is the crème de la crème. Located in the far north of the Fiji Islands, this one-of-a-kind horseshoe-shaped island paradise is home to pristine beaches and tropical rainforest. The perfect escape for the discerning traveler, the luxurious 4.5-star resort is the only one of its kind in all of Fiji and was named “One of the World’s Top 10 Private Islands” by Islands Magazine.
While almost all leisure travel remains paused in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, wealthy travelers are starting to show renewed interest in renting or buying their own private island. Chris Krolow, CEO of the Ontario real estate company Private Islands, says he’s receiving about 150 inquiries per day, compared to roughly 100 before Covid-19 took hold. He adds that potential island buyers are mainly from the United States and Canada and are interested in islands that can be reached within three to five hours.
One such private island is the aptly named Dogatraz Island, located on Lake Iroquois in Vermont and available to rent for as low as $379 per night (dog treats not included). The two-bedroom island rental sleeps four people and their pets, with plenty of options for swimming, fishing, kayaking, bird-watching, and sunset viewing. There’s even a fire pit and cozy outdoor seating area, as well as a long dock and full kitchen.
Similarly, Foley Island in Wisconsin’s Douglas State Forest offers budget-minded travelers the chance to live like kings or queens for as little as $34 per night. The seven-acre retreat is perched on Whitins Reservoir, a picturesque lake that’s perfect for boating, kayaking, and swimming. Guests can also take advantage of the onsite rope swing, campfire, and secluded swimming area.
If you’d prefer to stay closer to the mainland, there are plenty of affordable private island rentals across the country. This glamping-style cabin on Minnesota’s Juggler Lake, for instance, is an outdoor hiker’s dream, with 18 acres of lush forest to explore and wild strawberries, ginger, and morels to forage for. The cozy A-frame cottage has a hammock, fire pit, and cooking amenities, as well as a boat ride to and from the island for all guests and their dogs.
Whether you’re a professional photographer or not, with Island Adventures, all participants will get to enjoy fantastic images of their whale-watching tour. Using professional-grade cameras and telephoto lenses, our naturalists will document all the best moments throughout your trip. Then, they’ll put together an easy-to-use souvenir thumb drive that you can use to share your memorable experience with friends and family.