Vesteroy: Airbnb now lists a number of private islands for guests who don't like to share. Photo / airbnb.com
Vesteroy: Airbnb now lists a number of private islands for guests who don't like to share. Photo / airbnb.com
Why make do with a spare room when you can have a whole island to yourself?
Though the website started as a way of bringing holiday lets into the sharing economy – Airbnb now has some options for travellers who like their personal space.
In the Pinks: Popa Island, Panama. Photo / airbnb.com
For as little as $350per night you can go full Crusoe on your own private island.
There's space for twelve of your pals in the island's picturesque pink huts on stilts. Or you could keep the serene Panamanian surrounds to yourself.
There's no sandy beach but the Urraca Private Island Eco-Lodge is set on an island of mangroves and beautiful coral reefs. Also, you won't be entirely alone: the island is shared by monkeys and adorable endemic kinkajou.
$400 per night, no minimum stay
Brother Island boasts one of the 'most beautiful beaches in the world'. Photo / airbnb.com
Brother Island, El Nido Philippines
Brother Island boasts one of the "most beautiful beaches in the world" according to their guests from Conde Nast Traveler.
Two hours' transfer from El Nido and the Philippines, Brother Island is blissfully remote.
Robinson Crusoe it aint as the islands staff – consisting of caretakers, a housekeeper, and boatmen – tend to your every need.
You can always find some space in the virgin jungle of this 40 km square paradise.
$600 per night, 2 night minimum stay
Kingdom of batholmen: The tiny Norwegian island and cabin has aspirations of grandeur. Photo / airbnb.com
Vesteroy, Ostfold, Norway
The tiny island in Hvaler comes with a tiny Scandinavian cabin to call one's own.
The island also claims to be the sunniest spot in Norway
Each lease comes with a motorboat, which you'll need to reach the property.
Though it's relatively small (the house is only 10 metres square) there's plenty to do to keep cabin fever at bay, including visits to the surrounding beaches and archipelago.
Its modest size hides aspirations for grandeur as the tiny island is a self-declared kingdom. Search #thekingdomofbatholmen on instagram.
$350 per night, no minimum stay
Big island: At almost 250 square kilometers there's plenty to see and do on Ilha Grande. Photo / airbnb.com
Ilha Grande, Brazil
This Brazilian bolthole is only 20 minutes from Portogalo, with space for 14.
Ilha Grande, the "big island", lives up to its name. At almost 250 square kilometers there's plenty to see and do.
Laze about on the hammocks or head to the beach with a barbeque. An on-site oyster farm serves shellfish as fresh as it gets. The Ilha has plenty of options for adventurous types: explore the coast on stand up paddleboards, visit colonial Paraty or venture deep into the jungle.
It's not complete wilderness. There are quarters for boat staff and a chef as well.
$1832 per night, no minimum stay
Hideaway: The Caye's owners are on hand to cook meals from the daily catch. Photo / airbnb.com
Hideaway Caye, Belize
A dreamy Caribbean getaway takes you to a "tree-house like" cabana in the mangroves. It offers mahogany chairs and hammocks in which to soak up the Gulf breeze.
But don't get to well rested. The listing warns it's "not for the faint of heart" and promises adventure round every corner.
The island's owners are on hand to cook meals from the day's catch from the surrounding sea.
Bird Island: Your own blue coral atoll in Belize. Photo / airbnb.com
Bird Island, Belize
This is no floating spa – the beautiful island atoll is self-catering only.
However, it's the simple life on Bird Island that appeals to guests. The marine blue cabins have space for six and seemingly blend in to the ocean setting.
The coral reef on which it stands is considered one of the best fishing spots in Belize. If you don't think you can cope without guidance, the hosts offer a "Smorgasbord" side trip ($420 for 4 people) to take guests fishing, snorkelling and lobstering to stock up before a stay.
