Photos courtesy of Vladi Private Islands

The thought of having a whole island to yourself for vacation brings to mind two things right away: total privacy and totally out of my price range. Believe it or not, renting an entire island is not something only for the billionaire playboys and super celebrities. There are plenty of places around the world to be had for as low as $240 a night!  Here are a few of your cheaper choices which come courtesy of Vladi Private Islands.

Villa L'Ilot — Mauritius (from $455 per night)

Have you ever seen "Castaway" and thought, “I could handle that for about week.” Well think of the same peace and quiet with a few more amenities and even a local fisherman who stops by with local, fresh-caught calamari and crayfish. Private tours are available and bathing, swimming, and diving are all right in front of you. You can have chef service or meal delivery and the inn has four bedrooms available.

Isla del Burguillo — Spain (from $540 per night)

Yes, it is a castle. On a private island. Enjoy vineyards, fruit trees, and a pine forest while staying in a six-bedroom castle in the middle of the Burguillo reservoir at the foothills of the Sierra de Gredos mountains. The island has been declared a special zone for the protection of the native black vultures. So if you are at all creeped out by staying in a castle to begin with, vultures adding to the mix should push you right over the edge. The castle is equipped with six bedrooms, three baths, and can be reached by the island owner’s rowboat (with optional motor).

Trinity Island — Ireland (from $435 per night)

This property comes equipped with 150 acres of woodland that is all yours to take in. Explore the ancient ruins of Trinity Island Monastery, or head to the mainland for horse riding, fishing, canoeing, nature walks, and bird watching. If you don’t want to prepare your meals in their fully-fitted, modern kitchen, a chef can be arranged to come to island and cook for you. A housekeeper and babysitter are available as well. There are three bedrooms and three baths, one of which has a Jacuzzi tub.

East Brother Island — California (from $295 per night)

Technically, the only way you can get this island for $295 is if you are the only ones booked for the night in their four-room lighthouse inn. But even if you had to share, you would have access to incredible wildlife and fishing, and of course peace and quiet. Breakfast and evening meal are provided in the cost as well. The innkeepers will welcome all new guests with wine and hors d'oeuvres.

Hunt Island — Canada (from $240 per night)

This would be the perfect place to finish your novel. Beautiful summers with swimming and boating on Ponhook Lake. Fantastic fall colors are there in the September to mid-October time frame and the wildlife is abundant year round. There is also skiing on the mainland in the winter months. The cottage has three bedrooms and two baths, and has a boathouse stocked with water sports equipment.

So whether you are looking for a way to relax and explore the natural surroundings or just to get away from it all, renting a private island is for you. You decide how loud the music is going to be and what you are having for dinner.  There is no poking and no prodding from cruise directors, resort staff, or fellow travelers.  It is just you and the island and the truth is you really can afford it!

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