Need Romantic Adventure? Spend your Vacation in Caribbean Private Island Resorts

For the ultimate Caribbean getaway that promises luxury, exclusivity, privacy and pampering, check out these great private islands, where you can escape from it all on your own tiny outpost in paradise...

Guana Island, British Virgin Islands 

This private island is located just north of Tortola and a short water-taxi ride from the BVI's main airport, yet feels much more isolated with just a handful of beach cottages and villas on 850 acres. Groups of up to 36 can rent the entire island, or just take a room and enjoy the tranquil setting (the pristine island is effectively a nature preserve) or a surprisingly diverse set of amenities, including beaches, hiking trails, tennis, snorkeling, and dining and socializing in the historic Club.

Seagrape Cottage, British Virgin Islands

The tiny island of Little Thatch, just off the western tip of Tortola and within hailing distance of St. John, is home to Seagrape Cottage. With just one beachfront cottage to rent (two people maximum), you can't get much more private than this. The cottage is surrounded by verandas on three sides, while a small deck hangs over the water for romantic dinners al fresco. High ceilings and French doors keep the cottage cool year-round. The island's owners have a residence at the other end of the island and occasionally run a beach bar, but other than that you'll have this 54-acre bit of paradise to yourself. You can cook for yourself or take a five-minute boat ride to enjoy the restaurants and nightlife in Tortola.

Necker Island, British Virgin Islands 

For "only" $36,000 to $53,000 per night you can sleep in Sir Richard Branson's favorite hideaway in the world -- the Virgin magnate's private-island home in the British Virgin Islands. Necker's Asian-inspired accommodations can sleep up to 28 guests in five Bali-style houses and a lavish Great House (on certain weeks during the year, guests can rent individual rooms on the island, as well). The fully staffed resort includes chefs preparing unlimited and all-inclusive gourmet meals, and diversions include pools, beaches, the Bali Leha spa, hiking trails, sailing, surfing on Josiah's Bay, tennis with a resident pro, fitness center, and snorkeling.

Scrub Island, British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands' newest private resort has 52 guest rooms and suites and 31 gorgeous villas dotting 230 previously undeveloped acres -- many on towering hills facing the ocean -- four beaches, four restaurants, full-service spa and other amenities.

Peter Island, British Virgin Islands

Centered on Deadman's Bay, the Peter Island resort has all of the amenities you'd expect from a luxury destination property  including a full-service spa and marina plus an impressively broad range of accommodations, including standard rooms, junior suites, villas, and homes with up to 6 bedrooms. The Tradewinds Restaurant is known for its Caribbean cuisine, while the resort's beach bar hosts a popular weekly West Indies night with live music and an expansive buffet. The island is located five miles south of Tortola, across the Sir Francis Drake Channel.

Young Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Located just offshore from Kingstown, the capital of St. Vincent, Young Island provides a lush private sanctuary to its guests but remains a three-minute boat ride from the mainland and its many attractions. The property is compact but lovely, with guest cottages located both along the waterfront and hillside overlooking the beachside restaurant and bar. Amenities include a lighted tennis court, a lobster and fish pool you can swim in, hiking trails, and a tiny offshore bar. Ask to stay in the cottage where Johnny Depp stayed during filming of Pirates of the Caribbean and enjoy a soak in your private outdoor pool while you watch the boats cruising to and from Kingstown.

Palm Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Palm Island has a variety of accommodations and is rich with amenities, including superb dining and beaches. This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful resorts you will ever have the pleasure of visiting, with impossibly blue skies contrasting with brilliant white beaches, and leaning palm trees strung with inviting hammocks. There's plenty of room to roam on this 135-acre island, and strollers, hikers and bikers will quickly discover the island's tennis courts, croquet lawn, and pitch-and-putt golf course. Rooms have louvered windows and sliding doors to allow al fresco dining and dozing.

Mustique, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

This 1,400-acre island is home to a variety of fully staffed private luxury villas as well as the Cotton House hotel. Mustique covers 1,400 acres and has 71 villas for rent, including 13 historic homes designed by Oliver Messel. A stay here is more like being part of a community -- complete with a church, stores, tennis courts and a stable -- than being a guest at a private resort, and there are nine beaches upon which to while your days away.

Petit St. Vincent, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Most distant from St. Vincent in the Grenadines, Petit St. Vincent is a remote island paradise has a unique collection of stone-walled villas spread out for maximum privacy. Traverse the island by golf cart or simply stay put and hang your flag out for in-room dining or other services, including spa treatments or yoga. PSV has 22 cottages scattered over 113 acres, so meeting your neighbors is truly a matter of choice here -- probably why it is a popular hideaway for celebrities. Tennis, fishing charters, scuba, and hiking are options for more active days.

Calivigny Island, Grenada

Is this the Caribbean, or Indonesia? The Balinese-style Beach House makes it hard to tell, but this private island resort is located just off the coast of Grenada and a mere 15 minutes from the airport. Reservations are for groups only: the Great House, which also features elements of French Colonial architecture, can accommodate up to 20 guests, plus another 12 who can bunk in style on the resort's Luxury sailing yacht. Jet skis, white-sand beaches, a pool with swim-up bar, on-call massages, and fine dining are among the available amenities.

By Robert Curley