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You’ve been there and done that and no holiday destination appears exciting anymore. Time to escape to an island and do a Robinson Crusoe — with a difference. Hire an island all for yourself (friends and family in tow), land on it in a private seaplane, relax in your luxury lodge and instead of a Man Friday, have a personal butler and gourmet chef (not to mention spa therapists and island staff) to pamper you silly. Rent private islands in the Maldives, the Bahamas, New Zealand or US’ Florida Keys for a week or more. It would be a lot of fun — we promise!
The Rania Experience
This millionaire’s playground in the Maldives lets you be the monarch of all you survey — the island, the Rania yacht (rental charged per hour after three hours a day), speedboat, spa and butler services. Accommodation for up to 12 guests consists of a suite and three villas. Expect sunset and moonlight cruises, island hopping and deep sea diving.
 Hot ticket!
Locally known as Maafushi, the island is located in the Faafu Atoll of the Maldives. Depending on the season, the daily rental starts at $13,000 (about Rs 6.8 lakh) and goes up to $20,500 (approx. Rs 10.7 lakh) for two. Each additional guest is charged between $850 (Rs 44,000 approx.) and $1,100 (Rs 57,000 approx.) per night. Go to www.raniaexperience.com.
Bonefish Cay
The 13-acre island paradise is part of the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas. With a minimum rental period of a week, Bonefish Cay (www.bonefishcay.com) accommodates up to 14 guests, with a promise of gourmet meals. Go for excursions to the surrounding cays, play a round of golf at Treasure Cay’s 18-hole golf course or even go diving in the Abacos’ marine gardens.
Hot ticket!
The price of renting the entire island for a week begins at 50,000 euros (Rs 34.7 lakh approx.) plus taxes. This excludes flight transfers, alcoholic beverages and activities. Rentals during Christmas and New Year cost extra.
Forsyth Island
Located in the Marlborough Sounds, between New Zealand’s North and South Islands, this 1,853-acre property is one of the largest and highest-elevated privately owned islands in the South Pacific. The island offers the city-weary soul the best of both worlds — dolphin watching, kayaking, fishing, boat tours on one hand, and numerous island paths on the other. Guests can choose to have the caretakers prepare meals or drop off provisions for them. The island is a great getaway for groups of any size — even for a destination wedding.
Hot ticket!
Depending on the season, renting Forsyth Island for a week for six to eight guests would set you back by 7,000 euros (approx. Rs 5 lakh) plus taxes. With a minimum stay of two nights, the island is tagged at 1,000 euros (approx. Rs 69,000) and 2,000 euros (approx. Rs1.4 lakh) a day during Christmas and New Year. This includes meals, guided tours, kayaking, fishing and boat trips. Go to www.vladi-private-islands.de.
Coupon Key
Part of the Florida Keys, Coupon Key measures 14.6 acres. It has a guesthouse for up to 12 adults and six children, a rooftop bar with a private sundeck, an equipped kitchen and a billiard’s cottage. Go scuba diving, sailing and deep-sea fishing or just a swim.
Hot ticket!
Expect to shell at least $10,500 (Rs 5.5 lakh approx.) per week. Boat rentals, activities and airport transfers cost extra. Go to www.privateislandsonline.com.
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