7 Private Islands You Can Actually Afford to Rent

You can’t find a luxury hotel in Paris for less than $262, but you can rent your very own private island in France for that amount—and it sleeps up to 10 people if you want to split the cost and make it even cheaper. Located on the Cotes-d’Armor, the island is just over 650 feet for the mainland and is accessible by car at low tide, so you can get out and explore Brittany as much as you like (as long as you make it back before high tide when the island is surrounded by water).

Nearby Baxter State Park in Maine can get packed during the summer, but you can escape the crowds by booking this private island that has views of the Appalachian-trail ending Mount Katahdin, and no neighbors within a half-mile. The half-acre island is all yours for as little as $225 a night. Unlike Baxter State Park, the island even has excellent cell phone coverage, so you won’t be completely off-grid.

No boat is required for the private island L’ilot, which is accessible via a rock-and-wood bridged causeway. Spend days lounging on the sand and swimming in the turquoise lagoon, or pop back over to the mainland whenever you feel the need. There’s freshwater on tap, electricity, and all the modern conveniences you’d find at a hotel. The comfortable house has four bedrooms and can sleep up to 8 people (6 adults and 2 children). Rates start at $920 a night—a bargain if split four ways.

This rental off the coast of Port Clyde, Maine, includes both McGee and Barter islands. McGee Island offers 110 acres of solitude and has three houses on it that have a combined 11 bedrooms. Barter Island is undeveloped, and you can take a boat there or walk across a natural land bridge at low tide to explore. This option is intended for large groups, and at $1,800 per night, its the priciest option on the list. However, splitting the cost among guests can save you big—the max occupancy of the island is 24 guests, which breaks down to just $75 per guest per night.

Gather six of your closest friends and you can have a private island together for just $30 per person. For $180 a night, this retreat on the Lake of Granada in Nicaragua is a bargain. La Isla Zacatalosa is a private villa that has its own tennis court, pool, garden, and walking path. You’ll share the island with howler monkeys and birds, as well as a caretaker who will help you with anything you need during your stay. The island is a 10-minute boat ride from the mainland at an $8-$10 fare each way.

For guests in search of a luxury experience that still keeps the rustic charm of a family camping trip, look no further than this Maine rental. The island features an outdoor shower and outhouse with running water, but no electricity (never fear—there is a generator on-site to charge up any necessary devices). Take the chance to enjoy the serenity of the surrounding nature, relax on the private beach, and maybe catch a glimpse of the nearby active eagles' nest—all for just $600 per night.

You could share an all-inclusive resort with hundreds of other people, or you could have your own private island eco-retreat for $659 per night—your choice. Out There, an off-grid retreat on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia, includes a stocked kitchen for you to make your own breakfast and lunches, and a home-cooked dinner each night. Up to six people can sleep in the island’s tent cabin and yurt; and the island’s fire pits, hammocks, and private beaches are all available for you to enjoy.