At a private island resort with just 45 villas, some accessible only by boat, keeping your distance from other guests requires minimal effort. Overwater villas are some of the largest in the Maldives and start at a staggering 2,260 sq ft, with considerable space in between each one to ensure maximum privacy. The newly refurbished villa interiors are the epitome of barefoot, rustic luxury with lots of natural wood, earth tones and panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows that place all the emphasis on the surrounding crystal-clear lagoon. And perhaps best of all, Gili throws itself wholeheartedly into sustainability – you will find no single-use plastic here.

The Brando, Tetiaroa, French Polynesia

As island nations go, French Polynesia is pretty far-flung, comprising over 100 islands dotted throughout the South Pacific Ocean. The Brando, a luxury resort on the private island of Tetiaroa just a 20-minute flight from Tahiti, takes this isolation one step further. One of the most eco-sustainable hotels in the world, The Brando runs at almost a completely neutral carbon footprint and is the legacy of the late Marlon Brando’s vision of a self-sustaining luxury property for guests, staff and scientific research. The traditionally designed one, two and three-bedroom villas are outstanding, but the real focus here is the island with its dazzling coral reefs teaming with marine life, bird-filled forests and pristine motus, or small islets scattered around Tetiaroa.

Fregate Island Private, The Seychelles

Fregate Island Private in the Seychelles is a genuine island paradise, an unfeasibly picturesque private granite island offering seclusion, luxury and wildlife for the ultimate socially distanced escape. There are just 17 villas, each with private pools and butlers, so despite the natural splendour endemic to the island, many guests choose to not stray far from their opulent abodes. For those that do like to explore, a private buggy is provided for each villa so you can discover this rugged, virtually untouched island under your own steam. There are resident giant tortoises and an array of colourful bird life visits throughout the year, while the azure Indian Ocean provides exceptional snorkelling, diving and deep-sea fishing. The island is also ideal for romance, with a selection of powdery white sand beaches, some of which that can be roped off for private use, along with private treetop dining and the enticing Rock Spa for a couple’s treatment. Guests can arrive in style for their first view of the island, with an incredibly scenic 15-minute helicopter flight from the main island of Mahé.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji

The nature of having over 300 Fijian islands to choose from means that each island gives a real feeling of remoteness. There is no looking out to inhabited islands here, and stunning vistas from the ragged mountains over lush jungle vegetation are commonplace. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is situated on picturesque Savusavu Bay and comprises just 25 luxurious bures, or huts, built on the site of a former coconut plantation. What sets this family-friendly resort apart from the rest is its emphasis on education and encouraging children to discover the world around them with a focus on conservation and protection. There is no TV time or video games at the award-winning Bula Club for kids. Instead, kids are whisked away each day to take part in educational activities, arts and crafts and sports. For lockdown-weary families, this is the perfect place to get back into nature.

Armitage Hill, Galle, Sri Lanka

Once the teardrop-shaped island reopens, a private villa stay is a sure-fire way to holiday in comfort yet guarantee social distancing. Set atop a hill on eight hectares (20 acres of private estate), Armitage Hill is just two hours’ drive from Colombo International Airport but a world apart from the frenetic capital, overlooking vast flood plains with glimpses of Adam’s Peak to the north and the winding Gin River to the south. The private villa features five bedrooms sleeping 10 guests, several airy living and communal areas, courtyards and a 70-foot pool set in three buildings. While the villa itself has a 200-year history, the pavilions are all beautifully designed by the renowned late architect Kerry Hill, a friend of legendary Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Armitage Hill was formerly a private home for Kerry Hill and has only recently become available to the public, making it that much more sought after.

Six Senses Yao Noi, Thailand

Rumours of a long-stay visa for international tourists in Thailand have been circulating recently, which would be welcome news for those looking to kick back and enjoy an extended break in a tropical locale. Situated on the laid-back island of Koh Yao Noi, Six Senses Yao Noi is just 45 minutes by speedboat from the hustle and bustle (and crowds) of Phuket. There are just 56 villas in total dotted throughout the lush foliage of the resort, ranging from one to four bedrooms and all with private infinity pools. The stunning views out to the iconic limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay are some of the best in Thailand and an avid photographer’s dream. Finally, the resort very much focuses on creating bespoke experiences such as the Junior Eco Warrior, a new kids’ programme which revolves around sustainability and wellness, giving parents some much needed “me time” during their stay.

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