HYDERABAD: Renting an island for a holiday is no longer the preserve of celebrities and billionaires. You could go all out with the luxurious Rania Experience in the Maldives (`35,54,033), with ondemand yachts and diving classes, or settle for a tiny island in Florida Keys. But to get away from it all, be prepared to drop serious cash. Necker Island(British Virgin Islands), Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island was listed among Forbes Traveller’s ‘The World’s Very Best Hotels and Resorts’ in 2008. The main building on the islandhas 10 rooms, some with private jacuzzis and terraces. Don’t miss the aqua trampoline anchored to the seabed. Star connect: George Michael, Michael Douglas, Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg and Prince Charles. Cost: `31,24,580 onwards. A Jet Airways flight to Florida costs `67,000. Details: neckerisland.virgin.com Taprobane Island, Sri LankaThe country’s only privately owned island features one villa with five en-suite rooms, an infinity pool, a tropical garden and a private chef. The space, which spans 2.5 acres, is located off the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Cost: `93,793. A 4D/3N Cox & Kings package to Colombo costs between `20,000- `40,000.Details: taprobaneisland. com Cousine Island, Seychelles Rated third among The Telegraph’s (UK) most expensive islands for 2012, the eco-friendly property is one of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles. It comes with a conservation programme and four exclusive island villas. It can only be reached by helicopter, guaranteeing absolute privacy. Guests are encouraged to participate with the conservation work on the island. Cost: `8,47,651 per week. An Etihad Airways flight to Johannesburg via Abu Dhabi costs `30,000. Details: cousineisland. comIsle Des Indes, IndonesiaFrom Java, passengers embark on a two-hour vintage motor sailing yacht ride to the 2.4-acre island, where three traditional buildings await. There is an open-timber Javanese house, a teak Malay-style house on stilts and a converted Balinese rice storehouse accessible only by ladder. The child-friendly villas have antique furniture that owner, David Salman, has been collecting for 40 years. The kids can be entrusted to the resort’s activity manager who will keep them occupied with treasure hunts, board games, DVDs and lessons on tropical fish. Cost: `1,40,758. An Air India flight to Jakarta costs `30,000. Details: isledesindes.comWilson Island, Australia Situated in the Great Barrier Reef, Wilson Island is a haven for nature buffs, with its teeming aquatic life. Last year, the World Heritage area was recommended by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the 10 best island resorts on the Great Barrier Reef. From June to September, humpback whales can be seen going to and from their feeding grounds. Points to note - there are no TVs, phones, ensuite bathrooms, hair dryers, gyms, pools and beauty treatments. Plus, children aged below 12 are not allowed. Cost: `45,981 per night. A Singapore Airlines flight to Perth via Singapore costs `33,000. Details: wilsonisland. com.All fares are approximate and subject to availability.
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