Forget a humble bed and breakfast, or even a tree top escape, this travel trend blows pretty much all other holiday accommodations out the water.

In what has to be the most ridiculously fabulous travel data that we’ve ever heard of, holiday rental website HomeAway has reported a year on year increase of 26% of people renting a private island for their summer holiday.

This growing trend of escaping to a private island may sound rather outlandish, but considering more travellers are focusing on getting true peace and quiet on holiday, reconnecting to nature and leaving the gritty hustle and bustle behind (like on forest holidays and wellness retreats), it does make sense. 

And who can blame them? Island life looks pretty amazing with opportunities to snorkel and stargaze, heck, some even come with a private boat for you to use. Although most do cost a pretty penny, some are actually relatively reasonable, with one island on the site priced at £238 a night between four people.

So, just in case this news has got you re-planning your summer holiday, we’ve picked out five private islands that you can actually rent this year on HomeAway. We have a feeling the group chat is about to start blowing up…

Stann Creek, Belize 

One of the most private island resorts in the world, you will never see another guest while staying at Stann Creek. Prepare yourself for turquoise and aquamarine lagoons with coral and white sand, right in the heart of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. 

Stay in this elegant villa, with the all-inclusive luxury service of a resort. The island even has a ‘privacy meter’ indicating if a member of the team is on the main island for any reason. Guests can feel free to be completely themselves, there are no other neighbours – it’s just you and the views.

How much is it? £2,665 average a night.

How many mates can I take? Sleeps four people. 

Sans Sourci, Canada

Whisk yourself away to this quiet private island cottage complete with your own boat, amazing views, snorkelling and stargazing.

This cottage is located in the pristine waters of Spider bay, part of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve, which is marked as an UNESCO territory.

How much is it? £238 average a night.

How many mates can I take? Sleeps four people. 

45 acre Private Island, Minnesota

This 45-acre island is located in Pelican Lake in Minnesota. This 108-year-old remodelled cabin has eight wonderful bedrooms with swinging beds, a stone fireplace and screen porch. 

This is the perfect group getaway with games room, water sports and pontoon to rent for exploring. And, what’s even better, is that guests will have the entire island to themselves as this is the only cabin in the island.

How much is it? £872 average a night.

How many mates can I take? Sleeps 20 people. 

Tikehau, French Polynesia

Fafarua Lodge is a private ‘motu’ island: so when you rent it, it is reserved exclusively for you. This all-inclusive island is a safe haven where you can enjoy unspoilt natural beauty in private. 

The private island is bounded by the sea on all four sides, with sandy beaches on the lagoon side and a large wild reef on the outer side. See the best of what the island has to offer with snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding and personalised boat trips.

How much is it? £918 average a night.

How many mates can I take? Sleeps eight people.  

Longboat Key, Florida

Set on two acres of land on a 38-acre private island, this home is gorgeous way to experience island life. The house has four bedrooms and four bathrooms as well as an outdoor shower. All the rooms have a view out across the azure waters of Longboat Pass, with 300 feet of beachfront, palm trees, shaded hammocks, and private dock.

How much is it? £1,202 average a night.

How many mates can I take? Sleeps 12 people.

Images: Getty / HomeAway