Ariara Island (Philippines)
Home to more than 7,000 islands, most of them remote and relatively unexplored, the Philippines remains unmatched in terms of offering a unique back-to-nature experience. World-class private island resorts, however, are few and far between. Especially noteworthy is Ariara Island, which opened its doors just over a year ago. Nestled in the Calamian Archipelago in the province of Palawan, which has arguably the country's most stunning seascapes, the 50ha retreat hosts up to 18 guests on an exclusive basis. While contemporary in style and luxe in finish, Ariara is built with eco-sensitivity in mind - all furnishings are made by traditional artisans using local materials. Accomodation includes two Jungle Villas, four Beach Cottages, the tucked-away North Beach Villa and the elevated Lodge Suite, which is accesible via a bridge. More than 30 members of staff see to your every need, whether you'd like to go diving or trekking, watch a movie in the entertainment lounge, hold a lechon (spit-roasted pig) party on the sand, or receive some pampering from the resident spa therapist. www.ariaraisland.com

Song Saa (Cambodia)
Only a 35-minute boat ride from the port city of Sihanoukville, Song Saa is home to tropical rainforests, coral reefs and unspoiled white sand beaches. The resort comprises 27 luxurious villas dotted around the two little islands of Koh Ouen and Koh Bong. Its over-water, ocean-view or jungle villas each come with their own private pool, and are perched beneath the island’s lush rainforest canopy or on stilts overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Guests can enjoy a tapas-style meal and drinks at the rustic Driftwood bar, or try contemporary Cambodian fare at its boardwalk Vista restaurant. Not only does the resort provide guests with ample opportunities to experience the lush environment but it gives back to the island as well. Conservationists work with neighbouring villages to preserve the local ecosystem, and guests are invited to see how it all works. Given its tranquil, intimate atmosphere, the resort is a popular honeymoon destination and can also accommodate civil weddings and Buddhist ceremonies. www.songsaa.com

Laucala Island (Fiji)
After a long journey to this South Pacific island – flying from Hong Kong or Sydney to Fiji’s Nadi International Airport, then onto a private plane transfer – you’d expect your destination to be nothing short of perfect. And close to perfection is exactly what Laucala is. Once owned by Malcolm Forbes, the late publisher of Forbes magazine, the island is now the pet project of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, who began revamping the island in 2003. The 1,200ha island is a self-sufficient dream of a tropical playground, among pearly-white sand beaches and breathtaking sapphire-blue seas. It’s home to endless coconut groves, a mock Fijian village and 100ha of farmland for growing crops and raising its 1,500 livestock animals for food. There are only 25 guest villas and even then, the management has an unspoken rule of not allowing more than 20 villas to be occupied at any one time. Here, watch turtles swim at a seagrass bay, try your hand at fishing or work on your golf swing at the on-site 18-hole championship golf course accompanied by a pro. www.laucala.com

If you missed our first part installment of the series, check it out here

Wilson Island (Australia)
If we were feeling up to being marooned like Robinson Crusoe, we’d opt for a stay at Wilson Island on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. And why not? When this hideaway offers the excitement of the outdoors and indoor creature comforts in equal measure. We’re talking about “glamping” in one of the island’s six open-concept safari-inspired tents, each of which comes with a canvas canopy, king-sized bed, raised timber floors and outdoor deck, not to mention your very own pair of binoculars. Steps away from your tent are a solar-heated private shower and dressing area. Colourful critters await you underwater, but even on land you’ll be treated to close encounters with wildlife, ranging from the loud calls of shearwater birds or the scurrying of baby turtles. In fact, Wilson Island is a major nesting spot for green and loggerhead turtles, and guests can witness the nesting and hatching season from November to May. Simple and fresh Aussie cuisine is also a highlight here, with daily meals shared at the same table in the Longhouse, a central dining and relaxation hub that also features a library and offers beverages and snacks. www.wilsonisland.com

Musha Cay (Bahamas)
When you vacation at an ultra-secluded island owned by illusionist David Copperfield, be prepared for some magic. Hidden in the Exuma archipelago 140km southeast of Nassau, Musha Cay is one of the 11 islands that form Copperfield Bay, where only 24 fortunate folks can be privy to its many marvels at any one time. While most island resorts cater to couples or small families, Musha is a place for group fun. Resembling the set of an adventure movie with 300ha of greenery, the island allows your imagination to run wild with a series of exhilarating guest experiences that include the Musha Olympic Games, a secret jungle filled with monkeys and a treasure hunt through the caves, cliffs and beaches of Copperfield Bay. The resort offers five exotic hilltop or beachfront guesthouses, but the ultimate has to be Highview, a 10,000sqft property featuring two large master bedrooms, a private sauna and breathtaking views of the cay and neighbouring islands. www.mushacay.com