Tiny Island Escapes: Your Guide To Secluded Cottage Rentals
Secluded cottage rentals on an island roll into our social media feeds. Sometimes, they offer ridiculous promises that if you stay there alone, you could win a million dollars. Well, you won’t win any cash, but there are more realistic tiny islands where you can feel like a castaway, albeit with some comforts. Read on for more details.
Five Sweet Spots Include The St Lawrence River
We checked it out and there are at least a few really secluded cottage rentals, of varying sizes that you might enjoy. Narrowing down our search, we found five of them that certainly seem to be available in 2026. And, if you live anywhere near the Thousand Islands area that straddles the border of New York and Ontario, you don’t need to go very far.
A humorously named island in the St. Lawrence River is known as the “Just Room Enough Island.” The Washington Post, cited many times by travel outlets, noted, “one misstep and you’re swimming.” Unfortunately, that island’s got a private residence. However, you don’t need to look much further for a tiny cottage rental or something bigger nearby.
Numerous islets dot the area, offering charming cottages for rent. The rentals often bring visitors to the area a taste of history alongside relaxing waterfront living. Of course, you will need to transfer there by boat. Imagine swimming, fishing, reading, watching vessels go by from your temporary little slice of paradise.
The Caribbean
Next up, there’s a spot in the south of the Caribbean. There, in Belize, you’ll find the Little Harvest Caye. Exclusively yours while you stay there, it sits on a property about 1.5 acres in size. And, it’s not far from Placencia village. The main villa and a few other suites come with the exclusivity of island living. So, that makes it ideal for family groups. Rustic and elegant, let the staff pamper you and see to any of your needs.
Far away from Belize, the Maldives, noted for brilliant diving also brings a “one island, one resort” concept. More than one of them offer little patches of land like Vilamendhoo. Why not rent one of their standalone beach villas directly on the shore. Really, can you think of anywhere better to enjoy the warm Indian Ocean packed with wild marine life?
Moving East
Moving east, adventurers should check out Docastaway options which offer comfortable accommodation on small islands in places like the Philippines and Indonesia. Notably though, if you look for solitude and uninhabited areas nearby, then that’s exactly what you’ll get. Mostly, the cottages are rustic and basic. Or you can go full survivor mode.
The appeal lies in living that real-life castaway experience. In fact, the chances are that nobody else will be around. Still, it’s an awesome way to connect with nature and take a massive break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Europe Also Has Secluded Spots
Perhaps on social media, or documentaries, you heard about the lighthouse of Bishop Rock near Ireland. No, you can’t stay there, but other small islands around the British Isles and Scandinavia offer similar hone and cottage rentals.
Accessible only by boat, could you handle a wooden cabin on an islet in Norway or Sweden?
Did you ever stay in a cottage all by yourself, or with a close loved one? Let us know your experiences in the comments below, and come back here often for all your travel news and updates.