Few of us will get to experience life on a private island outside of getting shipwrecked.

If that happens, the experience will probably be more akin to Castaway than to what you’re about to see.

Forbes looked into some of the most expensive and most luxurious private island escapes in the world.

So if hell is other people, you need a break from general society, and you have cash to burn, check out our pick of the five best private island retreats in the world.

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

If you’re keen to live it up like the Hollywood elite then Bora Bora is the place to go.

Few places put you in their sandals quite like this South Pacific stunner. Justin Bieber is reportedly a fan, and Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban honeymooned here.

Though we can’t say which stars have napped in one of the hammocks swaying above the turquoise waters, the A-list guest roster is so long we’re confident it has happened.

Take your autograph book.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Fun fact – Lanai used to be the world’s biggest pineapple producer.

Lanai transformed into a luxe retreat when billionaire Larry Ellison purchased the rugged Hawaiian island in 2012.

The centerpiece is the Five-Star hotel with its marine preserve, beloved restaurants (Malibu Farm, Nobu) and golf course (where Bill Gates’ clifftop wedding took place).

Hey, if it’s good enough for Bill Gates…

Jumby Bay Island

We’re pretty sure there were already people living on the island, but here’s how the story goes:

Christopher Columbus found paradise when he discovered the white sand and turquoise waters of Jumby Bay in 1493.

Today, the 300-acre Antigua hideaway stands ready to welcome anyone who washes ashore with well-appointed rooms and residences that have up to nine bedrooms, plus a dedicated staff and beachfront pools.

You had me at ‘dedicated staff’.

Velaa Private Island

This was voted the most luxurious private island in the world.

On the surface, this uber-exclusive hideaway 116 miles north of the Maldives’ capital city, Malé, is like any other property plopped in the middle of paradise—spotless shorelines, sparkling waters and sea-inspired décor.

But dive a little deeper and you’ll discover a destination where travelers spend as much time rock climbing and playing tennis as they do kayaking and parasailing.

Cool…or you could just read on the beach.

The Brando

We couldn’t pass this one up.

Marlon Brando may be best known for tough-guy roles in The Godfather and A Streetcar Named Desire, but he had a softer side away from the camera. When Brando visited the Tetiaroa atoll, he was so enamored by the French Polynesian island’s clear waters and coconut palms that he purchased it.

The actor’s estate has gone on to create an all-inclusive wonderland comprising 35 villas and priceless views that’s become a haven for celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio.

Yep, that Brando and that DiCaprio.

Start saving now and you could be sharing a sandy beach with one of them.

[source:forbes]