(FORTUNE Magazine) – Soneva Gili Hudhuveli Island, the Maldives. Private island resort and spa, opening in November

What's the appeal? The ultimate 12-step program for anyone addicted to the rush and crush of daily life. Not simply because of the spa's massages, facials, etc., but because the 52 villas are all above water, on stilts, a few hundred yards from the island. (You'll fall asleep to the sound of the Indian Ocean lapping beneath.) Concerned you'll feel trapped? Explore the other wild blue yonder by scuba diving or windsurfing.

From the guestbook Too soon to tell. But here's a mash note to its nearby sister resort, Soneva Fushi: "Parting is such sweet sorrow--made all the sweeter for having set foot on your enchanting island. Cannot imagine not returning here. Don't ever change." --London

What it says about you You're Robinson Crusoe with higher standards.

Rates $500-$1,200. Extra: seaplane, meals, activities, treatments.

Reservations 800-525-4800 or 011-960/336-633; fax, 011-960/336-644; www.six-senses.com/soneva-gili

Hotelito Desconocido Cruz de Loreto, Mexico. Eco-happy thatched-hut resort

[What's the appeal?] Two hours south of Puerto Vallarta, Hotelito Desconocido ("little unknown hotel") is where hopeful romantics go to seduce and be seduced. The electricity-free resort--with nine private palafitos--is lit by wax and wick; 1,000 candles shine on any given evening. Add the palette of the burning Mexican sunset, and it's no shock to find honeymooners skinny-dipping in the big, blue lagoon.

[From the guestbook] "Thank you for returning the magic to my life." "We shall return--our hearts demand it." "Who said 'paradise lost'? We found it, and found each other again at Hotelito Desconocido." (All were anonymous--can you blame them?)

[What it says about you] You're smart enough to know we all look better in the dark.

[Rates] $215 to $565 a night, with a daily $55 three-meal plan.

[Reservations] 800-851-1143; fax, 011-52-3/223-0293; www.hotelito.com

Bay of Fires Lodge Tasmania, Australia. Sexy, minimalist eco-lodge

[What's the appeal?] On a near-virgin beach, Bay of Fires Lodge is the only structure in Mount William National Park (home to kangaroos, wombats, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils). To get there, you hike 15 miles--overnighting at a seaside camp--before hunkering down in sophisticated seclusion (no phone or TV, but the interiors are as drop-dead as the surroundings). Start stretching: You have to pump your own shower water.

[From the guestbook] "It's so remote and so beautiful that I don't want anyone else to know the precise location." --Euan Ferguson, The Observer, London "Extremely well experienced and planned in every detail. I cannot fault it!" --Ute Rose, Sydney

[What it says about you] You'll work for your pleasure.

[Rates] Four-day, three-night packages run $655 per person.

[Reservations] 011-61-3/6331-2006; fax, 011-61-3/6331-5525; open October-June; www.bayoffires.com/au

Chumbe Island Lodge About four miles off Zanzibar, Tanzania. Rustic private-island retreat in a marine sanctuary

[What's the appeal?] Chumbe Island was saved from the fishing industry in the early '90s by Sibylle Reidemiller, a German environmentalist who was granted permission by the Tanzanian government to control the island as a private business. The island and surrounding waters are home to the world's largest shallow-water coral reef--and some of the world's best snorkeling--as well as a lively bird sanctuary.

[From the guestbook] "The outer reef flat is one of the most scenic I've seen. The diversity of coral is also very big, with almost all of Zanzibar's 200 species present. I wish the Marine Park the best--it deserves it." --J.E.N. Veron, chief scientist, Australian Institute of Marine Sciences

[What it says about you] You're willing to follow your options underwater.

[Rates] $150 or $200 per person per day. Includes meals, services, taxes.

[Reservations] 011-255-24/223-1040; www.chumbeisland.com

Explora en Atacama San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. Extreme luxury in an equally extreme setting

[What's the appeal?] Pack a lot of film. Eight thousand feet up, with about seven millimeters of rain a year, the Atacama is the world's highest, driest desert--and a hotbed of weird wonders. Guides lead you under the flight path of flamingos, around geysers and volcanoes, through salt flats, gorges, and the Valley of the Moon. The weary needn't worry: The hiking isn't so strenuous, and there's always the option of riding one of the 26 horses.

[From the guestbook] "There is a fantastic scenery, a great hotel. But the people of Explora are the glue to make it a fabulous experience." --Hans Van Wingerden, the Netherlands "It was a wonderful trip. What it makes better is that we did not expect any of these! " --The Kims, Seoul

[What it says about you] You're not jaded yet (even if you have to travel around the world to prove it).

[Rates] Three-night packages start at $1,296 per person for a double.

[Reservations] 011-56-2/206-6060; fax, 011-56-2/228-4655; U.S. fax, 800-858-0855; www.interknowledge.com/chile/explora

Musha Cay The Bahamas. The ne plus ultra of private island retreats, built by Blockbuster Video co-founder John Melk

[What's the appeal?] Why does John Melk ever leave? A 150-acre island in the Exuma chain, Musha Cay is rented to a single client at a time, with up to 20 of his or her guests (who stay in one of four beachfront guest villas). The main building, a 10,000-square-foot plantation home, is like your own Four Seasons. It has a gym, business center, swimming pool, lighted tennis court, billiard room, satellite TV--and a staff of 30.

[From the guestbook] "No comment." --John Travolta and Kelly Preston "No comment." --Oprah Winfrey "No comment." --Faith Hill and Tim McGraw

[What it says about you] You're stinking rich.

[Rates] $325,000 per week, with up to 20 guests

[Reservations] 877-889-1100; fax, 312-840-8145; www.mushacay.com