Forget hotels... rent an ISLAND instead! From a beach oasis in the Bahamas to a historic castle getaway in New York State, paradise awaits...

Had it with hotels? Bored of B&Bs? Riled by resorts? Then perhaps it's time to consider renting out an entire island for an escape that's truly great.

Here we present three stunning options, picture-perfect plots of land available to rent on an 'exclusive buy-out basis' with Vladi Private Islands (VPI).

They're not cheap, but these islands come with extremely eye-catching selling points that make splashing out worth considering - pristine beaches, lush tropical vegetation, total privacy and on one, guests stay in one of the very few historical castles in the United States.

Scroll down... and behold. 

Dark Island, New York State, U.S

Dark Island is fit for royalty, offering private access not only to its grounds, but also the castle located within them

Situated on the St Lawrence River in New York State and near the border with Canada, the island is home to 'one of the very few historical castles in the United States'

This island is fit for royalty, offering private access not only to its grounds, but also the castle located within them.

Situated on the St Lawrence River in New York State and near the border with Canada, Dark Island is home to 'one of the very few historical castles in the United States'.

The fortress in question is Singer Castle, which has a suite that can be rented for up to six guests through VPI.

'The suite at Singer is the only room we rent,' the company told MailOnline Travel. 'Guests have the suite, the castle and castle grounds to themselves as they are the only people booked for their visit.'

During the day, the island is open to visitors wanting to tour the building with a guide. While in the evening, it is left for the enjoyment of guests staying at the castle.

VPI says guests stay 'in the best room in the castle (pictured) with lavish decor and breathtaking views'

During the day, the island is open to visitors wanting to tour the castle with a guide. While in the evening, it is left for the enjoyment of guests staying overnight

On its website, VPI says there is a 'certain mystery' surrounding the castle, which has 'underground passageways and evocative paintings'.

Guests stay 'in the best room in the castle, with lavish decor and breathtaking views', it adds.

Situated in the Thousand Islands region, the island is described as 'one of the most beautiful places in North America' by the firm.

'Savour the magnificent river views from the terrace. Dine in the great hall, relax in the library or set out on a discovery tour of the network of secret passageways,' it adds.

The VIP suite costs from $795 (£624) plus tax per night, including breakfast and dinner. Visit www.vladi-private-islands.de/en/islands-for-rent/for-rent/usa/new-york-state/singer-castle-on-dark-island.

North Island, Seychelles

North Island, pictured, in the Seychelles is available to rent as a holiday let, offering 11 guest houses across 500 acres of land with untouched beaches and tropical palm forests

Guests can rent the entire island on an 'exclusive buy-out basis' for a maximum of 22 guests. Or those willing to share the area with other travellers can rent a beachfront villa for around 6,000 euros (£5,215) per night

North Island in the Seychelles is available to rent as a holiday let, offering 11 guest houses across 500 acres of land with untouched beaches and tropical palm forests.

VPI describes it as the ‘ultimate luxury escape’ offering ‘the very best in privacy, location, service and experiences’.

Guests can rent the entire island on an 'exclusive buy-out basis' for a maximum of 22 guests. Or those willing to share the area with other travellers can rent a beachfront villa for around 6,000 euros (£5,215/$6,640) per night.

VPI describes North Island as the ‘ultimate luxury escape’ offering ‘the very best in privacy, location, service and experiences’

Scuba diving, snorkelling, sea kayaking and sunset cruising are available for guests who've grown tired of gazing at the ocean and soaking up the 'sensational' Seychellois scenery

If guests ever tire of lounging on the beach, gazing across the glistening turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and soaking up the 'sensational' Seychellois scenery, they can go scuba diving, snorkelling, sea kayaking and sunset cruising, according to the property listing.

They can also unwind with an 'indulgent spa treatment' and explore the 'magical takamaka forest'.

To access the island, guests should 'fly to Seychelles International Airport (Mahe) before taking a short helicopter transfer on to North Island', the listing suggests. 

For more information visit www.vladi-private-islands.de/en/islands-for-rent/for-rent/indian-ocean-africa/seychelles/north-island.

Little Whale Cay, Bahamas

Set in the Berry Islands, in the heart of the Bahamas, Little Whale Cay promises the pristine beauty of a private island allied with the charm of a six-bedroom family home steeped in local heritage

The island has a private landing strip and marina, making it easily reached by boat, plane or seaplane

Set in the Berry Islands, in the heart of the Bahamas, Little Whale Cay promises the pristine beauty of a private island allied with the charm of a six-bedroom family home steeped in the local heritage.

So says Vladi Private Islands, which is advertising the island as a private rental for up to 12 guests with rates available on request.

The island has a private landing strip and private marina, making it easily reached by boat, plane or seaplane.

Dreamy: Visitors can choose to stay at one of three beautiful guest houses

The waters surrounding the island are 'some of the cleanest and most beautiful... in the world and beckon you to swim', the listing says. Pictured: A lunch table laid by the eternity pool on Little Whale Cay

Guests can book a private air charter from Nassau, which takes 15 minutes and costs around £250 ($320) one-way for four people, according to the rental listing.

It describes the island as having 'palm-fringed beaches and subtropical gardens' that offer the chance to enjoy the sun 'in complete, uninterrupted peace'.

The surrounding waters, meanwhile, are 'some of the cleanest and most beautiful... in the world and beckon you to swim'.

'True romantics can renew their vows or begin their married lives in the island’s church (pictured), set directly on the water’s edge,' the listing says

A chef can be requested in advance of a visit and activities include sundowners, snorkelling, water-skiing, sailing and fishing. Pictured: The bedroom at Peacock House

Guests can stay at Little Whale House, comprising two double rooms and a sea view balcony; Flamingo House featuring four bedrooms, surrounded by lawns with 'coconut palms where peacocks sleep in the shade'; or Peacock House, a 'romantic' bedroom on the hill 'only steps away from the pool'.

A chef can be requested in advance of a visit and activities on offer include sundowners, snorkelling, water-skiing, sailing and fishing, to name but a few.

'True romantics can renew their vows or begin their married lives in the island’s church set directly on the water’s edge,' the listing adds.

Price on application. Visit www.vladi-private-islands.de/en/island-archive/archive/caribbean/bahamas/little-whale-cay.