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An island location for luxury hotels always adds an extra special element to a vacation, wherever you are in the world. The Irish, British and Greeks may take island living for granted, but smaller islands, particularly those which can only be accessed by boat, have a sense exclusivity and privacy.

Writers and artists seek out their own inspirational island paradise and millionaires often have their own private island home. The island state of Hawaii, although thousands of miles from anywhere, has turned that inconvenience into an asset and is now a pricey but desirable year-round island destination on everyone's wish list.

Here are a few suggestions for unique hotels which enjoy their own exclusive island location without foregoing any modern day conveniences.

Luxury Hotels in Singapore
The island city-state of Singapore is definitely not a tropical beach island, but rather a high-tech city with a vibrant harbour, known for its shopping, dining, nightlife and five-star hotels. It was claimed by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1819 as a strategic British trading post and his name lives on in the famous Raffles Hotel, itself a throw-back to the colonial days of the Raj. This luxury hotel in Singapore's City Hall District is home to the Singapore Sling and elegant afternoon tea, which have been enjoyed by royals, celebrities and discerning guests for decades. Luxury hotels on tropical islands don't get much better than this.

Luxury Hotels in Venice
Few people think of luxury hotels in Venice as quiet and restful, but those staying on the island of Giudecca have all the advantages of fabulous views across the bay to St Mark's Basilica from their own peaceful beach chair. After a day of sightseeing in this historic but packed city, the Cipriani is the perfect place to escape to and enjoy the sunset. Once guests step on the luxury hotel's private launch, they are just four minutes away from this island paradise, the perfect way to enjoy Venice from a distance.

Luxury Hotels in the Maldives
For those who want a true Robinson Crusoe island, the white sandy beaches of the Maldives are hard to beat. Although most of the 1199 coral islands are uninhabited, this Indian Ocean destination is popular for relaxing beach and diving holidays. If you want a five star beach hut, there is a choice of luxury hotels in the Maldives, including the Four Seasons at Kuda Huraa on North Male atoll. Thatched beach bungalows and stilted water villas overlook the clear aquamarine waters. Popular with honeymooners and couples, this is a true tropical island experience with a "no shoes, no shirt, no problems" atmosphere.