Miami Beach is certainly one of the most enigmatic cities on the planet, with a vibrant nightlife, lavish condos and hotels, and world-class shopping, but Miami Beach has another side to it that’s more tranquil, exclusive and peaceful. Private islands, mostly located in Biscayne Bay between Miami Beach and the South Florida mainland, are popular options for people looking to buy luxury real estate in exclusive communities. The options are numerous with private islands spread throughout the crystal blue waters of Biscayne Bay. Listed below are three private islands that have extraordinary appeal in the Miami Beach real estate market.

Sunset Islands

Sunset Island homes are located ten minutes from the many quality attractions offered by South Beach, but has private access and a beautiful private island location that provides peace and quiet. The string of islands is four in total with mostly waterfront property available. They are named very simply Sunset Island I, Sunset Island II, Sunset Island III and Sunset Island IV.

Palm Island

This exclusive island has incredible homes with up to nine-bedroom layouts with over 20,000 square feet of living space. Palm Island homes get scenic advantages from being located in Biscayne Bay. Not only do Palm Island homes get waterfront views but also amazing views of both the Miami Beach and Downtown Miami skyline which light up with vibrant-colored lights at night.

Hibiscus Island

Just north of Palm Island, Hibiscus Island homes have similarly fantastic waterfront locations. The island community is slightly smaller which provides a little more exclusivity. The island has homes with large layouts up to five-bedrooms with over 10,000 square feet of living space. Hibiscus Island homes have familiar Mediterranean-style designs located on large plots of waterfront property.

Miami Beach is known for having some of the most pleasant scenic vistas available, amazing condo buildings, and a colorful, vibrant community. But in the more subdued areas of Miami Beach, you’ll find the most lovely homes available ranging from quaint three-bedroom villas, to one-of-a-kind ten bedroom mansions. Equally as important as the homes themselves are the spectacular communities for which they reside. Listed below are three of the finest communicates for Miami Beach homes. Note: some of these “communities” are technically separate from Miami Beach but are connected to the outskirts of the city.

Indian Creek

Possibly the finest community of homes available in the country, Indian Creek is the ideal place to live for anyone seeking waterfront mansions only steps from a world-class golf course. Indian Creek Homes are truly marvelous with designs starting from five-bedrooms to ten-bedroom layouts. It also features the most valuable home in South Florida which is currently for sale – 3 Indian Creek.

Venetian Islands

These islands are truly unique, not just because of their beauty, exclusivity and pleasantness – but also because they are manmade. Totaling six small islands connecting by the beautiful Venetian Causeway, these communities feature mostly waterfront homes (and some condo buildings) that have fantastic designs. Biscayne Island, San Marco Island, Di Lido Island, San Marino Island, Belle Isle and Rivo Alto Island make up this amazing string of luxury island communities that feature homes with up to seven-bedroom layouts.

Normandy Isles

Much like Indian Creek, this community of luxury homes also features a world class golf course. Normandy Isles has much more homes available compared to Indian Creek with options to live inland on this large island. Located on the west coast of Miami Beach, this island offers waterfront home owners spectacular views of Biscayne Bay and the Downtown Miami skyline.

Certain Fisher Island condos get more attention than others; Villa del Mare and Bayview condos are well known for their amazing features and quality location, but fewer people know about the luxury condos located close to Fisher Island's Marina. The Marina Village condo is located in the heart of Fisher Island right in the beautiful marina. Only three stories high – it doesn’t stick out the same way as Villa del Mare but the views are still extremely pleasant.

Not only do Marina Village residents receive quality views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, they have the advantage of being able to view the incredible boats owned by Fisher Island residents. From incredible sailboats to luxurious yachts, the Fisher Island Marina is teeming with incredible marine vessels.

Of course, Fisher Island condos are known for the high-quality amenities and features; Marina Village meets and exceeds these standards. With both one-bedroom and two-bedroom residences available with up to 1,000 square feet of living space, these luxurious condos are highly sought-after. Some interior features include: posh designs, new kitchens and bathrooms, stainless steel appliances, deluxe plumbing fixtures and more.

Marina Village’s relatively small size makes it appealing to those seeking more private, quaint-style Fisher Island residences. The community is very pleasant and has stunning views of the marina. Their balconies are large and many residents enjoy dining on them while watching boat pull in and out of the marina.

In addition to all the amazing amenities offered by general Fisher Island living, Marina Village also has plenty of parking, a beautiful courtyard and much more. Fisher Island has a world-class golf course, clay tennis courts, wonderful shopping, fine dining and a great marketplace. The island also has exclusive access via ferry, private boat or helicopter.

Fisher Island has some of the finest luxury Miami Beach communities available; from Palazzo del Mare to Valencia Estate, there is no shortage of paradisiacal communities for which to choose. However, one community in particular attracts the like of Hollywood’s top celebrities and other world-class luxury real estate buyers – Villa del Mare. This community contains several luxurious buildings with some of the finest views of Miami Beach and the Atlantic Ocean from their expansive balconies.

Villa del Mare is “a cut above the rest” largely because of its un-paralleled oceanfront location. Not only do Villa del Mare residents have fantastic views of Miami Beach and the Atlantic Ocean, they are also graced with the beautiful spectacle of cruise ships passing through Port of Miami straight. The incredible qualities of Villa del Mare’s location cannot be overstated but they are also not the only wonderful benefits to living in this palatial residence.

Features and amenities offered by these Fisher Island condos rival anything you would find in Miami Beach homes or condos. The features, fixtures and interior design of these units are chic yet refined. The architecture features classic waterfront Mediterranean designs with expansive balconies and windows designed to capitalize on the famous South Florida year-round sunny weather.

One of the major benefits of Villa del Mare living is the incredible amenities available. Residents have access to a breathtaking waterfront pool, courtyard and private beach. Additional amenities for the Villa del Mare include swimming pools, biking trails, spa, billiards and more. Of course, all Fisher Island residents also have the benefit of access to a private golf course, clay tennis courts and incredible waterfront access.

Fisher Island has many appeals; its exclusive location, fabulous amenities and many luxurious real estate options make it some of the most sought-after real estate in the country. Another lesser known appeal is Fisher Island’s popularity among celebrities. Many celebrities have been known to frequent the island as a wonderful getaway for the ultimate in privacy and luxury living.

Fisher Island is an island just South of Miami Beach with no bridge access which means the only way to get to the island is by boat, ferry or helicopter. This provides an extra level of privacy not even available in the most exclusive communities of Miami Beach homes. This level of privacy has led many celebrities and high-profile figures to call Fisher Island real estate home – either seasonally or permanently.

The luxury island’s geographic advantages make it a haven for celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Jim Carrey, Julia Roberts, Boris Becker and more. Celebrities, other high-profile figures and Fisher Island residents enjoy amenities like a world class private golf course, clay tennis courts, fine dining and great shops. Most celebrities visit Fisher Island seasonally, but some (especially retired athletes) have taken up permanent residence in the Miami Beach luxury residential island.

Fisher Island was designed to be almost entirely self-sufficient and sustainable with its own food market, shopping, dining and emergency services – so residents never need to leave the island. Certain Fisher Island condos are particularly popular with celebrities like Oceanside Fisher Island condo but celebrities enjoy their pick of Marina Village, Palazzo del Mare, Seaside Village, Seaside Villas, Valencia Estates, Villa del Mare and more. All of these condos have their own set of amenities which are simply added on top of the existing Fisher Island amenities.

There’s no need to convincing knowledgeable luxury real estate buyers that Miami Beach homes are ideal for luxury living. However, certain communities within Miami Beach are more luxurious than others requiring more keen observations. Whether you are a luxury real estate buyer looking to purchase a penthouse condo or permanent residence in one of Miami Beach’s many beautiful mansions, finding the right community is the first step to finding the right residence. Listed below are three highly recommended Miami Beach communities.

Star Island

This luxury Miami Beach island has some of the finest homes available in the entire country. With ten-bedroom waterfront mansions located on an exclusive island, it’s no wonder this is such a popular location for movie stars, famous athletes and more. This island contains almost exclusively waterfront property and has a private access bridge and the ultimate in security and privacy. The homes are gorgeous with plenty of waterfront and dock space.

Fisher Island

This island may be lesser known as a celebrity hub than Star Island, but it has an equal number if not more high-profile public figures. One reason for this is its high level of exclusivity. The luxurious Miami Beach island has no land access and requires a ferry, private boat or helicopter to reach its luxurious condos and real estate. This island is known for its luxurious Fisher Island condos which have fantastic amenities and features.

South of Fifth

South of Fifth is located in the heart of beautiful and exciting South Beach. With some of the finest condos in the country like Continuum I and II, and Portofino Tower, this area is truly a sight to behold. It may not have a private island location, but the views from their high-rise expansive balconies more than make up for it. A major benefit to this area is its close proximity to South Beach’s best restaurant, shops and more.