About Osea Island

Enchanting, mysterious, eclectic, exclusive, wild, rustic, unique - there are so many words to describe Osea Island, yet the only way to truly understand the island’s magic is to experience it first hand. This secret, private island is anchored in the Blackwater Estuary in Essex, just a 90-minute dash from London yet offering complete escapism.

The adventure starts before you arrive on the island; forget check-in times, the tide dictates your approach to Osea. At low water, an ancient, seaweed-lined causeway built by the Romans winds its way from the mainland near Maldon, meaning the island is blissfully disconnected almost all day. At high water, a water taxi can ferry you across, while it's not uncommon for famous faces to arrive by helicopter.

Musicians, models and creatives love it here, but holidays on Osea Island are equally mesmerising for families - young and old, groups of friends and nature lovers. There’s 4.5 miles of coastline to explore, with shingle beaches, salt marshes, meadows and orchards. The shores are a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with the only traffic the local wildlife. Rabbits, foxes and pheasants hide between oaks, sycamores and chestnuts, and the tidal plains are teeming with rare waterfowl, while at night, the stars act as streetlights and the call of all five of the country’s native owls can be heard.

Osea Island’s accommodation is equally extraordinary. Inland you’ll find ‘the village’, with a cluster of clapboard cottages and an Arts-and-Crafts Edwardian mansion housing six apartments. Heading to the waterfront, there are two beach cottages, a large, luxury coastal villa and a grand turreted manor house complete with saltwater lido. Inside, Osea’s holiday homes are chic, well equipped and each have their own quirk. Expect four poster beds, roll top baths, open fires, leather chesterfields, vintage artwork and reclaimed original features.

Whether planning a quiet winter escape, a family summer break or a big group get-together for a special occasion, there’s so much to do during your stay on Osea. All guests are welcome to use the heated outdoor pool, cinema room stacked with classic films, games room, tennis court and saltwater pool. There are bikes with off-road tyres dotted all over the island that you can pick up and go to explore wild corners and private beaches, and level lawns for games of croquet. But nothing beats the simple pleasures - sea swimming in the Maldon-salt waters, sandcastle building, stone skimming and crabbing, picking blackberries and conkers come autumn.

Osea also houses a number of eclectic venues; enjoy a pint in the island’s tiny seasonal pub, The Puffin, dating back over 300 years with cosy corners, beamed ceilings and inglenook fireplace. The much-loved ‘Shack’ hosts the games room and cinema room, but also opens as a social bar during high season, while ‘The Power House’ and ‘Bomb Factory’ (an old WWII torpedo store) provide versatile spaces for parties and events - from dance floors and wedding venues to yoga studios. There’s even a private recording studio on the island.

Offering a world of adventure, seclusion and solace, and outstanding natural beauty, Osea is island living at its best, all within close proximity to London. Whether you’re planning a simple yet far from ordinary holiday with family and friends, or would like to book the entire island for exclusive hire, prepare to be bewitched by Osea Island.