Island beds offer a comfortable sleeping solution while reducing the space that your bed takes up when you’re on tour. We’ve rounded up some of the best island bed caravans to guide you through the process of finding the ultimate good night’s sleep!
When it comes to this type of arrangement, there are three main caravan layouts: first, there is the transverse bed/rear washroom layout, where the bed is set across the middle of the van with the bathroom at the back; second is central washroom/rear transverse bed, in which the bathroom takes up the centre of the van while the bed is set across the back; and finally, the in-line rear bed/central washroom, meaning the bed faces the front of the van and the washroom is laid across the middle.
A big part of the decision on the type of caravan that’s right for you depends on the length of van you want and how many people you tend to travel with. For instance, in-line beds tend to feature in longer vans while those sleeping in the front might disturb you in the night if you opt for a rear washroom and transverse bed.
In this guide, we’re looking at vans from some of the best caravan makes, including Bailey, Elddis and Coachman. There are models from the 2024 season and earlier, so there is a choice for all budgets and needs!
The best island bed caravan – our top picks:
Bailey Alicanto Grande Evora
Compass Camino 650
Coachman Xcel 855
Adria Altea Dart
Coachman Lusso
Bailey Unicorn Black Edition Vigo
Swift Sprite Major 4EB
Buccaneer Commodore
Elddis Avanté 550
The best island bed caravans:
Bailey Alicanto Grande Evora
- Year: 2023
- Price: £38,499
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 1855kg
- MiRO: 1694kg
- Payload: 160kg
- Shipping length: 7.86m
- Width: 2.45m
Reason to buy:
- Bright bedroom with plenty of space
Reason to avoid:
- Table is tricky to access
Arrangement: Transverse island bed, rear washroom
The Bailey Alicanto Grande Evora is an impressive tourer, as you may expect from a van that was a winner at the Practical Caravan Awards 2023.
This twin-axle tourer provides that bit of extra assurance you can sometimes want on the road, and ATC comes fitted as standard.
Inside, we like how you could easily have up to six in the lounge, and the large central window creates a bright space. Something we should highlight is that when the table is not in use, it resides under the transverse island bed, and this means it can be a bit difficult to get it out, as the bed doesn’t stay up on its own. However, once it’s in position, there’s plenty of space for at least four.
Before we come to the island bed, we have to focus on the end washroom. It really impressed us – coming with a ladder radiator, a big mirror and a large square basin, it’s more like what you’d expect to see in a hotel.
Then there’s the excellent shower cubicle, where you get LED lighting, a roof vent and a plastic rack, amongst other things – our only niggle is the single drainage hole.
The usual setup of wardrobes on either side of the bed has been done away with in this island bed caravan. Instead, there’s one in the offside corner – on the nearside, you get a dresser. You can roll the bed back to create a daybed, but even when it’s rolled forward, we found we could move around easily enough. The lounge settees are suitable either as singles for anyone under 6ft or can be made into a huge double.
We like the inclusion of external locker doors too, although lifting the bed can be an effort. The storage at the front of the van could be better, but this is due to the Alde heater in the offside underseat area.
If you want one of the best island bed caravans, and one that provides a large washroom and an airy feeling throughout, the Evora is worth considering, particularly if you’re after a twin-axle caravan too.
Full review: Bailey Alicanto Grande Evora
Compass Camino 650
- Year: 2023
- Price: £39,899
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 1830kg
- MIRO: 1671kg
- Payload: 159kg
- Shipping length: 8.19m
- Width: 2.45m
Reason to buy:
- Plenty of room if you’re touring as a two
Reason to avoid:
- L-shaped settees don’t make the most comfortable beds
Our winner of the best caravan for couples at the Practical Caravan Awards 2023 is a very comfortable island bed tourer.
A nice lounge can be found at the front of the van. The comfortable L-shaped seating arrangement creates a relaxed setting, and we like how sociable it is – the way it’s positioned makes it ideal for talking to anyone who is using the kitchen.
Plus, you get a clear and unobstructed view of your TV too (take a look at our best caravan TV guide for ideas if you’re on the hunt for one).
In the central washroom, you’ll find there’s enough room to get dressed in, as well as an impressive shower.
Then, at the rear of the tourer you’ll find an island bed that is incredibly comfortable and large – two important boxes ticked.
Full review: Compass Camino 650
Coachman Laser Xcel 855
- Year: 2023
- Price: £47,086
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 1950kg
- MiRO: 1790kg
- Payload: 160kg
- Shipping length: 7.90m
- Width: 2.44m
Reason to buy:
- Roomy kitchen and well-equipped bedroom
Reason to avoid:
- Shower feels on the pokey side
There’s plenty to like about the Coachman Xcel 855. Externally, alloy wheels, silver side panels and 3D-effect graphics combine to create a stylish appearance.
Inside, you’ll find an L-shaped lounge with a 32-inch TV on the nearside wall. We like the sociable setup, with the main settee facing the door, letting you welcome people as they come in. The lack of a nearside window is no issue, with daylight flooding in through the windows and sunroof.
We were reminded of a motorhome when we saw what was on offer in the kitchen. Much of it is on the nearside, an unusual touch in a modern tourer. Here, you get an L-shaped unit with a circular sink and a cover, along with a four-burner dual-fuel hob that sits above a separate oven and grill.
Space isn’t an issue, and across the way, you get a two-way opening, 153-litre fridge and freezer, along with a sideboard with two USBs and a microwave – impressive.
We think the nearside shower is a bit disappointing in the central washroom, with no retainers for the shelves and no roof vent. The offside washroom offers a lot more, however.
Then there’s the rear bedroom. An impressive area, as you may expect from a model in our best island bed caravan guide. It’s a luxurious space, with the bed rolling back to create a comfortable daybed. There are also fittings for a second TV, a dresser in the rear nearside corner, and even a mirror and socket for a hairdryer.
It’s a nicely lit space, and we like the inclusion of the fabric pockets, which are ideal for storing books or magazines. A large double can be made up in the front lounge, and is easy to put together.
We’d say if you’re looking for an island bed caravan and want to use it for a seasonal pitch, this could be the best for you.
Full review: Coachman Laser Xcel 855
Adria Altea Dart
- Year: 2023
- Price: £27,175
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 1650kh
- MiRO: 1454kg
- Length: 8.29m
- Width: 2.3m
Reason to buy:
- Welcoming interior, good storage
Reason to avoid:
- Basic shower
Arrangement: In-line island bed, central washroom
For the new season, the Dart has been updated, with sofa upholstery that now stretches down to the floor, a move that has been done to create a more cosy interior. It’s successful too – pastel fabrics really add to this vibe.
A fold-out shelf sitting in the middle of the ‘U’ is useful – it helps to offset the foldaway table’s storage position in the bedroom.
The kitchen comes with the usual Adria additions, including a pull-out extension and a three-burner hob. Other features include a Duplex oven, a slimline fridge and a microwave – the sink is small, but we like the useful baskets that come near the tap, ideal for storing products like a sponge.
While the shower errs on the the basic side, the offside washroom is a better space, providing an opaque window, a well-lit mirror and a towel rail.
The rear island bed is a space we’re big fans of. A large Heki and windows let the light stream in, and there’s a second set of TV sockets too, as well as a noticeboard. Moveable felt pockets are a useful inclusion, offering a handy place to store a phone, for instance, during the night.
There are two wardrobes in here, both on the slim side, with shelving below. You can also access the under bed area, which opens vertically.
Then there’s the front double; it’s made up with two metal rails that go along the top of the settees’ front panel to provide support for the slats.
Full review: Adria Altea Dart
Coachman Lusso
- Year: 2021
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 1960kg
- MiRO: 1800kg
- Payload: 160kg
- Shipping length: 7.90m
- Width: 2.44m
Reason to buy:
- Comfortable rear bedroom, good kitchen and lounge
Reason to avoid:
- Underseat storage could be easier to access
Arrangement:
This 2021 tourer comes with Al-Ko’s ATC trailer control system as well as an AKS 3004 stabiliser as standard, along with Al-Ko’s automatic adjustment brake.
Inside, you get a C-shaped seating arrangement, accompanied by a telescopic pedestal table. In fact, we thought the space was akin to a luxury motorhome. The table can seat six at least and can be moved with ease. This is a very comfortable area – sprung upholstery includes higher backrests and corner headrests, while a front sill provides a wireless phone charger and two USBs.
The kitchen is L-shaped, and generously sized; the big sink and window are accompanied by a dual-fuel four-burner hob, an extractor fan, a separate oven and grill, a microwave and a two-way opening Dometic fridge.
We’re impressed by the washroom too, a well-lit area with the shower reminding us of one you’d find at home.
The front bed is made by lowering the table and using two backrests to fill the gap; at over 2m, it’s a generous size.
Then there’s the very comfortable rear island bed. In this space, you get a well-lit mirror, a small dresser, a backlit headboard and raised bedside tables.
Full review: Coachman Lusso
Bailey Unicorn Black Edition Vigo
- Year: 2020
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 1499kg
- MiRO: 1344kg
- Shipping length: 7.36m
- Width: 2.28m
Reason to buy:
- Good kitchen
Reason to avoid:
- Front double requires slats
Arrangement: transverse island bed, rear washroom
The smart Vigo is a 4 berth caravan that provides a comfortable lounge, even if we thought a kneeroll on the facing settee is perhaps more noticeable than it is on others that we have reviewed. During the day, light spills into the room through the large central window and rooflight, while in the evening, ambient lighting, two LEDs and four spotlights keep things bright.
In the kitchen, there’s a 134-litre slimline Dometic fridge, a Perspex splashback, a microwave and a Thetford Caprice Mk III oven and grill.
We liked the washroom too, with a huge lit mirror creating the illusion that it’s bigger than it is. Providing room to move around in and a reasonably sized nearside shower, we think this is a good space.
When it comes to the caravan’s island bed, we thought the end was a bit close to the wall when pulled out – however, it’s still incredibly comfortable. A unit sits on the offside as a sort of dresser – it’s not the biggest, but it still comes with shelves and a mirror, as well as a cupboard below.
There’s a nice accessible space beneath this bed, as well as two overhead lockers – storage at the front is a bit more limited, however.
Full review: Bailey Unicorn Black Edition Vigo
Swift Sprite Major 4EB
- Year: 2024
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 1476kg
- MiRO: 1320kg
- Shipping length: 7.54m
- Overall width: 2.25m
Reason to buy:
- Well proportioned for a family
Reason to avoid:
- Bit of a squeeze to get round the bed
Arrangement: rear bed, transverse washroom
Perfect for a small family, the lounge in the Swift Sprite comfortably fits 4 and benefits from lots of natural light from the Heki, sunroof and large windows. There is a fold-out table which can be stored in a wardrobe along with an extendable shelf above the central chest.
In terms of a kitchen, there is a good amount of workspace, especially if you utilise the fold-out extension flap. There is a three-burner gas hob atop the separate oven and grill with a circular sink to the left and a microwave overhead. The 83-litre fridge fits neatly under the counter, but it might be on the small side for a family of four.
Built across the middle of the van is the spacious washroom with a circular shower and central pillar with a built-in basin.
The island bed in the Sprite is plenty long enough at 1.86m, but we did find it doesn’t leave much room for manoeuvre. Each side of the bed has a spotlight which is individually controlled, and there are USB plugs for charging. There is a small shelf either side too, along with wardrobe space and a low cupboard.
Full review: Swift Sprite Major 4EB
Buccaneer Commodore
- Year: 2024
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 1960kg
- MiRO: 1801kg
- Shipping length: 8.18m
- Overall width: 2.45m
Reason to buy:
- Plenty of storage
Reason to avoid:
- Dark furnishings might not be for everyone
Arrangement: rear bed, transverse washroom
In this updated Buccaneer model, the interior retains dark furniture and elegant upholstery, but has lost the slightly blingy edging featured in previous models. In the daytime the living area receives natural light from the SkyView rooflight and large windows, while six rooflight LEDs, spotlights and ambient lighting make an evening in your van cosy. Outlets in the space include a mains socket, wireless charger and two USB ports along with a TV socket and built-in speaker system.
Our only disappointment in this area is the lack of a proper interior door handle which we would expect in caravans at this price bracket.
The kitchen features a large fixed worktop, a central rectangular sink and a four-burner gas hob, complete with cast irons stands. Beneath the latter is a separate oven and grill and there are two mains sockets within easy reach. Opposite the kitchen is a 800W caravan microwave and Dometic fridge with a two-way opening door.
The bedroom is found at the back of the van and benefits from a large window and Heki skylight. For evening, there are spotlights on each side of the bed as well as wardrobe space and a bedside table. A plush headboard is mounted behind the bed and there is a cabinet in the corner, similar to the Avante. the comfortable double transverse bed has plenty of storage underneath that is easily accessible.
Supplementary sleeping options can be found at the front in the form of 2 single couch beds or a double bed, made using slats stored in the front chest.
Full review: Buccaneer Commodore
Elddis Avanté 550
- Year: 2024
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1412kg
- MiRO: 1259 kg
- Shipping length: 6.30m
- Overall width: 2.26m
Reason to buy:
- Adaptable rear bed
Reason to avoid:
- Better suited to families with younger children
Arrangement: rear island bed, transverse washroom
With a bright and tastefully upholstered lounge, this 4-berth caravan from Elddis is a good choice for a family of 4. The settees are comfortable but they will only just accommodate 4 people, which is something you might be prepared for if you’re in the market for a ‘van under 6.5m.
The kitchen provides a decent counter space along with a fold-out worktop extension. Should you need even more, there is a cover to go over the sink which adds some surface space plus two sockets nearby.
Above the oven/grill is a gas hob with four burners and a round sink to the left as well as a . The half-height fridge offers 98-litres of storage and features a two-way opening door, making it easy to access from the lounge area.
The Avante’s inline island bed can be retracted to make a daybed and extended to form a comfortable 6’3″ x 4′ 5″ double. Behind the bed is a plush headboard with two overhead spotlights and either side you’ll find a spacious wardrobe and a bedside table. In the offside corner there is a small dresser with a mirror and socket. At the front of the ‘van, the 5ft settees can be used as small singles or a decent double using the slats provided.
There is plenty of storage space under the bed along with large overhead lockers throughout and several kitchen cupboards.
Full review: Elddis Avanté 550
How we pick the best island bed caravans
We’re strongly positioned to be picking out the best island bed caravans. Our expert team have decades of experience between us in the industry, and we know what it is that separates a good tourer from the very standout caravans.
When we were compiling this guide, we considered factors such as the practicalities of the layout, the ease of using the washroom and the kitchen, and more.
We regularly test and review the latest tourers, with more than 400 available to see in our caravan reviews section. We make sure every review is honest, highlighting the pros and the cons of every model – head to our About Us page to find out more about our testing process.
Alongside this, we hold our yearly Owner Satisfaction Awards, where our readers vote to tell us how they have got on when buying a van.
Putting this together leaves us in a strong position to be selecting the standout options on the market.
Writte with contributions from Joanna Davies.
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