Maroon (6)
'maroon' is the definition.
(synonyms)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for strand that I've seen before include "Leave aground -- length of thread" , "A thread or a sea shore" , "Lock of hair" , "sometimes washed by the sea" , "Drive aground on shore" .)
(Other definitions for desert that I've seen before include "an area short of water" , "Abscond from forces" , "See 33 Down" , "Eg, the Sahara" , "Abandon in wasteland" .)
(Other definitions for isolate that I've seen before include "Eat soil (anag)" , "Single out" , "Ostracise" , "Place separately" , "Point out" .)