Dreaming of an island vacation? You can truly get away from it all on an island retreat, where you can spend your day digging your toes in the sand with a cocktail in hand or enjoying the spectacular scenery on a variety of outdoor adventures. If you’re in need of some sunshine, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next escape among this list of the most amazing island destinations on the planet.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora has been called the most photogenic place on earth. It offers the chance to relax on pristine white sands as well as to get active by hitting the trails to the summit of Mount Otemanu and to lay your head down at night in dreamy thatched-roof huts that hover over the cerulean South Pacific. The island’s legendary lagoon is all shades of the rainbow and encircled by tiny islets with a backdrop of soaring rain forest covered basaltic peaks. Inside, friendly manta rays and sharks await. Diving, snorkeling, lagoon tours and parasailing are just a few of the outdoor adventures visitors can take part in, while luxury overwater hotels are on every travelers bucket list.
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
It wasn’t that long ago that even frequent Caribbean travelers couldn’t place Turks and Caicos on a map, but today, it’s become one of the most popular island chains, made up of 4 low-lying and mostly undeveloped islands set between the southern Bahamas and Hispaniola, just a quick jaunt from Miami. Providenciales, most often referred to as “Provo,” is the most developed island in the archipelago. It offers miles and miles of white powdery beaches at the edge of crystal clear waters known for outstanding diving and snorkeling, particularly near Grace Bay, which features a long coral reef rich in aquatic life, as well as outstanding accommodations and gourmet eateries.
Maldives
The Maldives is a chain of some 1,200 tiny islands and coral atolls in the Indian Ocean and is ideal for seclusion with their striking white sand beaches and an incredible underwater world unlike anywhere else on earth. Spend your days snorkeling over coral reefs and gazing at the multitude of marine life that includes thousands of species of fish, turtles, whales, and dolphins. Or, you can always just indulge in lounging on the soft powdery sands at one of the luxury overwater hotels, taking in an extraordinary scenery that includes some of the most luminous cyan-blue waters you’ll ever see.
Maui, Hawaii
Maui has frequently been ranked as one of the top islands in the entire world. As far as island retreats, it offers everything you can imagine, including dramatic scenery, lavish resorts and adventurous activities. Despite its popularity, you can still find mostly deserted beaches, like Hulopoe Beach – if you go on a weekday, you might just have it all to yourself, except for perhaps a pod of dolphins that enjoy hopping in and out of the water next to snorkelers. The legendary Hana Highway, known as one of the world’s most breathtaking drives, is also found here. Extending 52 miles along the northern coast from Kahului to Hana, it features gorgeous black sand beaches, sweeping oceans vistas, waterfalls and lush jungle.
Bermuda
This small island in the North Atlantic is not only easily accessible from the east coast, but it also offers a ton of things to do, including snorkeling near pink-sand beaches, exploring underground caverns, golfing, shopping and more. There are numerous luxurious accommodations, ideal for romance and relaxation as well as quite a few world-class spas. Mark Twain wrote from Bermuda back in 1910 during his last visit: “You go to heaven if you want to, I’d rather stay here.”
Aitutaki, Southern Cook Islands, Polynesia
This palm-fringed island in the Southern Cook Islands in Polynesia makes for the quintessential tropical escape, surrounded by warm turquoise waters and nearly constant bright blue skies. Photos can’t truly capture how stunning Aitutaki really is. The island is renowned as one of the best places for snorkeling in the world, with the chance to take a dip among beautiful corals and an array of tropical fish species. While you’ll find plenty of tourist facilities, they’re still low key enough that they don’t intrude upon the tranquil nature of the island.
Boracay, Philippines
This 10-square-mile island in the Western Philippines is one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines. White Beach is its biggest draw, a two-and-a-half-mile stretch of picture-perfect sands at the edge of shallow azure water, perfect for swimming or snorkeling. The beach is lined with bars, restaurants, hotels and dive shops, while colorful parasails often fill the air. You can also enjoy horse riding on the sand, diving, snorkeling, cliff diving and parasailing, or join an exploration trip to a remote cove with a turquoise water-filled lagoon.
Ko Tao, Thailand
Set within the Gulf of Thailand, the palm-fringed island of Ko Tao takes its name from the many sea turtles that reside on its shores. White sand beaches sheltered by steep hills, some so steep they can only be crossed via four-wheel-drive vehicles, along with 300 days of sunshine annually invite visitors to spend their afternoons relaxing with a good book or indulging in a nap. Those who like to get active will find lots to do too, including hiking, rock climbing, bouldering, scuba diving and snorkeling.
St John, U.S. Virgin Islands
St John is one of the few Caribbean islands that hasn’t been spoiled by development. As two-thirds of the island is a protected national park and there are no cruise ship docks or airports, it’s remains blissfully tranquil and low-key. Hiking enthusiasts will be in paradise with the miles of jungle trails that wind by gnarled trees, spiky cacti, petroglyphs and sugar mill ruins. Those who want to snorkel will love the shallow, turquoise water that’s teeming with diverse marine life, including eagle rays and turtles.
Bali, Indonesia
There is really no other place like Bali, with its skyline of spectacular mountains and pointed pagodas – no wonder the name Bali means “heaven.” Here you can enjoy unique experiences, including close encounters with monkeys at Uluwatu temple, photographing rice terraces and playing with Sumatran elephants as well as dipping your toes in soft sand and dining on some of the best fresh fish you’ll ever taste. Bali really does have it all, with natural and spiritual beauty along with a sophisticated social scene.
Palawan, Philippines
Palawan is becoming increasingly popular as it recently became home to one of the new seven natural wonders of the world: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, one of the longest underground rivers on the planet. It traverses five miles through a subterranean cave system, and visitors can hop aboard a guided boat tour to explore a portion of the waterway, where karsts formed by dissolving limestone can be seen in every direction. The island is also home to endangered animals like the Calamian deer, the Sunda tree squirrel and the Philippine crocodile as well as enchanting lagoons. It’s also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines.
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Set within an archipelago of 21 islands in Brazil, Fernando de Noronha is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, renowned for its idyllic unspoiled beaches like Baia do Sancho which is considered one of the world’s best, as well as its array of wildlife. Surrounded by pristine jade waters teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles and dolphins, it’s also one of the best spots on earth for snorkeling and diving. On land, you’ll find natural swimming pools, magnificent waterfalls, jagged cliffs and caves.
Santorini, Greece
If you’ve never been to Santorini, odds are, it’s on your travel bucket list. Part of the Cyclades, this island is legendary – in fact, it’s even said to be the site of Apollo’s birthplace. Located on the southernmost end of the archipelago, it’s one of the most beautiful islands in Greece with its whitewashed cave houses backed by blue-domed churches spilling down the rim of an ancient volcanic crater. The volcanically formed island also features extraordinary black, red and white beaches along with ancient ruins from the prehistoric era. Foodies can savor aromatic Mediterranean flavors, and history buffs can explore the remains of Thira and Akrotiri.
Mauritius
Mauritius is one of Africa’s greatest destinations, an island set in the middle of the Indian Ocean some 2,000 miles of the country’s southeast coast. It offers an array of outdoor activities, including mountain trekking and all types of water sports. Enjoy bird watching, exploring the old colonial capital, dining on diverse and delicious cuisine, staying at one of many top-notch resorts and lying on beautiful beaches. You can even visit one of the best botanical gardens on earth.
Madeira, Portugal
Maderia is a haven of stunning natural beauty, with nearly a hundred miles of coastline and dazzling views everywhere you look. It’s a true “Eden,” with an abundance of lush greenery, including avocados, mangoes and orchids that bloom in the verdant soil of an old volcano. You’ll find miles and miles of craggy hiking trails, and on the northern coast a collection of crystal natural swimming pools await. You can dive into the serene saltwater bathing areas that are built right into the jagged lava cliffs of a black sand beach. The island’s main city, Funchal, is home to outstanding hotels and historic churches.
Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania, off Australia’s south coast, is ideal for adventure lovers, offering the opportunity for challenging hikes along with especially rewarding views. While the island is the smallest of Australia’s six states, that doesn’t mean it’s tiny. In fact, it’s comparable in size to the country of Ireland. The land is filled with wild and magnificent landscapes, from the powdery white sand beaches and iridescent blue bays of the Freycinet Peninsula to towering mountains and dense forests. You’ll also find especially friendly and welcoming people, a temperate climate, rich history, fantastic food and wine, as well as a relaxed island lifestyle.
Roatan, Honduras
The largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands, Roatan is located on a backbone of volcanic rock and ringed by the second largest coral reef on earth. Known for its breathtaking beaches with powder-soft sands and crystal-clear seas, in recent years it’s become internationally renowned as a premier site for scuba diving and snorkeling. Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding on the beach, canopy tours in the jungle wilderness, mangrove tunnel tours, golfing and just about every water sport imaginable.
Kauai, Hawaii
The oldest, most rugged, and one of the most laid-back in the Hawaiian archipelago, Kauai is a fantasy come true for nature lovers. The Na Pali coast beckons photographers and really, anyone and everyone, who enjoys being mesmerized by jaw-dropping scenery. Hiking here is spectacular, as the island is dotted with waterfalls and idyllic swimming holes too. In addition to the towering cliffs of the Na Pali coast, the 10-mile-long Waimea Canyon is among the world’s most unique natural attractions.
Vancouver Island, Canada
Vancouver Island is not a tropical escape by any means, but it is one of the most extraordinary islands across the globe to visit, with beautiful beaches, an incredible amount of wildlife, including bears, whales and bald eagles, as well as vineyards and even natural hot springs. This part of the world offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes, from the open sea and calm inland waters to towering mountains and lush rain forests as well as the opportunity for an array of outdoor adventures from kayaking, surfing and sailing to hiking, biking and bird watching. While you’re here, you can also visit one of the top display gardens in the world, Butchart Gardens, located in the British Columbia capital of Victoria.
Galapagos, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands are a true one-of-a-kind island destination. Set about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, this legendary archipelago with cerulean-hued bays, tropical beaches ad cactus forests, is most renowned for its wildlife. Here you’ll have the chance to snorkel with sea lions and turtles, soak in the sunshine on black lava rocks next to iguanas and even watch penguins waddle around. While this may not be the typically tropical escape, it’s surely one you’ll never forget.
Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
The Bazaruto Archipelago offers the chance to visit five picture-perfect islands in the Indian Ocean: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangue. The entirety of the island chain became a national park in 2002, preserving its status as a practically untouched natural sanctuary that is full of wildlife. The area includes unspoiled beaches and beautiful coral reefs like Two Mile Reef, a barrier reef home to over 2,000 species of fish as well as dugong and marine turtles. Sand dunes are found throughout the archipelago, and tidal flats as well as inland saline lakes support a wide variety of seabird species too.
Öland, Sweden
This island in the Baltic Sea just off mainland Sweden, is a popular vacation destination for the nation’s royal family, though just about every type of traveler will find it appealing. The entire southern portion of the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved farming settlement. The island is packed with historical sites, including the medieval ringfort of Eketorp and the prehistoric standing stones at Gettlinge. You’ll also find picturesque beaches, fairytale-like forests, a practically endless number of antique windmills and dramatic limestone outcroppings
