Paradise Found: Exploring Earth's Most Majestic Islands
From the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean to remote Bora Bora in French Polynesia, these are some of the most majestic islands on Earth.
Ultramarine waters, white sandy beaches, and lush forests create the perfect setting for your dream holiday. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escapade, a serene workcation, or quality time with family away from daily routines, the warm sunshine and the sound of waves offer the ultimate escape. From the elegant Caribbean islands brimming with luxury resorts to the lush, forested isles of the Indian Ocean, these 12 stunning destinations are among the best in the world to experience tropical paradise.
Saint Barthélemy: An exclusive island destination for the crème de la crème, Saint Barthélemy blends captivating natural beauty with luxury. Located in the Caribbean region, the island is bounded by beguiling shallow reefs.
Attractions: Get an adrenaline rush with water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing. Cruise in a superyacht for the most enticing views. The best beaches include Gouverneur, Colombier, Grand Galet (Shell Beach), and Grande Saline.
Food: Indulge in French, West Indian, Creole, Italian, and Asian cuisines. Spring Rolls and grilled lobsters are must-tries.
Where to Stay: St. Barts is known for being the top destination for luxury Airbnb accommodations worldwide. Elegant French-style villas offer delightful stays. The best places include Hotel Le Toiny, Eden Rock, and Cheval Blanc.
How to Reach: Take commercial or chartered flights from Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the island of St. Maarten to St. Barts Airport, known as Rémy de Haenen Airport.
Turks and Caicos Islands: Popular with Hollywood celeb.
Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos Islands: Popular with Hollywood celebrities and British royalty, Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are a glorious island destination.
Attractions: Turquoise waters and pristine beaches make TCI a paradise for water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. Having one of the longest coral reefs in the world, snorkeling and scuba diving are must-dos. The most attractive beaches include Grace Bay, Long Bay, and Leeward Bay.
Food: TCI is home to the largest conch farm in the world, offering the freshest conch and other seafood.
Where to Stay: The top luxury resorts include The Palms Turks and Caicos, The Sands at Grace Bay, and The Shore Club.
How to Reach: Providenciales International Airport (PLS) is the main airport, connecting to over 25 cities worldwide.
The World’s Leading Destination of 2025, the Maldives is a fascinating blue heaven. Enchanting lagoons, swaying palms, and ethereal coral reefs make it a dreamy romantic getaway.
Attractions: Discover marine beauty with snorkeling, scuba diving, and catamaran sailing. Indulge in a Maldivian couple’s massage and candlelight dinner at the beach. Go dolphin-watching on a sunset cruise. Some of the most riveting beaches are Baros, Coco Island, and Landaa Giraavaru.
Food: Fresh seafood and coconut in many forms make Maldivian food delicious. Fish soup, Tuna-stuffed chapati called Masroshi, and Banana Flower Salad are the stuff of dreams.
Where to Stay: The best luxury resorts with ocean views include Soneva, Four Seasons, The Nautilus Island, Vakkaru, Joali, Ozen Reserve Bolifushi.
How to Reach: The Male International Airport (MLE) in the capital, Male, connects the Maldives to all major South-East Asian countries, Dubai, and European cities.
Seychelles: A tropical bliss of white sand beaches and matchless sunsets, the Seychelles make you forget the world and your mundane life. Ideal for honeymooners, the Seychelles presents a rich bounty of nature and culture.
Attractions: Visit palm plantations, a major economic source for the islands. Appreciate the precious Giant Tortoises on Cousin Island. Get a taste of local life at street markets where you can shop for sarongs and herbal oils. The most ravishing beaches include Lazio, Intendance, and Georgette.
Food: Explore pleasing Indian fusion and Creole cuisines on the islands with grilled fish, octopus chapati, and tropical fruits like breadfruit, mango, and banana.
Where to Stay: Luxury resorts offering compelling views include Kempinski Seychelles Resort, Constance Ephelia Mahe Seychelles, and Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa.
How to Reach: Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) in the capital, Victoria, connects to major cities around the world.
British Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands: These Caribbean islands offer an exceptional secluded retreat. Lined with powdery white sand beaches overlooking cerulean waters, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) guarantee a good time of fun and festivity.
Attractions: One of the best sailing destinations in the world, taking a fancy boat is the most popular way to explore the islands. Experience island life to the fullest with fishing, diving, snorkeling, and hiking. The Baths, Cane Garden Bay, and White Bay are among the most irresistible beaches in BVI.
Food: Savour Creole cuisines with African and Indian influences. Rice and Beans, Saltfish, and Conch Fritters are lip-smacking.
Where to Stay: Enjoy a luxurious stay by the waters at beachside resorts like Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, and Wyndham Tortola BVI Lambert Beach Resort.
How to Reach: Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport is the main airport in BVI, connecting to major airlines in North America and Europe.
Phi Phi Islands
Phi Phi Islands, Thailand: Popularized by the film "The Beach," Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands are renowned for their rare natural beauty. The islands are characterized by limestone rocks and cliffs, lending a striking beauty against the sapphire waters.
Attractions: Monkey Beach, Maya Bay, and Koh Phi Phi Leh are the star beaches on the islands. The Viking Cave is a prominent tourist spot, known for edible birds’ nests, which are gaining popularity worldwide.
Food: Khao mok Gai – roast chicken with saffron rice, Pad Thai, and Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup) are the significant dishes to try on the islands.
Where to Stay: SAii Phi Phi Island Village Resort, Zeavola Resort & Spa, and Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort are some of the most impressive resorts offering luxurious stays amid natural surroundings.
How to Reach: The only way to reach the Phi Phi Islands is by boat from the nearest airport - Krabi International Airport.
Palawan Islands
Palawan Islands, Philippines: With some of the best dive sites in the world, exotic wildlife, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Palawan Islands in the Philippines are a wonderland for nature and adventure lovers.
Attractions: A boat ride to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park’s caves and underground river is a lifetime experience. Marvel at endangered animals like giraffes and Calamian deer at Calauit Safari Tour. Enjoy surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. El Nido, Coron, and Balabac are some of the loveliest beaches.
Food: Palawan’s cuisines mix Filipino, Malay, and Spanish flavors. Savor Chicken Inasal, Hopia Bread, and Danggit Lamayo for some exceptional tastes.
Where to Stay: El Nido Resorts, Cauayan Resort, and Seda Lio Hotel offer breathtaking stays with elegant service.
How to Reach: The nearest international airport to Palawan is Manila International Airport (MIA). Domestic flights from MIA to Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) connect to the Palawan Islands.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia: With blue waters set against green hills, St. Lucia is a stunning Caribbean island. Its unique beauty is marked by black volcanic sands and the world's only drive-in volcano, the Sulphur Springs.
Attractions: The Pitons, two volcanic plugs, are St. Lucia's landmarks. Explore the island's bountiful nature with diving and hiking. Full-moon beach parties and club hopping bring the nights alive. The most sublime beaches include Reduit, Sugar, and Marigot Bay.
Food: Enjoy the best of Caribbean cuisine with Bouyon (a soup made from sweet potato, pumpkin, or yam with pork), Lambi (pan-fried spicy conch), and Accra (deep-fried salted cod fish), while sipping on Piton beer.
Where to Stay: Choose from dreamy beach-side or mountain-side resorts like Serenity at Coconut Bay, Jade Mountain Resort, and Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort.
How to Reach: Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and George F.L Charles Airport (SLU) connect to all the major North American and European cities.
The Bora Bora islands in French Polynesia are renowned for their Photoshop-like beaches and celeb-worthy resorts.
Attractions: Bora Bora’s turquoise waters are excellent for scuba diving and snorkeling, where you can feed sharks and rays. Hiking and jeep safaris are gorgeous ways to explore the mountains. The beaches of Matira, Conrad Bora Bora Nui, and St. Regis are slices of blue and white heaven.
Food: Pêche cru (raw fish marinated in coconut milk), ceviche, and native fruits like breadfruit, mango, and pineapple are staples in the local cuisine.
Where to Stay: Notable luxury resorts include the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, and InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa.
How to Reach: Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti is the gateway, offering a 50-minute scheduled or chartered flight or helicopter ride to Bora Bora.
Tahiti: The largest French Polynesian island, Tahiti is blessed with lavish beaches, verdant tropical forests, and a rich culture. It offers a wholesome luxurious holiday, whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat, adventure, or a relaxing hideaway.
Attractions: White, black, and pink sand beaches make Tahiti truly Instagram-worthy. The best beaches include Lafayette, Papenoo, and Taoroto. Hiking to Fautaua Waterfall and exploring the Pape’ete Market for local artifacts are must-dos.
Food: Roast pork, poulet fafa (chicken with spinach and coconut milk), and Poisson cru (raw fish) are some of the must-try local dishes.
Where to Stay: Experience Tahitian hospitality at luxury accommodations such as InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, Te Moana Tahiti Resort, and Hilton Hotel Tahiti.
Isla Tortuga
Isla Tortuga, Costa Rica: Comprising the two islands of Alcatraz and Tolinga, Isla Tortuga in Costa Rica is favored for being secluded and providing a quiet ambiance, making it a perfect day trip while visiting the Nicoya Peninsula.
Attractions: Dolphin-spotting and snorkeling are prominent activities on the islands. Adventure enthusiasts can embark on hiking through jungle trails.
Food: Guided trips offer authentic Costa Rican food, including barbecued fish and vegetables, Casado (a rice dish with beans, peppers, and fried bananas), and ceviche.
Where to Stay: Isla Tortuga does not have any hotels or accommodations for overnight stays. Choose among tranquil resorts amid nature like Ylang Ylang Beach Resort, Hotel Nya, and Amor de Mar.
How to Reach: Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) connects North America and Europe through direct flights. The best way to reach Isla Tortuga is by boat from the mainland, booked through tour companies. Reaching by road is also possible but takes longer.
Raja Ampat Islands
Raja Ampat Islands: Boasting the richest marine biodiversity region on earth, the Raja Ampat Islands harmoniously weave pristine waters with untouched forests.
Attractions: Underwater experiences like diving and snorkeling are essential to marvel at 540 types of corals, more than 1,000 types of coral fish, and swimming alongside Manta Rays. Watching cultural performances and visiting caves to see ancient rock paintings offer lifetime experiences.
Food: Relish traditional dishes like Papeda (made from sago palm, cassava, or sweet potato), fish or chicken stew with rice, and sweet dumplings.
Where to Stay: Enjoy nature’s gifts in the arms of luxury at resorts like Meridian Adventure Dive Resort, Biodiversity Nature Resort, and Sorido Bay Resort.
How to Reach: Arrive at Domine Edward Osok Airport in Sorong, a domestic airport, from any international airport in Jakarta, Bali, or Makassar. From Sorong, take smaller flights to Marinda Airport in Waisai on Waigeo Island.