We’ve all heard the ultimate wish, uttered under breaths in the midst of a strenuous work day or after a tedious task. “I wish I was on an island.” Islands are the ultimate destination for fun, sun, and plain old relaxation. There’s no reason why your next vacation destination can’t be an island, and there are dozens of choices all over the world. Here you’ll find just a few of our favorites!
1. Bali
Located in the Asian Pacific, the island of Bali is an exotic oriental destination in Indonesia. It is here that you will find yourself immersed in authentic Indonesian culture, dance, and food. The level of customer service on the island of Bali is astounding and you’ll never feel out of place as the locals bend over backward to help you get acclimatised to the atmosphere. Relax on the beach by day, explore the bustling nightlife, and then find comfort in some of the world’s finest villas and hotels. Experience ultimate relaxation while enjoying the authentic Indonesian spirit and drinking in the fantastic scenery. You won’t want to go home.
2. Boracay
Also located in the Asian Pacific is the island of Boracay in the Philippines. Arguably one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places in the world, Boracay is an incredibly popular tourist destination. The island is the perfect destination for both those seeking relaxation and those in search of adventure. The island boasts beautiful climbing, hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails as well as amazing locations for snorkeling, scuba diving, and jet skiing. The White Beach is more commercial, home to dozens of restaurants, spa services, and sun bathers. The Bulabog Beach is for more active guests interested in windsurfing and other water sports.
Find discounted Boracay beach resorts
3. Bora Bora
In the Australian Pacific you’ll find the island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia. The island was once used as a strategic landing point for the United States Military but was home to hundreds of soldiers who decided to return, or just stay, after the war was over. Now known as a hot destination for tourists, residents of Bora Bora are dedicated to exposing visitors to authentic Polynesian culture. It’s your choice – stay in a beautiful hotel or camp in the great outdoors. Go fishing in the tropical waters or spend the day sunbathing on a sandy beach!
4. Maui
Maui, the second largest island in Hawaii, is known not only for its incredible beauty but also for welcoming both romantic couples and families with open arms. Relax on your own or consider taking advantage of a healing massage, often given right on the beach. The beautiful weather and amazing waters make Maui an optimal destination for surfers. Honeymooning couples will enjoy evening walks on the beach and private Jacuzzi’s in their hotel rooms while families with children will find hula lessons and bamboo fishing trips an excellent way to spend the day.
5. Anguilla
In the heart of the northern Caribbean you’ll discover the tiny island of Anguilla. Currently under British control, Anguilla is a melting pot of cultures blended with the beauty of the beaches and landscape of the island itself. The locals do everything possible to accommodate tourists while at the same time holding dearly to their own cultural standards. You’ll stop by for a relaxing vacation but you’ll leave treasuring and appreciating the island’s rich heritage.
6. Jamaica
Last minute Jamaica hotel deals
A perfect climate, amazing tropical plants and landscapes, sandy white beaches, and crystal clear blue waters – what more can you ask from an island vacation destination. The island is affordable for anyone as you can choose to camp or stay in a lavish hotel. Spend some time on the beach, experience true Reggae, party with the locals, or hike the Blue Mountains. There’s something for everyone in Jamaica.
7. The Seychelles
Situated in the Indian Ocean is a cluster of 115 islands known as The Seychelles. The islands are old, but are largely undeveloped, making them a perfect destination for someone who wants to visit an island (or group of islands!) that hasn’t been taken over by commercial resorts. Relax on the white beaches under a shady palm tree, or explore the marine life by taking a dive in the coral reefs. Better yet, each of the 115 islands is easily accessible, so you’re free to explore (though we recommend finding a guide so you don’t end up lost)!
8. The Island of Hvar
The Island of Hvar can be found in the Mediterranean Sea amongst a myriad of other islands. The island is situated along the Croatian Dalmation Coast and is full of history. It takes a bit of travel time to arrive at the Island of Hvar, but the scenery, culture, food, and history makes the trip well worth the effort.
9. Galapagos Island
The South American Galapagos Island is well loved by those interested in nature and botany. The group of islands is home to more than a dozen islands, and hundreds of amazing animal species, including iguana, hawks, penguins, sea lions, and turtles. While the islands are protected as a national park, they are constantly plagued by littering and illegal fishing activities which threaten to damage the plants and animals that call the Galapagos home. If you should visit, please take care and treasure one of the most amazing gifts nature has given the planet.
10. Aruba
Aruba, found off the coast of Venezuela, is yet another amazing destination for individuals, couples, and families alike. Choose to stay in a hotel or, if you’re independent enough, simply rent a local villa for a week or an extended period of time. Everyone will enjoy the beautiful white beaches, blue waters, relaxed fishing trips, or adventurous water sports. The island is home to some of nature’s most beautiful art projects – explore the landscape and enjoy.
You are guaranteed an amazing, educational, and relaxing vacation regardless of which island you choose to visit. All you have to do now is make your reservation and pack your bags.
Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Boracay is definitely a must in every travellers list of places to go.
Be it for relaxation, adventure or night life, it has something for everyone.
Russell
Bali? I went there a few years ago with my bf but I have to say it’s not that good. The beaches aren’t that clean hmmm food was ok ..service was great but definitely not in my top 10 list.
Glad to see Boracay ranking on 2
Yes … White Beach is great and you can also find many affordable accomodations at Station 3 area !
I’m really glad to see Boracay on the list! If you find yourself there, it would also be good to visit surrounding islands to maximize your visit to the Philippines. Cebu and Palawan are great locations too.
Interesting sense of humor but I like it!
Everyone I?ve spoken to who has visited Jamaica say the begging is very bad and often becomes aggressive. Nobody would return there for a vacation.
Hello
a small mark at the time of my passage on your very beautiful blog!
congratulations!
thanks for making us share your moments
you have a translation of my English space!
cordially from France
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((??.?? ..?? -:?:-
-:?:- ((??.??* ~ Chris ~ -:?:-
I`ve worked in both Jamaica and El Salvador (during the `troubles`) – felt a LOT safer in El Salvador!
In Bali it depends very much where you go! For example, Kuta Beach (where the bombings took place) is full of pot-bellied, hairy-armed, beer-swilling Australians (and the men are as bad!)
Oh yes, go Boracay!
Nice top ten,
Though there are a few islands that i miss in this ranking
Borneo, Langkawi and the Maladives. !
OMG, those pics are absolutely incredible! Definitely makes you want to be there!
Very nice….
Bali…tourist area beaches weren’t very clean, lots of hawkers that could be quite overwhelming, food ok…look behind the tourist veneer and you’ll see that only those in the tourism business have a reasonable standard of living, the rest are mainly dirt poor. But the Balinese in general are friendly and kind-hearted, a huge shame that their beautiful island is exploited by western tourists.
Hvar is not an island, it is a city with 3 or 4 very small islands about a mile into the sea facing it. Beautifull medieval city but there’s no beaches there.
Good bars.
I’d replace that by the Mljet island & national park about 3 or 4 hours by boat from Dubrovnik ; next to no tourists, amazing forests, amazing salt lakes, amazing 10m long little beaches with amazing sealife.
A place of peace & harmony.
Have been to Hvar, Croatia, really great place. Hope goin on the mentioned above sooner or later
Great list anyways !
I would most definitely recommend Bonaire over Aruba if you’re going to the Dutch Antilles–not nearly as built up, way less crowded, cheaper, and even more beautiful.
These islands are beautiful and anyone would be perfect for a vacation!
Hvar is in the Adriatic.
if you go to Bali, try dreamland beach. i give 11 out of 10 scale.
You forgot to post Azores!
http://www.visit-azores.com
you forgot my country: Mauritius – Island in the Indian Ocean
one best world’s island marmara adas?, Turkiye
omg! u left out the maldives!
I kept on looking to see how many islands I had been to. Great list. Photos were awesome, yet I believe there are better photos for Maui.
Wow a beautiful vacation island!! i love it!!thumb up!!
Nice pictures! These pictures are really awesome. The island of Boracay is looking very nice.
These island vacation spots look incredible! Bali and Bora Bora look amazing!
I really like you site – you have chosen some of the most beautiful spots in the world! I am very happy to see Boracay since it is very often overlooked and not well known in North America.
All are beauty full islands. But there is more to beauty. Nice people, few tourists and relaxed surroundings make all the difference to me. My favourite till so fare is Langkawi, Malaysia. Excluding Borneo, which in my opinion is not an island. Otherwise,the ultimate number 1!
I would have liked to seen Ibiza in that list! Still one of the best party Islands in the world
Anguilla in the Caribbean offers an exotic trip of a life time with different cultures on every island and the chance to enjoy all that our unspoiled world has to offer
looks so beautiful, I would love the opportunity to go there one day!
Looks beautiful!!!
Playa del Carmen could be one. Or Cozumel.
These one, are touristic beaches. Excelent environment,
Weather, everything!!
You can stay at Grupo Mayan Resorts in The Riviera Maya
Read a lot of travel vacation guides….http://www.grupomayanvacations.com
Bali’s sands are not as pristine white and powdery as Boracay’s. The # 1 ranking probably owes to the fact that there are more well known accommodations in Bali than in Boracay, but that’s about to change soon.
Nonetheless, glad to see my one of my country’s pride and joy sitting comfortably at #2!
Ok.. now I need a vacationl. Boracay is looking mighty nice. Never heard of it before I read this. Think its going on my list for places to travel to next year.
thanks for the post.
so hard to just choose one of these places but never go to Aruba because it is sooo close to venezuala and they are in the middle of a war or something horrible
Boracay is overated 2 many tourists prooly over 1,000 when i was there,,i live a lot in Bali but Lombok is better for sandy beaches.any black is from volcainoes….go to Bohol.in Philippines..look around and Batayan island off Cebu.cheers Bundy.
Nice photos. But I think Maldives should definitely be on this list!
BORACAY is PARADISE on Earth…
Not only is it so beautiful, the atmosphere, restaurants and especially nightlife is just out of a dream…
I have been everywhere in the World, nothing is like it…