It doesn’t matter should you’re planning forward for a traditional summer time getaway or wish to swap hemispheres to escape your winter blues: The very best Island holidays on this planet await. These OOO messages just about write themselves whenever you arrive at your slice of paradise, surrounded by water on all sides.
However how precisely do you begin planning your tropical journey? We tapped our community of journey specialists to place collectively this listing of the very best island holidays to take this 12 months, starting from classics within the Caribbean and Mediterranean to comparatively undiscovered gems in Scandinavia and French Polynesia. Given the listing’s geographical and cultural variety, you’re positive to search out one thing to suit your particular trip wants.
Learn on for 16 of the very best island holidays on this planet, chosen by individuals who plan journeys for a dwelling.
Solutions have been edited for size and readability. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently chosen by our editors. Should you e book one thing by means of our hyperlinks, we might earn an affiliate fee.
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Khoa Nguyen/GettyCon Dao, Vietnam
Con Dao is commonly missed as a seaside vacation spot in Vietnam, and I nearly don’t wish to share it so it stays that means! Situated off the Southern Coast of Vietnam, Con Dao is a smaller island with little or no business growth. With this, the seashores are quiet and the few resort choices permit for a particular retreat. The seashores are lengthy with tender sand and are nice for mild water sports activities like SUP and kayaking—however are only a quick kayak away from a good looking reef for snorkeling. The downtown space has a cute seaside ambiance with little eating places, and there are connections to historical past should you’re inquisitive about exploring extra.
Finest issues to do: Watch the turtles hatch: On the neighboring island, you may head over at night time and keep on the ranger station the place you’ll be knowledgeable once they spot a mom turtle laying her eggs. Should you’re there in August, it’s possible you’ll catch this magical expertise. Keep by means of the morning when the turtle sanctuary helps the discharge of the hatchlings and watch them discover their technique to the massive blue sea.
Should you’re inquisitive about historical past, I like to recommend a go to to the Con Dao Jail which was constructed throughout the French colonial period and used by means of the Vietnam-American Conflict.
Find out how to get there: From Saigon, take a business flight to the island. The flight is about one hour lengthy and Vietnam Airlines runs a number of flights a day.
—April Cole, COO of Kaanect Travel
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Sensei Lanai, A 4 Seasons ResortLanai, Hawaii
For vacationers seeking to get off the crushed path, look no additional than Hawaii’s smallest inhabited island—Lanai. Solely 9 miles off the coast of Maui, this quaint island was initially house to pineapple plantations however now provides the right mixture of rugged journey and ultra-luxe leisure. Arrival to the island is an expertise in and of itself, whether or not you are taking a scenic 30-minute flight from Honolulu or look ahead to dolphins on a 45-minute ferry from Maui.
On arrival, anticipate a swift switch to your resort, both the ocean-side paradise of the Four Seasons Resort Lanai or the adults-only wellness retreat on the Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort. From there, you may fill your days as you would like, from enjoyable on quiet seashores to exploring the island by boat, 4-by-4 Jeeps, and even horseback—although we positively advocate a fast jaunt by means of the “bustling” Lanai Metropolis, with solely three paved roads and no visitors lights.
Finest issues to do: Go horseback using alongside wooded valleys and trails, preserving an eye fixed out for axis deer, turkeys, and sheep. Take a tour of the island (with a packed picnic!), or snorkel within the protected marine reserve of Hulopoe Bay to see tropical fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks. Make sure you additionally go to Keahiakawelo, Lanai’s “Backyard of the Gods,” to see the distinctive, lunar-like landscapes.
Find out how to get there: Lanai Air provides 30-minute nonstop flights from Honolulu to the island, or you may take a 45-minute ferry over from Lahaina, Maui.
—Samantha Collum, Director of Operations and Senior Journey Advisor at River Oaks Travel
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Xavier Coiffic/UnsplashMauritius
Mauritius is a implausible island vacation spot for honeymooners, {couples}, associates, households with kids, and even solo travelers—actually anybody searching for stunning, heat tropical climate and plenty of adventurous issues to see and expertise. Due to the reef that surrounds many of the island, Mauritius provides calm waters, very best for swimming and snorkeling straight from the shore. The west coast provides the very best seashores, probably the most magical sunsets, and the calmest water circumstances. The diving in Mauritius is de facto pleasurable, with plenty of reefs and wrecks to take pleasure in.
Finest issues to do: A number of of my favourite issues to do in Mauritius, apart from scuba diving and sipping cocktails on the seaside, would come with swimming with dolphins and turtles, full-day catamaran cruises across the island, and snorkeling at reefs off the coast.
Find out how to get there: There are direct business flights from South Africa—most days from Johannesburg and seasonally from Cape Town—making it a straightforward mixture with a South Africa safari or Cape City metropolis expertise. There are additionally direct flights from Nairobi, which makes it straightforward to mix after an East Africa safari. There are additionally direct flights from plenty of European hubs reminiscent of France, London, Frankfurt, and many others, in addition to Dubai. Flights are instantly into Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Worldwide Airport (MRU), after which you’ll take a taxi/cab, shuttle, or non-public highway switch to your respective resort, roughly 1-2 hours from the airport.
—Ashley Gerrand, Africa Safari Skilled at Go2Africa
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Pelayo Arbués/UnsplashMallorca, Spain
The Balearic Islands are one of the widespread vacationer locations in Europe, and Mallorca, which is the third largest island in Spain, is as soon as once more on the rise, receiving high quality tourism. There are various causes to go to Mallorca, reminiscent of the great thing about the pure surroundings and the tradition that has been preserved there for hundreds of years. Mallorca is as a lot for individuals who search relaxation as for individuals who like journey or historical past—a really full island that brings collectively nature, unimaginable seashores and coves, metropolis sightseeing, gastronomy, and cultural choices.
Finest issues to do: Mallorca is thought for its vast number of landscapes and coastlines with spectacular cliffs. In your go to, you can’t miss the Serra de Tramuntana area, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site situated within the northwest of the island, the place there are a few of the most stunning Majorcan villages reminiscent of Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, and Fornalutx. You may sail, paint an image by the coast, go to a vineyard and style its wines, and meet locals whereas staying on this space for a number of days.
Find out how to get there: You may take a direct flight from Barcelona, Madrid, and different cities in Europe, or you may take a ferry from Barcelona or Valencia.
—Pablo Calvo, Spain Supervisor at Tours For You
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Chelsea Chehade/UnsplashKoh Samui, Thailand
No Thailand journey is full with out a keep on one of many nation’s islands, since they boast a few of the most stunning seashores on this planet. Koh Samui is especially great because it provides a pleasant mix of attractive seashores, an array of implausible resorts, and simple exploration by yourself. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui does all the pieces proper and is a motive to go to alone—it provides well-appointed rooms with stunning views, past distinctive service, enjoyable actions for all ages (attempt Muay Thai boxing with a former professional in 4 Seasons’ personal boxing ring with tropical views), a beautiful spa, and scrumptious meals.
Finest issues to do: Spend a number of hours (ideally at sundown) crusing round Koh Samui and close by islands with Blue Voyage. Their distinctive yachts and workers will guarantee you’ve got a superb time whereas marveling on the surroundings. Expertise much more of the great thing about Thailand’s islands by stopping for a picnic on a secluded, non-public seaside.
Find out how to get there: Koh Samui is likely one of the best Thailand islands to succeed in as you may take a 1-hour flight from Bangkok or a 2-hour flight from Singapore. In case you are exploring Northern Thailand previous to visiting the islands, you may take a 1-hour 45-minute flight from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui.
—Tisha Neufville, Luxurious Journey Advisor at Neufville Travel
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Bannon Morrissy/UnsplashVancouver Island, Canada
Vancouver Island is house to the charming small metropolis of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, recognized specifically for its British affect and flower gardens (together with the well-known Butchart Gardens about half-hour from town). Many individuals don’t notice, nevertheless, that Victoria is on the southern tip of the island and that the island is sort of 300 miles lengthy. There’s much more to Vancouver Island than Victoria. Certainly one of my favourite locations on the island is Tofino, a small city on the far west coast about midway up the island that’s an excellent vacation spot for out of doors adventures with implausible meals and lodging.
Finest issues to do: Whale waiting for orcas from Victoria, and for grey whales and humpbacks from Tofino. There’s additionally bear watching (black bears from Tofino and brown bears/grizzlies from the Campbell River space on the northeast a part of the island).
Find out how to get there: Take a flight from Vancouver or Seattle relying on the a part of Vancouver Island you’re going to, or by ferry from Vancouver or Port Angeles Washington.
—Sheri Doyle, Proprietor of Pacific Northwest Journeys
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Nikada/GettyZanzibar
Zanzibar is a very particular island off the coast of Tanzania, often called Spice Island (and the place Freddie Mercury was born). It’s wealthy in historical past and tradition, and it provides stunning white sandy seashores and heat tropical climate. There are components of the island which are fairly tidal, which means that the ocean goes out far for a interval of the day, making it a good time to discover the animal life left behind within the rock swimming pools. If you wish to keep away from the tides, the north coast is the least affected and has the very best seashores. There’s additionally a very gorgeous resort off the coast of Zanzibar referred to as Mnemba Island, which is house to Mnemba Island Lodge, a really unique resort, and has a few of the greatest diving close by.
Finest issues to do: Stone City excursions and rooftop dinners, swimming with turtles, sundown present cruises, exploring Jozani Chwaka Bay Nationwide Park, and diving.
Find out how to get there: There are direct flights from Nairobi and Tanzania, in addition to some European international locations and Dubai. Flights go instantly into Abeid Amani Karume Worldwide Airport (ZNZ), after which you’ll take a taxi, shuttle, or non-public highway switch to your respective resort, roughly 1-2 hours from the airport.
—Ashley Gerrand, Africa Safari Skilled at Go2Africa
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Nabil Naidu/UnsplashAndaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Of the 572 islands within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands territory, solely 38 are inhabited and 26 open to guests—and for many years, the atoll’s remoteness and lack of infrastructure, however abundance of coral reefs, have attracted severe divers, adventurous backpackers, and intrepid A-listers like Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet.
Nonetheless, a whole bunch of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are utterly unpopulated. Its remoteness was as soon as its goal: For many years, the British used the Andaman Islands (specifically Port Blair) as an inescapable jail for freedom fighters up till independence. At present, guests can discover white sand seashores (together with Radhanagar Seashore on Havelock Island, often named certainly one of Asia’s greatest), mangroves, and luxurious tropical rainforests.
Finest issues to do: Named after the jagged, black rocks strewn alongside the shoreline, Kalapathar Seashore provides an remoted vacation spot for trekking amongst uncovered root tangles of 100-year-old timber and aged driftwood carved into fascinating designs by the aftereffects of a tsunami, creating a novel, moorish panorama dotted with shells. After the trek, the Kalapathar lagoon simply earlier than Butler Bay provides a good looking secluded spot for swimming and nice ocean views by means of a cave within the cliff face.
Within the capital metropolis of Port Blair, Mobile Jail is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tourism mascot. A former British jail, Mobile Jail Nationwide was one thing like a holy place for the liberty fighters, who exchanged books, concepts, and debates regardless of partitions and wardens. The Mild and Sound Present within the night is a must-see.
Find out how to get there: Fly into the primary airport at Port Blair, which is well-connected on a continuous service cease from Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata. (Be aware: Should you have been to fly out of Mumbai, the very best course is to fly into Kolkata first and take a connecting flight to Port Blair.) From Port Blair Airport, it’s a 20-minute drive to the Ferry Terminal and a 90-minute ferry trip to Havelock Island.
—Sunita J. Hedau, Founder & Luxurious Journey Advisor/Wellness Journey Skilled at Kora Journeys Powered by Frosch
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Peter Phipp/GettyNevis
So typically I hear folks discuss how Caribbean islands are devoid of historical past. They most definitely are usually not—and fortunately, a lot of its difficult historical past is beginning to be talked about and can hopefully pave the best way for extra concerted historic landmarks sooner or later. However whereas many islands have centered extra on blue water and white sand than their historic pasts, Nevis supplies the cultural richness some vacationers are searching for, with its eating places and colourful previous as a once-bustling Caribbean hub. (Should you’re studying this and do not already know Alexander Hamilton was born right here, you’re possible within the minority.)
It’s the Goldilocks of the Caribbean: straightforward to get to (see under), however nonetheless sufficient of a visit to maintain the nonstop-flight-only lots away. It has stunning seashores, whereas providing a protected surroundings to eat in off-property eating places and discover the island outdoors of the resort. It feels off the crushed path, but is house to true luxurious resorts and charming lodges. (Whereas Nisbet Plantation closed completely throughout the pandemic, the Golden Rock Inn is one other boutique gem, and the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Nevis provides actions for everybody.)
Finest issues to do: Take a historic tour by taxi across the island—there are a number of taxi driver-guides that do that, and they’re going to turn into your greatest associates over the course of the morning! (Your resort concierge can assist set this up.) Discover the jungle (and Nevis’s voluminous monkey inhabitants) in an ATV tour, or constitution a sailboat for the day to discover the wildlife by water and expertise a few of the Caribbean’s well-known winds.
Find out how to get there: Nonstop flights fly in season from most East Coast hubs to St. Kitts. After that, a brief taxi trip will take you to the water taxi, which generally arrives on Nevis in lower than 10 minutes.
—Louisa Gehring, Luxurious Journey Skilled
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Matteo Colombo/GettyTikehau, French Polynesia
Tikehau is a hidden gem inside French Polynesia. Its remoteness means you’ll be near nature and uncooked, undisturbed seashores—assume crystal clear waters with an abundance of fish and coral reefs, which you’ll be able to take pleasure in from an overwater bungalow. Pristine, stunning pink sand seashores make it very best for having fun with the solar or watching the right sunsets. E-book a keep at Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts (extremely really helpful), the place the pastry chef has mastered French delicacies, from good croissants to getting ready fish you caught earlier that day.
Finest issues to do: Snorkeling and diving are the main target right here, given the huge variety of fish, untouched corals, and vibrant clams, together with the prospect to swim amongst the sharks. One other widespread exercise is kayaking across the atoll into small bays to discover.
Find out how to get there: From the U.S., fly to Papeete on the island of Tahiti; from there, use the inter-island flights by means of Air Tahiti. This may increasingly require an in a single day keep earlier than catching a flight to Tikehau, adopted by a brief boat trip to your resort of choice.
—Erika Commisso, Journey Advisor at Journey with Erika
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Simon Berger/UnsplashGalápagos Islands, Ecuador
Folks go to the Galápagos Islands largely for the unimaginable wildlife viewing, together with endemic species such because the blue-footed boobie, Galápagos penguin, marine iguanas, flamingos, sea lions, and plenty of extra. The Galápagos marine reserve is likely one of the largest and most bio-diverse on this planet, making for distinctive diving and snorkeling. This distinctive archipelago was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1978 and consists of 18 islands and greater than 100 small islets, situated roughly 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador within the Pacific Ocean.
Finest issues to do: There’s a lot to discover within the Galápagos Islands, particularly for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. One of the best ways to see the Galápagos is through sea, visiting the entire numerous islands within the archipelago. Mountain climbing Isla Bartolome will really feel such as you landed on Mars. This volcanic moonscape is house to Galápagos hawks, blue-footed boobies, and lava lizards. You can too snorkel amongst sea lions, flightless cormorants, sea turtles, and—our favourite—the Galápagos penguins.
Go to Floreana’s Submit Workplace Bay to take part in a convention relationship again to the 1800s the place sailors would go away mail to be retrieved and delivered by one other sailor passing by means of. At present you are able to do the identical by leaving your individual postcard and retrieving one other postcard for supply again house. One other thrilling journey is visiting the Highlands of Santa Cruz, the place you’ll expertise the high-altitude microclimates the place the enormous tortoise lives earlier than getting ready for his or her lengthy migration to the shorelines.
Find out how to get there: There aren’t any direct flights into the Galápagos from U.S. or Europe. You’ll have to fly from mainland Ecuador—both Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE)—to the islands. Most individuals fly into San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) or Seymour Airport (GPS), which serves the island of Baltra and connects to Santa Cruz through water taxi.
—Dawn Oliver, Founder/Journey Advisor at Well Xplored, An Affiliate of Embark Beyond
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Westend61/GettyVega Island, Norway
Vega Island is situated a number of miles south of the Arctic Circle, simply off the coast of Helgeland in Norway. You need to go to due to its superb pure magnificence, wildlife, vast number of cool actions, and distinctive cultural heritage. Vega is a part of an unbelievably giant archipelago with 1000’s of small islands, and it was declared a World Heritage Web site by UNESCO in 2004.
Finest issues to do: Sea-kayaking, fishing, climbing, and visiting the distinctive island group that produces pillows and duvets from the down given by wild eider geese.
Find out how to get there: First you fly from Oslo to Brønnøysund Airport at Helgeland. From there, you drive to Horn and take a automobile ferry to Vega.
