Imagine yourself sitting on the white or golden sands amidst palm trees and mountains with crystal clear beach in front of you; surreal, isn’t it? Why not turn this dream into reality by escaping to an island this year. 2020 has been highly daunting, with travel restrictions in place in most parts of the world. Give yourself a treat this year by visiting one of the most beautiful islands in the world. With hundreds of islands to choose from, it can be challenging to decide on an island escape destination. These are the 7 heavenly islands that bring together unmatched natural beauty, exquisite gastronomy and many other things to make your island indulgence memorable:
1. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is truly one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It is an atoll that is part of French Polynesia formed by an extinct volcano surrounded by a breathtaking lagoon separated from the sea by a reef. With white sands and crystal clear blue waters filled with diverse marine life such as turtles and rays, Bora Bora is one of the world’s most surreal and relaxing islands. Due to the French cultural heritage of French Polynesia, visitors can enjoy french gastronomy anywhere on the island.
Bora Bora’s most captivating accommodations are its magical bungalows built in the lagoon, where you fall asleep to the lullaby of the sea right in front of you. Other options include resorts and hotels. Bora Bora is an ideal destination for couples and families alike.
2. Seychelles
Seychelles is a beautiful archipelago of 115 tropical islands off the eastern mainland coast of Africa. It is largely untouched territory, as only a few islands are inhabited and open to tourists. The main islands are coral and have lush green jungles in surroundings with rich biodiversity. Seychelles’ beaches are blessed with crystal clear waters and lined by palm trees that are dotted with giant rocks in the background.
The biggest and easily accessible island of Seychelles is Mahe – which is also very popular among tourists. Mahe Island is home to an international airport and many luxury resorts and hotels. The island is ideal for honeymooners who wish to spend quality time with their better half away from the hustle and bustle of cities. It is also a perfect place for water sports such as snorkeling, sea kayaking and scuba diving.
3. Whitsunday Islands, Australia
The Whitsunday is a group of 74 islands located in the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. But only four of the islands offer accommodation to the visitors. It includes beachfront camps, resorts, and luxury lodges. The islands are like no other globally, with white sands, blue waters, dense tropical forests, and hiking trails for those who wish to explore them on foot. Other ways to wander around the islands include helicopter, ferry, rail, and coach or bus.
The most popular and favorite activity that people enjoy here are diving and sailing in the beautiful coral reefs of Whitsunday. Though the island is family-friendly and anyone can plan a tour here, it’s a perfect spot for a destination wedding. This Australia’s gem is a leading romantic destination for marriage proposals, honeymoon and even weddings.
4. Kauai, USA
The second-oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, the Kauai is often known as the “Garden Island” because around 97% of its land comprises of rainforests and mountain ranges. The main highlight of this stunning island is its diverse flora, rocky ridges, and, of course, the scenic beaches surrounding the island. Mount Waialeale and Mount Kawaikini are the two highest peaks of the island and considered among the world’s wettest places due to constant rainy rainfall most of the time throughout the year.
From the moment you arrive at the island, the captivating landscape and kind locals welcome you. Whether you are traveling with family or with your better half, the island offers luxury resorts, a condo for the whole family and many other options for your stay. The activities here are endless to make your stay exciting. You’ll find not only a plethora of things to do here but also spot the wildlife such as turtles, tropical fish swimming under the coral reefs among the divers and swimmers.
5. Ko Phi Phi, Thailand
Koh Phi Phi is genuinely one of the most beautiful islands of Thailand. The Phi Phi Islands comprises of two main islands: Koh Phi Phi Leh and Koh Phi Phi Don. Even though the islands are overcrowded, they still make up on the list of popular island destinations in the world because of their unreal beauty. Koh Phi Phi Don is only inhabited and offer many accommodation options to the visitors. The best part of these islands is, they are vehicle free. You’ll find some hotel workers moving luggage on carts as they walk down the streets.
The landscape of the Koh Phi Phi is unusual yet unique, with massive limestone peaks that are rising from the edge of blue waters shaded by palm trees. Another interesting fact about Koh Phi Phi is that it came to the limelight after the actor Leonardo DiCaprio shot a movie here to present this destination to the world in 2000. Since then, the island has never stopped welcoming visitors from all over the world. The island is not suited for budget travelers, so only plan to come here if you are willing to spend some money.
Ko Phi Phi is frequented by enthusiasts of diving, swimming and other water sports, who go to its beaches to enjoy the clear waters. Monkey Bay is a popular spot here at the entrance of Loh Dalum that can be reached via boat or sea kayak. Make sure to bring something to eat for the monkeys, or they’ll end up stealing something of yours. J
6. Cook Islands
Located in the South Pacific, the Cook Islands comprises of 15 islands that are unspoiled and deserve a visit by those who wish to relax at a spot not frequented by many people. The islands are home to magnificent white sand beaches, lush green mountains and blue lagoons. Accommodation here is very interesting and best suited for individuals and families alike. The islands do not have any high-end accommodation options as no hotel here is taller than a coconut tree here. However, there are many sand villas, beach huts and lodges to cater to the needs of all kinds of travelers.
The main activities to enjoy here include snorkeling, sea scooters, fishing diving, lagoon cruises, and even hiking amidst the lush forests surrounding the islands. Some of the places you must visit here via cruise are Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu and Avarua District.
7. Maldives
When we talk about the best island destination in the world, the list doesn’t complete without the mention of Maldives. This archipelago is made of over 1200 islands and 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean. As we have seen on Instagram, the waters of Maldives are turquoise blue surrounded by dazzling white sand. Some of the most beautiful islands in Maldives include Milaidhoo, Baros, and Maafushi.
Maldives is considered an ideal spot for divers and swimmers who come here from all across the world to explore the coral reefs, which are visible through its crystal clear waters. Maldives is also famous among surfers due to the idealistic waves it offers to beginners and professionals. Though the island is a hot spot for honeymooners, it is also a convenient destination for families with kids as there is a lot to do and see to keep them busy. Accommodation here is endless, with hostels, lodges, luxury hotels, resorts and bungalows to suit the budget of all kinds of travelers.
If you are traveling on a budget, the best island to go to in the Maldives is Maafushi, which is the cheapest.