slands conjure dreams of paradise; an escape from the rat race, a
perfect patch of sand where you can relax under rustling palms and gaze
at a serene blue sea. But not all islands are created the same. The
beauty of some is defined more by the sea that surrounds them, which can
captivate connoisseurs with its crystalline clarity and thriving coral
kingdoms. Other islands feature luxuriant jungles and velvety peaks. And
some enchant travelers with their cultural jewels. Whether it's sublime
beaches, stunning topography, or exotic cultures you seek, these
islands lie far from the workaday clamor but close to creature comforts.
From the Seychelles to Santorini and the Caribbean to Capri, you can find your very own Shangri-la in this list.
1. Maldives
The Maldives are home to some of the world's most ravishing islands, but
it's the sea, which truly makes these islands shine. Luminous
aquamarine waters with a crystal clarity lap upon these dazzling white
shores, which barely peek above the Indian Ocean. Consisting of 26
natural atolls, the Maldives archipelago is the planet's lowest lying
nation, rising no more than three meters above the sea at its highest
point, a measurement that shrinks every year. Beneath the mesmerizing
waters, coral reefs flourish, luring divers and snorkelers from around
the world. Surfers also flock here to ride the uncrowded breaks. Back on
land, luxury resorts provide the perfect launching points for
adventures focused upon the sea, the archipelago's greatest asset, but
also, as the planet's climate changes, its single greatest threat.
2. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Shaped like a giant sombrero, this lush volcanic island stars in
countless South Pacific fantasies. The focal point and best asset of
this tropical beauty is its ravishing lagoon in technicolor turquoise.
Fish, turtles, sharks, and rays swim in the clear waters, and tiny
islets or motus dot the lagoon. The island, of course, is distinctly
French, with mouthwatering cuisine to match. Diving and snorkeling are
excellent in the surrounding reefs and hiking trails weave through the
palm-studded forests. If you can afford it, hide out here in a luxurious
over-the-water bungalow and bask in your good fortune as you fall
asleep to the gentle slosh of the sea.
3. Palawan, Philippines
Palawan is the Philippine's answer to paradise. This island province
stretches southwest to Borneo with lush limestone peaks rising from a
jewel-like sea so clear, that you can almost see the expressions on the
fish from above the surface. Slivers of gleaming white sand fringed with
rustling palms rim many of these jungle-clad islands, while under the
water, coral reefs flourish with an impressive diversity of tropical
fish, offering some of the best diving in the world. Other attractions
include the islands' unique wildlife, emerald lakes, and quaint fishing
villages. Coron is home to plush resorts, and El Nido
drips with natural beauty and is one of the most alluring islands in the
chain. From here, you can island hop around the spectacular Bacuit archipelago. One of Palawan's top attractions is the World Heritage-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, an impressive limestone cave system with a long underground river.
4. Seychelles
Pristine and picture-perfect, the
Seychelles are worth traveling for. East of
Kenya,
this relatively unspoiled archipelago of 115 coral and granite islands
feature UNESCO-listed jungles; thriving coral reefs; and palm-lined,
powdery beaches flanked by giant boulders. Almost half the total land
area of these equatorial isles is protected, and many of the islands lie
within fish-rich marine sanctuaries with excellent diving and
snorkeling. The Seychelles also feature some of the planet's richest
fishing grounds, making this a top destination for anglers. Add some
spicy Créole cuisine into the mix as well as the plush resorts of Mahé,
Praslin, and La Digue, and it's easy to understand the Seychelles'
allure.
5. Santorini, Greece
Encircling a sea-filled caldera, spectacular
Santorini
scores top points for dramatic beauty. Bleached white villas tumble
down volcanic cliffs. Blue-domed churches rise against the sparkling
sea, and bright sprays of bougainvillea add to the eye-popping canvas of
color. Perched atop the black lava cliffs, the settlements of
Firá and
Oia are the island's most picturesque, and pricey, destinations, and
Oia ranks among the most photographed locations in the world. Other highlights of the island include
Akrotíri Archaeological Site, Ancient Thira, the black sand beach of
Perissa, and
of course, the sublime sunsets. Sailing into this stunning caldera
surrounded by soaring sea cliffs makes an unforgettable first
impression.
6. The Cook Islands
If you've ever dreamed of being a castaway in the South Pacific, the
Cook Islands are for you. Strung between French Polynesia and Samoa but with strong ties to
New Zealand,
the archipelago's 15 islands are known for their enticing aquamarine
lagoons, palm-fringed beaches, and volcanic peaks. Best of all, the
locals are among the friendliest in the South Pacific.
Rarotonga is the main tourist hub, with its many resorts, lush peaks, and plentiful beaches.
Aitutaki boasts
the beauty of Bora Bora, without the price tag. Hibiscus-laced villages
snuggle on the hillsides, and along its heavenly lagoon lie 21 motus or
small islets, many within kayak distance of the resorts. Ensconce
yourself here in an over-the-water bungalow or hole up in a rustic beach
shack on a remote out island and live your Robinson Crusoe fantasies.
7. Bali, Indonesia
Steeped in an intoxicating culture, the island of
Bali
is a feast for the senses. Incense wafts from Hindu temples, rice
paddies glow in electric greens, and the food jolts the taste buds.
Surfing, swimming, shopping, and sunbathing are the prime pursuits on
this exotic isle, as well as sightseeing in the lush countryside. Soak
up the spiritual side of Bali in
Ubud, see
Seminyak, and family-friendly
Sanur, feel the pumping pulse of touristy
Kuta, or explore the attractions on the neighboring volcanic island of
Lombok. Bali's enchanting spirit will wash over you like a warm, tropical wave.
8. The Dalmatian Islands, Croatia
In the Adriatic sea off the coast of
Croatia,
the Dalmatian Islands are an enchanting mix of relaxed charm and rich
history. Quaint villages and boutique hotels and restaurants dot these
gorgeous isles, which are surrounded by sparkling seas. Top on the list
is
Brač with the famous beach strip of
Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn).
Hvar is
also beautiful with its Gothic churches, car-free old town, and
picturesque fishing harbor. From here, you can zip across to the
beautiful
Pakleni Islands, known for their crystal clear water and secluded coves. Other must-see Dalmatian islands include
Korčula with its red-roofed white-washed buildings,
Mljet with its two inland saltwater lakes, and relatively uncrowded
Vis.
9. Fiji
One of Australia's go-to tropical escapes, Fiji ticks all the fantasy
island boxes. White sand beaches, translucent turquoise waters, and
teeming coral reefs are all found here in abundance. And the Fijian
people welcome visitors with warm, friendly smiles. Diving, snorkeling,
fishing, and in some areas, surfing are all fantastic, but sprawling
under a palm tree and slipping into the silky warm seas can be equally
rewarding. With more than 300 islands, it's easy to find the perfect
match, from luxurious celebrity hideaways and family-friendly resorts to
the sublime Yasawa and Mamanuca group. Fijians love young children, so
this a fabulous destination for families looking to relax.
10. Kauaʻi
Kauaʻi is called "the Garden Isle" for good reason: Rainforests cloak
much of the interior. Waterfalls tumble from lava cliffs, and the
intoxicating fragrance of tropical blooms hangs heavy on the sultry air.
But the island's beauty lies not just in its luxuriant flora and
abundant rain; its spectacular coastline will take your breath away.
Lava sculpted this stunning island, thrusting up from the ocean floor to
form velvety ridges and vertiginous cliffs rimmed by gorgeous beaches.
Beneath its cobalt-blue seas, turtles and tropical fish swim along coral
reefs, delighting divers and snorkelers from around the globe. Compared
to its popular sister islands,
Maui and Oahu,
Kauaʻi exudes a low-key vibe and tends to move at a more relaxed pace. Don't miss the breathtaking
Nā Pali Coast, 10-mile-long
Waimea Canyon, and the cloud-capped vistas from the cliffs above
Hanalei Bay.
11. St. Lucia
St. Lucia
exudes a dark and brooding beauty. Unlike other Caribbean islands, its
best assets are not necessarily its beaches, though with their golden
sands and graceful palms, they are popular with those who visit. Rather,
the island itself is drenched in topographic drama. The towering
Pitons, twin volcanic peaks, preside over the luxuriant landscapes,
rising more than 700 meters from the sea, and provide a breathtaking
backdrop to the stunning scenery. Bristling forests of coconut palms,
waterfalls, quaint fishing villages, coral reefs, nature trails, and
healing hot springs are just some of the sights to explore here. Pretty
Marigot Bay and
Anse Chastanet Marine Park are highlights. The island's French influences also add to its exotic appeal.
12. Capri, Italy
Glamorous
Capri, about 20 kilometers off the
Amalfi Coast,
lives up to all the hype. Sea stacks and soaring cliffs rise from the
teal-hued Tyrrhenian Sea framed by sprays of colorful flowers. A popular
attraction is the blue grotto, a glowing sea cave, where locals row
tourists in on tiny boats and sing opera to demonstrate the acoustics.
Once you arrive at the port of
Marina Grande, catch the funicular
up to the main town of Capri, which feels like a movie set. The piazza
here buzzes with impeccably-dressed locals and tourists toting shopping
bags filled with designer clothes and the island's perfumes. While
you're here, be sure to also visit the highest town,
Anacapri, and take the chair lift up to
Monte Solaro for spectacular views across the island and sea.
13. Ko Phi Phi, Thailand
In Ko Phi Phi, a small archipelago in the Krabi Province of
Thailand,
lush limestone peaks rise from the tropical sea, and warm waters lap on
palm-lined sugary shores. Slammed by the tsunami in 2004, Ko Phi Phi
has now recovered. Its natural beauty still recalls the tropical island
dream evoked in the famous Leonardo DiCaprio movie, The Beach, which was
filmed here at Maya Beach on the smaller neighboring island of
Ko Phi Phi Leh.
Ko Phi Phi Don
is the only inhabited island and offers day trips to the surrounding
islands. Other popular activities include swimming, snorkeling, and
superb diving. Don't miss
Monkey Beach, famous for its cheeky namesake residents.
14. Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Sprinkled along the World Heritage-listed
Great Barrier Reef, the
Whitsunday Islands
are Australia's version of the classic tropical island fantasy. These
74 lush islands are the peaks of drowned hills rising above the
strikingly blue Coral Sea. Sailing is a popular pastime here, and diving
is excellent along the fish-rich coral reefs. This is an extremely
fragile ecosystem protected by six national parks, and you can explore
some of the islands on hiking trails. Accommodation ranges from
beachfront campsites, eco-retreats, and family resorts to luxury escapes
like
Hayman Island and
Qualia on
Hamilton Island. Don't miss the radiant silica sands of
Whitehaven Beach on
Whitsunday Island. Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour are the main launching points for Whitsunday adventures.
15. Sardinia, Italy
Blissful white-sand beaches, rugged coastal peaks, mouthwatering
cuisine, a unique blend of cultures, and ancient archeological
treasures: What's not to love about this saucy Italian isle? Most
travelers have heard of the glamorous
Costa Smeralda, or Emerald
Coast, with its craggy coves and clear green seas, but this large and
diverse Mediterranean isle also lays claim to many other attractions.
Sardinia is home to the largest canyon in
Europe,
Gola su Gorropu; prehistoric archaeological sites; the captivating Catalan-tinged town of
Alghero; and the medieval streets of
Cagliari, the capital. While you're here be sure to cruise along some of the scenic coastal drives and soak up the spectacular views.
16. St. Barts
Stunningly beautiful, yet understated,
St. Barts lures movie stars and moguls from around the world, and for good reason. This pretty island offers a luscious taste of
France
in the tropics, with a relaxed charm that discerning travelers love.
Glamorous blond beaches curve around its coastline, backed by rolling
green hills. Privacy and seclusion are its other top selling points, but
of course all this comes at a price. This alluring island is one of the
Caribbean's most expensive, but if money's no object, you can ensconce
yourself in a private villa or boutique hotel, dine on gourmet French
cuisine until your heart's content, and live the lifestyle of the rich
and famous. By: http://www.planetware.com
