Overwater Resort in Maldives - 10 Best Destinations for a Perfect Luxury Island Vacation

10 Best Destinations for a Perfect Luxury Island Vacation

Luxury island vacation is a common way to escape the bustle and crowd of cities and perhaps that is why such vacations can also be called luxury island getaways.

A luxury island vacay or getaway is the greatest way to retreat to serene, tranquil, lush, exclusive and opulent destinations set within an extraordinary nature-rich environment and characterized by unlimited water fun (swimming, snorkelling, diving, jet skiing and so on), stretches of pristine beaches, upscale accommodations, a variety of sumptuous local and international delicacies, forested hiking trails, and cultural and historical attractions.

Picture yourself relaxing on a private beach with spectacular views of the ocean or sea and a variety of your favourite fruits, drinks and appetizers by your side on a lush peaceful island far away from the clatters of everyday life.

From private island resorts, gourmet Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury overwater bungalows to pristine natural wonders, a luxury vacay on an island will leave you with peaceful unforgettable experiences – of a lifetime!

Wondering what are therefore some of the best islands to go on a luxury vacation or just as a luxury getaway, look no further, I have simplified in this post the 10 Best Destinations for a Perfect Luxury Island Vacation.

Sant Antoni Port, Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain - 10 Best Destinations for a Perfect Luxury Island Vacation
Sant Antoni Port, Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain

Best Luxury Island Vacation Destinations

1. Maldives

The Maldives is one of the most picturesque luxury island destinations on Earth today. This world-known island and archipelagic paradise is situated in South Asia and it has 26 atolls and over a thousand tropical islands that spread across the mesmerizing waters of the Indian Ocean.

Mostly famous for its luxury overwater bungalows with spectacular views of the Ocean and its collection of private island resorts, Maldives is one of the best islands to visit or vacate for a unique and unforgettable island experience.

Hosting the world’s first undersea villa, the Muraka, at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, and the first water bike, Manta5’s Hydrofoiler XE-1, Maldives is an adventure-rich destination for luxury island lovers.

You can experience a unique Jet Ski Safari, rent a private island, go on a luxury yacht cruise, explore the underwater world in a submarine, indulge in an underwater spa, play golf at a luxury resort, and go ice skating.

At the apex of a luxury vacation in the Maldives is a 5-star stay on a luxurious private island resort in this South Asian paradise. Among the best private islands and resorts you can experience in Maldives are Niyama Private Islands Maldives, Naladhu Private Island Maldives, Velaa Private Island Resort, OBLU Island, Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah, Kudadoo Island, Ithaafushi Private Island, Amilla Fushi Island, Makundu Island, and Soneva Jani.

You can also check out Gili Lankanfushi, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, One & Only Reethi Rah Luxury Resorts and Cheval Blanc Randheli.

Read Also: The 6 Most Popular Cruise Destinations in the World

A Beach Resort in Maldives - 10 Best Destinations for a Perfect Luxury Island Vacation
A Beach Resort in the Maldives

2. The Bahamas

The Bahamas is one of the most popular luxury vacation spots in the Caribbean. Like most other cool Caribbean holiday destinations, the Bahamas is adorned with stretches of beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise sea waters, gourmet restaurants, high-end hospitality and luxury shopping centres.

With an endless variety of activities to indulge like snorkelling in the Exuma Islands, experiencing Cable Beach and the Blue Lagoon Island, exploring Bahama’s Capital city, Nassau, visiting the Clifton Heritage National Park and taking luxury yacht or catamaran cruises, Bahamas is a great destination for a memorable island vacation.

You can experience the upscale wellness retreats and world-class spa on the island, dive in the Andros Barrier Reef (the world’s third largest barrier reef), golf in some of its tranquil golf courses and lodge in a ritzy suite or villa.

Thinking of what 5-star accommodation and hospitality the Bahamas have to offer, the island is home to globally renowned luxury hotel and resort brands including the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Grand Isle Resort & Residences, the Rosewood Baha Mar, the Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas, Goldwynn Resort & Residences, the Cove Atlantis, SLS Baha Mar, and Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant.

Recommended Read: The 10 Best Travel Destinations in the Caribbean

Beach Cabana in Bahamas - 10 Best Destinations for a Perfect Luxury Island Vacation
Beach Cabana in the Bahamas

3. French Polynesia

Comprising five archipelagoes, 121 geographically dispersed islands and atolls that cover an area of more than 2,000 kilometres (1,200 miles) in the South Pacific Ocean, French Polynesia is a choice destination among island vacation lovers. This is not so without a reason.

This heavenly destination on Earth features world-class luxury resorts, scintillating beaches, sumptuous foods, infinite fun activities and a rare opportunity to experience Polynesian culture firsthand.

The most iconic luxury travel spot in the French Polynesia is Bora Bora. You can also take a private island tour of Tahiti, explore the island of Moorea, and experience the stunning Rangiroa Lagoon.

To make your French Polynesia vacation as gratifying as possible, you should swim with whales, cruise the archipelago’s lagoons on a traditional outrigger canoe, hike to the hidden waterfall like the Afareaitu Waterfall in Moorea, take a luxury sunset catamaran cruise, parasail high lush islands, learn to scuba dive and explore lush island terrains on a 4WD.

You can revel in the heavenly beaches of this enthralling archipelago. Beaches like Temae Beach on Moorea, Matira Beach in Bora Bora, The Motu Ceran in Taha’a (also known as Vanilla Island), Ta’ahiamanu Beach also in Morea, and the Blue and Green Lagoons in Rangiroa [Source].

For the highest level of opulent hospitality in French Polynesia, check out ritzy hotels and resorts like the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort & Spa, the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island Resort, Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa, Four Seasons Bora Bora, Conrad Bora Bora Nui, the Brando and the St. Regis Bora Bora.

Must Read: The Best 15 Top Destinations to Visit this Year

Bora Bora Airport, Bora Bora, French Polynesia - 10 Best Destinations for a Perfect Luxury Island Vacation
Bora Bora Airport, Bora Bora, French Polynesia

4. Balearic Islands, Spain

The Balearic Islands is the major island vacation spot of Spain, the other is the Canary Islands. It is composed of four (4) major touristy islands each with a distinct cultural flair. These islands are Majorca (Mallorca), Ibiza, Minorca (Menorca) and Formentera.

This dynamic Spanish island destination is a dream of vacationers offering world-class sandy beaches, peaceful turquoise waters, shopping centres, opulent lodgings, yummy foods, a pleasantly warm Mediterranean climate, and scenic coves. No wonder millions of tourists from around the world visit the Balearic Islands each year.

While the upbeat Ibiza is the most popular destination where tourists go to a party and experience a wide collection of lively beach and island activities, the bigger Majorca has a laid-back attitude, and, Menorca has the longest stretch of beaches, much more than Majorca and Ibiza combined.

On a vacation in the Balearics, you can explore the bustling city of Palma de Majorca, relax on the beaches of Menorca, party in Ibiza, visit the Old Town of Ciutadella in Menorca, hike the Serra de Tramuntana in Majorca, explore the caves of Drach in Mallorca, dive at the Marine Reserves of Ibiza and Formentera, go on a luxury yacht and catamaran cruises, sail on a boat to the island of Cabrera, discover the caves of Artain Mallorca, and explore the Historic Centre of Ibiza Town [Source].

Cala Saona (Formentera), Aguas Blancas Beach (Ibiza), Cala en Turqueta (Menorca), Calo des Moro (Mallorca), Playa de Ses Illetes (Formentera), Son Bou (Menorca), Platja de Formentor (Mallorca), Benirras Beach (Ibiza), and S’Amarador (Mallorca) are some of the best beaches you should check in the Balearic Islands [Source]. These beaches are pristine with white sands and pleasing azure waters.

External Link: Balearic Islands Spain – Visitor & Tourism Information

A Beach Scene in Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain - 10 Best Destinations for a Perfect Luxury Island Vacation
A Beach Scene in Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

5. Italian Islands

While Italy’s modern cities like Milan, Rome and Florence, and coastal retreats like the Amalfi Coast, Naples and Cinque Terre are famous among international guests of this southern European tourist gem, Italy also has some very fascinating islands worthy of a luxurious vacation or holiday.

These spectacular Italian Islands include Sardinia, Capri, Sicily, Caprera, Elba and the Tuscan Archipelago, Ischia, Giglio, Stromboli, Levanzo, Lipari and the Aeolian Islands, Procida, Lampedusa, Favignana and Ponza. Sardinia, Capri and Sicily are the three most famous Italian islands for luxury vacations.

Endemic cultures and traditions, historical landmarks, serene beaches, great weather all year round, stunning sea, and spectacular towns are some of the common characteristics of Italy’s best islands for luxury vacation.

Among the best hotels to stay on these Italian paradises are Punta Tragara (Capri), J.K. Place (Capri), Hotel Cala di Volpe (Porto Cervo, Sardinia), Su Gologone (Sardinia), Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea (Taormina, Sicily), Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia (Salina, Sicily) and Monaci delle Terre Nere (Zafferana Etnea, Sicily) [Source]. There are also several posh island villas to stay on many of the Italian islands.

You should indulge in some swimming, diving and kayaking on these beautiful Italian islands aside from relaxing and sunbathing on its pleasing beaches – a feat you shouldn’t miss. The food is also sumptuous, and the locals are friendly. Italian Islands is a peaceful way to experience the less-charted charms of Italy far away from the crowded Italian mainland tourist spots.

See Also: The Top 10 Best Luxury Destinations in Europe

Yachts and Boats in Porto Rotondo, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Italy - 10 Best Destinations for a Perfect Luxury Island Vacation
Yachts and Boats in Porto Rotondo, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Italy

6. Zanzibar Island, Tanzania

The lush, tranquil and pristine island of Zanzibar in Tanzania takes the top spot among the best island destinations in Africa, and Zanzibar has been attracting several thousands of visitors worldwide annually.

With long stretches of white sand beaches, stunning views of the Indian Ocean water, parks and nature reserves, and historical treasures, Zanzibar is one of the best islands for luxury vacation in the world.

There is an endless array of fun activities you can indulge in and enjoy in Zanzibar. From going Safari Blue, touring Spice Farms, experiencing the Jozani Forest, taking a walking tour of Stone Town, Snorkelling at Memba Island, Swimming with the Dolphins to sunset cruising with Dhow, visiting the lush Prison Island (Changuu Island), shopping for local produce and souvenirs on a local Market tour and winding down at the Kae Sunset Beach, Zanzibar, as it has been doing for decades, will make your vacation as pleasantly memorable as possible.

You can also take a cooking class, pass the night(s) in an underwater room, party all night at Kendwa Rocks, visit the Ngezi Forest on Pemba Island and dine at Forodhani Night Market. You should not miss out on fun activities like skydiving, deep diving, and kiteboarding. You can also go get some traditional Zanzibar tattoos (Henna Painting), attend Zanzibar festivals and learn some basic Swahili words like Poa (Cool), Asante (Thanks), Karibu (Welcome), Tafadhali (Please) and Ndio (Yes).

For an extended list of the best things to do in Zanzibar for your vacation check out Zanzibar World.

If you are considering a luxury vacation in Zanzibar, you should lodge at and experience some of its best high-end hotels and resorts like the Safira Blue Luxury Resort & Villas (Nungwi), Kilindi Zanzibar (Kendwa), The Palms Zanzibar (Bwejuu), Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar (Bwejuu), Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort (Pongwe), Alma Boutique Hotel (Jambiani), Zuri Zanzibar (Kendwa), Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa – Relais & Chateaux (Paje) and the Mora Zanzibar (Matemwe) [Source].

Recommended Read: The 10 Best Travel Destinations in Africa (Part 1)

Beach Lodges on Zanzibar Island, Tanzania - 10 Best Destinations for a Perfect Luxury Island Vacation
Beach Lodges on Zanzibar Island, Tanzania

7. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands located in the Andaman Sea is a Union Territory of India and it consists of 836 islands grouped into two – the northern Andaman Islands and the southern Nicobar Islands.

This spectacular Indian island destination is a terrific vacation spot in South Asia offering eclectic beaches, clean turquoise waters and buoyant marine life, a snorkelling and diving haven.

The best islands to experience in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are Havelock Island (the largest and the overall best), Neil Island, Ross and Smith Island, North Bay Island, Diglipur Island, Cinque Island, Baratang Island, Red Ski Island and Jolly Bouy Island [External Link].

During your vacation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, you can go on a mangrove kayaking at Mayabunder, travel in a Sea Plane, visit the popular Cellular Jail, hike the island’s forests and hillocks, sight the Barren Island Volcano (the only active volcano in South Asia), take a helicopter tour, parasail, relax on pristine beaches like Wandoor Beach, Corbyns Cove Beach and Chidiatapu Beach, watch dolphins, visit the Forest Museum and experience a luxury yacht cruise.

You should experience any of Andaman and Nicobar Island’s luxury beach resorts like the Silver Sand Beach Resort, Sea Shell Resort & Spa, Havelock, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans, SeaShell Neil, Barefoot at Havelock, Munjoh Ocean Resort, and Havelock Island Beach Resort.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the best destinations in South Asia for a peaceful, relaxing and refreshing luxury vacation or island retreat. This island group promises an unforgettable holiday experience.

Lush Coastal Scene in Havelock, Andaman Islands, India - 10 Best Destinations for a Perfect Luxury Island Vacation
Lush Coastal Scene in Havelock, Andaman Islands, India

8. Greek Islands

A list of the best island vacation spots is not complete without mentioning the enticing Greek islands. With 227 inhabited islands to choose from, Santorini, Crete, Mykonos, Corfu and Skiathos top the list of the best Greek Islands for a luxury getaway [Source].

Greece is characterized by stunning landscapes, sumptuous culinary scenes, exciting beaches, and high-end hospitality. Each of the Greek Islands offers a variety of unique experiences with a taste of local cultures amidst a beautifully bright warm Mediterranean climate.

Santorini, a volcanic island, is one of the most popular Greek Islands known for its spectacular views of the Aegean Sea, white-coloured buildings, and luxury accommodations including hotels and villas. Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and this is where you can taste some authentic Greek culinary flavours. Mykonos is world-known as a celebrities’ haven and for its vibrant nightlife and opulent lifestyle. Corfu is an Ionian Sea island that offers lush greenery, serene turquoise waters and Venetian-styled architecture.

A vacation on the Greek Islands is not complete without a tour or visit to some historic attractions, hiking and biking in Corfu or Kos, relaxing on one or more of its idyllic beaches like the famous Elafonissi Beach in Crete, and snorkelling and diving, especially in Zakynthos and Paros.

Canaves Oia Suites & Spa (Santorini), Aeonic Suites & Spa (Mykonos), Design Hotel Parilio (Paros), Lesante Blu (Zakynthos), Nido (Corfu), Ikos Aria (Kos), Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort (Rhodes), Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort (Kassandra, Halkidiki), and Acro Suites – A Wellbeing Resort (Heraklion, Crete) are some of the best luxury hotels and resorts you can stay on the Greek Islands for memorable 5-Star hospitality [Source].

See Also: The 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Europe

Oia Town, Santorini, Greece - 10 Best Destinations for a Perfect Luxury Island Vacation
Oia Town, Santorini, Greece

9. Seychelles

Seychelles is a pristine and unspoiled island getaway in the Indian Ocean off the East African coast. This Island nation is extraordinarily beautiful in all ramifications, a perfect destination for a luxury island vacation or island getaway.

With long stretches of clean white sand beaches, lush forests, exotic faunas, endemic plants, spectacular tropical reefs and a collection of top-of-the-world luxury private island resorts, Seychelles offers truly unique, idyllic and exclusive experiences to vacationers and guests. Seychelles is a true paradise on Earth.

Consisting of 115 islands with several unpopulated, the Seychelles archipelago is a cultural mix of Creole, French and English. The three (3) main islands of Seychelles are Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.

The capital and largest city of Seychelles is Victoria, it is located on Mahe Island.

You should relax and take in French tropical air on scenic beaches like Anse Source d’Argent (La Digue), Anse Georgette (Praslin), Anse Lazio (Praslin), Anse Intendance (Mahe), Anse Marron (La Digue), Petite Anse (La Digue), Beau Vallon (Mahe), Anse Cocos (La Digue) and West Beach (Bird Island) [Source]. These beaches are serene, unspoiled and refreshing, a requisite for an authentic island vacation.

In Seychelles, you can also do some diving, visit La Digue coconut plantations, walk the Valle de Mai on Praslin Island, experience the North Island, go on some island hopping, explore the capital city, Victoria, watch giant tortoises in the Aldabra atoll and savour some yummy Creole cuisines.

These 5-star luxury hotels and resorts in Seychelles provide some of the best high-end lodging and hospitality services on the island, they include Six Senses Zil Pasyon (Victoria, Mahe), Four Seasons Resort Seychelles (Mahe), Maia Luxury Resort & Spa (Anse Louis), Fregate Island Private Seychelles (Fregate Island), North Island Seychelles (North Island), Constance Lemuria Seychelles (Praslin) and Raffles Praslin (Praslin) [Source].

And as a final take on a luxury vacation in Seychelles, you wouldn’t want to leave Seychelles without sampling some authentic Creole foods!

Recommended Read: The 10 Best Travel Destinations in Africa (Part 2)

Aerial View of Seychelles - 10 Best Destinations for a Perfect Luxury Island Vacation
Aerial View of Seychelles

10. Fiji

For a very peaceful and rejuvenating holiday, head to the Fiji Islands where you can experience world-class hospitality amidst a pristine and lush natural environment. Peace, beaches, culture, opulence and a plethora of fun activities are characteristics of a Fijian vacation.

Part of Oceania in the South Pacific Sea, Fiji is a fascinating island destination consisting of an archipelago with over 330 islands. 110 of these islands are permanently inhabited [Source].

Vacate in class and glamour in Fiji where you can indulge in the pinnacle of luxury travel by arriving at your posh resort by helicopter or seaplane, scuba diving at world-known dive spots such as the Rainbow Reef, Namena Marine Reserve and the Great Sea Reef, experiencing the very best Adult-only luxury resorts, obtaining the finest Fijian Spa treatment, enjoying fine dining at one or more of the island’s high-end restaurants, escaping to an exclusive beach or sand cay, and sailing in luxury on a ritzy yacht around the Fijian islands. Fiji also have world-class Golf Courses for golf lovers.

This tropical paradise has some of the most luxurious hotels and island resorts in the Pacific including the Taveuni Palms Resort, Royal Davui Island, Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Como Laucala Island, Kokomo Private Island Resort, Nanuku Resort & Spa, Club InterContinental, Tokoriki Island Resort, Vomo Island Resort, and Vatuvara Private Islands Resort [External Link].

There is no slightest boring moment on a luxury vacation to Fiji. After engaging in upbeat activities for the day, relax and wind down on one of the most enthralling Fijian beaches like the Natadola Beach (Viti Levu), Monuriki Beach (Monuriki), Seagrass Bay, Castaway Island, Blue Lagoon Beach (Nanuya Lailai), Lavena Beach (Taveuni Island), Malamala Island and the Horseshoe Bay on Matangi Island.

A Fijian luxury vacay will leave you with enduring memories of bliss and natural splendour.

Tropical Overwater Bungalows in Fiji - 10 Best Destinations for a Perfect Luxury Island Vacation
Tropical Overwater Bungalows in Fiji

Recap

To summarize this post, I have presented above the 10 Best Destinations for Luxury Island Vacations and these best island holiday spots or getaways are:

  1. Maldives
  2. The Bahamas
  3. French Polynesia
  4. Balearic Islands, Spain
  5. Italian Islands
  6. Zanzibar Island, Tanzania
  7. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
  8. Greek Islands
  9. Seychelles, and
  10. Fiji

Must Read: Best 10 Bucket List Top Cruise Destinations for the Year

Mykonos, Greece - 10 Best Destinations for a Perfect Luxury Island Vacation
Mykonos, Greece

Conclusion

A Luxury Island Vacation is a great way to escape, reset and refresh from the noise and bustle of the everyday world. The vibes on island getaways are calm, relaxing and refreshing all set within a tranquil environment surrounded by water, pristine coastal beaches and lush green hinterland.

These luxury island escapes are adorned with some of the best island resorts in the world, gourmet restaurants, and recreational facilities.

With various fun activities to indulge in during an island vacation like luxury yacht cruises, helicopter tours, snorkelling, diving, spa treatment, fine dining, and lots more, you should also experience and appreciate the local culture of your vacay island. Taste some local delicacies, shop at some local markets and participate in some local activities or events like festivals or ceremonies.

From the South Asia paradise of Maldives, the Caribbean jewel of Bahamas and the Pacific treasure of Bora Bora to the African gem of Zanzibar in Tanzania and the European marvel of the Balearics and Greek Islands, this post presents the 10 Best Destinations for Luxury Island Vacation, a selective highlight of the best islands from around the world where you can go for your next island vacation or luxury escape.

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