Of all the places in the world, one thing which catches the imagination of many travelers is the endless beauty of a tropical island. The infinite views of the sea on the horizon, crystal clear water, blue skies, pristine sand beaches and the soothing greenery make it feel like a paradise on earth. Whether you want to experience an adrenaline rush, explore a rugged landscape or just laze on a beautiful beach, an island vacation will give you an all-round enthralling experience. If you are looking for inspiration for your next island holiday, here is a list of 9 unique and beautiful islands that every traveler should visit.
⦁ Kokomo, Kuanidup & the Kuna Yala: The San Blas Islands, Panama
If you have ever fantasized about being on a deserted island and want to live up to this image, then the San Blas Islands are perfect for you. One of the most underrated destinations of Panama, The San Blas Islands are still pretty out of the central area when it comes to tourism. Run by the indigenous Kuna, the Archipelago de San Blas is part of the Comarca de Kuna Yala. The autonomous region is a narrow 140-mile stretch of Caribbean coastline with almost 400 tiny palm-lined islands just offshore. An island for each day of the year, they like to say
As the islands are fully run by the natives, you can experience its untouched nature and raw culture. The island is also popular for sailing and boat tours and has several beautiful locations for water activities such as diving and snorkeling.
If you are looking for a unique island getaway where you feel like you’re getting to know the local culture as well, then you will love visiting San Blas. You can find accommodation at San Blas Islands for as low as $20 – $30 a night.
⦁ Corn Island, Nicaragua
The Corn Islands are a viable Caribbean island destination for budget backpackers. Called las Islas del Maíz in Spanish, they are two islands off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua in Central America. The Corn Islands consist of the Big Corn Island (Isla Grande del Maíz; often simply referred to as Corn Island; Isla del Maíz) and Little Corn Island (Isla Pequeña del Maíz).
These small islands off the coast of Nicaragua are an underrated Caribbean paradise. Big Corn Island has stunning beaches, plenty of diving and snorkelling and loads of laid-back bars and restaurants. Just don’t expect anything too fancy as life is also a lot simpler on the Corns.
This means that everybody can go out and discover their own slice of paradise for the afternoon while having laid back little restaurants and bars where you can down some very cheap drinks and eat fresh fish and lobster. Price range from $12/night up for a double room, staying under budget.
One of the most luxurious escapes there is Yemaya Island Hideaway, a collection of eco-lodge-style rooms opening onto a glorious stretch of beachfront, where hammocks swing between the palm trees and tiny fishing boats bob in the distance. A four night stay in an ocean front room at Yemaya Island Hideaway starts at $350 per person.
Be sure to look up at the blanket of stars and visit Masaya Volcano.
⦁ Fitzroy Island, Queensland, Australia
Fitzroy Island is a tropical paradise of rainforest and beaches within the calm sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland. 97% of the island is National Park freely accessible to the public. The gentle, hilly terrain inland makes for great walking throughout the whole island, including to the two main beaches, Welcome Bay and Nudey Beach.
The island has only one resort, an affordable 4 star that offers a range of contemporary accommodation including suites, beach cabins and studios, from $300 for 3 nights.
Discover Fitzroy Island’s peaks, valleys, rainforests, vibrant coral beaches, crystal clear springs, forest birds, and wildlife; and dreamlike sunrise and sunset views.
⦁ Turks and Caicos Islands
Surrender to an oasis of harmony on this private island estate encircled by the alluring crystal clear waters of Turks & Caicos Islands with immaculate beaches, coral reef rich in aquatic life, and an array of small cays. Emerald Cay is an unparalleled mansion ideally situated on a private island paradise, adjoined to the mainland by its own private swing bridge. Built and designed for the privileged, this showpiece provides a luxurious island style experience. The home’s west facing position captures soothing sounds of the sea, flowing natural light and gorgeous sunset views.
Parrot Cay Resort by Como is a top luxury Caribbean resort on a private island in Turks & Caicos, that can only be reached by private boat.
⦁ Moorea, French Polynesia
Formed when half of a monolithic volcano crumbled to the blue-green sea, Moorea is an achingly exquisite heart-shaped island that is simply paradise found. The island of Moorea is one of the places you could visit on your tailor-made travel to French Polynesia. It is the perfect base camp for snorkelers and scuba divers seeking to come face-to-face with the diversity of life that darts among the coral. Non-swimmers can enjoy the same parade of astounding creatures from the dry perch of a glass-bottomed boat and the colorful mix of marine life.
Here are a couple of reasons why Moorea is better than Bora Bora as the best island to visit in French Polynesia.
It’s easier and cheaper to get to Moorea. Getting to Bora Bora requires an additional flight from Papeete. Conversely, getting to Moorea is as easy as a 30-minute inexpensive ferry ride. No luggage limit required.
Moorea has the same great resorts, but cheaper compared to French Polynesia resorts price tag and fewer tourists. A coveted overwater bungalow can be found for less than $1,000 a night on Moorea. Compared to Bora Bora, where the price range is $1,500+ per night for similar accommodation.
⦁ Laucala Island private getaway, Fiji
Set upon 3,500 exclusive acres on its own island in the archipelago of Fiji, Laucala Island brings a new meaning to the term “all-inclusive resort.” A private island resort, Laucala Island is set amidst coconut plantations, sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, rich green mountains and spectacular natural beauty, often drawing comparisons as a genuine Garden of Eden. The resort offers 25 Fijian villas carved into the volcanic cliffs as well as the freedom to experience a variety of activities, ranging from golf to water sports to beachside horseback riding and more. The resort prides itself on an integral philosophy, incorporating elements of the entire island into each guest’s experience, and offering products and ingredients raised and grown on the island. The room price range at Laucala Island per night start from $3,600.
But Fiji is also a destination for moderate budgets too because this tropical paradise consists of over 300 islands. For example, the Mamanuca Islands are a cheap ferry ride from Fiji’s main island and airport, while Castaway Island offers the chance to stay on a private island without the expensive budget of Laucala. Hiking, snorkeling, and sunbathing on pristine sand are all part of the package here.
⦁ Dominica, Caribbean
A hilly Caribbean island nation, Dominica is truly nature’s playground. The island is home to some of the most dramatic peaks, rugged landscapes, adventure-filled terrain, amazing ravines, epic waterfalls, black sand beaches and enchanted rainforests in the world.
Whether you want to relax on the beach, go eco-trekking, explore the pristine coral reefs or get a first-hand experience of the authentic culture and unique history of this country, you will get plenty of options to replenish your passions.
⦁ Matinloc Island, Palawan
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. Blessed with Palawan’s beautiful natural sceneries is Matinloc Island. Home to some of Bacuit Bay’s most famous tourist attractions such as Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, and Hidden Beach, Matinloc Island is a must on anyone’s first trip to El Nido
The covert beaches are concealed by El Nido’s iconic limestone formations and Matinloc Shrine offers some of the best panoramic views in the Philippines. The average room price range at Matinloc Island per night is $400.
⦁ Menorca, Spain
As the first place in Spain to see the sunrise, Menorca is like the country’s ambassador to the morning. Beaches here are beautiful and, surprisingly, relatively empty. The jewel-coloured water is a magnet for waterskiers, windsurfers and sailors. Playa De Binigaus beach is perfect for families, while Cala Mitjana is an idyllic spot for romance. Head to the town of Alaoir to nibble on some fresh local cheese or turn back time in the charming fishing village of Fornells
The easternmost Balearic island moves to its own mellow beat. Its twinset of sea-splashed cities, eastern Anglo-Spanish Maó and western maze-like Ciutadella, are delightfully low-key and distinctive, and the white- and golden-sand bays that stud its 216km coastline are among the loveliest in the Mediterranean. Inland, the island remains distinctly rural, with an estimated 70,000km of dry-stone walls criss-crossing fields and rolling hills between whitewashed villages.
We only listed a few of the many beautiful islands in the world that offer a range from idyllic beaches and thriving coral reefs to fantastic hotels and resorts. Plenty more like St. Lucia, Ko Phi Phi Don, Kefalonia, Sardinia, Mahee Islands can be discovered and added to your trip.
No matter the vacation style you are looking for, you’ll find plenty of idyllic stays with Scansearchtravel.com, from family hotels to resorts, and all-inclusives comparing your choices at once.
