Today is all about beautiful, exotic places in this planet.
The world is such a beautiful place and the definition of exotic is obviously subject to each one of us and to what appeals to our taste.
In this list I am going through some of the most idyllic and exotic islands in the world, some of those paradise-like places that we all dream of exploring one day.
Picking your holiday destination can be difficult, because of the countless choices available, but islands are often a great choice, whether you are simply looking for a beach escape or trying to find that perfect location for a destination wedding, a honeymoon or that special celebration.
Scenery, landscapes, stunning beaches, privacy, warmth and unforgettable places are just some of the reasons why, if you have the chance, you should put these destinations on your bucket list.
Here’s some inspiration for your next dream getaway:
Maldives – Indian Ocean
Stunning white-sand beaches, fringed by palm trees and unrivalled luxury spanned across the shores, complemented by an astonishing underwater world, make Maldives the perfect option for a holiday of a lifetime, whether you just want to relax on the beach or explore the wonders of the underwater world. You can enjoy your stay at magnificent properties or look for a more local vibe on one of the less explored islands. For sure it will be a memorable experience.
Mauritius – Indian Ocean
Mauritius is famed for its sapphire waters, powder-white beaches and luxury resorts. But there’s so much more attraction to Mauritius than just the beach. It is a fabulous culinary destination with great wildlife, different cultures and quiet fishing villages. It’s the perfect destination if you look for some place with exotic vibes, good beaches and also something to explore.
Seychelles and Reunion – Indian Ocean
They are very close to each other and are easily accessible from one another. Seychelles is the true definition of paradise. Exquisite strands of sand lapped by turquoise waters and backed by lush hills, palm trees and spread along the Indian Ocean. Mahé is the largest and the busiest island, whilst Praslin and La Digue are a short boat ride away.
La Réunion is probably the most diverse of the Indian Ocean islands. Expect imposing mountains, lush forests, tumbling waterfalls, breath-taking panoramas, bustling coastal cities and a sprinkling of white- or black-sand beaches – not to mention one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes. Simply Marvellous.
Turks & Caicos – Caribbean Sea
This very little populated string of low sand cays boasts some of the world's most spectacular coral reefs and beaches and has turn itself into a true luxury-dream holiday destination with its easy going lifestyle, cultural vibes and surreal diving. Still not so much on the route of the mass tourism, is perfect for a romantic getaway or a secluded vacation.
Bali – Southeast Asia
With more than 17000 islands and 300 ethnicities, is hard to beat Indonesia when it comes to countless experiences and adventures. Bali is the most visited destination in Indonesia and also the most exotic in my eyes with its glorious white-sand beaches, dense jungles and volcanic landscapes so abundant and diverse that you could spend a large months exploring Bali’s treasures and still discover something new on each time.
Fiji Islands – South Pacific Ocean
Right in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, the Fiji Islands allow you to discover pristine white-sand beaches, breath-taking leafy landscapes and a wonderfully diverse culture spanning indigenous, Indian, European and Chinese heritage. On top of that, the Fijians are some of the friendliest people you will meet.
Cook Islands – South Pacific Ocean
Remaining quite unexplored until these days, The Cook Islands are a paradise for the lovers, proportioning truly romantic holidays. Enjoy the pristine powdery sands, turquoise waters and wide-ranging water sports both in volcanic Rarotonga, the largest of all the islands, and coral fringed Aitutaki, whose vast azure lagoon makes for a stunning sights.
Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao – Caribbean sea
Often called the ABC islands, these have options for all types of holiday makers.
Aruba is all about sun, fun and shopping. Miles of glorious white-sand beach, a wide range of all-inclusive resorts, and a picturesque capital, Oranjestad, which is well suited to the short strolls of cruise-ship passengers interested in breathing the Caribbean sea breeze or shop for some bargains.
Curaçao is the little Europe in the Caribbean with all its Dutch influences, colonial architecture, culinary delights and museums. but the main attractive is the hidden beaches, wondrous caves, unique snorkelling and diving spots, and a wild, undeveloped coast.
Bonaire is an island blessed with an unsurpassed natural beauty. From the depths of its pristine waters to the height of the tallest peak, Brandaris, you will feel Bonaire's magic wash over you from the moment you arrive and throughout the days as you become attuned to Bonaire's unhurried pace.
The Bahamas – Atlantic Ocean
Counting more than 700 tropical islands and 2400 cays, Florida´s neighbour archipelago can very well be your perfect destination. From the bustling Nassau to the vast mangroves of Andros, there's an astonishing array of beaches, reefs, forests and historic towns to be discovered.
Zanzibar – Africa
Zanzibar has everything to be a dream destination. Whether you want to spend your days lazing around in the white sand beaches or engaging with the local masais and exploring the old Stone Town. Is also the perfect combination for a safari adventure at the neighbour Serengeti National Park in Tanzania mainland, or even a Masai Mara trip in Kenya. Fascinating above all.
Hawaii – North Pacific Ocean
The Hawaiian Islands own some of the most spectacularly beautiful scenery on earth with their fiery volcanoes, palm-fringed sugary beaches, lush valleys, colourful rainbows and awesome cliffs. It’s easy to see why Hawaii is synonym of Paradise.
Okinawa – East China Sea / Pacific Ocean
Surrounded by the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean, the 160 large and small islands that make up the Okinawan Islands are divided into archipelagos such as the Miyako Islands and Yaeyama Islands. Some of these isles are semitropical, far removed from the concerns of mainland life, where the slow pace and unique cultural heritage of the former Ryūkyū kingdom endures, offering a vibrant contrast to Japan's obsession with modernity and technology.
French Polynesia – South Pacific Ocean
Seen by many as the most exotic and tropical of the destinations, the French Polynesia has made its fans daydream for centuries. Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea and Tetiaroa are all special in each way with its sugar-white beaches, crystal clear ocean, kaleidoscopic lagoons and lush, unspoilt jungle.
Jamaica – Caribbean Sea
Jamaica is synonym of reggae, rhythm, fun, good food, sandy beaches, lush nature and a holiday to remember. Make sure to explore beyond the all-inclusive and let it bewitch you with its Caribbean flair and laid-back vibe.
Sardinia – Italy
The most beautiful of the Italian islands is full of enchantment. Sardinia captivates with its wild hinterland, out-of-this-world beaches and endearing eccentricities. Here, the coast thrills those who wander, prehistory puzzles and four million sheep rule the roads.
Madagascar – Africa
Home to lemurs, baobabs, rainforest and deserts, Madagascar is the perfect pick to all nature lovers. It counts with an exquisite wildlife and singular biodiversity. The fauna and flora is matched by epic landscapes and the culture is a result of the migration waves throughout the times.
Santorini – Greece
All Greek islands are special and have its kind of magical atmosphere. However, Santorini is, in my opinion, a bit more “romantic” and exotic. The aura, the beaches, the cuisine, the landscape, the sunset, all make for a beautiful holiday. Crete, Mykonos and Paros also have a very unique atmosphere.
Palau Island – Pacific Ocean
It's hard not to be overwhelmed by the extraordinary array of natural wonders in the tiny Palau Island. This is an archipelago of about 200 largely pristine limestone and volcanic islands, covered with a lush emerald forest and surrounded by a shimmering turquoise lagoon will outstand you with its biodiversity and rich marine life. Unsurprisingly, diving is the number-one activity here, with truly world-class dive sites.
Vanuatu – Pacific Ocean
Deserted beaches, ancient culture, remote and rugged islands and world-class diving sites are just a small part of the many attractions this 80-plus island archipelago has to offer. Vanuatu is a Pacific island adventure far beyond any notions of cruise-ship ports and flashy resorts.
Saint Lucia – Caribbean
Privileged with a beautiful landscape and a cultural heritage like no other, St. Lucia does not hold back in sharing its attributes with its visitors. Well known for its luxury resorts, the lazy days in Rodney Bay contrast with the old plantations, hidden beaches, the photogenic Pitons and the vibrancy of Soufrière in the South.
Cayman Islands – Caribbean
Whilst the Cayman Islands are mainly visited by cruise passengers ready to shop, sunbath or swim with the well-known stingrays, many others chose this islands for its natural beauty and marine life or for a well-deserved rest & relax holiday on an all-inclusive resort in one of the most spectacular of the Caribbean islands. All in all, it can meet very diverse holiday expectations.
Antigua – Caribbean
Colourful Caribbean lifestyle, palm trees shading powdery-soft white beaches leading to a pristine sea and necklaces of coral reefs teaming with brilliant tropical fish, make this idyllic island everything you want in a Caribbean Island Escape.
Barbados – Caribbean
Famous for its amazing beaches, white powdery sands and crystal-clear turquoise bays, Barbados has much more to offer than just this. The locals are welcoming, the gastronomy will make you carve for more, the nightlife is vibrant and the capital - Bridgetown, is a UNESCO World Heritage listed cultural capital.
The Philippines – Asia
From rugged volcanic landscapes and verdant mountains covered with tiered rice paddies, to sprawling megacities, charming villages and fantastic beaches, Philippines have it all, spread across its 7500 islands. But the best about this country is its Spanish influenced culture and the happy, smiling locals that make all the difference.
The Perhentian Islands – Malaysia
These islands are the place where barefoot living is easily embraced and all concept of time is quickly lost, where you can fill your days with adventure, be it exploring the jungle, diving a sunken wreck or kayaking between secluded coves, or let the hours slip away in a state of blissful relaxation doing nothing more than drifting between powdery white sand and the calm crystal waters that wrap around the islands.
Koh Samui – Thailand
From the hustle and bustle of Chaweng Beach to the lively, yet relaxed atmosphere of Lamai Beach, from the timeless feel of Bophut's Fisherman's Village, to the tropical beach paradise of Maenam, Koh Samui is unique among Thailand's islands in maintaining a broad appeal for everyone. It has a very proper and unique atmosphere.
Fernando de Noronha – Brazil
The 21 island Fernando de Noronha archipelago, located in the Atlantic, between Recife and Natal, has a unique natural beauty not comparable to any tropical place in the world. With crystal-clear waters, rich marine life – including the highest known concentration of resident dolphins in the world – and spectacular tropical landscapes, it’s in a Brazilian jewel that many wish to explore.
Islas del Rosario – Colombia
35km southwest of Cartagena, the Islas del Rosario consist of 27 small coral islands, where the colour of the sea is an incredible combination of cerulean and turquoise. The whole area has been declared a national park, but sadly, warm-water currents have eroded the reefs, and the diving isn't as good as it once was. But water sports are still popular, and the two largest islands, Isla Grande and Isla del Rosario, have inland lagoons and some tourist facilities, such as hotels and a resort.
Borneo – Malaysia
Typically associated to the Orangutans, Borneo has some of the world's most wildlife-rich equatorial rainforests, incredible landscapes and rich indigenous culture. On top of that the little villages call for a stroll, whilst the coast in Kota Kinabalu invites for a beach holiday.
Saint Vincent and The Grenadines – Caribbean
With white-sand beaches on deserted islands, crystal-clear waters gently washing the shores and barely a soul around to disturb your peace, these islands, in the heart of the Caribbean, call forth to the picture-perfect exotic destination vibes.
Many more could be reported in this list, but certainly these ones will delight those who explore them, no matter what kind of holiday they have in mind.
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