The 16 Best Island Vacations in the World, According to Our Travel Specialists
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It doesn’t matter if you’re planning ahead for a classic summer getaway or want to swap hemispheres to escape your winter blues: The best Island vacations in the world await. Those OOO messages pretty much write themselves when you arrive at your slice of paradise, surrounded by water on all sides.
But how exactly do you start planning your tropical trip? We tapped our network of travel specialists to put together this list of the best island vacations to take this year, ranging from classics in the Caribbean and Mediterranean to relatively undiscovered gems in Scandinavia and French Polynesia. Given the list’s geographical and cultural diversity, you’re sure to find something to fit your specific vacation needs.
Read on for 16 of the best island vacations in the world, chosen by people who plan trips for a living.
Answers have been edited for length and clarity. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- Khoa Nguyen/Getty
Con Dao, Vietnam
Con Dao is often overlooked as a beach destination in Vietnam, and I almost don’t want to share it so it stays that way! Located off the Southern Coast of Vietnam, Con Dao is a smaller island with very little commercial development. With this, the beaches are quiet and the few resort options allow for a special retreat. The beaches are long with soft sand and are great for light water sports like SUP and kayaking—but are just a short kayak away from a beautiful reef for snorkeling. The downtown area has a cute seaside atmosphere with little restaurants, and there are connections to history if you’re interested in exploring more.
Best things to do: Watch the turtles hatch: On the neighboring island, you can head over at night and stay at the ranger station where you will be informed when they spot a mother turtle laying her eggs. If you’re there in August, it’s likely you’ll catch this magical experience. Stay through the morning when the turtle sanctuary supports the release of the hatchlings and watch them find their way to the big blue sea.
If you’re interested in history, I recommend a visit to the Con Dao Prison which was built during the French colonial era and used through the Vietnam-American War.
How to get there: From Saigon, take a commercial flight to the island. The flight is about one hour long and Vietnam Airlines runs multiple flights a day.
—April Cole, COO of Kaanect Travel
- Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort
Lanai, Hawaii
For travelers looking to get off the beaten path, look no further than Hawaii’s smallest inhabited island—Lanai. Only nine miles off the coast of Maui, this quaint island was originally home to pineapple plantations but now offers the perfect mix of rugged adventure and ultra-luxe relaxation. Arrival to the island is an experience in and of itself, whether you take a scenic 30-minute flight from Honolulu or watch for dolphins on a 45-minute ferry from Maui.
On arrival, expect a swift transfer to your hotel, either the ocean-side paradise of the Four Seasons Resort Lanai or the adults-only wellness retreat at the Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort. From there, you can fill your days as you wish, from relaxing on quiet beaches to exploring the island by boat, 4-by-4 Jeeps, or even horseback—though we definitely recommend a quick jaunt through the “bustling” Lanai City, with only three paved roads and no traffic lights.
Best things to do: Go horseback riding along wooded valleys and trails, keeping an eye out for axis deer, turkeys, and sheep. Take a tour of the island (with a packed picnic!), or snorkel in the protected marine reserve of Hulopoe Bay to see tropical fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks. Be sure to also visit Keahiakawelo, Lanai’s “Garden of the Gods,” to see the unique, lunar-like landscapes.
How to get there: Lanai Air offers 30-minute nonstop flights from Honolulu to the island, or you can take a 45-minute ferry over from Lahaina, Maui.
—Samantha Collum, Director of Operations and Senior Travel Advisor at River Oaks Travel
- Xavier Coiffic/Unsplash
Mauritius
Mauritius is a fantastic island destination for honeymooners, couples, friends, families with children, and even solo travelers—really anyone looking for beautiful, warm tropical weather and lots of adventurous things to see and experience. Because of the reef that surrounds most of the island, Mauritius offers calm waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling straight from the shore. The west coast offers the best beaches, the most magical sunsets, and the calmest water conditions. The diving in Mauritius is really enjoyable, with a number of reefs and wrecks to enjoy.
Best things to do: A few of my favorite things to do in Mauritius, aside from scuba diving and sipping cocktails on the beach, would include swimming with dolphins and turtles, full-day catamaran cruises around the island, and snorkeling at reefs off the coast.
How to get there: There are direct commercial flights from South Africa—most days from Johannesburg and seasonally from Cape Town—making it an easy combination with a South Africa safari or Cape Town city experience. There are also direct flights from Nairobi, which makes it easy to combine after an East Africa safari. There are also direct flights from a number of European hubs such as France, London, Frankfurt, etc, as well as Dubai. Flights are directly into Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), and then you will take a taxi/cab, shuttle, or private road transfer to your respective resort, roughly 1-2 hours from the airport.
—Ashley Gerrand, Africa Safari Expert at Go2Africa
- Pelayo Arbués/Unsplash
Mallorca, Spain
The Balearic Islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and Mallorca, which is the third largest island in Spain, is once again on the rise, receiving quality tourism. There are many reasons to visit Mallorca, such as the beauty of the natural environment and the culture that has been preserved there for centuries. Mallorca is as much for those who seek rest as for those who like adventure or history—a very complete island that brings together nature, incredible beaches and coves, city sightseeing, gastronomy, and cultural options.
Best things to do: Mallorca is known for its wide variety of landscapes and coastlines with impressive cliffs. On your visit, you cannot miss the Serra de Tramuntana region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the northwest of the island, where there are some of the most beautiful Majorcan villages such as Valldemossa, Deià, Sóller, and Fornalutx. You can sail, paint a picture by the coast, visit a winery and taste its wines, and meet locals while staying in this area for a few days.
How to get there: You can take a direct flight from Barcelona, Madrid, and other cities in Europe, or you can take a ferry from Barcelona or Valencia.
—Pablo Calvo, Spain Manager at Tours For You
- Chelsea Chehade/Unsplash
Koh Samui, Thailand
No Thailand trip is complete without a stay on one of the country’s islands, since they boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Koh Samui is particularly wonderful as it offers a nice blend of gorgeous beaches, an array of fantastic resorts, and easy exploration on your own. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui does everything right and is a reason to visit alone—it offers well-appointed rooms with beautiful views, beyond exceptional service, fun activities for all ages (try Muay Thai boxing with a former pro in Four Seasons’ own boxing ring with tropical views), a wonderful spa, and delicious food.
Best things to do: Spend a few hours (preferably at sunset) sailing around Koh Samui and nearby islands with Blue Voyage. Their exceptional yachts and staff will ensure you have a fabulous time while marveling at the scenery. Experience even more of the beauty of Thailand’s islands by stopping for a picnic on a secluded, private beach.
How to get there: Koh Samui is one of the easiest Thailand islands to reach as you can take a 1-hour flight from Bangkok or a 2-hour flight from Singapore. If you are exploring Northern Thailand prior to visiting the islands, you can take a 1-hour 45-minute flight from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui.
—Tisha Neufville, Luxury Travel Advisor at Neufville Travel
- Bannon Morrissy/Unsplash
Vancouver Island, Canada
Vancouver Island is home to the charming small city of Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, known in particular for its British influence and flower gardens (including the famous Butchart Gardens about 30 minutes from the city). Many people don’t realize, however, that Victoria is at the southern tip of the island and that the island is nearly 300 miles long. There’s far more to Vancouver Island than Victoria. One of my favorite places on the island is Tofino, a small town on the far west coast about halfway up the island that’s a great destination for outdoor adventures with fantastic food and lodging.
Best things to do: Whale watching for orcas from Victoria, and for gray whales and humpbacks from Tofino. There’s also bear watching (black bears from Tofino and brown bears/grizzlies from the Campbell River area on the northeast part of the island).
How to get there: Take a flight from Vancouver or Seattle depending on the part of Vancouver Island you’re going to, or by ferry from Vancouver or Port Angeles Washington.
—Sheri Doyle, Owner of Pacific Northwest Journeys
- Nikada/Getty
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a really special island off the coast of Tanzania, known as Spice Island (and where Freddie Mercury was born). It is rich in history and culture, and it offers beautiful white sandy beaches and warm tropical weather. There are parts of the island that are quite tidal, meaning that the ocean goes out far for a period of the day, making it a great time to explore the animal life left behind in the rock pools. If you want to avoid the tides, the north coast is the least affected and has the best beaches. There is also a really stunning resort off the coast of Zanzibar called Mnemba Island, which is home to Mnemba Island Lodge, a very exclusive resort, and has some of the best diving nearby.
Best things to do: Stone Town tours and rooftop dinners, swimming with turtles, sunset show cruises, exploring Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park, and diving.
How to get there: There are direct flights from Nairobi and Tanzania, as well as some European countries and Dubai. Flights go directly into Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), and then you will take a taxi, shuttle, or private road transfer to your respective resort, roughly 1-2 hours from the airport.
—Ashley Gerrand, Africa Safari Expert at Go2Africa
- Nabil Naidu/Unsplash
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Of the 572 islands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands territory, only 38 are inhabited and 26 open to visitors—and for decades, the atoll’s remoteness and lack of infrastructure, but abundance of coral reefs, have attracted serious divers, adventurous backpackers, and intrepid A-listers like Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet.
Still, hundreds of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are completely unpopulated. Its remoteness was once its purpose: For decades, the British used the Andaman Islands (namely Port Blair) as an inescapable prison for freedom fighters up until independence. Today, visitors can find white sand beaches (including Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island, regularly named one of Asia’s best), mangroves, and lush tropical rainforests.
Best things to do: Named after the jagged, black rocks strewn along the coastline, Kalapathar Beach offers an isolated destination for trekking amongst exposed root tangles of 100-year-old trees and aged driftwood carved into captivating designs by the aftereffects of a tsunami, creating a unique, moorish landscape dotted with shells. After the trek, the Kalapathar lagoon just before Butler Bay offers a beautiful secluded spot for swimming and great ocean views through a cave in the cliff face.
In the capital city of Port Blair, Cellular Jail is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and tourism mascot. A former British prison, Cellular Jail National was something like a holy place for the freedom fighters, who exchanged books, ideas, and debates despite walls and wardens. The Light and Sound Show in the evening is a must-see.
How to get there: Fly into the main airport at Port Blair, which is well-connected on a non-stop service stop from Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata. (Note: If you were to fly out of Mumbai, the best course is to fly into Kolkata first and take a connecting flight to Port Blair.) From Port Blair Airport, it’s a 20-minute drive to the Ferry Terminal and a 90-minute ferry ride to Havelock Island.
—Sunita J. Hedau, Founder & Luxury Travel Advisor/Wellness Travel Expert at Kora Journeys Powered by Frosch
- Peter Phipp/Getty
Nevis
So often I hear people talk about how Caribbean islands are devoid of history. They most certainly are not—and thankfully, much of its complicated history is starting to be talked about and will hopefully pave the way for more concerted historical landmarks in the future. But while many islands have focused more on blue water and white sand than their historical pasts, Nevis provides the cultural richness some travelers are looking for, with its restaurants and colorful past as a once-bustling Caribbean hub. (If you’re reading this and don't already know Alexander Hamilton was born here, you’re likely in the minority.)
It’s the Goldilocks of the Caribbean: easy to get to (see below), but still enough of a trip to keep the nonstop-flight-only masses away. It has beautiful beaches, while offering a safe environment to eat in off-property restaurants and explore the island outside of the resort. It feels off the beaten path, yet is home to true luxury resorts and charming hotels. (While Nisbet Plantation closed permanently during the pandemic, the Golden Rock Inn is another boutique gem, and the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Nevis offers activities for everyone.)
Best things to do: Take a historical tour by taxi around the island—there are several taxi driver-guides that do this, and they will become your best friends over the course of the morning! (Your hotel concierge can help set this up.) Explore the jungle (and Nevis’s voluminous monkey population) in an ATV tour, or charter a sailboat for the day to explore the wildlife by water and experience some of the Caribbean’s famous winds.
How to get there: Nonstop flights fly in season from most East Coast hubs to St. Kitts. After that, a short taxi ride will take you to the water taxi, which typically arrives on Nevis in less than 10 minutes.
—Louisa Gehring, Luxury Travel Expert
- Matteo Colombo/Getty
Tikehau, French Polynesia
Tikehau is a hidden gem within French Polynesia. Its remoteness means you’ll be close to nature and raw, undisturbed beaches—think crystal clear waters with an abundance of fish and coral reefs, which you can enjoy from an overwater bungalow. Pristine, beautiful pink sand beaches make it ideal for enjoying the sun or watching the perfect sunsets. Book a stay at Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts (highly recommended), where the pastry chef has mastered French cuisine, from perfect croissants to preparing fish you caught earlier that day.
Best things to do: Snorkeling and diving are the focus here, given the vast number of fish, untouched corals, and vibrant clams, along with the chance to swim amongst the sharks. Another popular activity is kayaking around the atoll into small bays to explore.
How to get there: From the U.S., fly to Papeete on the island of Tahiti; from there, use the inter-island flights through Air Tahiti. This may require an overnight stay before catching a flight to Tikehau, followed by a short boat ride to your resort of choice.
—Erika Commisso, Travel Advisor at Journey with Erika
- Simon Berger/Unsplash
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
People visit the Galápagos Islands mostly for the incredible wildlife viewing, including endemic species such as the blue-footed boobie, Galápagos penguin, marine iguanas, flamingos, sea lions, and many more. The Galápagos marine reserve is one of the largest and most bio-diverse in the world, making for exceptional diving and snorkeling. This unique archipelago was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 and consists of 18 islands and more than 100 small islets, located approximately 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean.
Best things to do: There is so much to explore in the Galápagos Islands, especially for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. The best way to see the Galápagos is via sea, visiting all of the diverse islands in the archipelago. Hiking Isla Bartolome will feel like you landed on Mars. This volcanic moonscape is home to Galápagos hawks, blue-footed boobies, and lava lizards. You can also snorkel among sea lions, flightless cormorants, sea turtles, and—our favorite—the Galápagos penguins.
Visit Floreana’s Post Office Bay to participate in a tradition dating back to the 1800s where sailors would leave mail to be retrieved and delivered by another sailor passing through. Today you can do the same by leaving your own postcard and retrieving another postcard for delivery back home. Another exciting adventure is visiting the Highlands of Santa Cruz, where you will experience the high-altitude microclimates where the giant tortoise lives before preparing for their long migration to the shorelines.
How to get there: There are no direct flights into the Galápagos from U.S. or Europe. You’ll need to fly from mainland Ecuador—either Quito (UIO) or Guayaquil (GYE)—to the islands. Most people fly into San Cristóbal Airport (SCY) or Seymour Airport (GPS), which serves the island of Baltra and connects to Santa Cruz via water taxi.
—Dawn Oliver, Founder/Travel Advisor at Well Xplored, An Affiliate of Embark Beyond
- Westend61/Getty
Vega Island, Norway
Vega Island is located a few miles south of the Arctic Circle, just off the coast of Helgeland in Norway. You should visit because of its amazing natural beauty, wildlife, wide variety of cool activities, and unique cultural heritage. Vega is part of an unbelievably large archipelago with thousands of small islands, and it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004.
Best things to do: Sea-kayaking, fishing, hiking, and visiting the unique island community that produces pillows and duvets from the down given by wild eider ducks.
How to get there: First you fly from Oslo to Brønnøysund Airport at Helgeland. From there, you drive to Horn and take a car ferry to Vega.
—Jan Sortland, Owner & General Manager of Norwegian Adventures
- Martin Zangerl/Unsplash
Big Island, Hawaii
The island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, offers a staggering amount of diversity in one destination, making it perfect for travelers that want to have a wide range of experiences. Relax on the white sands of Hapuna Bay or marvel at the jet-black hue of Punalu’u Beach. Feel the heat off the Kilauea Volcano or bundle up to summit snow-capped Mauna Kea. Go off the grid and hike the lush valleys of the Hilo coast or head to the well-known coffee plantations outside of Kona. No matter your interest, there’s an activity to suit your style on the Big Island.
Best things to do: Go snorkeling (or diving) at night with the manta rays, swim in waterfalls in North Kohala, or stargaze at the top of Mauna Kea—one of the best places for stargazing in the world. Also visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see the lava tubes, volcanic formations, and steam vents.
How to get there: Flights from the continental U.S. can go directly into Kona, or take a 45-minute flight over from Honolulu.
—Samantha Collum, Director of Operations and Senior Travel Advisor at River Oaks Travel
- Dylan Shaw/Unsplash
Lord Howe Island, Australia
This tiny World Heritage-listed island (just over 5 miles long and less than 1 mile at its widest part) packs a real punch, offering a spectacular diversity of landscapes and activities: two towering mountains to hike and dozens of beaches to explore (from the tranquil sheltered lagoon to the uncrowded waves of Blinky’s surf beach), lush rainforests home to spectacular birdlife, and turquoise waters teeming with vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs. Lord Howe Island’s natural treasures and adventures are complemented by a collection of luxury stays and a laidback Australian coastal lifestyle that invites indulgence and relaxation—but only for an in-the-know privileged few. The island has a cap of just 400 visitors (and a permanent population of less than that) at any one time. Paradise found!
Best things to do: While the temptation may be to simply slip into the private plunge pool on the balcony of your luxury lodge accommodation or lose yourself in the pages of a good book in the shade of the kentia palms at your private island house, visitors to Lord Howe Island are spoiled for choice with activities that explore the island’s many natural treasures: snorkeling or scuba diving, hiking or biking (the island’s main mode of transport), swimming or surfing, SUP-ing, kayaking, golfing, stargazing, birdwatching, or fishing—just to kick off the list. Visitors should not miss the opportunity to hand-feed the fish at Ned’s Beach, scout for turtles at Settlement Beach, picnic on a secluded beach, or mingle with the locals at a “fish fry.”
How to get there: Located approximately 435 miles northwest of Sydney, daily direct scheduled flights from Sydney are the easiest way to access the island (less than a 2-hour flight time). Private charter flights can also be arranged.
—Stuart Rigg, Owner/Director of Southern Crossings
- Courtesy Discover Dominica Authority
Dominica
Thanks to easy air access, St. Lucia has long been known as the lush, adventurous capital of the Caribbean. But Dominica provides the same connection with nature, with a slightly more undiscovered slant. The “Nature Island” isn’t for people who want to walk for miles on white, sandy beaches—as a volcanic island, many of the beaches have a darker hue. The tradeoff of islands with powdery beaches for miles is that often there is a risk of being bored on the beach—not here!
Best things to do: Incorporate a series of hikes into your trip—there are many trails from easy to strenuous with incredible views, often with the gift of a waterfall. Dominica is also a great place for snorkeling and scuba diving. If you’re not certified, you can take your classwork prior to your vacation and complete your certifications on the island. Champagne Reef is a favorite—it gets its name from the bubbling waters that come up from the underwater thermal springs.
How to get there: For years (COVID didn’t help) it was quite difficult to get to Dominica in one day from the U.S., but starting in early April, there will be a direct American Airlines flight from Miami daily, which opens up this island to a host of new adventurers.
—Louisa Gehring, Luxury Travel Expert
- Op23/Unsplash
Crete, Greece
Crete has the best of everything: pink sand beaches, ancient history, natural beauty, and charming harbor towns. It is the largest and most southern island of Greece, so the weather and water are warmer before and after the summer season. Crete has maintained its own identity. It has a different cuisine, dialect, and traditions. It is one of my favorite places in the world.
Best things to do: The charming harbor town of Rethymnon is a medieval walled city full of interesting handicraft shops and traditional restaurants. AVLI is a boutique property consisting of several apartments that have been converted into a hotel. There is also a natural food store in the hotel that offers several types of olive oil and honey raki. The restaurant is a courtyard with 10 tables offering the freshest ingredients and cooking classes by the owner of AVLI, Katina.
You can drive to Crete’s other must-visit sites in under two hours. Visit the uninhabited island of Spinalonga, the pink sand beach of Elafonisi, the Cove of Balos, and the Samaria Gorge—one of the deepest and longest canyons in Europe.
How to get there: Take a direct flight to Crete from Athens, or take the year-round ferry from Piraeus or the seasonal, summer ferry from Santorini.
—Ronnie Liadis, Travel Specialist at Liadis Travel