Taking a beach vacation is the ultimate way to relax and destress. Whether you’re traveling with your family or exploring with friends, tropical islands offer a great escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
With hundreds of different islands around the world, selecting which one to visit for a beach vacation can be overwhelming.
Our guest editors have created a list of the top 10 tropical islands that you shouldn’t miss for your beach vacation. We have selected our favorites from around the world and will provide recommendations about the best hotels and resorts to ensure that you have a great time.
1. Langkawi
Langkawi, located in Malaysia, is an archipelago of 99 islands offering stunning beaches and luxurious hotels perfect for a beach vacation. Set in the Andaman Sea, the island serves as an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
With many popular beaches, such as Pantai Cenang, Tanjung Rhu, and Datai Bay, there is no shortage of places to explore. For great views and a bit of adventure, visitors can also take a cable car ride up to the Langkawi Sky Bridge!
Furthermore, the area is also known for its rich cultural history, making it an ideal destination to relax in and even learn about the local culture!
Four Seasons Resort Langkawi
The best and most luxurious hotel on the island is the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi. It has a mile-long private beach, and multiple outdoor pools, and is surrounded by landscaped gardens and lush forests.
Ikano Ikan offers Malaysian and Asian cuisines with a view of the Andaman Sea, while Serai serves Mediterranean dishes. The Kelapa Grill serves wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood. For evening cocktails, Rhu Bar offers a wide selection of beers and wines.
PARKROYAL Langkawi Resort
The PARKROYAL Langkawi Resort is another super-luxurious option for visitors looking to enjoy a beach vacation. The hotel offers guests stunning views of the Andaman Sea, as well as easy access to some of Malaysia’s most popular beaches.
The resort offers many luxurious amenities and services, such as a spacious outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and even a kids’ club!
2. Bali
Among some of the most popular islands for a beach vacation, Bali, an Indonesian paradise, is renowned for its white-sand beaches and lush jungles.
Uluwatu, Padang Padang, and Dreamland are some of the most popular beaches on the island and should be on your bucket list when you are there.
If you’re in Bali, chances are you’ll want to unwind by visiting beach clubs like La Brisa and Finn’s Beach Club. They have gorgeous surroundings, delicious food, and exceptional drinks!
Louka Beach Bali
The Louka Beach Bali is a 5-star hotel that offers the perfect combination of luxury and relaxation. Located right on the beach, guests can enjoy stunning views of the ocean and direct access to the sand and sea. The hotel also has its own stretch of private beach where visitors can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city!
Sampatti Villas
For travelers looking for something more intimate, the Sampatti Villas Seminyak is ideal. This boutique hotel offers guests a selection of private villas and suites located in the heart of Seminyak, within walking distance of some of the area’s best restaurants and nightlife.
With a private, saltwater pool, sun loungers, and 24-hour room service, the Sampatti Villas Seminyak is the perfect place if luxury and seclusion are what you’re after!
3. Maldives
The most luxurious beach vacation destination is undoubtedly the Maldives. This small, independent country, made up of almost 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean, is known for its natural beauty and world-class luxury resorts. Most resorts here offer over-water villas with direct access to the ocean, giving you a truly unique Maldives experience!
The beaches in the Maldives are some of the best in the world, with pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. If a vacation in paradise is what you want, then the Maldives is your go-to destination!
Madifushi Private Island
The Madifushi Private Island, a 5-star resort located in the Maldives, offers over-water villas. It is one of the most luxurious on the island and our favorite for a beach vacation. With its spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, top-notch amenities, and attentive staff, it is no wonder why the Madifushi Private Island is considered one of the best resorts in the Maldives.
One&Only Reethi Rah
If you’re looking for a luxurious resort with plenty of activities to keep you entertained, then the One&Only Reethi Rah is the perfect choice. This award-winning resort offers over-water villas, as well as a spa and infinity pool. Furthermore, you’ll be able to enjoy six different dining options, from Japanese cuisine to Middle Eastern dishes to 24-hour in-villa dining!
4. Seychelles
If we’re talking about the Maldives, then we also have to talk about Seychelles. At least as popular as the Maldives, Seychelles is made up of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, with white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Here you will find some of the most renowned hotels and resorts in the world offering luxury at a different level!
These islands are perfect for a beach vacation if you are looking to relax and unwind. With its lush jungles and beautiful coral reefs, it is easy to see why this is one of the top tropical destinations!
Constance Lemuria
The Constance Lemuria Resort has a three-level pool and offers spacious suites and villas. There is a spa at the resort that is surrounded by a lush garden and also four restaurants and five bars. The spa offers various massages and treatments surrounded by palm trees and bamboo. Additionally, the resort has sports facilities like an 18-hole golf course, two tennis courts, and snorkeling and windsurfing trips.
Six Senses Zil Pasyon
Six Senses Zil Pasyon, a luxurious resort with infinity pools, a world-class spa, and six dining options, is situated on the private island of Félicité. If you’re traveling from Seychelles International Airport, you can take a helicopter with up to four passengers, or alternatively, you can choose a short boat ride from La Digue and Praslin Islands to get to the resort.
5. Fiji
The South Pacific nation of Fiji is a destination you don’t want to miss! With its picturesque beaches, lush jungles, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder why this is one of the top tropical destinations for a beach vacation.
Fiji is especially interesting for everyone who is into diving and snorkeling, as the island boasts some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the world!
Furthermore, Fiji is well known for its outstanding 5-star resorts that can offer you a truly luxurious experience with its unparalleled spas, pools, and restaurants!
Six Senses Fiji
Six Senses Fiji is a luxurious resort in Fiji that offers hillside villas and bungalows on its private island, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. If you wish to go to Six Senses Zil Pasyon from Seychelles International Airport, you can take a helicopter or a quick boat ride from the neighboring La Digue and Praslin islands.
Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay
The Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is perfect for those looking to stay in a five-star resort. The property offers over-water bungalows, beachfront villas, and exclusive beach access. It also has a pool with views of the ocean and a kids’ club which makes it the perfect spot for a family vacation.
6. Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an archipelago located off the coast of Tanzania, consisting of two main islands and several smaller ones; it is famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and exotic spices.
For everyone who wants to experience something different than the typical beach vacation, Zanzibar is the perfect place to go. Here you can explore historical sites like Stone Town or spot some of the island’s wildlife!
The island boasts some of the best resorts in East Africa, offering luxurious amenities and activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing. Furthermore, with its warm climate and friendly locals, it is an ideal destination for a beach vacation!
The Residence Zanzibar
The Residence Zanzibar is a 5-star resort offering beachfront villas and suites with spectacular views of the ocean. It also boasts unique, glass-walled swimming pools, a spa, and five restaurants serving local and international cuisines.
Zuri Zanzibar
The Zuri Zanzibar is an award-winning boutique hotel situated on the northwest coast of the island. With its private beach, infinity pool, and luxurious villas, it’s a perfect spot for a couple’s retreat or honeymoon. This hotel is a great location for snorkeling enthusiasts because the reef is a short 10-minute walk away and offers an abundance of fish and colorful corals.
7. Madeira
Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, is one of the most beautiful and underrated islands in the world for a beach vacation or any other type of trip. Located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco, Madeira is renowned for its stunning beaches, incredibly delicious local food, and culture!
This year, Madeira has become a must-visit destination for beach vacationers, as it offers some of the best beaches in Europe and great weather all year round. Furthermore, Madeira is known for its namesake wine, its volcanic landscape, and its stunning cliffs!
Savoy Palace
The Savoy Palace is a high-end five-star hotel located at the center of Funchal, the capital city of Madeira. Its most attractive feature is the rooftop terrace that includes a lounge and an infinity pool, which provides an ideal spot to appreciate the view of the ocean and the island.
The Cliff Bay
The Cliff Bay is a high-end hotel situated on the cliffs of Madeira, providing suites with scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The resort has three restaurants, including Il Gallo d’Oro; a two-Michelin-star restaurant renowned for serving aromatic Mediterranean and Iberian dishes. The spa and wellness facilities at Cliff Bay are top-notch, and there is also private access to the sea, as well as tennis courts.
8. Galapagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands are the perfect destination for beach and wildlife lovers looking to explore and relax. This archipelago, located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador, is made up of thirteen main islands and several smaller ones. It is known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear waters, rich marine life, and incredible wildlife.
In fact, it is one of the most popular destinations in the world for wildlife watching. It is a paradise for scuba divers, as the waters around the islands contain some of the most incredible creatures from manta rays to hammerhead sharks.
Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel
The Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel is a great option if you are seeking a luxurious beach getaway in the Galapagos Islands. Situated right on the beach, this hotel provides five-star lodging in a tranquil setting. Additionally, the hotel features a swimming pool, a hot tub, and a restaurant that offers French, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisines.
Blu Galapagos
Blu Galapagos is a luxurious, waterfront lodge situated on the shores of the Pacific Ocean that offers an unparalleled experience. This environmentally-friendly resort provides guests with 5-star amenities, and all-inclusive packages providing outings and tours that will show guests the best parts of Galapagos.
9. Bora-Bora
Bora-Bora is the ultimate destination for anyone looking for an ultra-luxury beach vacation. Located in French Polynesia, this stunningly beautiful island is renowned for its crystal-clear lagoon waters, white sand beaches, lush green mountains, and vibrant coral reefs.
This tiny island is home to some of the best resorts in the world, providing guests with luxurious accommodations and amenities. It is a great place for honeymooners or couples seeking a romantic getaway!
Four Seasons Resort
The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is a high-end resort on Point Matira, which is considered the world’s best island. Guests have access to white sand beaches and stunning views of Mount Otemanu. The resort has an infinity pool, a tennis court, and free snorkeling tours of the lagoon sanctuary where many exotic marine animals live. Kayaking, catamaran cruises, windsurfing, and shark feeding are also available.
The St Regis Bora Bora Resort
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is a 5-star beachfront property located on its own beach, providing guests with one of the most luxurious experiences in French Polynesia. It boasts beautiful overwater villas, two infinity pools, a luxury spa, and four high-class dining options serving local and international cuisines.
10. Kauai
Kauai, the fourth-largest Hawaiian island, is known as the Garden Isle for its lush rainforest landscapes and stunning waterfalls. This is a perfect destination if you are looking for an adventurous beach vacation within the United States!
Kauai is home to the Na Pali Coast, one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world. The location is ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking. Additionally, there are numerous high-end resorts situated on the beach, providing stunning views and an unforgettable experience.
The Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort Lihue
The highly-rated Royal Sonesta Kaua’i Resort Lihue is situated on the eastern coast of Kauai and boasts a four-star rating. It sits on the beach, has an outdoor swimming pool, and is adjacent to Kalapaki Bay and the 18-hole Kauai Lagoons Golf Club. Guests can also enjoy four different restaurants and a full-service spa.
Koloa Landing Resort
Koloa Landing Resort is a 4-star luxury resort located on Poipu Beach, overlooking the crystal-clear waters of Kauai. The hotel features multiple pools, a Jacuzzi, and a fitness center. The suites here are spacious and luxurious, with floor-to-ceiling windows and large balconies.
