1. KAUAI (HAWAII, USA)
Kauai is a small, rainy island located toward the end of the Hawaiian archipelago. Kauai, often known as the Garden Island, is known for its lush surroundings, beautiful beaches, and tranquility. The famous Napali Coast may be found on Kauai's northwest side, a 16-kilometer (10-mile) stretch of 1000-meter/3,000-foot high emerald mountain cliffs that seem to rise inexorably from the ocean floor. The amazing Waimea Canyon, often known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," and the mysterious Mount Wai'ale'ale, an extinct 5,000-year-old volcano known for its mist-covered peaks and some of the world's most stunning waterfalls, are two more outstanding spots on the island.
2. SEYCHELLES
In the Indian Ocean, just south of the Equator and east of Kenya, Seychelles is an archipelago of legendary beauty. Its 115 coral and granite islands, which rise from a vast underwater plateau, have inspired innumerable tropical island fancies and are one of the world's last frontiers. You know you've arrived at a destination of awe-inspiring landscape as your plane lands at the Seychelles International Airport, with granitic mountain ranges wrapped in virgin forest tumbling down to hauntingly beautiful, palm-fringed, sand beaches. Seychelles entice discerning travelers to their shores with adventure, romance, and luxury resorts set in pristine, man-untouched surroundings.
3. MALDIVES
The Maldives, without a doubt the world's most opulent location, has become synonymous with paradise, whether for honeymooners, sun worshipers, scuba divers, or celebrities. The islands, which stretch over 800 km/500 miles and are located on the equator to the south of India, are the visible coral tips of an oceanic volcanic mountain range whose outer edge plunges to depths of nearly 3 km/1,8 miles at certain spots. The Maldives is blessed with powdery-soft white sand ribbons, crystal clear turquoise lagoons, spectacular underwater species, and unrivaled luxury resorts on its own private island. Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, two of my favorite hotels in the world, are both located in the Maldives and feature the world's largest overwater villas (with slides and retractable roofs).
4. SANTORINI (GREECE)
Santorini is a blend of towering black cliffs, inky sea, and whitewashed villages, and is arguably Greece's most picturesque island. The stunning panoramas of white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches sitting on volcanic cliffs, all set against the backdrop of the lovely sparkling Aegean Sea, excite every tourist. Unfortunately, Santorini suffers from another affliction as a result of its epic beauty: a flood of people during the summer, when roads are clogged, restaurants are packed, and prices skyrocket. While spring is a beautiful time to visit, especially for the wildflowers, the sea has yet to warm up sufficiently for all except the adventurous. This is why October is the greatest month to visit: there are less people, the water is warmer, and there is the wine to sample.
5. BORA BORA (FRENCH POLYNESIA)
Bora Bora, just a one-hour flight from Tahiti or Moorea in the South Pacific, is love at first sight, with a lagoon that resembles an artist's palette of blues and greens. This island, where the castle-like Mount Otemanu pierces the sky, has attracted romantics from all over the world. Hibiscus blooms on lush tropical slopes and valleys, while palm-covered motu form a lovely necklace around the lit lagoon. Colorful fish liven the coral gardens as they greet the enormous manta rays as perfect white-sand beaches give way to emerald waters. Bora Bora is a top honeymoon location because of its luxurious over-water villas perched over the world's most stunning lagoon with a tropical setting.
6. SICILY (ITALY)
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and home to the Corleone family, is a pleasantly lush island surrounded by olive and lemon groves, vineyards, and citrus fruit. The island's famous coastline ranges from sandy beaches and gulfs that open onto tranquil, crystal clear coves to towering cliffs and crags. Sicily is also a world-class cultural destination, with imposing historic relics to be found at every turn. Sicily is one of Europe's diamonds, from its stunning coastline to the top of the still-active volcano Mt Etna, from well-preserved Greek antiquities to world-class shopping in Taormina, and, of course, lovely villages and excellent cuisine.
7. VANCOUVER ISLAND (CANADA)
The exposed top of a submerged mountain range, Vancouver Island runs about 460 kilometers (285 miles) from charmingly sophisticated Victoria in the southwest to Cape Scott's windswept beaches and craggy headlands in the north. It's also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. On land and at sea, you can paddle through calm coastal waterways, backpack through gorgeous wilderness parks, or marvel at the furred, feathered, and finned fauna. Inhale crisp, clean coastal breezes and the mossy aroma of old-growth rainforests while wandering barefoot down softly curving beaches, bombing down mountain bike routes, surfing the large waves, and all while gazing at distant snow-capped mountains.
8. BALI (INDONESIA)
Bali, Indonesia's most well-known island, is known as the "Island of the Gods." Some say Bali is the ultimate paradise because of its diverse environment of sandy beaches, hills and mountains, jagged coastlines and cliffs, beautiful waterfalls, lush rice terraces, and desolate volcanic hillsides. In addition, Bali is home to some of the world's most opulent resorts. Bali, however, is renowned as the "island of a thousand temples" because of its vibrant and intensely spiritual culture. There are so many sea temples, directional temples, and other temples that to say there are 1,000 would be an understatement. True, the island is inundated with tourists, which explains why nearby Lombok may provide a more genuine experience.
9. TASMANIA (AUSTRALIA)
Tasmania has existed in glorious isolation for about 10,000 years, separated from the Australian mainland during the last Ice Age, creating a living museum of some of the world's oldest and rarest plants and creatures. National parks cover about a third of the island, and more than 20% has been designated as a World Heritage Area, a pristine yet accessible environment of spectacular coastlines, deep forests, and snow-capped mountains. Tasmania's natural beauty is so valuable that it fits more World Heritage criteria than any other place on the earth. You'll find a plethora of world-class nature and adventure experiences here, as well as the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture and Australia's early convict and settlement history and stay at some of the world's most exclusive wilderness lodges.
10. LA REUNION
One of the last outstanding island adventures in the Indian Ocean is La Reunion. The gorgeous island is considerably unlike its beach paradise neighbor Mauritius, with spectacular natural landscapes, a French identity, and a rich melting pot of cultures. With lush forests, gushing waterfalls, spectacular mountainscapes, and soul-stirring panoramas, La Reunion feels like an epic real-life version of the Jurassic Park movies. The thrill is amplified by the presence of the tremendous Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world's most accessible active volcanoes. I recommend combining Reunion and Mauritius in one trip because a restful stay at one of Mauritius' opulent beach resorts compliments the sightseeing, activities, and more basic lodgings available in La Reunion, which is only a short flight away.
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