The speculation is finally over. After months of travel experts trying to guess where the third season of HBO’s smash hit series The White Lotus will be filmed, Variety has learned that the answer is Thailand. This probably isn’t much of a surprise, given the fact that we knew the show’s creator, Mike White, was eyeing Asia and there are only so many settings that could handle this kind of production, especially in terms of finding accommodations for the cast and crew.

Some people were certain that White would choose the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, so much so that Japan has already been heating up as the “place to be,” albeit not nearly as hot as Taormina and other parts of Sicily, where the second season was filmed. (Of course, I should also point out that the first season’s filming location, the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, is always a crowd favorite.)

White previously suggested the next season “would be maybe a satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality,” and he has reportedly been recently scouting locations in Thailand. Given his preference for Four Seasons properties—and who could blame him—he has four to choose from in the Land of Smiles, so let’s do our own scouting and pick the most attractive and luxurious accommodations from each.

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

If White and Co. want a stylish, sophisticated setting with Bangkok’s phenomenal art scene as the backdrop, this is the place. Exploring the capital city by river is a must for any first-time visitors, as it is also known as the “Venice of the East.” Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River can organize two-hour longtail boat tours, offering guests the best views imaginable, up to and including a stop at Wat Arun. That’s just one of many immersive cultural tours available, in addition to visits to the Grand Palace and Ayutthaya, among other locations.

Of the various rooms and suites, guests will clamor for those offering river views, but the most fabulous of them all is the Riverfront Penthouse. With room for as many as nine guests, this three-bedroom Presidential Suite will feel like its own property, allowing visitors to spend an entire day simply appreciating the cityscape from the terrace or private pool. 

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

If you’re visiting Thailand for the city life, art, history, and culture, Bangkok is a great choice. However, if your goal is otherworldly wellness and relaxation, it’s time to book a pavilion or multi-bedroom residence at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai. This property hosts private retreats that spoil guests with a personal live-in attendant, while providing myriad amenities and activities that will make each family or group feel like the only people at the resort.

Encouraging guests to “live life in a balance,” the resort’s various experts host experiences for the rejuvenation and renewal of the mind, body, and soul. Yoga, restorative healing, clean eating, holistic well-being—there’s a class or activity for whatever travelers are seeking. It’s a shame Tanya McQuoid won’t be around to experience it. (Or will she?!?!)

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

When the setting calls for beautiful beaches, a stunning infinity pool, and rooms that are as luxurious as they are authentic in décor, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is the ideal filming location. In fact, if I was a betting man, this would be my pick, but let’s just daydream until White decides. And dreaming is an easy task when you look at the marvelous multi-bedroom residence villas with their private pools and butlers, as well as all the space an extended family—or TV series cast—could ever want.

Nature lovers and adventurous souls will also fall head over heels for Koh Samui and the neighboring areas thanks to the thrilling experiences offered by this resort. For starters, even novice divers have probably heard of Sail Rock, one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world, and guests can take private excursions to explore. A private yacht, “Minor Affair,” is also available for excursions to Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Angthong Marine National Park.

Four Seasons Tented Camp, Golden Triangle

This is certainly the most creative choice, as the resort’s luxurious tents are a world apart from the majestic suites at San Domenico Palace. It is also probably the most far-fetched, but it would be an undoubtedly fascinating setting.

Surrounded by lush forestry and not far from the borders of Myanmar and Laos, this is possibly one of the most incredible glamping experiences in the world, as guests of the Four Seasons Tented Camp can get up close with rescued elephants, fish with locals, or explore the culture and temples of Chiang Rai. Or, for those travelers who want every aspect of a vacation to be exclusive, the resort’s concierge team will bend over backwards to fulfill almost any dreams—within reason, of course.
As for the tents, there are three styles to choose from: Deluxe, Superior River-View, and Superior. Each sleeps up to three guests, and while children are welcome, they must be at least 10 years old. The Explorer’s Lodge is also an excellent choice for a family, as it sleeps up to six guests and boasts a private infinity pool. It would be hard to stir up drama in such an unbelievable location, but we’re sure the writers could come up with something.

The post ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Will Be Filmed in Thailand, So Let’s Look at the Possible Resorts appeared first on Islands.

Is there a more sublime pleasure than reclining on a beachfront beanbag chair, your skin warmed by the sun, your spirit soothed by the gentle whoosh of the surf as waves unfurl toward a sandy shore? I pondered this question recently during my first trip to Koh Samui, Thailand’s second largest island. 

While the 88-sq. mi. outpost was new to me, it’s been a hit with beach-seeking overseas and Thai visitors for more than a decade, attracting about three million of them each year (pre-pandemic). Arriving primarily by air (Bangkok Airways operates several hour-long daily flights from the capital), they’re drawn to the broad sandy scallops that border its laidback beach towns, and a casual, friendly, and cosmopolitan vibe reminiscent of its Caribbean counterparts such as Playa Del Carmen and Tulum on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, and Negril in Jamaica. What drew me? The chance to check out the newest in the island’s lineup of luxury resorts, Kimpton Kitalay Samui. 

Open since January, the getaway presides over one end of Choeng Mon Beach, on Samui’s northernmost tip. Mere steps from the sand, it comes by its name (translated from Thai, Kitalay loosely means “song of the sea”) honestly. Listen closely and you can hear the waves from almost anywhere on the grounds. Lushly landscaped with carpet-like lawns, palm trees, and bushes of glossy Elephant Ears punctuated with flame-like blossoms of Red Ginger, the resort feels appropriately romantic for traveling twosomes. 

But it appeals equally to families, who are accommodated in suites on the resort’s southern side, close to Junio kids club, an outdoor playground, and mini water park. It’s testament to Kitalay’s thoughtful design and activity programing that neither families nor those traveling sans children feel impinged upon by the other. Sure, I was aware that there were children in house. But did their presence disturb my afternoon nap at the beachfront pool or morning Thai coffee at Boho Lifestyle Café? Thankfully, no.

Truth be told, it would take a lot to spoil a stay here—or even to motivate you to leave. Housed in six buildings, Kitalay’s 138 rooms (including 20 family-friendly villas) comfortably combine sleek modernity (think freestanding bathtubs and oversize marble showers) and elements of Thai design, such as louvered wooden doors and woven lamp shades that recall fisherman’s baskets. Some on the ground floor (as mine was) have patios that open directly out to a large communal pool, so when you tire of, say, reading on the chaise, you can literally roll off it and into the water. 

There’s a wide of range of complimentary activities available on property, everything from poolside yoga to kayak and paddleboard rental, to the daily social hour featuring complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres that’s offered at all Kimpton resorts across the world. I was particularly impressed, however, with the comp offerings particular to Kitalay, such as the opportunity to join the chef to make croissants at HOM Baking Company, the hotel’s patisserie and deli. 

But the undisputed—and completely unexpected—highlight of these site-specific lagniappes was participating in the giving of alms to local Buddhist monks, which Kitalay will facilitate for any guest upon request. On the beach, bathed in the golden light of morning, I felt honored and privileged to be among a small group presenting a trio of orange robe-clad monks with tiffins of food prepared by the hotel. The ceremony was, to me, as unfamiliar as the language. Yet I felt part of something sacred, palpably moved as I observed the fresh marigolds used in the offering, each petal illuminated by the rising sun. 

Despite the array of things to do at the resort (or the temptation to do nothing at all), it would be a shame for any visitor not to venture beyond the gates to explore. As relatively small as Koh Samui is, there’s still much to do. Don’t leave without seeing the island’s star attraction, Phra Yai (Big Buddha), a 40-foot-tall golden deity that you reach by climbing 76 steps (and may have glimpsed shimmering on the skyline from the plane). 

I’ve never had much of an interest in elephants but my curiosity was piqued at Samui Elephant Sanctuary, where you can feed, pet, and observe a small herd of the gentle giants, most rescued from grueling working conditions in the logging industry. In the town of Bophut, Coco Tams is the place to be every night at 7:30 pm and 9 pm, when fire dancers light up the night in front of a rapt audience seated in bean bag chairs on the sand.

Which conveniently brings me back to my original question: Is there anything better than relaxing on a beachfront bean bag chair, your real-life cares seemingly carried away with every rolling wave? The answer: Absolutely not.

The post Inside the New, Beautiful, and Sometimes Surprising Kimpton Kitalay Samui appeared first on Islands.

If you don’t know where to begin when it comes to booking your Thai island vacation, we understand. This southeast Asian country is home to 1,430 islands, varying from majorly developed tourism hubs to quiet hideaway isles few have ever heard of. Read on for our top 10 picks for where to go.

Phuket: The Hub of it All

Phuket is the hub of Thailand island life. Not only will you find the biggest selection of resorts and accommodation on this, the largest Thai island, but you’ll also find the biggest selection of day trips and excursions to other islands. Day boats, ferries and multi-day cruises all depart from Phuket.

If you can’t decide which island to choose as your base, you may want to consider this one—as it also offers the biggest list of attractions, including rum distilleries, Buddhist temples, night markets, bars, nightlife and cabarets shows.

Koh Samui: Five-star Resorts and Nightlife

This island off the east coast of Thailand delivers golden sand beaches, an array of upscale and international dining, and no shortage of resorts, from five-star adults-only hotels with room service—including Four Seasons Koh Samui and a W Resort—to beachside bungalows at bargain rates.

When booking, decide first how much time you will want to spend in town, whether that’s the Fisherman’s Village or Bo Put. If you plan on staying at the resort and booking daytrips, then you may want to base yourself further out at places like Maenam Beach, still just a 10-minute taxi ride into town.

Koh Lanta: A Quieter Escape with Modern Amenities

Don’t expect much in terms of development at this still-sleepy, back-to-nature island on Thailand’s western, Andaman-Sea-facing side. Ko Lanta offers a few upscale resorts, such as the Pimalai Resort and Spa, but the majority of accommodations are more rustic. If you’re like most travelers, you’ll spend the majority of your time on the shoreline anyway—which is nicer here if you prefer your beaches without crowds.

Another highlight of Ko Lanta is renting a moped and exploring the smaller villages, which you can do with a guide or take advantage of the island’s safety and simply go on your own.

Koh Tao: For Scuba Divers and Snorkelers

The name of the island means “turtle” and for good reason—green and hawksbill sea turtles are sighted here regularly, as are whale sharks, manta rays and a host of other larger sea animals. The prolific marine life has drawn in scuba divers, making the island an excellent place to get certified, with courses costing starting every day and costing around $250 USD. When not scuba diving or snorkeling, you can take a trapeze class, go hiking or simply enjoy the beach.

Koh Sukorn: Experience Thailand Before Tourism

Fishing and rubber plantations—not tourism—define village life on Koh Sukorn, found in the Trang province on Thailand’s western side. Choose from just three resorts on island, each with WiFi and massive, wide beaches. Note that tourism has such a little foothold here that there are no ATMs, so plan ahead.

Koh Chang: An Up-and-coming Island with No Western Chain Hotels

Thailand’s second-largest island, Koh Chang welcomes backpackers and luxury travelers alike, with room for both to spread out. Here, you can spend your days scuba diving in the marine park, hiking to waterfalls and eating at night markets. Because tourism hasn’t exploded here just yet, it’s easy to score a middle-of-the-road stay for under $65 a night. However, if you prefer modern and upscale, check out the KC Grande Resort and Spa.

Our pick is the Santhiya Tree Koh Chang Resort for its traditional Thai architecture and décor rich with wood carvings, and gauzy-curtain-covered sliding doors leading to lush gardens.

Koh Phra Thong: Deserted Eco-island Getaway

If you want to experience the wildlife, natural ecosystems and empty beaches of Thailand, consider Koh Phra Thong off the western coast. Consider Golden Buddha Resort: It’s a sanctuary of 28 cabins and treehouses at the edge of a national park. This is glamping, with solar-heated water showers. The payoff is a quiet, back-to-nature experience with yoga, fishing trips, kayaking, savannah Jeep tours, as well as cooking, ceramics and batik painting classes.

Koh Bulon Lee: Best for Foodies and Adventurous Types

It’d be easy to call this one of Thailand’s still-secret islands. It’s still off the grid and a challenge to reach. The island has a handful of resorts—many without AC. Oh, and there are no cars. The highlights are the big white sand beach, and the sea gypsy village where wives rely on just-caught fish and centuries-old recipes to make dishes that are sheer perfection.

Koh Yao Noi: Off the Grid with Five-star Luxury

In between Phuket and Krabi lies Koh Yao Noi, an island with rice paddies, green hills, caramel beaches and lots of sandbars—and not a lot of hoopla about it. Reachable only by boat, this enclave has just a few shops and a small village. However, it’s also home to Six Senses Yao Noi as well as the TreeHouse Villas Koh Yao Noi Luxury Resort, allowing you to explore all day away from crowds, then return to a five-star experience of pampering.

Koh Ngai: White-sand Beaches and Pristine Reefs

Honeymooners, families and snorkelers see the appeal of this natural island that has very, very little nightlife. It’s known for two massive, white sandy beaches that anchor the island’s tourism—there are no roads on this hilly, jungle-covered island. Likewise, the accommodation leans far more toward simple than luxury.

The post The 10 Islands of Thailand You Need to Know appeared first on Islands.

Every island-lover has a dream destination—a place so alluring or remote it qualifies as the ultimate escape. These islands number in the dozens, but we’ve narrowed down our list to seven, each blessed with natural beauty, steeped in cultural allure or located just far enough away to seem intimidating. No worries, you can easily get there on a cruise. Here are 12 itineraries that visit seven dream islands: Bora Bora, Tasmania, Easter Island, Santorini, Borneo, Bali and the Seychelles.

Bora Bora

The islands of French Polynesia (aka Tahiti) are all pretty magical, but Bora Bora is the luminous pearl that most visitors travel thousands of miles to see—its radiant blue lagoon fringed by white-sand motus (islets) and crowned by mystical Mt. Otemanu. Cruises that call on Bora Bora as well as most of Tahiti’s main island group, the Society Islands, are offered by both Windstar Cruises and Paul Gauguin Cruises. Which you choose depends on your cruise style.

For a more casual, breeze-through-your-hair ambiance, there’s the 8-day Dreams of Tahiti itinerary on Windstar’s 148-passenger Wind Spirit. Sailing roundtrip from Papeete (Tahiti’s capital and international gateway) on more than a dozen dates from July-December 2020, this tall-masted-ship offers an exhilarating sailing experience as it visits Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea, Taha’a and Huahine. Fares start at $4,399 per person, including airfare from Los Angeles and one-night pre-cruise hotel accommodations.

The 332-passenger MV Paul Gauguin is also a small ship, but it adds an onboard blend of Tahitian music and dance and French cuisine via a gourmet menu in La Veranda restaurant by Paris chef Jean-Pierre Vigato. In 2020, check out the 7-night Society Islands and Tahiti Iti cruises, which spend two days anchored in Bora Bora lagoon and also visit Huahine, Taha’a and Moorea as well as Tahiti Iti, the smaller landmass connected to Tahiti. Fares start at $4,795 per person, including airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco.

Tasmania

This isolated island state located off of Australia’s southeast coast offers something for almost everyone: Gorgeous scenery and abundant wildlife (its national parks are inhabited by wallabies, wombats, and yes, Tasmanian Devils), boutique wineries and cheese-makers, and historic sites such as Hobart harbor and the former penal colony at Port Arthur. Two cruise lines offering itineraries that include two port calls in Tasmania are Holland America and Princess.

Holland America’s 13- 14-, or 15-day New Zealand and Australia itineraries on the mid-sized Noordam, Marsdam or Oosterdam are scheduled throughout 2020 (in February, March, October, November and December) and are a great value. Most of these cruises, which in addition to visiting Tasmania, also explore the North and South Islands of New Zealand and coastal Australia, call spend a full day each in the charming capital of Hobart and Port Arthur. Fares start at $1,187 per person.

Princess Cruises has an 8-night Tasmania Cruise roundtrip from Sydney (Feb. 4-12, 2020) on its 3,560-passenger Majestic Princess, which debuted in 2017. The ship spends a full day at Port Arthur, overnights in Hobart, does a day of scenic cruising along the Freycinet Peninsula and also calls on Melbourne. Fares start at $699 per person.

Easter Island

It may be just a tiny speck in the South Pacific, but Easter Island (aka Rapa Nui) is on a whole lot of bucket lists—and for good reason. Ranked among the world’s most remote islands, it’s home to about 900 giant stone moai statues carved by Polynesian settlers 600-1,000 years ago. Book a cruise to see the quarry where they were created and learn how they were transported and posed in groups all around this 63-square-mile island, now governed by Chile. You can get there in 2020 aboard cruises by Regent Seven Seas and Princess.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers an 18-night Papeete, Tahiti to Lima, Peru itinerary aboard luxurious 490-passenger Sevens Seas Navigator (April 7-25, 2020) that mixes all-inclusive pampering and adventure—and checks off both Easter Island and Bora Bora in the process. The cruise embarks in Tahiti and in addition to Bora Bora visits four other islands in French Polynesia, and then navigates east across the South Pacific to call on Easter Island for two days before reaching Lima. Fares start at $13,199 per person, including airfare, shore excursions, open bar and gratuities.

If your budget is more modest, opt for 2,200-passenger Island Princess. Book quickly and you can still nab an inside or ocean-view stateroom for the 25-night Andes & South America itinerary, departing Fort Lauderdale on January 9, 2020 and arriving in Santiago Chile on February 3, 2020. It spends one day on Easter Island, transits the Panama Canal (another bucket-list experience) and visits 8 ports in five South American countries. Fares from $2,599 per person.

Santorini

The Greek Isles are full of mystique but few of them captivate as fully as Santorini, where whitewashed villages cling to black volcanic cliffs encircling an ancient caldera now filled with sapphire-hued seawater. Yes, it’s photogenic, but local wines, authentic Greek cuisine and sublime sunsets also add to the island’s allure. Many cruise lines offer itineraries that call on Santorini, including Celebrity and Oceania.

Celebrity’s 10-night Venice, Turkey & Greek Isles itinerary aboard 2,170-passenger Celebrity Constellation, which is scheduled for a complete refurbishment in May 2020, is offered in June, July and August 2020 and spends a generous 12 hours in Santorini. The cruise begins and ends in Venice and includes calls on Corfu, Crete and Mykonos as well as Athens and Kusadasi, Turkey. Fares start at $1,729 per person.

Oceania has 17 itineraries that call on Santorini in 2020, including the 11-night Legacies & Legends aboard 1,250-passenger Oceania Riviera from Rome to Athens (May 9-May 20, 2020). This cruise packs in nine ports in Italy, Greece, Croatia and Turkey, with 10 hours to explore Santorini. Fares start at $4,499 per person.

Borneo

What makes Borneo a dream island? Well, at 287,000 square miles, it’s the world’s third largest—divided three ways between Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei—but it’s also home to 11,000 species of flowering plants and 700 species of trees. Above all, it’s one of of only two places in the world where orangutans can be found in the wild, inhabiting the forests in the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. Azamaraoffers a pre- or post-cruise land excursion to see these magnificent creatures.

Better still, with one particular itinerary you can experience not only Borneo but also Bali and Tasmania. Azamara’s 18-night Australia & Bali Voyage aboard 694-passenger Azamara Journey overnights in Bali, but since it embarks on March 24, 2020 in Sydney, guests can arrive a few days early to fly to Tasmania and explore. Then, after the cruise ends in Singapore, they can book Azamara’s 4-night post-cruise land program, In Search of Orangutans in Borneo. Cruise fares start at $3,025 per person and the land program at $2,759 per person.

Bali

Cruisers who enjoy local culture–music, dance, arts & crafts and religious traditions—will love the rhythms, colors and rituals of this Indian Ocean island. While the island is part of Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim country, most Balinese are Hindu, a religion known for its abundant gods and goddesses, mystical temples and daily offerings. Add in talented artisans, pampering spas, verdant rice paddies and even a sacred monkey forest and Bali has its own special allure. Many cruise lines call on Bali, but these two itineraries from Viking and Seabourn are standouts.

With Viking’s 12-night Bangkok, Bali & Beyond on 930-passenger Viking Orion (April 5-17, 2020), guests can arrive several days early to explore Bali on their own—or add on one of Viking’s 2-4-night pre-cruise extensions—before boarding and sailing to several ports on Java followed by Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Fares start at $4,599 per person.

Seabourn’s 10-night Gems of the Java Sea aboard 600-passenger Seabourn Encore (April 7-17, 2020) from Bali to Singapore offers an overnight in Bali to start plus a call on a second Balinese port, Celukan Bawang. There are also two port calls on the Indonesian island of Java and one on Surabaya, as well as another bucket-list spot: Komodo Island, home to the Komodo dragon. Fares start at $3,999 per person.

The Seychelles

With their white-sand beaches, distinctive rock formations, and unique flora and fauna—from the sensual coco de mer palm to the lumbering Alhambra tortoise—the Seychelles islands are ideal for travelers looking to unwind amid some of nature’s most spectacular scenery. A great option for exploring this Indian Ocean paradise is offered by Crystal Cruises.

Enjoy a relaxing, all-inclusive yacht experience aboard 62-passenger Crystal Esprit on one of six 7-night Mahe/Eden Island Marina Roundtrip itineraries (available January-March, 2020) that sail from the main island, Mahe, and visit six other Seychelles islands. Fares start at $3,749 per person.

The post How to Cruise to Your Dream Island appeared first on Islands.

Gmail finishes loading after what feels like forever, and a new message with a grim subject line appears at the top of my inbox. “Trouble in Paradise: Tourism surge lashes Southeast Asia’s beaches,” it reads. The email contains a news report detailing the temporary closure of Filipino, Indonesian and Thai beaches suffering under a crush of tourism.

Arguably the most notable among them is Maya Bay, on Thailand’s Ko Phi Phi Leh island, a golden crescent of sand surrounded by limestone cliffs and kissed by the warm, impossibly blue waters of the Andaman Sea. If you’ve seen The Beach, the 2000 film adaptation of Alex Garland’s novel, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, then you know it. After playing the movie’s titular role almost 20 years ago, it became a wildly popular tourist attraction that has since received an average of 4,000 visitors a day. The astonishing volume has devastated the cove’s delicate coral reefs. Its shoreline is choked by boats.

The irony isn’t lost on me. Reason being—and the cause of my sluggish cell service—is that, as I read, I’m sprawled on a patch of cool, silky sand in the dappled shade of a driftwood tree on Ko Rok Nok, a sleepy island roughly 40 miles southeast of the beleaguered Maya Bay. Looking up from my screen, I stare out. First, at the nearly empty sliver of shoreline before me, then to the narrow channel of cerulean surf just beyond, and finally to the small, wooded island of Ko Rok Yai on the other side. I struggle to imagine a beach in Thailand that looks anything unlike this one—pristine and practically all mine.

Mercifully, not all of Thailand’s islands’ beaches are suffering the same maladies as Maya Bay. In fact, plenty of still-idyllic islands in the Andaman Sea, Ko Rok Nok included, are ripe for exploring. You just have to know how to get there.

Along with plain good fortune, what’s brought me to Ko Rok Nok is the Star Clipper, a 360-foot-long tall ship with four masts, 16 billowing sails and space for just 170 guests. The ship is my home for seven days as it loops around the Andaman Sea, starting and ending its journey in Phuket and dropping anchor just off shore from a handful of small islands in between.

After pushing off from Phuket, a pattern emerges: Sail at night, and awake in the morning to sneak a peek at a new island paradise through my cabin’s porthole. For several hours each day, Star Clipper‘s blaze-orange tenders, manned by crew members in white sailor suits, shuttle my shipmates and me back and forth from ship to shore.

While on Ko Rok Nok—part of both the Lanta islands and a national marine park—the narrow channel that separates it from Ko Rok Yai is a play place for snorkeling, kayaking, and, for those of us willing to brave the stiff breeze, standup paddle boarding. To mitigate the Thai sun’s intense heat, a deeply tanned, towheaded crew member who’s all of 19 or 20 plunks a cooler onto a shaded mound of sand, takes a seat on a piece of driftwood, and readies himself to play bartender.

During an overcast day on Ko Adang, there are more water sports, along with a beach barbecue and, for some off-duty crew, a pickup soccer game. Their bare feet make cheerful slapping sounds on the wet, shiny sand. Part of the Butang archipelago, Ko Adang is among the southernmost islands on Thailand’s western coast. It lies just a stone’s throw from the border of Malaysia—and blissfully far from most tourists’ radar.

Coincidentally, one of the last stops on our weeklong sailing, Ko Similan is also the most highly anticipated. In the days leading up to our arrival, James MacIntyre, the Star Clipper‘s resident master dive instructor, has issued ample reminders that it will offer the most spectacular diving and snorkeling of our entire island-hopping adventure. And how! A dip below the surface of the shallow, crystal-clear water reveals a whole new tableau teeming with life: sharks, barracudas, clown and triggerfish, and the colorful coral reefs where they all make their homes. It’s unlikely you’ll have the island to yourself, but these are riches you’ll be happy to share.

Access to these far-flung, still-unspoiled islands is arguably the biggest perk of traveling by tall ship, but it’s certainly not the only one. There’s plenty to enjoy onboard too, from readings and lectures to Thai dancing and talent shows. One can’t-miss opportunity is a sunset climb to the crow’s nest, where see-forever views include the sea, sky, and, delightfully, absolutely nothing else.

The post Exploring Thailand’s Remote Islands by Tall Ship appeared first on Islands.

Whether you live inland or on the coast, beaches are among the most beloved places in the world. They’re sometimes cliché vacation destinations, but they’re popular with families, couples and solo beach-goers alike for good reason. There’s almost nothing like the feeling of sinking your bare feet into the sugar-like sand, as the sun welcomes your body with a warm embrace. Try going beachside with a drink in hand, and things get significantly better, too.

From famous beaches that bustle with activity to natural coastal wonders that dominate bucket lists, these 15 popular beaches have that certain “je ne sais quoi.” And many make our list of the best beaches in the world. See if you recognize them all.

Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

At Copacabana Beach, one of the world’s most famous beaches, the people-watching may be even more riveting than the scenery. Spy “cariocas” (native Rio residents) socializing, playing volleyball and sipping coconut water, all in requisite Brazilian swimwear.

Celebs from Fred Astaire to Madonna have graced the circa-1923 Belmond Copacabana Palace hotel, set along Atlantica Avenue, with its wavy black-and-white mosaic design. Travel over Dec. 31 to witness the biggest party on the planet: the city’s New Year’s Eve celebration that draws more than 2 million people.

Santa Monica Beach, California

Spanning 3.5 miles, Santa Monica Beach is where nostalgia meets California living. Along Ocean Front Walk, fitness enthusiasts take advantage of retro workout equipment, while the Marvin Braude Bike Trail hums with tanned skateboarders, rollerbladers and cyclists at, perhaps, the most famous beach in the world.

Most recognizable is the circa-1909 pier with its street-performers, artists, historic carousel and solar-powered Ferris wheel. Book a room at Shutters on the Beach to be in the heart of the action.

South Beach, Miami, Florida

Glamorous hotels, clubs and restaurants converge in South Beach, but the American Riviera is most famous for its Art Deco vibe and two miles of white sand. Rack up Instagram likes by the 35 bright and funky lifeguard towers at one of the most popular beaches, and rent a DecoBike to explore the Art Deco Historic District’s 800 landmarks built from 1923 to 1943. Called the grand dame of Art Deco design, the Raleigh hotel has been a hot spot since 1940. See if South Beach made the list of the best beaches in the United States.

Renaissance Island, Aruba

The Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino’s man-made private island is the only place in Aruba to take a selfie with flamboyance of flamingos, who are happy to oblige in return for kibble from a vending machine (bring quarters). The island is open only to resort guests, though a limited number of day passes are sold each morning. Flamingo Beach is adults-only, but kids can spy sunbathing iguanas on Ren Island’s family-friendly beach.

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii

In 1901, the Moana Surfrider resort opened on the south shore of Oahu, and Waikiki’s status as a prime vacation spot was cemented. More than a century later, a multimillion-dollar refurbishment transformed Kuhio Beach and the Waikiki Beach Walk, an alfresco promenade that buzzes with live music, nightlife, restaurants and shops.

Sample Hawaiian poke on almost every corner, hang 10 where Duke Kahanamoku surfed, and climb 300,000-year-old Diamond Head crater.

Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece

You’ve seen this photogenic bay on travel ads – now, discover where it is: Navagio Beach, on the Ionian Isle of Zakynthos. Enclosed by limestone cliffs, the cove is also known as Shipwreck Beach, thanks to the rusting vessel of the Panayiotis, which washed ashore here in 1982. Get the obligatory lofty photo from the viewpoint near the Anafonitria monastery. Potamitis Boat Trips offers tours to the beach as well as windmill accommodations in the Skinari area.

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Australia

Preserved within Whitsunday Islands National Park on the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach stretches for more than four miles. Its most recognizable section, Hill Inlet, dazzles observers with its multi-tinted turquoise water and bleach-white silica sand that shifts and swirls with the tides.

Get a stellar view from the lookout at Tongue Point, or gawk from a helicopter with Hamilton Island Air. Nearby, Hamilton Island is home to several resorts, including luxury hotel Qualia.

Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Basted onto the travel map after the release of the film The Beach in 2000, Maya Bay sees more tourists than it can literally handle. Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation closed the beach for four months in 2018 for reef recovery, and, since reopening, it’s been capped at 2,000 visitors a day, making it, perhaps, the world’s most famous beach.

Those who make the cut can ogle the famous sugar sand and 300-foot cliffs in person. The neighboring island of Phi Phi Don holds the Phi Phi Islands’ only accommodations, including Zeavola’s rustic-chic suites.

Trunk Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Island

Donated to the U.S. National Park Service by Laurence S. Rockefeller in 1956, Trunk Bay remains blissfully hotel-free. Visitors of the USVI do, however, share the pristine beach with cruise passengers and schools of tropical fish, viewed along the 225-yard underwater snorkeling trail.

Get the classic shot of Trunk Bay from the scenic overlook on North Shore Road. Find a private vacation rental, or book a room at Gallows Point Resort.

The Baths, British Virgin Islands

It’s practically impossible to take a bad photo at the Baths, a series of large granite boulders that decorate the southern shore of Virgin Gorda. Volcanic in origin, the famous rock formations create a magical trail of sheltered grottoes, pools and tunnels along one of the most popular beaches in the world. Consider staying at the luxury resort community of Oil Nut Bay.

Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles

Once believed to be the Garden of Eden, the Seychelles are about as close as it gets to heaven on Earth. And with no airport, no resort chains and bicycles replacing cars, the island of La Digue is particularly idyllic. Its best beach, Anse Source d’Argent, is the quintessential place to marvel at the destination’s elephantine granite boulders. Reserve a budget guesthouse, or splurge on a luxury hideaway, like Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort & Spa.

Tulum, Mexican Caribbean

Not many tropical beaches can claim to have archeological ruins on their shores. A significant trading and religious center from the 11th century to the 16th century, Tulum’s famous Mayan site is a major draw for tourists. After exploring the crumbling temples and other structures, cool off in the Caribbean Sea 40 feet below. Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, just 10 minutes away, books tours directly through the hotel.

RELATED: Best Beaches in the World

Spiaggia Grande, Positano, Italy

With its spectacular backdrop of pastel-colored buildings climbing up the hillside, it’s no wonder Positano, on the Amalfi Coast, is a magnet for celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Denzel Washington.

Nestled at the base is Spiaggia Grande, Positano’s main beach, neatly lined with colorful umbrellas (which are available for rent). Soak in views of one of the most visited beaches in the world from Le Sirenuse hotel, the poshest address in town.

Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

Thirty minutes from Sydney, laid-back Bondi Beach has something for everyone. Stroll the scenic Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk; eat like a hipster in a local restaurant along the Campbell Parade; take a surf lesson; browse the Saturday farmers market; or swim in the famous Bondi Icebergs Pool, Australia’s oldest swimming club. Afterward, retire to QT Bondi Beach, a luxury boutique hotel set just behind the Bondi Pavilion.

Bathsheba Beach, Barbados

The Atlantic Ocean’s erosive power is on full display at Bathsheba Beach on Barbados’ rugged east coast. Here, Mushroom Rock and other sea-sculpted coral formations rise dramatically from the frothy breakers, great for surfing (but not swimming). Sleep right next door at the family-owned Atlantis Inn that’s been in operation since the 19th century.

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From Maui to Mykonos, these island destinations promise relaxed attitudes and buzzy bars, beaches and nightclubs. If you seek sun, sand and diversity, pack your sunscreen and sunglasses and head to any one of these 15 gay-friendly islands.

Aruba

Like its Dutch neighbors, Saba and Curaçao, the popular island of Aruba embraces diversity. Dance the night away at Oranjestad newcomer @7, a vibrant nightclub with five different party areas. LGBTQ-friendly hotel options include Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort or gay-owned Little David Guesthouse.

Cuba

Cuba’s gay community has come a long way in recent years. With Raúl Castro’s daughter, Mariela, leading the Cuban National Center for Sex, the country is becoming increasingly more LGBTQ-friendly. Most of Cuba’s gay social scene takes place on the streets. Check out Vedado, Havana’s once mafia-run gay district or Mi Cayito, the unofficial gay beach.

Curaçao

This teeny island just off the coast of Venezuela doesn’t hold back with its hospitality for gay travelers. “With exceptional gay-friendly hotels and attractions, [Curacao] encourages gay and lesbian travelers to visit the island and experience its ‘live and let live’ atmosphere for themselves,” says the Curacao Tourist Board. Most of the hotels on the island are gay-friendly; Baoase Luxury Resort is a favorite stay for luxe-seeking couples. Same-sex marriage is also legal.

Florianópolis, Brazil

Florianópolis is a hot destination with a party-hard scene. Think Ibiza, done South American style. In late February, tourists descend upon the small city for Carnival, for parties, parades and the rhythmic dance of samba. Praia Mole, a beach on the east side of the island, buzzes with beautiful gay men.

Grand Canaria, Canary Islands

Carnival is a big draw for LGBTQ travelers, with an incredible Drag Queen festival and a major contest that attracts the hottest gay talent from all over Europe. The gay social scene descends upon Yumbo Centre, a four-story mega shopping and leisure center packed with bars, cafes, restaurants and a large outdoor area for events. Stay nearby at Gay Paso Chico in Playa del Ingles, which is within walking distance of Grand Canaria’s most famous gay beach, Maspalomas, located at Kiosk #7 (aka, The No. 7).

Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza is by far the most popular of Spain’s four Balearic Islands. The small Mediterranean island is infamous for its vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the island’s gay culture assembles on the south end of the island, where clubbing reigns supreme. Head to the terrace at Bar MonaLisa for cocktails and the occasional celebrity sighting. Then nurse your hangover the next day at Es Cavellet, the gay nudist beach at the southern end of the island.

Key West, Florida

Key West is a gay mecca. It was one of the first places in the U.S. to elect an openly gay mayor (Richard A. Heyman in 1983). With its thriving gay nightlife scene, large local LGBTQ population and a number of gay-friendly guesthouses, this destination is all about queer inclusiveness. Check out Island House, a men’s-only, clothing optional property that OUT Traveler called, “The Best Gay Resort In The World.”

Maui

Since the 2013 passing of the Hawaii Marriage Equality Act, Maui has been a popular pick for same-sex destination weddings and honeymoons. For queer travelers in search of sun and surf, check out the weekly beach party at Little Beach in Makena each Sunday for clothing-optional fun. Or plan to visit the first weekend in October for Maui Pride.

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos has long been an escape for well-heeled gays. In addition to wild club and beach parties that happen almost every night during high season (July to early September), the island is home to several LGBTQ-friendly hotspots, including Jackie O’s and Kastro. By day, gay sun worshippers flock to Elia Beach.

Phuket, Thailand

Thailand is a welcoming country for LGBTQ travelers. Phuket has a host of gay-friendly resorts — Mom Tri’s Villa Royale is a favorite — and occasionally hosts dance parties like TropOut. The Patong area, aka “Paradise Plaza” area has a small, but robust party, go-go bar and massage parlor scene.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is often considered the most gay-friendly island in all of the Caribbean. The nightlife in San Juan is bar none, with most of the LGBTQ scene centering around the popular Condado oceanfront district. Be sure to stop by Circo, a small but hip venue that packs in crowds for dancing, go-go boys and elaborate Drag shows. Same-sex marriage is also legal here, making it a hot spot for destination weddings.

Saba

Although this Dutch Antilles island may be tiny and isolated (5 square miles!), it’s one of the Caribbean’s most gay-friendly destinations. Its population of 1,500 welcome LGBTQ travelers, who come primarily for the island’s scuba adventures. Book through gay tour operators Alyson Adventures and Undersea Expeditions. Saba is perfect for gay travelers looking for a low-key alternative to the usual island party atmosphere.

St. Barth

There isn’t a super huge gay scene in St. Barth, but this glam spot of paradise is still a favorite destination for gays who are welcomed everywhere. Gay men strip down at Saline Beach and get down at Le Ti St-Barth. Since most visitors opt to stay in villas, swank house party invites abound. There’s a reason this Caribbean island is a celebrity hot spot — no matter your sexuality.

St. Maarten

The hilly bifurcated Dutch/French Caribbean island is a hotspot for LGBTQ travelers. Say goodbye to tan lines at clothing-optional Cupecoy Beach on the Dutch side (straight sun worshippers are welcome too). For a festive night on the town, check out the French fare drag shows at L’Escargot. Then, tuck yourself into an oceanfront room at Belmond La Samanna, set to reopen December 10, 2018.

Tahiti

Famous for its black-sand beaches, the largest island in French Polynesia is welcoming to gay visitors. There are a handful of locations in Papeete that attract gay visitors, including the risqué Mahu District, where strip clubs and drag shows abound. Be sure to stop by The Piano Bar, which combines the best of both worlds into unforgettable performances.

For more travel inspiration, check out GayCities, the largest LGBTQ travel guide. (Think Trip Advisor, but for a gay market.)

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Private chefs, rooftop hot tubs, infinity pools overlooking the ocean — these luxurious Airbnb rentals will upgrade your next island vacation.

Ko Samui, Thailand

Travelers flock to Ko Samui — Thailand’s second largest island — for its beaches and some of the best diving and snorkeling in Southeast Asia. You’ll have your own private stretch of sand at Baan Mik a, a modern, six-bedroom compound laid out around a dreamy, extra-long swimming pool. If five-star hotel stays are your thing, you’ll settle in just fine here: Baan Mika comes with a staff that handles daily meals, housekeeping duties, and can arrange moped rentals, massages, boat tours, and more.
Ko Samui Must-Do: Visit Wat Phra Yai and Big Buddha, the temple’s 40-foot tall gold Buddha sculpture. Be sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

Bali

Puri Nirwana translates to “heavenly place,” and it’s easy to see how this villa got that name. The six-bedroom colonial-style home — which once belonged to a former Indonesian president — is set on a beachfront acre in Cucukan on the island’s southeast coast. Interior spaces feature marble floors, soaring ceilings, and a real stunner — the master bathroom’s huge stone soaking tub set beneath a window overlooking the garden. There’s also a pool, a Jacuzzi, an onsite spa, and a 15-person staff on call.
Bali Must-Do: Have your villa’s driver take you into Ubud for dinner at Locavore, a tasting-menu-only experience that’s been on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list since 2016.

Madeira, Portugal

If you can peel your eyes away from the cliff-top infinity pool at this six-bedroom villa in Ponta Do Sol, you’ll find plenty more to enjoy: multiple terraces overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, a tricked-out game room, a pergola-covered outdoor dining area, and a cook’s dream kitchen, complete with a built-in wood-fired oven. The villa shares its land with a banana plantation, and there’s an herb garden out back that guests are free to pick from.
Madeira Must-Do: Hop the Madeira Cable Car in the island’s capital, Funchal, for a bird’s-eye view of the island’s botanical gardens and black-sand beaches.

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

A 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland takes you to Waiheke Island, known as New Zealand‘s “Island of Wine” thanks to its ideal grape-growing microclimate. The eight-bedroom Palm Beach Lodge is the perfect spot for families or friends traveling together: Each of the Mediterranean-style house’s floors is a separate apartment, so everyone gets their own space to spread out. When you’re ready for some quality time together, meet up on the top-floor apartment’s terrace for the best views of the island.
Waiheke Island Must-Do: With more than 30 wineries across 35 square miles, wine tasting is the easy answer on Waiheke. Have your villa host arrange a tour, and you’ll be sipping pinot gris at Cable Bay Winery in no time.

St. Barth

The chic French-Caribbean isle has its fair share of sophisticated hotels and villas, many of which have reopened after sustaining damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017. One of those is the four-bedroom Villa Walhalla, perched on a hilltop (those views!) at Pointe Milou on the island’s quiet northeast coast. Sip rosé all day by the pool — the pink chaise loungers add an appropriate pop of color to the villa’s whitewashed palette — before gathering for dinner in the open-air dining room.
St. Barth’s Must-Do: If you want solitude, charter a boat to the secluded Colombier Beach (it’s only accessible by the water or a rugged, 30-minute hike); but if you came to St. Barth for a little revelry (you’re not alone), head to Nikki Beach. The popular beach club is well known for its VIP cabanas and daytime dance parties.

San Andrés, Colombia

The tiny, 10-square-mile island of San Andrés, located between Nicaragua and Colombia, may be popular with South American jetsetters, but remains relatively undiscovered by U.S. travelers. Spend your Caribbean vacation at Casa Iwana del Mar, a sleek four-bedroom villa with a big, modern kitchen and a rooftop lounge furnished with a hot tub, a billiards table, and a ping-pong table. The beach is a few feet away, but the pool area, with its daybeds and wicker swings, is a pretty tempting distraction.
San Andrés Must-Do: A “seven-colored sea” surrounds San Andrés, and one of the best places to dive in is at La Piscinita, a popular island snorkeling site.

The Seychelles

Pull open the shutters and let the breeze in at this three-bedroom beachfront villa on Eden Island — a super-luxe development off the coast of Mahé. Beyond the charming, Creole-style façade, there’s an open living and kitchen area, sleek wood floors, and spacious en-suite bathrooms. Post up by the palm-fringed swimming pool, or hop in your villa’s electric golf cart (there are no cars allowed on Eden Island) to head out and explore.
Seychelles Must-Do: Visit the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin Island (a quick ferry or plane ride from Mahé) to see the islands’ endemic coco de mer trees.

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We’ve done the research to help you craft the best Thailand honeymoon for your romantic getaway. Go grab your passport — and don’t forget to bring along your sense of adventure. Here are our top four favorite experiences.

For Elephant Enthusiasts

Spend a day caring for rescued pachyderms at Elephant Nature Park outside Chiang Mai. Hand-feed and river-bathe them in a natural environment. Stay for an afternoon or spend the night, with transportation from the city included.

For Serenity Seekers

Ko Samui is the spot for spas. Try a four-hour package at Tamarind Springs, where you’ll detox in the herbal-steam cave and natural rock plunge pools. Or clear your schedule for the Niran Nirvana couples session at Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui‘s Spa Cenvaree for custom treatments.

For Beach Bums

Live like Leo and stretch out on the sweet strands of Ko Phi Phi Lei, where The Beach was filmed. Arrange for a private ride to its sister island, Ko Phi Phi Don, with Phi Phi Island Speedboat Transfers. Overnight in the teakwood bungalows of Zeavola Resort, and wake up to an authentic Thai breakfast.

For Diving Devotees

Ko Tao is Thailand’s diving epicenter, and Ban’s Diving School is one of the largest certification outfits in the world. From basic instruction to open-water and rescue courses, divers of all levels are welcome. Stay at its hotel, Ban’s Diving Resort, to save time on travel to and from classes.

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Aruba, Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahamas — been there, done that. What about the islands that lie more off the beaten track, the ones that don’t exactly ring a bell? Allow us to introduce you to seven tropical islands where the beaches, reefs, wildlife and other attractions exist happily off the radar. Book a ticket now, before the secret gets out.

Koh Lipe, Thailand

The island has been dubbed the Maldives of Thailand, but, despite its white sand and turquoise water, Koh Lipe remains relatively uncharted in southern Thailand’s Andaman Sea. Just 35 miles from Langkawi, Malaysia, this tiny isle exudes low-key allure — no international hotel chains or even cars here (hail a bike taxi to get around, or just walk). Travelers adventurous enough to visit will find small resorts, a few beaches and a fleet of traditional longtail boats standing by to whisk them off to neighboring islets, snorkeling spots and Tarutao National Marine Park.

Milos, Greece

The Cycladic island of Milos is far less known than the famous statue that was discovered here in 1820: Venus de Milo. Suspended halfway between Athens and Crete in the Aegean Sea, this volcanic isle shelters 80 beaches and a mineral-rich moonscape of white rock and cobalt ocean. Academic types will nerd out over Milos’ historical attractions, including early Christian catacombs, an ancient Roman theater and a mining museum with local artifacts dating to the Neolithic Age.

North Stradbroke, Australia

Located near Brisbane, North Stradbroke is the world’s second-largest sand island, but laid-back Straddie (Minjerribah to the local Aboriginal people) sees only 24,000 visitors a year. Naree Budjong Djara National Park covers half of this subtropical outpost, and wildlife (wallabies, kangaroos, koalas and one of the most concentrated migrations of humpback whales in the world) is prolific. Must do: Explore the island’s rugged beaches, and get your daily steps on the scenic North Gorge Walk.

Rosario Islands, Colombia

The day trip to the remote Rosario Islands — a rustic archipelago off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia — begins with a wild ride in a “go-fast boat.” Once on Playa Blanca, however, the scene becomes much more relaxed. Rent an umbrella, and when a vendor comes around with a wheelbarrow full of whole coconuts and other coco loco cocktail ingredients, take advantage. For an extra fee, you can stop at an aquarium with dolphin shows on the way to the beach.

Saona, Dominican Republic

Visitors to the Dominican town of Bayahibe learn a little secret: Saona, the largest island off the coast of the DR, is the day trip of dreams. Not a single hotel exists on this this 42-square-mile isle, part of Parque Nacional del Este (National Park of the East), and only one small village is inhabited. Come to enjoy the sugar sand and postcard palm trees; stay for the chance to see red cushion sea stars in the clear, waist-deep waters of the Natural Pools. (Look but don’t touch: it may be tempting to take a selfie with one of these creatures, but it can harm — or eventually endanger — the species.)

Niue, South Pacific

Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands get a lot more airtime than their other Polynesian neighbor, Niue, one of the largest raised coral atolls in the world. A self-governing country in free association with New Zealand, this small island is home to 14 villages, a single full-service resort, and one of the most extensive cave systems in all of the South Pacific. Tip: Travel between July to October to swim with whales and dolphins.

Caladesi Island, Florida

If you follow Dr. Beach’s annual lists of America’s best beaches, you may have heard of Caladesi Island, which made the cut in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2016. Otherwise, you’re likely unaware of this state park off of central Florida’s Gulf coast. To get there, take the ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park, and expect minimal amenities — a snack bar, a bathroom and some picnic pavilions are the only manmade structures in this natural landscape of white sand, coastal dunes and rustling sea oats. For extra credit, rent a kayak and paddle through the mangroves.

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