Marriott Bonvoy points burning a hole in your rewards wallet? The worldwide hotel and resort company just debuted its first branded property in the Seychelles—Laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort. With 76 rooms and eight suites situated close to Anse Royal on the south coast of Mahé, the name’s meaning says it all: “Here it is.”

And if you’ve been waiting for a good reason to visit this Indian Ocean archipelago of more than 115 islands, this property beckons with a sense of place that’s hard to resist. 

The hotel teamed up with 01-20, a firm that creates unique spaces and experiences in the hospitality and entertainment industries, to turn the resort into a “theatre of sensory experiences.” Travelers who prefer their tropical resort to connect them with something from the locale’s culture, too, will be especially pleased with the myriad amenities. 

Visual elements throughout the property pay homage to the intrinsic relationship between the Seychelles and the explorers who discovered the islands, settled, and continued to come and go like the tide. 

Each space within Laïla (the Arabic word for “night”) was designed to guide guests through new and old island experiences through local stories and customs that encourage them to engage with all five of their senses. 

Upon arrival, for example, guests are given a moon calendar since the hotel’s location is considered among the best in the Seychelles for admiring the moonrise. As such, the hotel’s cocktail list offers moonrise libations (as opposed to sundowners) to quench your thirst. 

A natural and vibrant color palette incorporates typical island hues—turquoise, sandy colors, blue and pink like bright bougainvillea–to bring a sense of peace and calm to the rooms, suites, and shared spaces. 

Of particular note is how the designers have made it a goal to ensure Laïla connects to its immediate surroundings and doesn’t have the compound feel of so many other island resorts. Here, no gates or fencing separate the property from the village neighboring it and the surrounding jungle and ocean. There is seamless tropical ease as you move from space to space and off-property, too. 

Resort activities are rooted with a strong Seychellois sense of place and connection and include things like Creole classes, jewelry-making from foraged shells from the beach, stargazing, and traditional weaving demonstrations. 

The post Laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, Marks Marriott’s Debut in this Amazing Destination appeared first on Islands.

Splurging on a resort vacation creates memories that last forever. Whether you regularly indulge in 5-star tropical seclusion or simply pull out all the stops for a special occasion—a marriage proposal, honeymoon, babymoon, or milestone birthday or anniversary, perhaps—that feeling of the rest of the world slipping away as you relax in an ultra-luxurious suite or villa is incomparable. 

Some of our favorite islands and coastal resort areas, from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, are home to spectacular, over-the-top luxury resorts that are worth the price—and many are recently opened or newly re-opened. So, get ready to start planning the island getaway of your dreams at one of these seven indulgent resorts.

Moskito Island, British Virgin Islands

One of the most exclusive private islands in the world, Moskito Island joined Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition collection when it opened to guests in October 2021. Located just two miles from Branson’s Other upscale BVI enclave, Necker Island, 125-acre Moskito Island features three lavish private estates sleeping up to 22 guests—ideal for an escape with your entire family or closet friends—plus a social grouping of stand-alone guest houses called The Village. By design, it offers ultimate seclusion with the added attention to detail and service of all Virgin Limited Edition resorts. 

The Branson Estate, which has access to a private beach, sleeps 22 guests in three stand-alone villas connected via wooden walkways. Each Balinese-style villa has a spacious primary suite with panoramic views and a pool and hot tub. The Point Estate is also tropically inspired and sleeps up to 14 adults and eight children in a four-level main villa with an infinity edge pool and in surrounding guest houses. 

The Oasis Estate changes things up with its sleek contemporary design. It sleeps up to 18 guests and features a large wraparound infinity pool with a swim-up bar. The Village sleeps 20 guests and is comprised of seven standalone guesthouses, including the Main Pavilion with its primary suite and swimming pool. 

Rates start at $20,250/night and include all meals and beverages, in-villa chef services, transfers, Wi-Fi, and watersports. 

Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort, Hawaii

If wellness from dawn till dusk is a top priority, the perfect place to escape is the sleepy Hawaiian island of Lanai, home to a secluded, adults-only oasis offering a customized renewal experience set amid 24 acres of fragrant pine trees and gardens. Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort , which opened in 2019 (formerly, it was known as the Four Seasons Lodge at Koele), focuses on personalized well-being programs that combine spa treatments, fitness and wellness classes and consultations, outdoor activities and healthful cuisine with menus designed by legendary Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa. 

Whether you’re seeking a solo wellness deep dive, a transformative couple’s retreat or a mother-daughter getaway, the resort offers Guided Sensei Experiences and Discover Sensei options to customize your journey.

Sensei’s décor is awash in a palette of soothing neutrals—white, cream, and taupe in the 96 rooms and suites—and its equally elegant public spaces are accented by hardwood floors and beams. The lodge and its impeccably landscaped grounds feature a collection of fine art and sculptures by Fernando Botero, Claude Lalanne, Jeff Koons, Mark Quinn, and others. 

There’s a heated 25-meter pool with lap lanes and three whirlpools, an 18-hole putting green (and access to the Jack Nicklaus Signature 18-hole Manele Golf Course located at the beachfront Four Seasons Resort Lanai) and guests can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, sailing, snorkeling and other adventure or cultural excursions. 

Rates start at $1,080/per night room only; Discover Sensei packages starti at $1,560/night single and $2,040/night for two; and a Guided Wellness Experience starts at $1,585/night single and $2,090/night for two. 

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Minimalist design has a way of soothing away the stresses of daily life filled with distracting stimuli—especially when it’s used in a resort overlooking the serene aquamarine waters of the Maldives. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands, open since June 2021 as the first property located within a new development on North Male Atoll, has minimalism at its heart. 

The 100-villa property features seven categories of spacious one-and-two-bedroom villas (the smallest is 1,615 square feet), with many of the one-bedroom accommodations set over the water in a dramatic oval configuration and others along the beach, and a 16,000-sq. ft. Ritz-Carlton Estate with its own private beach. All accommodations feature a private pool and are designed with a sleek, modern aesthetic and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that allow guests to focus on the natural beauty around them.

The property, located over three interconnected islands, features seven restaurants and bars serving global cuisine (Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Mediterranean and the flavors of the Maldives) prepared with simple ingredients, including produce from an on-site garden, by chefs with top culinary skills. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, a ring-shaped haven located in the center of the overwater villa oval, was designed to harness natural healing energy as guests enjoy treatment journeys using organic wellness products. On-site activities, from watersports to tennis, as well as a Ritz Kids program make the property family-friendly. 

Rates start at $2,500/night for an Ocean Pool Villa.

Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth

St. Barth has long been a haven for celebrities and other A-listers, but the December 2021 reopening of one of its signature luxury resorts under the Rosewood banner has created a compelling reason for anyone seeking upscale indulgence to revisit this ultra-chic, eight-square-mile French-Caribbean island. 

Rosewood Le Guanahani St. Barth offers 66 rooms and suites, and its 10 one-of-a-kind Signature Suites invite you to enjoy 915 to 1,967 sq. ft. of beautifully curated living space for two to seven guests. Signature Suites feature a private pool, offer garden or ocean views, and come with exclusive personalized service. All accommodations are in bright, cheerfully colored cottages while the interior décor mixes tones of white, sand, and blue for a look that’s contemporary but feels at home in the Caribbean.

Located on 18 acres on its own private peninsula along Marigot Bay and Grand Cul-de-Sac lagoon, Rosewood Le Guanahani features adjacent golden-sand beaches and two pools as well as Sense, A Rosewood Spa, offering soothing treatments and journeys. You can also enjoy superb Mediterranean-meets-Caribbean cuisine in its oceanfront Beach House St. Barth restaurant, where the signature tasting menu includes caviar, lobster ravioli and sea bass. The Beach House also has an a la carte dinner menu and serves breakfast and lunch, while the elegant Bar Mélangé serves bespoke cocktails, fine wines, and shareable appetizers. 

Rates start at $2,045/night for rooms, $2,470/night for suites and $4,415/night for Signature Suites.

Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection, Punta de Mita, Mexico

For a “bungalow by the beach” escape with pampering amenities, the new Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection property in Punta de Mita, Mexico pairs fabulous Pacific sunsets and an elevated bohemian ambience to perfect the art of relaxation. Opened in November 2022 and located 45 minutes north of the airport in Puerta Vallarta, the resort offers 59 rooms and suites—each with open floor plans, expansive ocean views and large, private terraces—set along a serene beach backed by jungle cliffs. 

Accommodations, which range from 800-to-1,500-sq. ft. guestrooms and 1,400-to-2,400-sq. ft. one- and two-bedroom suites to spacious two-to-seven-bedroom villas sized from 3,200 to 17,000 sq. ft., are light-filled, airy, and designed with natural materials that celebrate Mexico’s rich artisan culture.

The resort’s culinary program is rooted in local ingredients, from fresh seafood to produce farmed nearby. Casamilpa restaurant serves globally referenced but distinctly local dishes from a rustic Mexican farmhouse-inspired menu, while open-air La Boquita and poolside La Piscina offer tacos, ceviche, and other familiar favorites along with tequila and mezcal cocktails. Three infinity-edge pools cascade down toward the beach and the Ondita Spa takes inspiration from the healing energy of the ocean—exemplified by its signature Wave Massage. 

Rates start at $1,124/night for a Garden Studio.

Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles

If it’s a swept-away kind of seclusion you seek, Six Senses Zil Pasyon, the sole resort on Félicité island in Seychelles, has it. The property’s luxurious and spacious accommodations are tucked amid the dramatic granite rock formations that give the island, a neighbor of better-known La Digue, its postcard-perfect allure. 

There are 28 One-Bedroom Pool Villas (1,880 to 2,622 sq. ft.), two Two-Bedroom Pool Villas (4,740 sq. ft.) and a trio of three- and four-bedroom Residences (7,890 to 15,242 sq. ft.). All feature private pools and sundecks, vaulted wood ceilings and effortless indoor/outdoor living.

Six Senses Zil Pasyon has an eco-conscious philosophy that extends from in-room amenities (Naturalmat organic mattresses and Organic Pharmacy toiletries) to growing its own organic herbs, fruits and vegetables and offering guests reusable glass water bottles. The island is also a nesting site for endangered Hawksbill turtles (the property protects nests during hatching season) and home to indigenous and endemic plant species. 

Amid this Eden-like backdrop, guests can enjoy Seychellois specialties that combines the flavors of Africa, French, Chinese, English, Indian, and Creole cuisines in three restaurants and two bars. The ultimate indulgence? A respite in one of the Six Senses Spa’s airy treatment rooms, perched amid massive boulders as seafoam waves ebb and flow below. 

Rates start at $1,415/night for a Hideaway Pool Villa.

Rock House Turks and Caicos Resort, Providenciales

Grace Bay Resorts added a stunning new luxury property to its portfolio in May 2022 when it debuted Rock House Turks and Caicos Resort, an intimate enclave located on the less-touristy north shore of popular Providenciales island. Designed to bring a Mediterranean essence—the feeling of being in a villa along the Amalfi Coast or the French Riviera—to this Caribbean hot spot, it features 46 architecturally striking villa-style accommodations constructed along limestone cliffs and is a member of Leading Hotels of the World.

Accommodations range from 553-sq. ft. oceanfront studios to 1,747-sq. ft. Oceanfront Two-Bedroom residences with a private infinity-edge pool and full kitchen. All feature exterior walls of chiseled limestone, outdoor terraces, and pacifying interior décor that channels the natural hues of the area’s cliffs, sand, and turquoise water. 

The resort’s three restaurants and bars draw inspiration from the Mediterranean, with Vita Restaurant, perched 30 feet above the sea, serving Italian specialties with a Caribbean influence along with stunning views. Cave Bar, with its natural rock walls, is the spot for shared plates and pizza, while the elevated and open-air Sunset Bar is designed for savoring wine or cocktails. Rock House also boasts a white-sand beach, a 100-foot-long infinity pool, a yoga pavilion, and a 130-foot private jetty. 

Rates start at $1,034/night for an Ocean View Ridge Studio.

The post 7 Over-the-top Luxury Resorts That Are Worth the Splurge appeared first on Islands.

As we approach Earth Day (April 22), a day established in 1970 not to celebrate our planet’s natural beauty, but instead to educate us about its continuing environmental fragility, what better way to commemorate than with a look at some of the world’s most fascinating must-see trees? They are the giver of life, cleaning the atmosphere of carbon dioxide and creating the oxygen we breathe, and Earth Day’s founders seek to protect and nurture this vital commodity by planting tens of millions of trees through the Canopy Project. 

Our planet’s trees are also incredibly diverse and amazing to behold—and guess what? Many notable varieties are found on some of our favorite islands. Here’s where you can see 10 of them—from enigmatically shaped baobabs and dragon trees to flowering cherries and jacarandas.

Madagascar: The Baobab Tree

Known for its biodiversity, the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar is home to more than 100,000 unique species including five types of lemurs, an atypical monkey only found here. But for tree-lovers, no visit is complete without seeing the one-of-a-kind forest known as the Avenue of the Baobabs. 

Six of Earth’s eight species of baobab only grow in Madagascar and this clutch of whimsically shaped trees, most of them more then 800 years old, is located 12 miles from Morondava.

Aruba: The Fofoti Tree

It stands alone on Eagle Beach and has ended up in countless Instagram posts—but this iconic landmark is often mislabeled: It is a Fofoti tree, not one of the famous divi-divi trees that dot the arid landscape of Aruba. Both species point in a southwesterly direction, due to the wind’s direction on the constantly breezy island, but only the Fofoti grows on the beach.

Tenerife: The Dragon Tree

Dragon trees are not exclusive to Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, but the one that grows in the charming village of Icod de los Vinos is famous and known as El Dragon Milinario. The reason? Its size (an estimated 56 feet tall and 66 feet wide) and its age (said to be 800 to 1,000 years). 

Shaped like a massive broccoli floret, the dragon tree got its name because it secretes a red resin that was dubbed “dragon’s blood.” There are actually two dragon trees in Icod de los Vinos, and while the second one is younger and smaller, it’s still mesmerizing.

Japan: The Cherry Tree

Each spring on Honshu, Japan’s main island, the natural and cultural phenomenon of enjoying the sakura—the cherry blossoms—occurs, drawing locals and tourists to appreciate the beauty of these delicate pink flowers that seem to float in mid-air. The bloom peaks in different places across the island, from late March in the south to late April in the north, and there are dozens of scenic spots to take it all in. 

In Tokyo, where the blossoms are typically at their most breathtaking in late March and early April, popular viewing points include Chidori-ga-fuchi Moat and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Tsuyama, in central Japan, is also known for its cherry blossoms, especially around Tsuyama Castle.

Capri: The Parasol Pine 

There are dozens of reasons to visit the fabled Italian island of Capri, a spot favored by the Roman emperors for its beauty and sweeping views across the Bay of Naples. Known for both its rocky geography and its botanical bounty, Capri beckons visitors from spring through fall with its myriad plant and tree species—including the alluring parasol pine (aka stone pine), a distinctively ornamental tree found throughout Italy and the Mediterranean and named for that which it resembles. 

The Seychelles: The Coco de Mer Palm

Known as the “Love Nut,” the highly suggestive seed of the towering Coco de Mer palm tree reminds many visitors of a shapely pair of human buttocks—and weighs in at an impressive 35 pounds, making it the largest seed in the plant kingdom. 

It is found in the wild on only two islands in the Seychelles, Praslin and Curieuse, and in the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens in Victoria, the capital of its main island Mahe.

Maui: The Jacaranda Tree

Which Hawaiian island has the most spectacular jacarandas? That’s up for debate—this gorgeous species with its bright purple blossoms is found in quantity on Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the island of Hawaii. But a tour of the Kula Highway in Upcountry Maui, located on the slopes of volcanic Haleakala, during the months of April and May, will surround you in a heavenly sea of amethyst blooms. 

Drive it, or for an active adventure, ride it with Bike Maui on a thrilling downhill sunrise tour from atop 10,023-foot Haleakala.

Tahiti and Hawaii: The Frangipani Tree

Not only are these striking trees with clusters of five-petaled white, yellow, or pink blossoms a beautiful sight all around French Polynesia and the Hawaiian islands (where they are more commonly known as plumeria), but they also scent the air with a heavenly perfume at every turn. 

Used to make traditional floral leis and headdresses and as a scent for massage oils, these distinctive petals (along with tiare blossoms in Tahiti) are also worn one at a time—behind the left ear to signal your heart is taken and behind the right to let the world know you’re single.

Barbados, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands: The Flamboyant Tree 

Established throughout the Caribbean, but especially on the islands of Barbados, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St. Croix, the vibrant Flamboyant tree (aka the Flame Tree or Royal Poinciana) adds a bold dash of spicy color to the mostly cool green and blue hues of the Caribbean. 

They aren’t native (they were brought to the islands in the 19^th century from Madagascar) but thrive in tropical locales and now adorn many Caribbean gardens and roadsides, blooming during the summer months.

Oahu and Maui: The Banyan Tree

Most trees grow upward, but the banyan tree does things differently—it also grows downward with long, tentacle-like branches reaching into the ground, forming a natural maze. Banyans live for hundreds of years and two impressive examples can be found on Oahu and Maui.

The Banyan Courtyard at the Westin Moana Surfrider on Waikiki Beach is named for the 118-year-old tree that grows there. And visitors to Maui can ogle the largest banyan tree in Hawaii in Old Lahaina, which was planted in 1873, spans an entire block and reaches 60 feet in height.

The post Celebrate Earth Day with 10 Iconic Island Trees appeared first on Islands.

With 115 islands sprinkling the emerald lagoons of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles isn’t a one-size-fits-all tropical destination. Two of the country’s most luxurious properties, the Four Seasons Seychelles and the Four Seasons Seychelles Desroches Island, offer two distinctly different island escapes. Here’s how to tell which one is the best fit for you.

Location, Location, Location

The main island of Mahé is home to palm-tree-laden hilltops, towering granite rocks, and one of the world’s smallest capital cities. A 45-minute winding drive past roadside fish markets and local homes leads you to the Four Seasons Seychelles. 

Perched on one of the island’s verdant hillsides, its 65 villas, suites, and residences are breaks in the greenery of this one-time fruit plantation. But it’s the nearly mile-long stretch of white sand below that steals the show. Framed by weathered granite boulders and coconut trees, Petite Anse is known as one of the best beaches on the island.

A 35-minute propeller engine flight from Seychelles International Airport is the island of Desroches. The Four Seasons Seychelles at Desroches Island shares this expansive land with a handful of privately-owned villas and an Aldabra Tortoise Sanctuary, run by the Island Conservation Society.

Here, 71 villas, suites, and residences sit on white sands with crystalline ocean views and private beach access. Travelers won’t find the Seychelles signature hills here; Desroches is flatter than a freshly filleted fish from their Lighthouse restaurant raw bar. Its smooth, sandy surface makes it the perfect place to cruise around on your private villa bikes, soaking in the Seychellois sun.

No Two Rooms are Alike

The number of spacious villas, suites, and residences are roughly the same at each property, with Desroches having a handful more, but the design aesthetics are a world apart.

The Four Seasons Seychelles is glamorous to its core. The standalone accommodation on Mahé is inspired by Creole design with African-style furniture and artwork throughout. The textured wood flooring, four-post beds with mosquito netting and white-washed wood walls with pops of pink and yellow create an island feel. But its massive marble bathroom with panorama views of the villa-dotted hillside and white waves crashing onto the beach are the main draw. 

The large outdoor space includes a covered cabana, private pool, and lounge area. Be sure to book a room with an ocean view; it’s a property highlight.

On the Four Seasons Seychelles at Desroches Island, you’re truly on island time. The pace is slower, and the villas are more rustic. Standalone villas line the beach with massive outdoor areas featuring cushioned cabanas and private pools. Inside, a more rustic, bohemian vibe permeates the space. Woven wall decorations and lampshades decorate the bedroom, while matte-black lanterns hang in the bathroom. Mosaic tiles are a theme throughout the villas, as are pops of bright, beachy colors.

Octopus, Snapper and Wagyu, Oh My!

Four fabulous restaurants and two cruisy restaurant bars serve local dishes and Japanese favorites at the Four Seasons Seychelles. The breakfast area overlooks the beach from the Japanese izakaya restaurant Zez. Fresh French pastries are passed around, while a variety of cheeses, meats, yogurts and menu items are on offer. 

Beachside, Kannel serves local dishes like octopus curry and red snapper ceviche. When the sun goes down, Zez crafts Wagyu katsu sandos and pork belly bao while the masters at Koi create sashimi and sushi rolls. And when the weather is right, the grill is fired up for surf and turf at the Steak Shack.

There are three laidback restaurants and two chic bars to choose from on Desroches. The main restaurant Claudine hosts breakfast with a Bloody Mary station and a leg of prosciutto for slicing. For lunch, indulge in a charcoal cheeseburger or tuna tartare. If you’re in between snorkels or spa sessions, the Deli has quick bites, including a crudo bar, wraps, or a make-your-own-ceviche. 

At night, the second floor Lighthouse Lounge is the place to be for sunset cocktails. Then, head downstairs for raw bar and grill specialties like dry-aged beef and black cod. At Claudine, the menu is Mediterranean with seafood pasta, fish dishes, or a lamb shank.

Rest and Relaxation

Its location as the highest point on the property means the Le Syel Spa at the Four Seasons Seychelles has views for days. So come for an afternoon yoga class, an after-sun massage, or just a photo; its sweeping vistas are known to elicit a “wow.”

At ocean level are five treatment pavilions on Desroches. From personalized aromatherapy massages to sound healing therapy sessions and treatments with visiting practitioners, each is as calming as the next.

Make Your Own Vacation

Being on the main island of Mahé has its advantages. Travelers can tour the island, visiting art galleries in the south and markets in the north. Do a rum tasting at local Takamaka Rum or stroll the limited streets of the capital city, Victoria. There’s also plenty to do at the resort, from coral planting with a WiseOceans marine conservationist, surfing with TropicSurf or the popular 30-minute hike to the top of a nearby granite boulder for a meditation session.

On your private island paradise, things are a bit more relaxed. When you’re not basking by the beach, the main draw is the Tortoise Sanctuary. Every Monday and Wednesday afternoon, guests can feed these fascinating creatures and learn about the Island Conservation Society’s efforts to protect them. 

In addition, there are over nine miles of biking trails spanning the entire island, tennis, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, snorkeling, and some of the world’s best scuba diving with Blue Safari. For the perfect end to an evening, grab a beanbag and a cocktail for stargazing on the runway. 

Each resort offers a totally unique experience, from its different dining options, spa offerings, and beaches. And if you’re still conflicted, book a stay at both.

The post The Four Seasons Seychelles vs. Four Seasons Desroches Island: Which is Right for You? appeared first on Islands.

While this remote 115 island nation off the coast of Africa is known for its narrow, winding hilltop roads, Desroches Island is a dreamy departure. The largest in Seychelles’ Amirante Islands, it channels the Maldives with its entirely flat layout and private Four Seasons resort.

Opened in 2018, the Four Seasons Seychelles at Desroches Island surrounds one of the world’s smallest airstrips, welcoming private planes and local outfitters for the 35-minute scenic flight from Seychelles International Airport in Mahé.

From Safari to Sand

When we skidded onto the runway, the staff was standing nearby, windblown but waving. A buggy promptly shuttled my father and me to our Two-Bedroom Presidential Villa, one of 71 villas, suites and residences on the island. As part of the Safari & Islands Collection, we came from the plains of the Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti to the sands of Four Seasons Desroches.

With private beach access from every villa, we quickly made our way out onto the soft silica to dip our toes in the rolling waves. After a quick swim, the swinging hammock and a new book from the resort’s library collection came calling.

Rustic Chic Personified

With rumbling stomachs, we rode our villa bicycles to the island’s main restaurant, Claudine, for a light lunch of locally-caught red snapper ceviche. As our forks hit the plates, black clouds started to brew. A storm front in Mauritius caused volatile weather in Seychelles but spending time lounging in the villa was no hardship.

Rustic in design, each thatched-roof villa has a combination of mosaic tiles and Dabema wood throughout. Thoughtful touches from woven art inspired by the island’s African culture to door handles inspired by tree branches decorate the rooms.

Black and white Aztec-style rugs are laid on Dabema wood floors with black matte finishings throughout the bathroom. Pops of pink in the decor and green leafy palms add fun and a touch of whimsy to the space.

But it’s the outdoor areas that beckon. There are plush, covered cabanas alongside plunge pools, lounge chairs and umbrellas in front of your private piece of sand. Some villas even have a spiral staircase with a viewing area ideal for catching the sunset.

You’re on Island Time

When the beach weather turned from bad to worse, we hopped on bikes for an island ride through the lush jungle roads. While the humidity got the best of us, we stopped at Madame Zabre beach, one of the island’s premier snorkeling destinations. The resort has two cabanas set up with self-service lounge chairs, ice-cold water and a bathroom on the sand.

We rode on to one of the island’s most exciting areas, the Tortoise Sanctuary. Here, hundreds of baby and fully-grown Aldabra tortoises are protected by the Island Conservation Society. Every Monday and Wednesday, guests can partake in an afternoon feeding of these gentle creatures led by a member of the environmental group.

Soothing Ocean Sounds

What do you do on a tropical island when it’s raining? The spa holds the answers. As the drops started to fall, Berto led me in a calming Sound Healing Therapy session. The gentle singing of his Tibetan bowls combined with the patter of rain on the window and the fierce crashing of waves on the nearby beach had me nodding off within minutes.

The lull from the ocean continues during my Sound of The Waves massage. Using eggs filled with warm local baobab seeds, my Seychellois practitioner gently moved them up and down my limbs, mimicking the movement of the waves.

Seafood Galore

Known for its freshly caught octopus, red snapper and world-class fly-fishing, there’s no shortage of seafood in Seychelles.

As the storm started to calm, the Lighthouse illuminated. A favorite among guests, the first floor is a grill and raw bar restaurant. It has a spiral staircase leading up to the top and a second-floor lounge area for pre-dinner, sunset cocktails.

Inside catch-of-the-day sashimi and crispy tuna nigiri are a go-to. My dad opted for the melt-in-your-mouth black cod dish, while I deviated from the shellfish theme and ordered a dry-aged Galicia striploin with a side of mashed sweet potato made with organic coconut oil and macadamia nuts.

Here Comes the Sun

The following morning, after a sprawling buffet of fresh tropical fruits, homemade coconut yogurt and French toast topped with crispy bacon, the sun appeared.

Suddenly the beaches turned a blinding white, the ocean a light emerald green, and hours later, my skin a bright lobster red. Strolling down the beach, past stranded driftwood and shuffling hermit crabs, the palm trees undulated like the waves. 

In all its illuminated glory, it was easy to see why people crave the beauty and simplicity of this barefoot castaway private island.

The post What It’s Like to Visit Desroches, One of the Most Exclusive Private Islands in Seychelles appeared first on Islands.

What do you get when you combine one of the world’s most legendary resort brands with one of the most incredible and stunning destinations on the planet? Club Med Seychelles, of course, which recently opened its doors to the world, offering an experience unlike any other as Sainte Anne’s first and only resort.

And while we’ve come to expect certain perks from Club Med—like laidback luxury, great food, and an all-around effortless vacation experience—the bar here is raised exponentially by the location. The Seychelles offers natural beauty that seems almost otherworldly, and that also includes beaches that look like they’re works of art and adventures that instill appreciation of the elements here, as much as thrills.

We could talk about this paradise until the waves dry up, so let’s focus on what this property offers that instantly makes it one of the best in the region. We tend to overuse the cliché “offers something for everyone,” but Club Med Seychelles rises above and even redefines such a concept with family-oriented experiences, while managing to draw a line between adults and children for the sake of delivering something unique and special that doesn’t favor any one type of travel or discriminate against another.

Families, couples, even solo adventurers and explorers—there’s an alluring factor here for anyone who is simply looking to enjoy the best of the Seychelles. Set on more than 50 acres, and boasting 290 rooms, this Club Med property was conceived with a purpose of making every guest feel as if the resort was tailored to them.

As is the Club Med way, families with kids of any age will love the fact that little ones will be spoiled with a clever combination of action and education. They’ll be kept busy with water sports and activities like paddle boarding and sailing, while learning about the island and the Indian Ocean during scavenger hunts and other activities.

Parents, on the other hand, can sneak away to the adults-only Zen area and enjoy peace and quiet by poolside or hammam treatments, as well as yoga.

Club Med has gone to great lengths to ensure that almost every resort is Green Globe certified, but Club Med Seychelles might soon be the gold standard, if it isn’t already. For starters, the brand’s Bye-Bye Plastics program was enacted here from day one, and the resort will limit energy consumption and grow its own plants while using recycled wastewater to treat the gardens and nurseries. And resort officials will work with the Seychelles Agricultural Agency to support and boost local production of the fruits and vegetables used on-site in the innovative regional cuisine.

Best of all, guests will be able to witness these and other programs firsthand, learning about marine conservation and the island’s turtle nesting. Such activities pair well with the glass-bottomed kayak tours and excursions to stunning Anse Lazio and Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The post Club Med’s Latest Brings an ‘Eco-Chic’ Vibe to the Seychelles 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.

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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.

The post 15 Most Famous Beaches in the World appeared first on Islands.

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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Kata Rocks – Phuket, Thailand

Your vacation will go to infinity and beyond at this luxury resort on Thailand’s sunny Phuket island, where the pale aquamarine water of the sleek infinity pool that fronts each of the 34 modern suites and villas meets the deep blue calm of the Andaman Sea. The private pools are generously sized (23 or 46 feet depending on the category) but if you’re feeling social you can also soak in some sun at the chaise-lined Infinity Pool located off of the main bar and lounge. katarocks.com

Hotel Caesar Augustus – Capri, Italy

Check into this 55-room luxury hotel perched on a hillside on the beautiful Isle of Capri and you can literally surround yourself with blue at the irresistible infinity-edge pool. The cool cobalt of the 88-foot-long pool is matched by the the intense cerulean of the Bay of Naples, the brilliant cornflower of the Mediterranean sky and the dusty indigo of the silhouette of one of Italy’s most famous volcanoes, Mt. Vesuvius (of Pompeii fame). This pool is a daydreamer’s paradise — even during cooler months when it’s heated. caesar-augustus.com

Jade Mountain – St. Lucia

Yes, there’s a resort pool atop this sexy, one-of-a-kind hotel overlooking St. Lucia’s famous Piton peaks. But it’s not the one you’ll be spending most of your time in — not when each of the 24 wood-and-stone Sanctuaries has its own private pool with a view. And we’re not talking tiny plunge pools that can barely fit two people. Depending on the category (except for Sky, which only has a Jacuzzi), your personal glass-tiled oasis will measure between 400 and 900 square feet. The pool, not the room. The Sanctuaries, which have just three walls and are open to nature, are 1,400 to 2,000 square feet. jademountain.com

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai – Big Island, Hawaii

The King’s Pond isn’t really a pool per se, but it’s one of the coolest and most refreshing places to swim (make that snorkel) at this 243-room resort on the island of Hawaii. That’s because this 1.8-million-gallon, man-made saltwater “aquarium” carved from lava rock has been stocked with more than 4,000 tropical fish and a few spotted eagle rays. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, there are five other more traditional pools to choose from, including a lap pool, the adults-only Palm Grove Pool and the family-oriented Sea Shell Pool. fourseasons.com

InterContinental Hong Kong

Where does the pool end and Victoria Harbour begin? You’ll have to swim on over to the infinity edge of one of the three spa pools (each a different temperature) to find out as you soak in views of Hong Kong across the harbor — crisscrossed by the legendary Star Ferries — from your perch on the Pool Terrace of this 503-room hotel located on the Kowloon waterfront. There’s also a large central pool and teak-decked dining area with a distinctly Asian ambiance that both offer plenty of space to relax and recover from your jetlag. intercontinental.com

One&Only Ocean Club – Paradise Island, Bahamas

Lots of pools in the Caribbean offer water views — and this 105-room luxury resort on Paradise Island has a new 125-foot infinity-edged Ocean Pool that’s framed in serene Bahamian blue — but this is also the only property in the region with a smaller, palm-shaded pool that faces a manicured terraced Versailles Garden topped by a 12th-century Augustinian cloister brought to the island from France. Breezy seascape or historic backdrop — the choice is yours. oneandonlyresorts.com

Grace Santorini Hotel – Santorini, Greece

Slip into the spare, geometric confines of this serene infinity-edge pool and you’re apt to decide that this is exactly what heaven should be like. Set high atop of the volcanic cliffs of Oia — perhaps the most photographed village in the Greek Islands, famous for its whitewashed Cycladic-style houses and blue-domed churches — the largest pool of its kind on Santorini overlooks the dramatic sea-filled caldera and offers a perfect view of the famously romantic sunset. gracehotels.com

InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – French Polynesia

Travelers sometimes overlook French Polynesia’s main island of Tahiti, treating it as a mere gateway to neighboring Moorea or bucket-list mainstay Bora Bora. But two of the most amazing infinity pools in this South Pacific paradise are just a few miles from the international airport at this 245-room resort. One, Le Lotus measures 8,600 square feet and features a sandy bottom, swim-up bar and incredible views of Moorea, while the 12,900-square-foot Te Tiare pool has refreshing cascades. intercontinental.com

Zoetry Agua Punta Cana – Dominican Republic

A river runs through it — a lazy, leisurely, pale-blue river of cool, refreshing pool water that winds its way around the lush, palm-tree-lined grounds of this 96-suite all-inclusive in the Dominican Republic. “Agua” mean water in Spanish, so the meandering pools (two separate ones, actually, that end with infinity-edge views of the white-sand beach and sparkling Caribbean) are totally apropos. zoetyresorts.com

Banyan Tree Seychelles

Set on a hillside above a perfect crescent of golden sand, this intimate resort on Mahe island in Seychelles features 60 contemporary Creole-style villas, each with its own sapphire-blue infinity pool that seems suspended in mid-air. The views are as dreamy as the décor and the privacy is the stuff honeymoons and romantic getaways are made of. The larger infinity pool near the bar and lounge area has an inviting glassy sheen just waiting for someone to take a dip and send ripples racing off toward the endless horizon. banyantree.com

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Puerto Rico

Having a choice of pools — one reserved for adults and the other dedicated to family fun—is always a welcome amenity. At this 115-room super-exclusive resort located 30 minutes from San Juan, you can enroll kids aged 4-16 off in the Ambassadors of the Environment program, order an icy mojito and claim a chaise (or reserve a cabana) at the serene, palm-tree-lined Positivo Pool with its soothing views of the beach and waves. An equally compelling panorama awaits at the Encanto Beach Club Pool, where splash pools will assure even the littlest ones enjoy some fun in the sun. ritzcarlton.com
Editor’s note: Puerto Rico was heavily impacted by Hurricane Maria and this resort may be closed. Please visit the hotel’s website for updates.

Hilton Molino Stucky Venice

What it lacks in size it more than makes up for in drama. The seasonal rooftop pool (open mid-May to September) at this 379-room red-brick hotel located on Venice’s Giudecca Canal — it was converted 10 years ago from a late-19th-century flour mill — offers some of the best panoramic views in the city. It’s almost surreal to enjoy a swim here as you gaze down on the red rooftops and bell towers of one of the world’s most famous island cities. Hang around until twilight (there’s a rooftop bar, too) when things truly get magical. hilton.com

Alila Villas Uluwatu – Bali

The island of Bali is pretty magical all on its own, but when you slip on your swimsuit and glide over to the edge of the infinity pool at this 65-villa resort to watch the sunset, it becomes absolutely divine. Set atop limestone cliffs more than 300 feet above the Indian Ocean and measuring a generous 164 feet in length, this is the kind of pool that transports you to a deeper kind of relaxation than you ever knew was possible. alilahotels.com

Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa – Jamaica

The all-inclusive fun at the family-friendly, 488-room resort in Montego Bay includes a swimming pool complex that’s home to the Sugar Mills Falls Water Park, the largest in Jamaica and the second largest in the Caribbean. Features include a 280-foot water slide, several waterfalls, a lazy river for splashing and tubing, three terraced pools — and for the accompanying adults, a swim-up bar. The resort also has a large, chaise-lined main pool if screams and thrills aren’t your thing. hilton.com

Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort – Maui, Hawaii

It’s the best of both worlds at this 776-room enclave set on 40 acres along Maui’s Wailea Beach and offering a splash-centric pool for kids of every age and a more sedate adults-only option for guests who prefer to chill. The former, known as the Canyon Activity Pool, measures over 27,000 square feet and features nine separate pools on six different levels with rapids, slides, waterfalls, rope swings and a swim-up bar. The latter is 4,850 square feet and features more than 2.2 million glass mosaic tiles forming the giant flower that gives it it’s name: The Hibiscus Pool. grandwailea.com

Belmond Reid’s Palace – Funchal, Madeira

If the beach isn’t your thing, perhaps you’d rather be surrounded by a lush, 10-acre subtropical garden as you swim in your choice of three heated pools (two of them saltwater) and gaze at the intense blue Atlantic Ocean hundreds of feet below. That’s how you’ll spend a relaxing afternoon at this 158-room historic hotel — it dates back more than 120 years — located in Funchal, the capital of this Portuguese territory of Madeira, which is known as the Island of Eternal Spring. belmond.com

Gansevoort Turks & Caicos – Providenciales

Sometimes size does matter. The folks who created this 91-room resort on Providenciales in the sunny Turks & Caicos Islands certainly thought so when they built a 7,000-square-foot infinity pool for their guests — even though the clear, calm, invitingly blue water of Grace Bay is just steps away. Lined with chaises and accented with rustling coconut palms and four umbrella-shaded “island pods,” this pool can channel a bit of a Miami scene, complete with a DJ at times, but there’s plenty of room to kick back and relax. gansevoorthotelgroup.com

Cheval Blanc Randheli – Maldives

When privacy is a priority it’s hard to beat the 40-foot infinity pools attached to each of the 45 island and water villas at this luxury resort located on private Noonu Atoll in the Maldives. The contemporary style of the Jean-Michel Gathy-designed villas extends to the sleek, slate-lined pools and sun decks, where room-service breakfast, lunch or dinner can precede or follow a relaxing dip. chevalblanc.com

Jumby Bay Island – Antigua

Shhhh! If you’re a couple looking to unwind, you’ll be happy to learn that the most alluring pool at this intimate 40-room resort set on a private island just off the coast of Antigua is the lagoon-shaped infinity pool. Set at the far end of Jumby Bay Beach, next to the Pool Grille casual dining restaurant (you won’t have to budge from your chaise to enjoy lunch), it’s a blissful spot to work on your tan, finish that book you started on the flight or just reconnect with your partner as you sip some seriously potent rum punch. oetkercollection.com

Qualia, Hamilton Island – Australia

This exclusive resort set on the secluded northern tip of Hamilton Island in Australia’s postcard-worthy Whitsunday Islands offers its guests not one but two infinity-edge pools, each with views of the aqua-hued Coral Sea and verdant green hills that are so soothing, they’ll convince you you’ve discovered the travel alternative to Prozac. Better still, the resort, which features 60 harmonious one-bedroom pavilions, doesn’t allow guests under the age of 16, so your zen zone at the pool won’t be interrupted. qualia.com.au

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