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.

From the moment the first islands and destinations started kicking around the concept of remote work visas, people were hooked. That’s not to say droves of fidgety keyboard warriors packed their bags and ordered Uber rides to their nearest airports, but so many people undoubtedly wondered if it was possible and reasonable to spend the next week, month, or even year answering emails, updating spreadsheets, and hosting Zoom meetings with a gorgeous beach in the background.

We even tested the concept for ourselves, heading to Miami for a private poolside cabana with excellent WiFi reception and Aruba for the exceptional One Happy Workation program, and the verdict was pure awesomeness. And while some people have returned to their offices, a lot of us are working remotely on a permanent basis, so that means the possibility for a change of scenery still exists.

That’s especially great news for anyone who has ever dreamed of visiting Mauritius.

When it comes to the conversation about the world’s most beautiful islands, we can’t imagine there’d be much of a debate concerning Mauritius’s spot on that list. Amazing beaches, gorgeous rainforests, the world’s third-largest coral reef, and those lagoons! This island nation is the definition of paradise, which is why it sits atop so many travelers’ bucket lists. Now, it can actually be your home and workplace for at least the next year.

The Premium Travel Visa program is now available for anyone looking to shift gears and add a heightened sense of wellness to the daily routine. The visa isn’t specifically geared toward professionals—regular tourists and retirees are eligible as well—but the idea of calling Mauritius your home office for a year or longer (the visa is renewable) will make the mind and heart do cartwheels.

Intrigued and qualified travelers must first submit an online application, as well as proof of travel and health insurance. Most notably, applicants must prove that their income will be sourced outside of Mauritius, which means finding work there is not part of the deal. The premium visa is valid for one year, but the best news of all is that it’s renewable. You know, in case you can’t get enough of one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever experience.

The post Mauritius Offers Remote Workers the Most Enticing Change of Scenery Yet appeared first on Islands.

Lamu is the kind of place I had to give into. Everybody does. I could say the reason was jet lag or New York City burnout or pandemic fatigue (or all three rolled into one), but, really, it’s because the Kenyan isle has an irresistibly gentle pace that’s hard not to surrender to. There’s even a local saying for it: “pole pole.” Slow down.

Here, where no cars are allowed and there are almost as many donkeys as humans, you can’t help but appreciate the slow sway of life–something that has attracted many wanderers and travelers in the past. But it’s not just the island’s unhurried pace that draws foreigners. As a trading island in the Indian Ocean, Lamu has long had a rich mixture of cultures and architecture (Arab to Indian, Swahili and Chinese). Evidence of the jumble of cultures is everywhere, from the buildings that line the narrow streets to the hand-pressed chapatis and fragrant fish curries served at the restaurants.

The history is noticeable, too—Lamu Town, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, feels like it still belongs in the 13th century, when it was first built. Cows roam down limestone alleyways that crisscross the city, so narrow they can fit little more than a pregnant donkey. Some buildings are dilapidated and spattered with mold, while others (many belonging to wealthy European swallows) are built of stones carved from coral on neighboring Manda Island and have intricately hand-carved doors with overgrown bushels of bougainvillea.

Along the waterfront there’s a constant hubbub of activity, where fishing boats come and go, and goods are packed and offloaded. Proof the island’s trading roots still run strong and that, although Lamu can feel sleepy, it’s also extremely energetic and busy.

Surrendering into Lamu’s languorous ways began as soon as I stepped off the plane. Even navigating through the crowds of people to get to the jetty, where water taxis and boats splutter (waiting to take travelers to Lamu town or Shela on Lamu Island), was effortless thanks to the warm, salty air that wreaked of vacation.

My water taxi—actually a wooden dhow—took me to the Peponi Hotel on Shela, where many holiday stories begin and end–sipping Old Pals (lime, vodka, a dash of bitters and sugared rim) on the terrace or lazing by the emerald pool. Opened in 1967, the water-facing bright white property dotted with bulbous baobabs and palm trees has long been a staple for the local expat crowd. It’s also where celebrities, like Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall in the 70s and more recently Kate Moss, have cast themselves away in search of a low-key getaway (the Obamas also stayed on the island). What it offered back then it still offers today.

You could spend all day sipping cocktails on the terrace or walking the length of Shela Beach, but that would mean missing out on exploring the archipelago by dhow. These wooden boats used as fishing vessels, have become synonymous with the East African waters. I spent a day skirting the island on the Hippo Dhow, where local boatmen Yusuf, Hassan, Mohammed, and Jamil worked seamlessly to navigate the wide wooden boat along the coastline.

We sailed past tangled mangroves, deserted stretches of sand and a town known for its basket weaving. Eventually, we stopped for lunch on an empty beach where the team prepared fresh kingfish grilled over a fire at the back of the dhow, served with homemade chapatis and salad. For dessert we sucked on mangoes, while the boat cruised back to the hotel at an easy pace. By nightfall we’d arrived back at the Peponi, just in time for a meal of ginger crab and prawn curry on the terrace.

Shela and Lamu Town attract travelers who want to soak up the island’s buzz, but there are also more ‘beachy’ islands in the archipelago where watersports, snorkeling and fishing are reasons to go. The low-key Mike’s Camp on Kiwayu and Manda Bay Lodge on Manda Island, both a speed-boat-ride away, offer easy-breezy accommodation and open-air rooms with woven palm floors that spill out onto ocean views. You also don’t have to be an avid diver or fisherman to enjoy these lodges though.

At Manda Bay Lodge, rather than fish and dive I chose to stick to my easygoing island vacation vibe and soaked up the sun outside my safari-style bungalow and drank dawas (gin, fresh lime and honey) as the sun bruised the sky. In the evenings, I feasted on platters of freshly grilled fish at a table set in the sand, under stars and palm trees. Then rolled into bed. One afternoon I visited the Takwa Settlement, ancient ruins that hark back to the 18th century–dilapidated, overgrown historical buildings few people really know much about.

On another occasion, I trailed a local guide through a network of alleyways in Lamu Town, picking up baskets, kikois and wooden objects from local craftsmen. But mostly, I just walked along the beach, swam in the warm ocean and read from the swinging daybed outside my room.

There were moments when I realized I was doing absolutely nothing at all, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Because that’s what Lamu begs you to do: get into the slow sway swing of things and just soak it all in. When I had pangs of guilt, like I wasn’t doing enough, there was always a friendly local to remind me to “pole pole.”

Slow down.

It’s hard not to give into Lamu, but why wouldn’t you want to anyway?

The post The Quiet, Alluring Charm of Kenya’s Lamu Island appeared first on Islands.

In the “SeinfeldVision” episode of 30 Rock, Jerry Seinfeld tells Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) about his vacation “in a country in Europe only rich people know about,” and no, it’s not Svenborgia. That throwaway joke is funny because it’s true—even when one-percenters visit the same countries and islands as us mere mortals, they do things and stay places we’ve only imagined. A sunscreen-covered Mark Zuckerberg might be paddle boarding in Hawaii, but he’s probably not rubbing elbows and sharing sand with a family of six from Poughkeepsie.

Honeymoons are a different story, though. A couple will save for years, putting off other trips and eliminating unnecessary purchases, so when the time comes to celebrate a marriage in style, there’s almost no price tag too high or destination too unrealistic. That’s when we look to celebrities for inspiration, because even though they might be springing for the best private villas or luxury yacht charters in and near Grenyarnia, there’s always an affordable alternative that still offers ordinary travelers the honeymoon of a lifetime.

If you’re planning such a getaway, loveholidays recently compiled a list of the top 10 celebrity honeymoon destinations, and it’s no surprise that these locations are almost entirely tropical. The only one that isn’t, well, it won’t shock anyone.

10) St. Barts

Pronounce it however you’d like, this Caribbean island has long been known for two things: romance and extravagance. From stylish, luxurious private villas to elegant, eco-friendly resorts, accommodations on St. Barts almost entirely focus on spoiling travelers, which is why celebrity couples like Kevin and Eniko Hart and Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo have chosen it for their honeymoons.

9) Hawaii

This seems a little low for such a popular destination, but rest assured that Hawaii is the No. 1 holiday choice for celebrities including Katy Perry, Oprah and Beyoncé, and that last one is all that really matters to most of us.

When it comes to high-profile romance, though, Hawaii is hardly chopped liver. Dwayne Johnson and his wife, Lauren Hashian, celebrated their 2019 wedding with a low-profile honeymoon on Kauai, while Chris Pratt forgot the sunscreen for his Lanai honeymoon with Katherine Schwarzenegger.

8) Bali

With incredible views, stunning natural beauty and iconic landmarks, Bali is a legendary destination for couples seeking luxury, romance and arguably the best yoga classes in the world. After popping the question in Hawaii and getting married in Connecticut, Evan Ross and Ashlee Simpson escaped to Bali for their honeymoon in 2014, almost following in the footsteps of Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan, who got hitched in Hawaii before celebrating in Bali. Either way, Hawaii-to-Bali is a trend we can get behind.

7) Punta Mita

The original celebrity Simpson sister, Jessica, and her husband, former NFL tight end Eric Johnson, celebrated their honeymoon in Punta Mita, and who could blame them? This very exclusive resort community offers one of the best vacation experiences in Mexico.

Don’t take our word for it, though. Just ask Kim Kardashian, who loves this location so much that when she was rumored to be bored with her Ireland honeymoon with Kanye West, she quickly shot down those reports and… immediately scheduled a second honeymoon in Punta Mita.

6) Turks and Caicos

Already a favorite getaway spot for Drake, and of course once the home of Prince’s legendary purple driveway, Turks and Caicos has become one of the Caribbean’s best honeymoon destinations thanks to several very high-profile couples. Most recently, Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello introduced the world to Parrot Cay Resort, and they followed in the footsteps of couples like Tony Parker and Eva Longoria and Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner.

If couples are looking for privacy and elegance, as well as beach villas that they’ll want to live in for eternity, the Ambergris Cay private island resort would be a fantastic choice.

5) Seychelles

We always say, “If it’s good enough for a royal couple, then it’s good enough for you,” and that definitely goes for the Seychelles islands. And sure, this was the honeymoon choice of Prince William and Kate Middleton, but in this case the royalty we speak of is George and Amal Clooney. This Indian Ocean paradise was also the pick for NBA legend Dwyane Wade and model/actress Gabrielle Union, so the power couple rankings are off the charts.

4) Paris

The only non-tropical destination to make the list, the City of Love obviously makes perfect sense. Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher, Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Falchuk, Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman, Lily Allen and Sam Cooper—celebrity couples know what to expect from the home of romance, and you should, too.

One way to get the best and most of the region’s culture and history, as well as a fix of the water and beaches, is a European river cruise. See the Eiffel Tower from the Seine and cut out the crowds, while scoring amazing honeymoon selfies.

3) Bahamas

After a star-studded New Orleans wedding, Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian spent their honeymoon at the private island Kamalame Cay Resort, which is located right next to the Andros Great Barrier Reef. Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber wed and honeymooned on Nassau Paradise Island, choosing the Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort, as their accommodations. Josh Duhamel and Fergie also called the Ocean Club their honeymoon home, and Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz stayed at the Stella Maris Resort Club for their big romantic getaway.

What these celebrities know is that the islands of the Bahamas are packed with secluded, even private properties, like Cuvee’s Royal Island, that offer romantic experiences like none other. Now, their secret is out.

2) Bora Bora

The top two destinations shouldn’t surprise anyone, as they’ve inspired one of the most important travel questions we’ve ever posed. Overwater bungalows aside, Bora Bora is one of the world’s most beloved honeymoon locations because it feels like it exists on another planet. Resorts like Conrad Bora Bora Nui and Le Méridien Bora Bora provide romantic experiences unlike anything us mere mortals have ever experienced, and even celebrities can’t get enough of the unparalleled pampering and privacy.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux, Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter, Meghan Trainor and Daryl Sabara, Christina Applegate and Johnathan Schaech—so many celebrity couples have chosen Bora Bora for their best moments, and we don’t need to spend too much time on their Instagram accounts to know why.

1) The Maldives

It’s worth pointing out that Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union just might be the royal couple of honeymoons. Saying they honeymooned in Seychelles is misleading, because their actual post-wedding vacation included multiple stops, beginning in the Maldives, continuing in Africa’s Serengeti and concluding in Seychelles. So, thanks to this couple’s spirit of exploration and dedication to romance, the Maldives tops the list of honeymoon destinations for celebrities.

But we don’t need a basketball legend and superstar actress to tell us what we already know—unparalleled romance can be found in the Maldives. Josh Duhamel and Fergie knew this, too, as their honeymoon started in the Bahamas and continued at the One & Only Reethi Rah. Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner chose the Maldives, as did Katy Perry and Russell Brand, Tim Tebow and Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, and Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes (which feels like a lifetime ago).

Best of all, the islands of the Maldives are home to amazing hotels and resorts that, while mostly in the ultra-luxurious category, are still well within the budgets of anyone seeking the honeymoon of a lifetime.

The post The 10 Most Popular Honeymoon Destinations for Celebrities appeared first on Islands.