Top 10 Exotic Island Vacations
Island vacations offer a chance to escape into a world of serenity, adventure, and unparalleled beauty. Whether you’re looking for luxury, thrilling activities, or cultural experiences, exotic islands worldwide deliver unforgettable getaways. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to reach these top 10 exotic island destinations, the best times to visit, recommendations for accommodations, activities you shouldn’t miss, local transportation options, budget estimates, and important tips for your vacation. Each destination promises an experience that combines relaxation with discovery.
1. Bora Bora, French Polynesia: A Luxury Lover’s Dream
How to Get There:
To reach Bora Bora, fly to Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport (PPT), then take a 45-minute flight to Bora Bora’s airport (BOB). Air Tahiti operates several daily flights from Papeete.
Best Time to Visit:
The ideal time to visit Bora Bora is between May and October, during the dry season, with fewer rain showers and lower humidity.
Accommodation Recommendations:
• Le Meridien Bora Bora (luxury) – known for its overwater bungalows and stunning views of Mount Otemanu.
• Hotel Matira (budget-friendly) – located on Matira Beach, offers clean, affordable rooms with good internet connectivity.
Must-Do Activities:
• Snorkel in the coral gardens to observe vibrant marine life.
• Take a romantic sunset cruise around the lagoon.
• Explore Mount Otemanu by hiking or boat tours.
Transportation:
You can hire bicycles or electric scooters to get around the island. Boat taxis are available for moving between resorts and attractions.
Airlines:
International flights are served by Air Tahiti Nui, Air New Zealand, and Hawaiian Airlines. Connect through Los Angeles (LAX) or Tokyo (NRT) to Tahiti.
Estimated Budget:
For a week-long vacation, expect a budget of $5,000 to $10,000 depending on accommodation choice and activities.
2. Maldives: The Ultimate Overwater Paradise
How to Get There:
Fly into Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. From there, seaplanes or speedboats will transport you to your chosen island resort.
Best Time to Visit:
The Maldives is best visited between November and April, when the weather is dry and warm, ideal for water sports.
Accommodation Recommendations:
• Soneva Fushi (luxury) – eco-friendly, luxury villas with top-notch amenities.
• Coconut Tree Hulhuvilla Beach (budget) – offering comfortable rooms near the beach with good Wi-Fi.
Must-Do Activities:
• Explore the colorful coral reefs via scuba diving or snorkeling.
• Enjoy a dolphin-watching tour at sunset.
• Relax with a traditional Maldivian spa treatment.
Transportation:
Seaplanes and speedboats are the primary means of transport between islands. Local ferries are available for budget travelers.
Airlines:
Reach Malé via Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, or SriLankan Airlines, with connecting flights through Dubai, Doha, or Colombo.
Estimated Budget:
A week in the Maldives can cost between $3,000 and $12,000, depending on your resort and activities.
3. Seychelles: A Hidden Gem in the Indian Ocean
How to Get There:
Fly into Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé. From there, ferry services and domestic flights can take you to other islands like Praslin and La Digue.
Best Time to Visit:
April, May, October, and November are the best months, with calmer seas and pleasant weather.
Accommodation Recommendations:
• Constance Lemuria (luxury) – located on Praslin with stunning ocean views and a golf course.
• Villas de Mer (mid-range) – offers cozy bungalows with modern amenities and reliable internet.
Must-Do Activities:
• Visit Anse Source d’Argent, one of the world’s most photographed beaches.
• Explore the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai nature reserve.
• Snorkel in the clear waters surrounding La Digue.
Transportation:
Ferries and domestic flights connect the main islands. On Praslin and La Digue, bicycles are a popular mode of transport.
Airlines:
Flights to Seychelles are operated by Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Kenya Airways, with layovers in hubs like Dubai or Nairobi.
Estimated Budget:
Plan for a budget of $3,500 to $8,000 for a week, including transport, accommodation, and excursions.
4. Fiji: A Pacific Island Adventure
How to Get There:
Fly into Nadi International Airport (NAN). From there, ferries and domestic flights take you to smaller islands.
Best Time to Visit:
May to October offers the best weather, with dry conditions perfect for outdoor activities.
Accommodation Recommendations:
• Laucala Island Resort (luxury) – an all-inclusive private island with stunning villas.
• The Beachouse (budget) – a backpacker-friendly retreat with a great beachfront location and free Wi-Fi.
Must-Do Activities:
• Snorkel or dive at the Great Astrolabe Reef.
• Hike through the Bouma National Heritage Park.
• Experience a traditional Fijian kava ceremony.
Transportation:
Ferries and small planes connect the islands. Local buses and taxis are available on the main islands like Viti Levu.
Airlines:
Fiji Airways offers direct flights from Los Angeles, Sydney, and Auckland. Connect through hubs like Brisbane or Nadi.
Estimated Budget:
Expect to spend between $2,500 and $7,000 for a week, depending on your accommodation and activities.
5. Santorini, Greece: A Volcanic Beauty
How to Get There:
Fly into Santorini (Thira) International Airport (JTR) or take a ferry from Athens’ Piraeus Port.
Best Time to Visit:
April to June and September to October are ideal for avoiding the peak summer crowds and high prices.
Accommodation Recommendations:
• Katikies Hotel (luxury) – a 5-star boutique hotel with panoramic caldera views.
• Anatoli Hotel (budget) – offering affordable rooms in Fira with strong internet and great service.
Must-Do Activities:
• Visit the ancient ruins of Akrotiri.
• Take a boat trip to the volcanic hot springs.
• Watch the sunset in Oia, one of the most iconic views in the world.
Transportation:
Rent a scooter or car to explore the island. Local buses are frequent and affordable.
Airlines:
Aegean Airlines and Ryanair offer direct flights from Athens, with connections available from many European cities.
Estimated Budget:
A week’s vacation can range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the season and your travel style.
6. Bali, Indonesia: A Cultural Haven
How to Get There:
Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali.
Best Time to Visit:
The dry season from April to October is perfect for exploring Bali’s temples, beaches, and forests.
Accommodation Recommendations:
• Four Seasons Resort Bali (luxury) – nestled in the tropical jungle with private villas.
• Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel (budget) – a favorite among solo travelers with free yoga classes and reliable Wi-Fi.
Must-Do Activities:
• Visit Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
• Explore the rice terraces of Tegallalang.
• Attend a Balinese dance performance at Uluwatu Temple.
Transportation:
Hire a scooter to get around or use local taxis and ride-hailing services like Gojek and Grab.
Airlines:
Major airlines like Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Garuda Indonesia offer flights to Bali, with layovers in hubs like Singapore or Jakarta.
Estimated Budget:
For a week in Bali, plan to spend between $1,200 and $3,500 depending on your choice of activities and accommodation.
7. Maui, Hawaii: A Diverse Island Paradise
How to Get There:
Fly into Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui. Direct flights are available from the US mainland.
Best Time to Visit:
April to May and September to November offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
Accommodation Recommendations:
• The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua (luxury) – a beachfront resort with world-class amenities.
• Maui Beach Hotel (budget) – affordable rooms with ocean views and excellent Wi-Fi.
Must-Do Activities:
• Drive the scenic Road to Hana.
• Snorkel at Molokini Crater.
• Witness the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park.
Transportation:
Rent a car to explore Maui, as public transportation is limited.
Airlines:
Hawaiian Airlines, United, Delta, and American Airlines offer direct flights to Maui, with connections through Honolulu for international travelers.
Estimated Budget:
Expect to spend between $2,500 and $7,500 for a week, depending on your accommodation and activities.
8. Palawan, Philippines: An Underrated Tropical Escape
How to Get There:
Fly into Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, then take a domestic flight to Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) or El Nido Airport (ENI). Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirSWIFT offer multiple daily flights. From Puerto Princesa, you can take a bus or van to other parts of Palawan like El Nido or Coron.
Best Time to Visit:
The ideal time to visit Palawan is from November to May, during the dry season. This period offers sunny skies and calm waters, perfect for exploring the island’s beaches and lagoons.
Accommodation Recommendations:
• Luxury: El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island – an eco-luxury resort offering private villas and direct access to beautiful lagoons.
• Budget: Spin Designer Hostel – a well-rated hostel in El Nido offering modern rooms, clean amenities, and fast internet.
Must-Do Activities:
• Island-hop to explore hidden lagoons, white-sand beaches, and stunning rock formations in El Nido.
• Go scuba diving or snorkeling in Coron, famous for its shipwrecks and vibrant coral reefs.
• Visit Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with an underground river.
Transportation:
Public transportation in Palawan consists of tricycles, buses, and vans for local travel. In El Nido and Coron, boats are essential for island-hopping tours.
Airlines:
Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirSWIFT connect Palawan to Manila and Cebu. International travelers can reach Palawan by flying through major hubs such as Hong Kong or Singapore.
Estimated Budget:
Expect to spend between $1,000 to $3,000 for a week, depending on accommodation and activities.
9. Tahiti, French Polynesia: A South Pacific Dream
How to Get There:
Fly into Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti, the main international gateway for French Polynesia. From there, domestic flights or ferries can take you to nearby islands.
Best Time to Visit:
Visit between May and October, during the dry season, when the weather is cooler and drier.
Accommodation Recommendations:
• Luxury: InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa – offering stunning lagoon views and luxurious amenities.
• Budget: Fare Suisse Tahiti – a clean and affordable guesthouse with strong Wi-Fi and comfortable rooms.
Must-Do Activities:
• Explore the black-sand beaches and coral reefs around Tahiti.
• Visit Marché de Papeete, the local market, for Polynesian crafts and delicacies.
• Hike through the Fautaua Valley to see waterfalls and lush rainforest.
Transportation:
You can get around Tahiti by rental car or public buses. Taxis are also available but tend to be more expensive.
Airlines:
Air Tahiti Nui, Air France, and Hawaiian Airlines operate direct flights to Tahiti from major international cities, including Los Angeles (LAX), Tokyo (NRT), and Auckland (AKL). For travelers from Europe, connecting flights through Paris (CDG) or London (LHR) to Los Angeles or Tokyo are available.
Estimated Budget:
A week-long stay in Tahiti can range from $2,500 to $8,000, depending on your choice of accommodation, activities, and dining options. Luxury resorts will be on the higher end, but travelers staying at budget accommodations like Fare Suisse can significantly reduce costs. Factor in additional costs for activities like guided tours, diving, and dining in local restaurants.
10. Mauritius: A Blend of Cultures and Natural Beauty
How to Get There:
Fly into Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), Mauritius’s primary international airport. Direct flights are available from major cities in Europe, Asia, and Africa, with carriers such as Air Mauritius, Emirates, and British Airways offering non-stop routes.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Mauritius is between May and December, during the dry, cooler winter season. Temperatures are pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the island’s beaches and national parks.
Accommodation Recommendations:
• Luxury: Shangri-La Le Touessrok Resort & Spa – offers world-class beachfront suites, private islands, and five-star amenities.
• Budget: Villa Anakao Mauritius – an affordable yet charming guesthouse with cozy rooms, friendly staff, and fast Wi-Fi.
Must-Do Activities:
• Île aux Cerfs: Spend a day on this beautiful island known for its white-sand beaches, water sports, and lush landscapes.
• Black River Gorges National Park: Go hiking in this national park, home to rare bird species, waterfalls, and dense rainforest.
• Chamarel Seven Colored Earths: Visit the striking multi-colored sand dunes of Chamarel, a natural geological phenomenon unique to Mauritius.
Transportation:
You can rent a car to explore Mauritius, which is the most convenient option. The island has a well-maintained road network, and driving is on the left-hand side. Alternatively, public buses connect the main towns, but for more flexibility, especially in remote areas, a rental car is recommended. Taxis are available but can be costly for long distances.
Airlines:
Flights to Mauritius are serviced by Air Mauritius, Emirates, British Airways, and Air France, with major connecting hubs in Dubai, Paris, and London.
Estimated Budget:
For a week in Mauritius, expect to spend between $2,000 and $7,000, depending on the type of accommodation and activities chosen. Budget travelers can reduce costs by staying in guesthouses, using public transport, and dining at local restaurants.
Conclusion
From the luxury overwater bungalows of Bora Bora to the cultural richness of Bali and the natural beauty of Mauritius, these top 10 exotic island vacations offer something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, each destination promises an unforgettable getaway. Start planning your island escape today and experience some of the world’s most breathtaking locations.
