20 Best Tropical Vacations

The Dream Vacation

What makes a perfect tropical vacation? Warm weather and jaw-dropping views are a must for any retreat. But the best tropical destinations blend those elements with incredible amenities and activities that can't be duplicated anywhere else. These are the best tropical vacation destinations in the world.

1. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Remnants of an extinct volcano rise over a bountiful barrier reef on Bora Bora. This Polynesian island pioneered overwater bungalows — like those found at Le Bora Bora and Four Seasons Bora Bora — in the 1970s. Today, overwater bungalows are ubiquitous on tropical islands around the world, but Bora Bora remains one of the best places on the planet to relax above pristine, aquamarine waves.

2. Kauai, Hawaii

Stunning, verdant cliffs plunge into the Pacific along Kauai’s Napali Coast, a glimpse at what this unique Hawaiian island offers. Backpackers can post up at Kauai Beach House Hostel amidst a haven of natural wonders perfect for adventure travelers. Kauai is home to Hawaii’s only navigable rivers — the Hanalei, Huleai and Wailua. Whether you’re kayaking down one of the rivers or zip-lining through the jungle, Kauai offers a flip side to the Hawaii of postcard fame.

3. St. Barthélemy, France

Wander the colorful streets of Gustavia and plant your feet on French soil without crossing the Atlantic in St. Bart’s. This volcanic, Caribbean paradise is home to mountaintop lodging like Le Barth Villas, breathtaking tidal pools and clothing optional beaches. Stretch your legs on a day cruise with MasterSki Pilou amidst the island’s ever-present fleet of luxury yachts or indulge in French cuisine at one of Gustavia’s many flavorful restaurants.

4. Paradise Island, The Bahamas

Towering waterslides and seemingly endless activities at all-inclusive resorts like Atlantis and Baha Mar make Paradise Island the quintessential Caribbean destination for kids. Children of all ages can soak in the sun while enjoying one-on-one encounters with stingrays, surfing and scuba diving. Teen clubs and adult-only areas mean this tropical island has something for everyone.

5. Curaçao

Slip into a private, oceanside suite at St. Tropez in Curaçao’s capital of Willemstad. Stroll through the city's pastel boulevards en route to pristine Playa Lagun or Cas Abao beaches. Amble over Willemstad's historic pontoon bridge or visit the local dive shop to plunge into the island’s vibrant waters.

6. Bali, Indonesia

Temples, terraces and tropical air await in Bali. This remarkable Indonesian province is home to some of the most awe-inspiring ancient sites in the world, like the island temple of Tanah Lot or the lakeside tower of Ulun Danu, seen here. Bali offers no shortage of name brand resorts, but its most dramatic view may sit at The Edge, a cliffside perch in Uluwatu.

7. The Big Island, Hawaii

Though most visitors venture to Hawaii's namesake island to behold the breathtaking heat of Kīlauea at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Big Island is rich with other activities. Here, travelers can enjoy horseback rides through flourishing rainforest terrain or soak in natural hot pools before strolling on black sand beaches. Resorts like Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Royal Kona offer abundant activities for families.

8. The Maldives

Swim inside schools of colorful reef fish in the Maldives. This amazing archipelago in the Indian Ocean is home to an astounding 1,200 tiny islands — 100 of which are dedicated to resorts. Overwater bungalows like the Water Villas at Como Maalifushi and Raffles Maldives sprawl over thriving coral reefs here, putting world-class snorkeling literally at your doorstep.

9. Maui, Hawaii

Whether you're soaring over treetop canopies in a helicopter, waltzing over golf course fairways or bumming it at the beach — Maui offers activities for almost every taste without the need for a passport. Drive Maui’s magnificent coastline on The Road to Hana or stroll through the surreal, volcanic landscape at Haleakala National Park before making your way back home to some of the top resorts in the U.S.

10. Eleuthera, The Bahamas

Marvel in the majesty of the Queen’s Bath and gaze on Glass Window Bridge on Eleuthera. Perhaps the most naturally abundant island in The Bahamas, Eleuthera is a beloved destination for Bahamians going on “down island” road trips via the Queen’s Highway. Stops at the island's natural wonders are a must — as are leisurely strolls through the streets of Harbour Island, where pink sand beaches and top-notch accomodations like Valentines Resort await.

11. Barbados

Trek through limestone caverns and tour the home of Mount Gay Rum in Barbados. This lush island nation is home to the striking rock formations at Bathsheba Beach, endless aisles of bulbous baobab trees and a capital, Bridgetown, that doubles as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Soak it all in before retiring to a private beach house like those hosted by The Crane.

12. Isla Colón, Panama

Pond hopping will take you places in Panama, where a propeller plane from Panama City will put you on Isla Colón in about an hour. Isla Colón is the epicenter of Bocas del Toro Province, a Caribbean archipelago that combines an off-the-grid getaway and party town. Isla Colón is home to nightclubs and restaraunts perfect for a night on the town. More secluded lodging, like a waterfront cabin at Cosmic Crab Resort, can be found a short water taxi ride away on Carenero Island.

13. Costa Rica

A bustling capital at San José, some of the best surfing in Central America and an interior overflowing with adventure land Costa Rica high on our tropical vacations hot list. Take a sky tram through the cloud forest, soak up Caribbean sun at Punta Uva Beach or learn to surf at Playa Tamarindo on the Pacific coast before dipping in the hot springs beneath Arenal Volcano at Arenal Paraiso Resort.

14. Borneo, Malaysia/Brunei/Indonesia

One of the planet’s largest islands is also one of its best. Culturally rich and brimming with mountains and rainforests, Borneo houses three nations — Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia — and an incredible wealth of wildlife. From orangutans to pygmy elephants, the island is packed with exciting species to discover. Resorts like Borneo Rainforest Lodge and Kokol Haven Resort put the forest at your fingertips.

15. Fiji

Slumber in a beachside bure (a large house) as a gentle breeze blows through your straw roof in Fiji. This South Pacific island nation is a hotspot for corporate retreats, scuba diving and yachting. Visitors to Fiji can learn to dive from the most famous family in scuba at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort or swap sea stories with salty dogs at the Savusavu Yacht Club on the island of Vanua Levu.

16. Gálapagos Islands, Ecuador

Giant tortoises and schooling sharks await travelers to the Gálapagos. This island chain is an adventurer's paradise where activities like snorkeling with sea lions and crawling through lava tubes can be bookended by long walks on secluded beaches. Roost above Darwin's dream destination at Pikaia Lodge on Santa Cruz, where luxury travelers will find unrivaled views of one of the world's most protected ecosystems.

17. Belize

Soar over the world’s largest blue hole, snorkel the Caribbean’s largest barrier reef or try your hand at bone fishing in Belize. This pint-sized nation may be on the Central American mainland, but Caribbean culture thrives on its coast at tropical hideways like Hamanasi Lodge. Inland retreats like Sweet Songs Lodge put travelers in the heart of the Maya Mountains, near ancient ruins within an easy drive of the coast.

18. The Seychelles

Soft ivory sands smattered with striking boulders blend with the warm surf of the Indian Ocean in the Seychelles. This Indian Ocean outpost offers unforgettable beaches like Anse Lazio and Anse Volbert alongside world-class accommodations like Six Senses Zin Pasyon, which lends you a slice of a pristine, private island.

19. Saint Lucia

Climb towering pitons, shower beneath Diamond Falls and relax near the bars of Rodney Bay at Reduit Beach in St. Lucia. This picture perfect paradise is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Caribbean. From vast swaths of sublime sand to emerald cliffs that plunge into the sea, St. Lucia is a photographer’s dream come true. Resorts like Bay Gardens and Windjammer Landing will put you close to the action.

20. Tenerife, Spain

Black sand beaches and sleepy, seaside towns lie under the looming silhouette of Mount Teide in Tenerife. The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is famed for spectacular outdoor activities and a lively beach scene. Stay in a stately 18th-century mansion at Hotel San Roque or lap in a private pool beneath the mountains at Baobab Suites before soaking in the waterslides at Siam Park on Playa de las Américas.

The 20 Best Tropical Vacations

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