12 Tropical Island Vacations
Ready for a warm weather vacation in the tropics? Tropical islands are the ultimate escape. You'll get sunshine, beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere that feels worlds away from everyday life.
Having explored island destinations near and far, and actually lived in the tropics for 6 years, tropical islands are my favorite.
Before I get into my favorite tropical island vacations, here are the three most important tips from my experience: 1) don't get sunburn on your first day (pack lotion, hats, sunglasses, a UV rash guard to cover your back during snorkeling, or purchase them as soon as you arrive), 2) pack light (this one seems obvious but people always overpack for the tropics), 3) don't over schedule your itinerary (leave plenty of time for sunsets, naps, and relaxing!).
With that out of the way, let's dive in. So where should you go? Your destination will depend on where you are starting from. Hawaii is amazing if you live on the West Coast, while the Caribbean islands and the Florida Keys are easiest to get to for East Coast travelers. I also like some far away destinations for very special occasions like honeymoons and long vacations (Bali, Bora Bora and the Maldives). Here are the best tropical island vacation I recommend from my own travels, and I hope you’ll love them too.
- - #1. Fitzroy Island, Australia
- Best Caribbean Islands
- - #2. Grenada and Laluna - #4. St. Lucia and Cap Maison - #4. Belize - #5. Saint Kitts and Nevis - #6. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - #7. Bahamas
- #8. Big Island of Hawaii
- #9. Rafiki Safari Lodge, Costa Rica
- #10. Bali, Indonesia
- #11. Bora Bora
- #12. Maldives
Fitzroy Island, Australia
This place quickly became one of my favorite tropical island getaways. Why? First off, snorkeling and scuba diving are amazing. Then there are the sandy beaches, super clean water and rainforest too.
In addition, I honestly think Fitzroy Island is one of the most underrated gems near Cairns, Australia. You can reach it in just a 45-minute ferry ride from the mainland so getting there is not that complicated. You'll be right on the famous Great Barrier Reef with some of the most abundant underwater life in the world.
I liked that the Fitzroy Island Resort wasn’t over-the-top luxurious. Instead, it was comfortable and affordable. I especially enjoyed waking up to the sound of waves and walking right onto the beach.
I have to warn you that there are very limited dining options on this island. You can basically get food at the cafe, grocery store and the resort restaurant.
Best Caribbean Tropical Island Vacations
When we lived on the East Coast for 10 years, the Caribbean was my go-to spot for a tropical island vacation. Here are my favorite places to go.
Grenada and Laluna
Ready for a romantic tropical island escape to celebrate your anniversary? Laluna in Grenada (Google Maps pin) is a real standout. You'll find it on the southern tip of the island, twenty minutes south from St. George's.
With just sixteen cottages scattered along a hillside, you get heaps of privacy here (and a private plunge pool). You'll be surrounded by tropical gardens and pristine beaches. The infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea was my favorite.
You can go kayaking (I was surprised how calm the waters are compared to Hawaii). Food is great too, with fish pulled right from the sea.
At the end of the day, we always looked forward to romantic sunsets. Stargazing was incredible too.
To book, check availability or prices for the 4-star Laluna
St. Lucia and Cap Maison
Chris and I both absolutely love St. Lucia, and have been many times. Since our first visit, I've loved St. Lucia as a tropical Caribbean honeymoon vacation. The island is so lush with these dramatic mountain views everywhere. The landscape is volcanic, which is why you get such peaks like the iconic Pitons. You'll find waterfalls too if you go on a hike in the rainforest.
You can spend the morning relaxing on a beach, go on a hike in the afternoon, and watch the sunset after. I have to warn you that the roads are winding and you have to drive on the left which is challenging for me personally. You can also hire taxis and private drivers and enjoy the scenery while not having to worry about driving. Guided tours are especially helpful here because local guides know the best stops on this tropical island.
Our suite for four days at Cap Maison completely stole my heart, especially the rooftop terrace with its own plunge pool. Floating under the stars in total privacy was the coolest romantic experience. The resort restaurant The Cliff at Cap is scenic too. Strolling through the lush gardens is a must.
To book, check availability or prices for Cap Maison
Belize
It's about 5 hours' flight from NYC to Belize, nicknamed "The Jewel". You can go for a long weekend, but staying a bit longer is a good idea. You can relax on the beaches but did you know that you can also explore ancient Mayan ruins deep in the jungle?
We thought snorkeling along the Belize Barrier Reef was a must! Look for nurse sharks, rays, and colorful fish on your own water adventure.
One cool surprise while exploring a local town was Belizean chocolate. It was delicious!
If you have time, check out the ATM Cave. You'll find cool crystal formations and ancient artifacts.
Local tip:
This tropical island offers a variety of accommodations. You can choose from rustic eco-lodges and romantic island resorts. A great place to spend four to seven days is 5-star Turtle Inn.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
To me, Saint Kitts and Nevis felt like stepping back in time. I felt like I could really slow down. As a bonus, flight time from New York to Saint Kitts and Nevis is a little shorter than Belize (about 4 hours 15 minutes) if you want less time in the air.
You can visit the lively capital of Basseterre, and take a scenic train ride around this tropical island. You'll see beaches, the landscape, and old sugar plantations.
As far as beaches go, there are so many great ones. I especially enjoyed Pinney’s Beach. It has a long dock for looking into the water.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Ready for beaches that stretch for miles, with soft white sand and turquoise waters? In addition, The Dominican Republic is home to coral reefs, great for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Beyond the beach too, don't miss visiting the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve. The hotel concierge can help you book a tour to see waterfalls and tropical forests.
I have to warn you that there The U.S. State Department classifies the Dominican Republic as a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution destination. You will see more security around the resorts.
Bahamas
Of course I can’t put together a guide about the best tropical islands without including the Bahamas. Our favorite winter getaway to the tropics when we lived on the East Coast. There’s SO much to see and do, even if you just have a few days in Nassau. But you could spend a full month here getting to know all the different islands. The Bahamas is made up of over 700 islands and cays, though only a small number are inhabited.
I love that you can get to the Bahamas in just 3 hours by plane from New York. You can easily just spend three days swimming and enjoying tropical days, and then return to work on Monday.
If you’re staying on New Providence Island (home to Nassau), renting a car can be helpful if you want to explore beyond the main resort areas. Just a warning through that driving is on the left-hand side like on many Caribbean islands. Taxis are also available if you prefer not to drive.
If you want a lovely spot to relax and unwind while exercising and making new friends, check out Sivananda Yoga.
If you are vacationing with kids, Atlantis Paradise Island is a great choice because it has so much variety (and a range of accommodations that will please everyone).
Big Island of Hawaii
This island in the USA was so amazing when we visited that Chris and I actually ended up moving here for six years. It truly is one of the coolest tropical getaways in the world. Why? First off, it's in the USA so you don't need a passport! AND you can drive normally, on the right side of the road.
It's less than six hours flight time from LA. Yes, that's still pretty long and can be expensive, but once you arrive it's like stepping through a portal into a new world of tropical island beauty.
Why the Big Island? I think that all Hawaiian islands have this incredible magic to them, but the Big Island is, well, the biggest. But also most untamed and still growing daily through lava flows in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (a unique place you simply have to visit!)
We loved that the island had so much variety where in a 3-hour stretch we could walk around tropical fishponds, relax on a black sand beach, and enjoy a sunset over the lava.
My absolute favorite time was December through March when we could see whales right from the shore, and launch our kayak (my photo below) to hear them on our hydrophone.
Food on the Big Island of Hawaii was a highlight because there were always fresh avocados, bananas, and papayas. Mango season was shorter than I liked, only about 8 weeks in the summer, but wow, the flavors were totally worth waiting for! Then there is the fist, straight from the ocean and always fresh.
I also loved snorkeling with sea turtles (sometimes you have to look hard to spot one!) and many fish at Kona’s beaches. We had so much fun remembering the fish that live at a particular reef and then seeing them again on our next snorkel. Many were in pairs which was lovely to see.
I really enjoyed the local culture too. Kona coffee is world famous, eating poke bowls is very tasty, and listening to Hawaiian music in small towns (and big resorts) is wonderful. We both thought it added so much to the experience.
Foodies will find amazing choices, from oceanfront dining at Merriman’s Waimea (a pioneer of Hawaii's farm-to-table movement), to creative island cuisine at Brown’s Beach House. For casual eats, try Da Poke Shack for award-winning poke bowls or Island Lava Java for breakfast with Kona coffee and ocean views.
One of my favorite hotels on the Big Island is the Fairmont Orchid which won the AAA Four Diamond luxury resort award so you can trust that it's a high quality place. But whatever you do, get to the beach as early as possible during the holidays because the chairs go quickly.
I also loved staying at 4-star Hilton Waikoloa Village for four days because of the dolphin lagoon and the awesome size of the place.
Costa Rica: Rafiki Safari Lodge
I think Costa Rica is an incredible tropical island destination because it faces both Caribbean and Pacific coasts. So you get two distinct tropical experiences in one trip.
We arrived at Rafiki Safari Lodge Lodge near near the Savegre River close to Manuel Antonio. the resort grounds are rich with palm trees, birds, butterflies, and unspoilt nature. You'll sleep in a safari-style tent with a deck overlooking the river. The natural pool at the lodge, fed by spring water was exceptional. There is an open-air restaurant.
You can enjoy rafting on the Savegre River and visit the beaches in the area.
A downside? The lodge’s remote location has its limitations. Once you arrived, you stayed. It was part of the magic and I thought it was a hidden gem when we were in the mood for a secluded tropical island stay.
Bali, Indonesia
Ready to take a trip somewhere remote and exotic? The tropical island of Bali definitely deserves a spot on this list of best tropical vacations. Yes, it's a 20-hour flight from LA so not something you can do over a weekend, but if you are looking to celebrate a honeymoon or a special birthday, this place is amazing.
And also true, you'll be spending quite a bit on airfare, but once you get there you can stay at incredible resorts and villas (usually with pools) quite cheaply. That's why I recommend at least a week in Bali, two if you can get away from work.
Yes, there are the beaches. White, sandy and absolutely fantastic. Then there is Ubud with its rice terraces and a spiritual vibe. Plus the waterfalls which are seriously underrated (I recommend a local tour with a guide if this is your first trip).
Head to Seminyak too and check into 5-star Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa which is on the beach and very romantic. I also loved shopping at SOUQ Store in Seminyak which offers lots of handmade items.
You can also sample local food like nasi goreng and super fresh satay. Often plates are made for sharing which is fun on a romantic getaway.
If you make it out to the Gili Islands (a 2-hour fast boat from Bali), snorkeling here is simply magical.
Bora Bora
This is another tropical island that takes a lot of flying to get to but it's on nearly everyone's bucket list for a reason. Why? First off, the scenery is magical. Then there are the overwater bungalows (or beach bungalows if you prefer). You'll get heaps of photos of Mount Otemanu and white-sand beaches. But I think the best part is snorkeling right off your bungalow (kayaking if you prefer). Look for rays and colorful fish. End the day with romantic sunsets over the water.
I have to warn you that prices here are very high because there aren't that many resorts. Compared to Bali, it's a sticker shock.
It's 12 hours 30 minutes from LA and even longer from NYC. I think it's a destination for honeymooners who have a ultra luxury budget and plenty of time (give yourself at least a week or the flight just isn't worth it!)
Maldives
The Maldives is a 11-hour flight from Europe and 20+ hours from NYC so it's a long way to go for a beach, just like Bali and Bora Bora. It differs from both in that you can find budge accommodations as well as ultra luxury resorts in the Maldives.
The Maldives is made up of over 1,000 tropical islands grouped into atolls. As you fly over them, you see crystal-clear lagoons, and uniquely designed overwater bungalows. Your resort choice will come down to 1) budget, 2) location and 3) amenities that are most important to you. The experience can be very different depending on which you choose to stay.
Once you arrive in the capital, Malé, transportation to the islands is handled by speedboat or seaplane. Resorts usually arrange transfers for you, but make sure before you book.
For me, the Maldives are some of the best tropical islands to visit on vacation.
Another excellent and popular way to experience the Maldives is through organized excursions and tours with a local guide.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
