Best Tropical Island Vacations
Ready for a warm weather vacation in the tropics? Start packing your bags and get excited to travel to my favorite tropical spots around the world. Why plan a tropical island vacation? Because tropical islands are the ultimate escape, offering sunshine, turquoise waters, 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, I’ve found that tropical getaways offer the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty.
Before I get into the best 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 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, always!), 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 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. Here are the best tropical island vacation I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Fitzroy Island, Australia
Fitzroy Island quickly became one of my favorite tropical island getaways. Why? I honestly think it’s one of the most underrated gems near Cairns, Australia. Just a 45-minute ferry ride from the mainland, you'll find turquoise waters, rainforest, and amazing coral reefs.
I found the island to be perfect if you want to mix relaxation and adventure. One moment I was snorkeling along the Great Barrier Reef, and the next we were hiking through rainforest trails leading up to great views.
We loved how accessible yet hidden it felt. It’s close to Cairns, but once I arrived, it felt like my own private paradise. I thought this unusual balance made it one of the coolest spots in Queensland for a weekend escape.
We stayed at the island resort for four days and loved the easygoing vibe. It wasn’t over-the-top luxury, but it was comfortable, affordable, and perfect for either a romantic getaway or a family trip. I especially enjoyed waking up to the sound of waves and walking right onto the beach.
- Location: Map & Directions
Fitzroy Island is the best tropical island vacation I’ve had in Australia, and I’d go back in a heartbeat.
One downside for me was the limited dining options. You can basically get food at the cafe, grocery store and the resort restaurant.
2. Big Island of Hawaii
Big Island of Hawaii was so amazing when we visited that we actually ended up moving there. True story! We lived there for 6 amazing years! Chris and I both think it’s one of the coolest tropical getaways in the world. Why? First off, it's in the USA so you don't need a passport! 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.
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. That contrast made my every day feel like a new adventure.
My absolute favorite time was December through March when we could see whales from the coast 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!
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.
I also loved snorkeling with sea turtles 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.
- Location: Map & Directions
We agreed that the Big Island gave us the best mix of adventure, romance, and relaxation. I felt alive every day we were there, and we both left knowing this was one of our absolute favorite tropical locations yet.
Best Caribbean Tropical Island Vacations
Next, I decided to group my favorite tropical islands in the Caribbean because there are some many!
3. Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos is one of those magical destinations you are supposed to choose for your Caribbean honeymoon, and I think it’s one of the best tropical islands in the Caribbean. Why? First of all, there are the beaches, then add fabulous snorkeling, romantic sunset and all the fresh seafood. It's also easier to get to than other Caribbean islands due to Jetblue's nonstop flights that last under 4 hours from NYC.
Secondly, I Grace Bay Beach completely won me over. It looked like something out of a dream, with powdery white sand and the clearest turquoise water I’ve ever seen, while we strolled hand in hand along the shoreline feeling completely at peace. The All-inclusive adults-only Club Med Turkois is the place to book here (give yourself at least 3 days, 5 if you can!)
We agreed that snorkeling here was absolutely spectacular. I couldn’t believe how vibrant the coral reefs were.
I felt happy every morning waking up to views of the ocean, while we enjoyed long, lazy breakfasts overlooking the beach. That slow and relaxed rhythm was exactly what we needed.
I loved the fresh seafood, especially the conch fritters and grilled lobster, while we both agreed that the local dining scene was an unforgettable part of the trip.
- Location: Map & Directions
We spent evenings watching fiery sunsets melt into the horizon, and I kept thinking how romantic it all felt, while we shared stories and laughter under the stars.
I can say without a doubt that Turks and Caicos was one of my favorite vacations, and we agreed it’s a gem we’d return to in a heartbeat for another spectacular getaway.
4. Belize
Another one of our favorite places for a tropical island getaway, Belize is one of the most exciting and underrated tropical destinations, and I honestly felt like it was a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. A great place to spend four to seven days is 5-star Turtle Inn. It's about 5 hours' flight from NYC to Belize so staying for a week with give you plenty of time to relax.
As a tourist, I think you'll be happy with this cool mix of adventure and relaxation. You can relax on dreamy Caribbean beaches but did you know that you can also explore ancient Mayan ruins deep in the jungle? This is a fun thing to do that many travelers forget to put on their itinerary!
We thought snorkeling along the Belize Barrier Reef was a must! I couldn’t believe how vibrant the corals were, and we swam side by side with nurse sharks, rays, and colorful fish—it felt magical and unforgettable.
I really enjoyed wandering through the vibrant local towns, while we tasted fry jacks, fresh seafood, and rich Belizean chocolate. We both agreed that the culture here was as joyful and unique as the landscapes.
We also had the coolest time exploring the ATM Cave, where I felt amazed by crystal formations and ancient artifacts. It was one of the most unusual and thrilling adventures I’ve ever had.
I loved the balance of rustic eco-lodges and romantic island resorts. We stayed in both, and we agreed it made the trip feel like two vacations in one—one adventurous, one purely relaxing.
- Location: Map & Directions
We ended our days watching spectacular sunsets over the Caribbean Sea, and I kept thinking how brilliant it was to experience such diversity in one small country.
5. Saint Kitts and Nevis
I loved how Saint Kitts had such vibrant energy, from the bustling capital of Basseterre to the scenic train ride around this tropical island. We both thought it was one of the most unusual and fun ways to see stunning beaches, rolling hills, and old sugar plantations. Flight time is a little shorter than Belize (about 4 hours 15 minutes) if you want less time in the air.
We agreed that Nevis, with its quiet charm, was the absolutely exceptional for romance. I felt joyful walking through the charming streets of Charlestown, while we both loved the laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals who made us feel right at home.
We spent lazy afternoons on Pinney’s Beach (you can stay at 5-star Four Seasons Resort Nevis right nearby), where I felt completely at peace, while we sipped rum punch and watched the waves roll in. It was easily one of our favorite beach days ever.
I loved the history scattered across both islands, from Brimstone Hill Fortress to old plantation estates. We thought it gave our trip an unusual mix of culture and relaxation.
- Location: Map & Directions
We ended every evening with fiery sunsets that painted the sky in brilliant colors, and I kept thinking how romantic and exceptional the islands felt. For me, Saint Kitts and Nevis were the best kind of hidden paradise, and we can’t wait to return.
6. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Ready for beaches that stretch for miles, with soft white sand and vibrant turquoise waters? We found Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic to be one of the absolute best tropical getaways, and I honestly felt like it was the perfect mix of relaxation, fun, and romance. We stayed at 5-star Occidental Punta Cana for five days after a 4-hours nonstop flight from NYC.
We both thought Bavaro Beach was spectacular, and walking hand in hand along the shore quickly became one of our favorite daily rituals.
We agreed that the all-inclusive resorts here made everything feel easy (there are many you can choose from but 5-star Barceló Bávaro Palace really stood out). I loved waking up to ocean views, while we enjoyed long breakfasts, poolside cocktails, and endless opportunities for adventure right at our doorstep.
I thought the snorkeling and boat trips were the coolest experiences. We swam together over coral reefs and even found hidden sandbars where the water was so shallow and clear it felt magical.
We had so much fun exploring beyond the beach too. Don't miss visiting the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve, waterfalls and lush tropical forests.
- Location: Map & Directions
We ended our days with fiery Caribbean sunsets, and I kept thinking how lucky we were to share such a dream destination. For me, Punta Cana was an exceptional mix of adventure and relaxation, and we both agreed it was one of our coolest and most memorable vacations yet.
7. 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 islands.
I love that you can get to the Bahamas in just 3 hours by plane from New York, the shortest flight of all the Caribbean spots I visited. You can easily just spend three days and then return to work on Monday. If you are short on time, Atlantis Paradise Island is a great choice because it has so much variety (and a range of accommodation that will please adults and others for families).
If you have a week or longer to spend in the Bahamas, you can check out other islands too. I loved how each island had its own character, while we enjoyed exploring both the lively and the hidden, underrated gems. Some places felt vibrant and exciting, and others felt like private, romantic escapes just for us.
We thought the snorkeling was one of the best we’ve ever done.
We wandered through Nassau’s lively streets from our base at 3-star Courtyard by Marriott Nassau Downtown after landing for two days, and I loved tasting fresh conch fritters at the local stalls. It felt like such a cool and unusual way to experience the culture beyond the beaches.
I found myself completely relaxed watching sunsets, while we shared those moments hand in hand. For me, that was the most romantic part of the entire vacation.
- Location: Map & Directions
We agreed that the Bahamas gave us the best of everything: adventure, relaxation, and vibrant culture. I would call it a dream destination, and we can’t wait to return to this brilliant island paradise.
8. Bali, Indonesia
Ready to take a trip somewhere remote and exotic? A 20 - hour flight from LA takes you to Bali. My favorite part? Yes, you'll be spending quite a bit on airfare, but once you get there you can stay at incredible resorts and villas with pools quite cheaply. That's why I recommend at least a week in Bali, two if you can. I loved how Bali offers such a unique blend of culture, nature, and relaxation. While we lounged on hidden beaches, we also explored ancient temples and lively markets that made Bali feel both romantic and alive.
We agreed that Ubud was the absolute best for its serene rice terraces and spiritual vibe. I felt so peaceful wandering through the lush greenery, while we enjoyed yoga classes and traditional Balinese spa treatments that felt like pure joy.
I thought the waterfalls scattered across the island were some of the coolest and most underrated gems. We hiked together to hidden cascades.
We spent evenings in Seminyak staying at the 5-star Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa for three days, watching fiery sunsets over the ocean, and I loved how the beach clubs mixed lively energy with a romantic backdrop. It quickly became one of our favorite ways to end the day.
I really enjoyed the flavorful local food—from nasi goreng to fresh satay, while we both agreed that every meal was a delicious adventure in itself. Sharing plates in small warungs made us feel like locals.
- Location: Map & Directions
We also loved the vibrant coral reefs around the Gili Islands, and I thought snorkeling there was one of the most magical parts of the trip. Book 4-star Kuno Villas for at least two days here. For me, Bali was the perfect mix of excitement and tranquility, and we both can’t wait to return to this dream destination.
9. Bora Bora
We found Bora Bora to be one of the best tropical islands in the world, and I felt like I had stepped into a dream the moment our boat pulled up to the overwater bungalows.
I loved waking up to turquoise waters right outside my deck at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort for four days, while we jumped straight into the lagoon for a morning swim. It was such a unique way to start the day.
We agreed that the scenery was magical...the towering Mount Otemanu, the white-sand beaches, and the coral reefs all around made every moment feel like a postcard come to life.
I thought the snorkeling and diving were the coolest adventures. We swam with rays and colorful fish and it really was an underwater paradise.
We spent afternoons kayaking across calm lagoons, and I found so much peace just drifting on the water, while we laughed and explored hidden corners of the island together.
I couldn’t get over how romantic the sunsets were. We watched the sky explode in shades of pink and gold, and we both agreed it was one of our favorite parts of the trip.
We enjoyed the mix of luxury and nature—our bungalow had every comfort, but I felt most alive when barefoot on the sand. For us, Bora Bora was the perfect balance of relaxation, excitement, and magic.
- Location: Map & Directions
As a negative, you should know that Bora Bora takes some work to get to. 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 isn't worth it!)
10. Maldives
Without a doubt the Maldives are one of the most spectacular tropical destinations in the world. I couldn't recommend a specific resort because there are so many to choose from and your choice will come down to 1) budget, 2) location and 3) amenities that are most important to you.
Snorkeling and diving in the Maldives is absolutely incredible. You get to swim alongside manta rays, reef sharks, and colorful fish while admiring coral gardens. Sunsets are amazing and their cuisine like the Maldivian curries are exceptional.
- Location: Map & Directions
Even more than Bora Bora, though, getting to the Maldives takes a long time from the USA. If you are starting from Europe, it's a bit better but still very long. Frankfurt to the Maldives is 10 hours in the air and then you need to get into a speed boat too. I would save a trip to the Maldives for a longer honeymoon or when you have a large budget and lots of time.
Conclusion
We agreed that every one of these destinations offered its own unique version of paradise. I loved how each trip gave me unforgettable memories, while we both found joy in discovering the coolest beaches, exciting adventures, and most romantic sunsets around the world.
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, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
