Kaua'i, Hawaii
When it comes to the world's most famous paradise islands, many people can immediately name Kaua'i, Hawaii - a familiar scene that often appears in blockbusters, from Jurassic Park, Blue Island to The Descendants. Not as bustling and crowded as Maui or Oʻahu, Kaua'i is a place that gives you the experience of exploring peaceful rainforests and waterfalls.
Visitors can swim in picturesque Hanalei Bay, hike the vast Waimea Canyon – also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. Another option is trekking the Kalalau Trail along the Nā Pali Coast, considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the world.
Ilha de Tinharé, Brazil
Snorkel with tropical fish, hike to a 17th-century fortress and eat local delicacies on the sand on idyllic Tinharé Island, Brazil. The car-free village of Morro de São Paulo, located on the island’s northeastern tip, is a two-hour boat ride from the Afro-Brazilian capital of Salvador da Bahia – close enough to the city to make it a weekend destination, with its palm-fringed beaches and crystal-clear waters.
You can sunbathe, swim or take a speedboat out into the ocean to see the coral. At night, candlelight illuminates the beach, making it a great time to soak up the music, sway to cocktails and sip fresh fruit caipirinhas (a traditional Brazilian drink made from cachaça, a sugarcane spirit).
Ko Raya, Thailand
If you've ever dreamed of swimming with giant starfish or getting a close-up look at a puffer fish, consider a trip to the island paradise of Ko Raya.
Located off the coast of Phuket, Thailand, Ko Raya Island (also known as Ko Racha) is a mecca for outdoor adventurers, with experiences ranging from snorkeling in Lah Bay, then hiking or renting mountain bikes to explore the surrounding hills.
Isla Holbox, Mexico
Many visitors to Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula head straight to popular island destinations like Cozumel or Isla Mujeres, but few know of Isla Holbox – part of the Yum Balam Natural Reserve. It’s also known as a paradise island for snorkelers and divers looking for thrills, with the chance to swim with whale sharks – the ocean’s largest fish.
Whale sharks, which can grow up to 12 metres long and weigh up to 20 tonnes, gather in the waters around Holbox each summer (May-September) during their breeding season. Book your tour in advance if possible and you’ll have the chance to spot flamingos and dolphins on a journey through the mangroves, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Isla Catalinita, Dominican Republic
Tiny Isla Catalinita is a wild, uninhabited island only accessible by small boat. Located on the eastern edge of Parque Nacional Cotubanamá, it is a dream destination for scuba divers and adventure seekers.
The coral reef just offshore is home to a colorful variety of tropical fish, while Shark Point, a nearby dive site, attracts more ocean explorers.
Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Wine lovers will love New Zealand's beautiful island of Waiheke.
Just a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island has something for everyone, with white-sand beaches along the Hauraki Gulf perfect for swimming and kayaking; clifftop trekking trails lined with native woodland; and sprawling vineyards producing Bordeaux-style red wines and renowned Chardonnay.
Isla Tortuga, Costa Rica
With its velvety white sands and turquoise waters, Isla Tortuga (Turtle Island) is widely considered Costa Rica's most beautiful island.
Located off the coast of the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Curú wildlife reserve, it’s a picture-perfect island paradise, perfect for swimming and kayaking, as well as relaxing with a picnic under towering palm trees. One of the experiences that will make your summer escape even more memorable is a boat ride and a lucky chance to spot adorable dolphins swimming by.
