Earth’s surface is 71 percent water, and our oceans are dotted with
spectacular islands—tens of thousands of them—but some capture our
imaginations more than others.
In Travel + Leisure’s annual World’s Best survey, readers
ranked their favorites, and the results show that no distance is too
great when a fabulous island waits as your reward.
So whether
your island hopping takes you across the country or around the world,
here’s where to go to find secluded beaches, wildlife encounters, and
luxurious pampering.
No. 1 Boracay, Philippines
This
tiny tropical island in the Philippines is making a big splash. After
debuting at No. 4 in the World’s Best Awards last year, it has taken the
top prize, appealing to travelers with its natural beauty and
still-under-the-radar status—chances are you haven’t “been there, done
that.”
Best Beach: White Beach, a 2.5-mile stretch of powder-white sand—often cited as the world’s softest—lapped by the translucent Sulu Sea.
Where to Stay: Discovery Shores for modern suites with huge windows, an infinity pool, and the full-service Terra Spa.
No. 2 Bali, Indonesia
It
may be one of 17,500 islands in the Indonesian archipelago, but this
paradise known for its temples is the country’s crown jewel, offering
travelers glimpses into Balinese Hindu history thanks to a vibrant
cultural scene filled with music and dance.
Best Beach:
To watch the sun come up over the water, head to Sanur. For gorgeous
sunsets, upscale resorts, and lively nightlife, stay along Seminyak.
Where to Stay: Amandari,
the only Indonesian resort ranked in the 2012 T+L 500, is near a sacred
river outside Ubud and arranged like a local village—albeit one with 30
suites that feature private plunge pools and rice-paddy views.
No. 3 Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
T+L
readers prove once again that this exotic chain of isolated Pacific
islands 600 miles off of South America is one of the ultimate dream
trips. Where else can you spy a blue-footed booby or short-feathered
penguins?
Best Beach: Here, the best beach is where sea lions catch some rays. Snap hordes of them on Santa Fe Island’s white-sand beach.
Where to Stay:
The ideal way to see these islands is on a ship, such as the
90-passenger Celebrity Xpedition, which sails seven- and 10-night
cruises year-round.
No. 4 Maui, Hawaii
This
year, T+L readers chose Maui as the golden child among Hawaii’s island
siblings (up from No. 9 in 2011). After all, there’s always something
new to explore, from the resort-lined stretches of Kaanapali and Wailea
to Haleakala’s volcanic crater to the funky surf town of Paia.
Best Beach: Napili Beach, a crescent of golden sand lapped by blue-green sea, is slightly out of the way, but well worth the detour.
Where to Stay: Fairmont Kea Lani, a 22-acre oasis of white-washed Moorish architecture, right on Wailea Beach.
No. 5 Great Barrier Reef Islands, Australia
Pure
white sand and coral reefs teeming with fish are the hallmarks of these
castaway islands off of Australia’s northeastern coastline. More
familiar islands, including Lizard, Hayman, and Bedarra, are havens for
divers, as they provide easy access to potato cod fish and gaping giant
clams—and they’re home to ultra-chic hideaway hotels.
Best Beach:
Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays is the reef’s most photogenic
beach: a 4.5-mile stretch of sand that seems to go on forever.
Where to Stay: Lizard Island Resort, a five-star enclave that counts 40 contemporary suites and 24 private beaches.
No. 6 Santorini, Greece
The
cliff-top village of Oia, with its blue-domed churches, sugar-cube
houses, and stone pathways leading to caldera vistas, is one of the most
idyllic—and photographed—spots in the Greek Isles.
Best Beach:
For drama, you can’t beat the black sand and palapa-shaded chaises at
Perissa Beach, where cafés are perfect for people-watching.
Where to Stay: The 27 white-washed rooms and suites of Oia’s Katikies Hotel are situated in a free-form style around two infinity pools.
No. 7 Kauai, Hawaii
Sleepy
Kauai’s old-school charms and serene landscape will soothe even the
most frantic urbanite. Two must-see sights: the dramatic Na Pali Coast
and Waimea Canyon, both layered with scenic hiking trails.
Best Beach:
If you crave sun and fun, stay on Poipu Beach in the south; for an
untamed panorama, stroll Lumahai Beach, between Princeville and Hanalei.
Where to Stay: Koa Kea Hotel & Resort
is Poipu’s newest boutique property. Its 121 rooms and suites have a
relaxed vibe that’s in line with Kauai’s less-is-more mantra.
No. 8 Big Island, Hawaii
Hawaii’s
wild child is an adventure zone, with invigorating lava treks (its
volcano, Kilauea, is still active), stargazing atop 13,796-foot Mauna
Kea, and night dives with manta rays.
Best Beach:
The Big Island has 80 beaches, but there’s no reason to settle for ivory
and blue when you can unwind at black-sand Punaluu Beach or green-hued
Papakolea Beach.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai—voted
the No. 1 resort in Hawaii in 2012’s World’s Best Awards survey—is even
more indulgent after a multiyear renovation that added an adults-only
pool and expanded the Hawaiian-centric spa.
No. 9 Sicily, Italy
The sun shines on Sicily 300
days per year, illuminating an island rich in history (Greek and Roman
ruins in Agrigento, for starters) and culinary traditions. Cannoli are
made here, as are arancini, decadently golden fried rice balls, and all
kinds of dishes showcasing the day’s fresh catch of fish.
Best Beach:
San Vito Lo Capo, near Trapani on the northwestern coast, is on a
curved bay flanked by photogenic rock formations along the
Mediterranean.
Where to Stay: One of the rooms overlooking Mount Etna at Grand Hotel Timeo, convenient for exploring the ancient city of Taormina and surrounding vineyards.
No. 10 Vancouver Island, British Columbia
A
playground for kayakers, hikers, and whale-watchers, Vancouver Island
is covered in stately pine forests that shelter endangered birds and
surrounded by waters filled with oysters, crabs, and other shellfish.
It’s a short ferry (or seaplane) ride over from the city of Vancouver.
Best Beach:
Chesterman Beach in Tofino is ideal for quiet strolls in summer and
big-wave-watching in winter. No matter the season, brave surfers can’t
stay away from those chilly Pacific swells.
Where to Stay: Wickaninnish Inn is all about rustic luxury, with 75 rooms, a restaurant with 360-degree water views, and a nature-inspired spa.
Actually there's good beach too in Lombok. But the publicity is not like Bali beach...
ReplyDeletehttp://healthytourism.blogspot.com/2012/10/hotel-in-derawan-island.html
thank you for the visit Alis. im going to visit your blog too and im going to search what beach your talking and i an going to add into my blog.. again thank you...
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