There’s something undeniably romantic about escaping to an island. The slow pace, the sound of waves instead of traffic, the way the air just feels softer.
It’s the kind of setting that invites you to unplug, unwind and let the world drift away.
Whether you’re after crystal-clear waters, five-star villas, or something a little more off-the-map, these destinations deliver island life with a refined edge.
Island-Hopping in Indonesia
Indonesia isn’t just one island, it’s over seventeen thousand. Which means if you’re after a luxury escape with variety, it’s a dream come true.
While Bali still leads the pack with its spa resorts, rice-field villas and high-end beach clubs, it’s worth venturing beyond to islands like Sumba, Lombok and Raja Ampat if you want something a bit more serene.
Sumba, for example, is home to one of the most exclusive resorts in the world, where surf meets spa in a setting so peaceful it feels surreal.
Raja Ampat offers out-of-this-world diving and remote eco-retreats with views that look like they’ve been digitally enhanced (they haven’t).
And even Bali, for all its popularity, still has pockets of calm: hidden hillside villas in Ubud or beachfront suites in the sleepy town of Amed.
Indonesia’s luxury is rooted in its diversity, you can wake to jungle sounds one morning and end the next with a sunset over the Indian Ocean.
It’s vast, varied, and full of surprises.
A Yachting Playground Along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast
Croatia’s Adriatic coastline is captivating travellers from across the globe. Its string of over 1,000 islands offers everything from centuries-old towns to hidden coves that feel like they were made for two.
What makes Croatia truly special, though, is how easy it is to experience the islands in style.
Charter a private yacht (or hop on a luxe sailing tour) and spend your days drifting between spots like Hvar, Vis, and Kor?ula.
Each has its own personality: Hvar is lively and glamorous, Vis is low-key and rugged, and Kor?ula feels like stepping into a medieval postcard.
On land, you’ll find serene villas, cliffside resorts and fresh seafood dinners that stretch lazily into the night. It’s the perfect mix of cultural charm and coastal beauty, with just enough glitz to keep it feeling indulgent without being over the top.
There are some fantastic Croatian Island cruises available, with luxurious small ships taking an exclusive number of guests around the region.
Enjoy indulgent on-board facilities alongside plenty of excursions for a relaxing and immersive experience around the Adriatic.
Volcanic Landscapes in the Canary Islands
Forget everything you thought you knew about the Canary Islands. Yes, they’ve long been a sun-and-sea staple – but there’s a quieter, more luxurious side to these Spanish isles that’s made for those in the know.
Take Lanzarote, for instance: its black volcanic soil, whitewashed architecture, and lunar-like landscapes give it a moody beauty that’s hard to replicate.
Or Tenerife, where sleek design hotels are tucked into banana plantations and modern art galleries sit beside ancient laurel forests.
What sets the Canaries apart is the blend of raw natural beauty and refined touches. You can spend the morning hiking through otherworldly national parks, and the afternoon lounging at a minimalist beach club with craft cocktails in hand.
There’s warm weather year-round, fewer crowds than you’d expect, and plenty of boutique stays that offer privacy and polish in equal measure.
There are some incredible Lanzarote villa holidays on offer, with various spacious properties dotted across the island for a comfortable and exclusive stay.
Overwater Perfection in the Maldives
The Maldives is the kind of place that you imagine in your dreams. It’s so beautiful, so calm, so perfectly suited to doing absolutely nothing that you start wondering if time even exists there.
And while its honeymoon-worthy overwater villas often steal the spotlight, there’s more to this island nation than just pretty pictures.
Luxury here means privacy; villas with private plunge pools, personal butlers and dinner served on your own stretch of beach with only the stars for company.
You can dive or snorkel right off your deck, indulge in spa treatments that practically lull you into a new time zone, or simply do nothing (which is kind of the point).
The resorts are impossibly photogenic, but still manage to feel warm and personal.
Whether you’re celebrating something big or just want to get away from everything, the Maldives offers a kind of escape that feels like a full-body exhale.
Soulful Shores in Zanzibar
Just off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is an island that blends African, Arab, Indian and European influences into something totally unique. The result? A place that’s not only beautiful but rich with history, texture, and culture.
Stone Town is where it all begins, with winding alleys, crumbling coral-stone buildings, and carved wooden doors that tell their own stories.
But head to the coast and you’ll find long stretches of powdery white sand, crystal-clear water, and luxury resorts that offer everything from open-air spa treatments to candlelit beach dinners under swaying palms.
For couples, it’s a place where you can start your day exploring spice farms or taking a dhow boat out on the water, and end it sipping cocktails while the sky turns deep pink.
Zanzibar’s luxury isn’t loud, it’s in the details, the atmosphere, and the way it makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto something truly special.
Which Island Is Calling You?
From volcanic shores and jungle hideaways to turquoise lagoons and medieval villages by the sea, these islands offer more than just a pretty place to stay; they give you space to breathe, time to slow down and the kind of experiences that you’ll remember for years to come.
So… where are you headed first?
