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You can swim to your overwater bungalow through a magical turquoise lagoon filled with colorful tropical fish when staying at the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort. The lagoon here is clearer and more turquoise than anywhere else on the island, and free of jet skis and other watercraft, allowing underwater life to flourish untouched.


This is also one of the Islands of Tahiti‘s most affordable overwater bungalow options, made even more accessible by the fact that Moorea is easily reached via high-speed catamaran from Papeete in Tahiti, where international flights land. Moorea’s natural beauty is emphasized at this understated resort where the traditional thatched-roof bungalows have a Polynesia style with modern decor, like extremely comfortable beds and stone tile rain showers in the bathrooms.


Although a decently large resort, with more than 100 bungalows, the best are the overwater digs, which have glass panels for viewing fish and direct access into the lagoon from a ladder into the crystal-clear water off the private terrace (if you’ve seen the Real Housewives of Orange County, this is the resort the women stayed at on their trip to Tahiti and Moorea). The resort has three distinct restaurants and bars that convey the spice of Tahitian life.


Taking center stage is internationally themed “Pure”, which focuses on fresh seasonable produce. Tailor-made for romance, “K” is an intimate gourmet restaurant option, showcasing the freshest local produce in elegant and refined settings. While the “Vue” cocktail bar offers an idyllic venue to relax and enjoy a leisurely drink with a ‘view’ of the lagoon. There’s also a branded Bollinger champagne bar on the pier, and an infinity swimming pool and spa with wonderfully blissful treatment options.

When in Bora Bora, Tahitian pearls are a girl’s best friend. Often known as “black pearls,” they actually come in all sorts of colors, including black, blue, green, and pink. Even though the pearls aren’t produced in this island’s lagoon—most come from the Tuamotu or Gambier archipelago—many of the highest quality ones are sent to Bora Bora to be sold on the tourist market. The best deals are found on the main island at small boutiques, which often mount them into their own unique designs. Spend a day touring the island in search of your dream pendant or earrings; and if you really want to splurge, go for a full strand.

Artists and poets like Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel chose to live in the volcanic islands of French Polynesia for more than the turquoise waters, white sand beaches, coral atolls, and dramatic, green carpeted hills, you know. The fresh ingredients available in the Windward Islands—both the fruits and vegetables growing in the fertile black soil and the abundant seafood and fish in the surrounding Pacific—coupled with the culinary genius of the French colonists make this a paradise for food-lovers, too.

Whether you’re an urban explorer or more of a beach bum, there’s a hotel in the Philippines for your type of trip. While business travelers tend to stay near Manila, many will fly through the hub to hit the famous beaches of the Philippine islands, where there are five-star resorts and plenty of sunshine. Here’s where to find everything from a historic hotel with views of Manila Bay and a luxury property near Makati’s best shopping to a private island resort surrounded by coral reefs.

Fish fanatics beware: vacation in Turks and Caicos and there’s a good chance you’ll start dreaming about living on the islands forever. Conch and grouper are often the stars of the menus so you’ll have plenty of chances to try them served all kinds of ways. But, really, chance up your order a bit here and there. After all, there’s a lot to be said for a lobster dinner at a fine dining restaurant overlooking the water or for hanging out at the touristy but fun Thursday-night fish fry off of Grace Bay Beach.

In Maui, visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to hotels. The island is home to everything from plantation-style B&Bs to sprawling beach resorts with floating restaurants, offering something for every type of traveler, whether they care most about spacious rooms, outdoor pools, or ocean views. Find family-friendly elegance at the Fairmont Kea Lani; an artsy, boho-chic vibe at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort; or utter luxury at Four Seasons Hotel Lanai, a sanctuary on a nearby island that was once home to the world’s largest pineapple plantation.

Vieques, off Puerto Rico’s east coast, is known for its quiet island life and tropical vibe. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland and enjoy a relaxing day riding horses, kayaking in the bioluminescent bay, and dining on local tapas, even if you only have one day. Often overlooked by visitors who seek the mainland comforts, be sure to take some time to explore this tiny island and its secluded tropical vibe. A day trip to Vieques will not be forgotten.
(The venues on this list have been confirmed reopened since Hurricane Maria.)

The West Side of Maui can often feel like an island unto itself. With countless adventures, dozens of restaurants, and the most historic area of the island, West Maui may make you never want to leave.

With ocean at every turn, Fort Myers and Sanibel offer plenty of options for waterfront dining. Your only problem will be deciding whether you want marina views, Gulf of Mexico vistas, or a little bit of both.

This archipelago of more than 700 islands, most ringed with pink sand beaches and crystal-clear shallow water, offers diversions above and below the water: diving into shipwrecks, touring rum distilleries, exploring the architectural relics of British colonial rule, dancing at a fish fry, and shopping the boutiques of Harbour Island, among them. Find luxury—and simplicity—in your Bahamas vacation.

These gorgeous islands are surrounded by the turquoise waters--and pink flamingos--of your Instagram dreams. From scuba diving on Grand Turk to horseback riding on the white sand of Long Bay Beach, you’ll spend plenty of time enjoying life in and near the water. But you’ll also find a fascinating National Museum, shopping in and around the capital of Cockburn Town, the craftsmen of Conch Bar and, speaking of conch, a deep dive into farming that favorite local delicacy.

A visit to the Galapagos is all about getting up close with nature and the best hotels make guests feel like Charles Darwin, providing incredible access to wildlife. Guests feel like true explorers at Galapagos Safari Camp where accommodations include “glamping” tents. For the best of land and sea, book a stay at Finch Bay Eco Hotel or Pikaia Lodge. Both sustainably-minded properties have their own yachts staffed with naturalists and stocked with snorkeling gear.

If you’re determined to see Florida’s iconic animals, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you visit the wildlife refuges, nature centers, or boardwalks, you’re likely to spot manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, alligators, and several birds.

If your idea of a perfect beach includes white sands and clear, calm waters, Fort Myers and Sanibel have you covered. Here, you’ll have your choice of beaches with Gulf of Mexico views, great fishing and shelling, a family scene, or the ideal bar for watching the sunset.