Dream beaches, warm, silky seas, lush landscapes and endless sunshine - these are just some of the key ingredients of an ideal tropical vacation. But each destination offers its own sensual charms. Some dazzle with their natural beauty. Others add cultural attractions to the mix, with exotic customs, architecture and tantalizing cuisine. Some offer ecological adventures and a wild nature rich in wild species. Some sleeping islands seem to make you travel back in time.
Divers are flocking to the burgeoning coral reefs and surfers are looking for the perfect wave. It's just a question of finding the ideal solution. From Asia to Australia, the United States and the Caribbean, this list of tropical vacation hotspots covers some of the world's most beautiful islands, as well as ideas for fun activities and activities. destinations for every budget, whether you're looking for a water bungalow in Bora Bora or a bamboo hut on a Bali beach.
Maldives
Stretching over the Indian Ocean in southwest India and Sri Lanka, the 26 natural atolls of the Maldives exude an almost surreal beauty, thanks in large part to the bright blue waters around them. If you prefer to plunge into a crystal clear and soothing sea that warms your soul, this is the ideal place for a perfect holiday in the tropics. Indeed, it accounts for 99% of Maldivian water. Paradoxically, it also threatens to flood the shores of this low-lying island country.
Male 'is the capital, but most visitors head straight for one of the remote atolls, where luxury beach resorts and pristine white beaches lined with aquamarine waters await you. Diving and snorkeling are world class, and the Maldives are also a leading surfing destination with the most popular surf spots in the North and South Atolls of Male.
Other popular activities include swimming with manta rays and whale sharks, as well as big game fishing. Water being a focal point and many islands to choose from, the Maldives are also the ideal candidate for a cruise vacation.
Bora Bora, Tahiti
Bora Bora is paradise par excellence of the South Pacific. This lush and spectacular island of French Polynesia rises to an emerald peak surrounded by an azure lagoon. Clusters of coconut palms bristle along the beaches and luxury bungalows are set above the crystal clear waters, some with glass panels on the ground, allowing you to dive into the sea below.
While Bora Bora scores points for natural beauty, it also ticks the box if you are looking for cultural appeal. The official language is French and you can taste the Gallic influence in the gastronomic cuisine. Add a host of fun water sports, kayak trips to tiny motu (islands), scenic hiking trails, and adventures like shark diving, and you'll understand why many travelers rate Bora Bora as A destination of choice for a honeymoon and the ultimate, unique place in your life for a tropical vacation.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
If you are looking for beautiful beaches, culture and fine dining, all at an affordable price, the Riviera Maya (Riviera Maya) in Mexico is an excellent choice. On the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, along the Caribbean coast, the Riviera Maya encompasses the resort destinations of Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel Island.
You do not have to stay in a big all-inclusive resort here, although there are plenty of them in front of the long, postcard-worthy beaches. Intimate boutique hotels and yoga retreats are also on the agenda. Swimming with rays and dolphins, scuba diving, snorkelling and fishing are popular activities in warm, clear waters, and culture lovers can explore the beautiful ancient ruins of Tulum, in a beautiful setting hours of road to the resort strip.
Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Aitutaki, in the Cook Islands, which has close ties with New Zealand, is a dream destination for shipwrecked people. Boasting a luminous aquatic lagoon, lush mountain peaks, sublime palm-fringed beaches and some of the South Pacific's friendliest people, Aitutaki meets all expectations for a perfect tropical exotic vacation.
Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands and the main tourist gateway, but Aitutaki, a 45-minute flight, is the jewel in the crown, and it says a lot about an archipelago of 15 beautiful tropical islands. Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and fishing are all fantastic activities. The island offers a window on the relaxed life of the village, which slows down Sunday for religious services.
More than 20 motu (small islands) are dotted around the lagoon and the small island of Tapuaetai (One Foot Island), located in its south-east corner, is a popular excursion offering a beautiful perspective of the lagoon. If you really want to splurge, opt for a luxury bungalow above the water. From there, you can go to your private motu, go down under a palm tree and pretend you're Robinson Crusoe.
Kaua'i, Hawaii
Nicknamed the Garden Isle, Kaua'i is a tropical paradise with lush tropical forests, waterfalls and spectacular green coastal peaks. A natural masterpiece of carved landscapes in the lava, the island exudes a more laid-back atmosphere than its popular sister islands, Maui and Oahu. Although Kauai is known for hosting one of the rainiest places on the planet, the island is made up of several microclimates and the tourist region of Poipu tends to be drier.
Underwater, you will find colorful coral reefs, where turtles and tropical fish swim. On land, you can bask on golden beaches, admire the cloud-covered landscape from the cliffs above Hanalei Bay, hike among the velvety peaks of the beautiful Napali Coast and explore the canyon Waimea, deep and jungly, 10 miles long. Tropical gardens, waterfalls, beautiful coastal towns and fantastic surf spots are other tourist attractions.
Do not be surprised if you share the beach with sleeping monk seals; nature reigns and that's a big part of the island's appeal.
The Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
If you dream of an idyllic island in the sun-drenched South Seas, the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji do the trick. A short boat ride from the city of Nadi, gateway, this tent of twenty islands, of irreproachable quality, is renowned for its shimmering palm beaches, crystal clear waters and coral reefs. flourishing. When you see these tropical beauties for the first time, it's easy to understand why Survivor and Tom Hanks' Cast Away were filmed on islands in this chain. When choosing your place of residence, your budget and interests will determine the best island in Fiji for you.
Accommodations range from bustling truck complexes to family-owned hotels with thatched roofs (traditional huts), to luxury hideaways such as the Vomo Island Resort, Likuliku Lagoon Resort and the adult-only Tokoriki Island Resort. Popular mid-range resorts include the Matamanoa Island, Malolo Island, Mana Island and Castaway resorts.
Cloudbreak, one of the best surf spots on the planet, is about a mile away from Tavarua Island Resort, but you can also access this legendary getaway from other resorts on the island. Fijians like children, so it's a destination of choice for families with young people looking for relaxation.
St. Barts, The Caribbean
If you like sparkling jet-setter, private villas and pretty beaches, the French influence of St. Barth should be at the top of your list. But all this has a price. A steady stream of visiting movie stars and mega-bumps means that accommodation and food are more expensive here than other destinations - especially during peak season. However, in return, you'll find beautiful blonde beaches lined with green hills, world-class shops and restaurants, and cultural sophistication that is lacking in many other tropical destinations.
As everywhere, the low season offers good deals and all beaches are public. So you can hide in a private villa or boutique hotel and live the lives of the rich and famous for less. In addition to lounging on the beaches, shopping and tasting continental dishes, popular activities include snorkelling, scuba diving, kite surfing, kayaking, fishing, surfing and more. and sailing.
The most famous beaches are Saline Beach, Gouverneur and Lorient, and the red-roofed capital of Gustavia is one of the most beautiful cities in the Caribbean.
The Abacos, The Bahamas
Nearly 300 kilometers east of Florida, the magnificent Abacos, Bahamas, offer some of the world's best waters for boating and sailing. These peaceful Atlantic islands, also known as the Out Islands or Family Islands, seem like a world away from the crowded tourist bands of neighboring Florida, with their secluded beaches lined with pine trees; flourishing coral reefs; and sleepy fishing villages, where golf carts and boats are the main means of transport. British Loyalists have colonized these islands and you can admire this heritage in the cute and colorful colonial cottages that line the narrow streets.
Elbow Cay, with its famous lighthouse striped candy; Green Turtle Cay, a charming island three miles long, which has the impression of going back in time to the ancient Bahamas; and Treasure Cay, on Great Abaco, with its lovely white sand beach bathed in technicolor turquoise waters. Guana Cay, Walker's Cay and Man "O 'War Cay are other popular islands, fishing, diving, snorkelling, relaxing and talking with locals, and miles of pristine beaches. It's easy to find your own private place of white and soft sand.
Ambergris Caye, Belize
On the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, Ambergris Caye in Belize is one of the country's top tourist destinations and the largest of its 200 cays. While its Caribbean beaches are generally more conducive to fishing than swimming, the beautiful Hol Chan marine reserve largely compensates for beautiful turtle grass plains, with superb snorkeling and dives within a few minutes. half kilometer from shore.
This underwater wonderland is part of the Belize Barrier Reef system, the second largest barrier reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Shark Ray Alley is a popular site where divers can meet nurse sharks and stingrays. Fishermen also flock here to roam the shrimp in search of bonefish and try their luck to obtain a license, tarpon, snook and barracuda.
The island's charm lies in its colorful town of San Pedro, where golf carts reign in the streets, and in trendy restaurants offering fresh seafood and Mexican-inspired cuisine. As the northern part of the island is close to Mexico, it has a strong Mexican influence and many locals speak Spanish.
Dominican Republic
On the east coast of the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic is a first-rate choice for budget-minded travelers, but this popular holiday destination is more than just great beaches and great resorts. . Rich in history and culture, "DR", also houses some of the most diverse ecosystems of the Caribbean, with moist jungles, deserts, mangroves, coral reefs, savannah and verdant peaks.
Venture away from the tourist areas of Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, La Romana and Samaná, where all-inclusive resorts cluster along idyllic palm-fringed beaches, and discover a world of adventure. You can climb the highest peaks of the Caribbean, go up the white water of Río Yaque del Norte, hike to the waterfalls in the jungle torrid and browse the pine forests along the alpine trails. Cultural attractions are also a highlight.
The capital, Santo Domingo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring charming colonial architecture and a fascinating history. But if you just want to bask on a beautiful beach, dive, swim, surf and snorkel, you'll find plenty of opportunities to do it.
Bali, Indonesia
For those looking for a tropical vacation with a spiritual side, Bali attracts with its mystical charm. Temples filled with fragrant incense; the rice fields shine under the sun of late amber; and the calm and kindness of Bali add to the irresistible charm of this island. If you're looking for a bustling beach scene, with plenty of shops and restaurants, head to Kuta or Seminyak, where you'll find some great surfing beaches. Sanur is a great place for families, with its gentle waves, and Ubud, in the lush hills far from the coastal hubbub, is the emerald soul of the island.
Bali is also known for its relatively affordable spa treatments, allowing you to take care of yourself without the shock of the sticker. Accommodation includes everything from cheap hostels to luxury villas with chefs and personal drivers. The nearby volcanic island of Lombok is also a popular destination, with less development than its famous sister island.
Port Douglas, Australia
About an hour's drive north of Cairns, Queensland, Port Douglas is an ideal destination for adventurous nature lovers. This upscale city has evolved from its humble origins as a sleepy fishing village into a popular tropical tourist resort and a convenient base for reef tours and wilderness safaris.
Two of Australia's richest ecosystems are within walking distance: the Great Barrier Reef, with its great snorkelling and dive sites, and the Daintree Rainforest, which is part of the Heritage Site. World Wet Tropics, which sweeps over the speckled waters of the Cape Tribulation Reef. . The green streets of the city are lined with mango and palm trees, as well as a cluster of high-end shops, cafes and art galleries. Its star is Four Mile Beach, a blond crescent of sand lined with jungle. Swimming is restricted during the marine season (November to June), but it is still a privileged place to walk.
Other major tourist attractions include wildlife habitat and the Bally Hooley sugar train, which passes through sugar cane fields to Mossman. Fishing trips and expeditions to the north through the rugged landscape of the Cape York Peninsula are also popular. The winter season, from May to September, is the best time to visit the region, while the temperatures are cooler and the weather is dry.
The Andaman Coast, Thailand
The Andaman Coast is an ideal base for exploring the spectacular islands of the Andaman Sea. These lush limestone peaks rise from turquoise waters, creating one of the most striking seascapes on the planet.
Famous islands include the Phi Phi Islands such as Ko Phi Phi Don, with its many seaside resorts, and Ko Phi Phi Leh, where Leonardo DiCaprio's film The Beach was shot. These islands are part of the popular Phuket Day Trip, but you can still find your own piece of heaven if you venture further. Phang Nga Bay is home to more than a hundred of these emerald beauties, including the famous James Bond Island.
Popular areas to use as a base to explore all this natural beauty are Krabi or Phuket, the largest island in Thailand. The dazzling landscape continues inland in Khao Sok National Park, where you can commune with elephants in the middle of jungle-covered peaks. Accommodations range from homestays and beachfront bamboo shacks at budget prices to luxurious beach-style resorts perched on cliffs, but even upscale hotels tend to be more affordable than other destinations tropical.
It is an excellent choice if you are looking for an exotic culture, a warm cuisine and beautiful landscapes that do not break your budget. Try to avoid the southwestern monsoon, which usually strikes the coast from late May to mid-October.
The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
On the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, the Nicoya Peninsula is a hot spot for surfers and eco-tourists, with its pockets of jungly forests and long beaches bathed in perfect barrels. Surfing can be great at any time of the year.
Among the main tourist cities of the region are Tamarindo, the most developed city of the peninsula, with fantastic surf for all skill levels in Playa Tamarindo, as well as a wide range of restaurants and hotels. It attracts a colorful mix of passionate backpackers, surfers, families and laid-back expats. Around Tamarindo you can go snorkelling, horseback riding, zip lining and turtle nesting from October to March near Playa Grande, one of the main nesting sites for leatherbacks.
Santa Teresa upscale, in Mal Pais, along the southwestern corner of the peninsula, is also renowned for its fantastic surfing, yoga retreats, organic restaurants and hiding places. Nosara is another important area to consider, backed by a tangle of green forests; Montezuma; and peaceful Samara, one of the least developed cities of the peninsula. Not far from these seaside towns, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve protects one of the last pockets of preserved cloud forest on the continent.
Florida Keys
Home to the unique coral reef in the United States, the Florida Keys offer a fun tropical entertainment solution, fantastic fishing and some pretty palm-fringed sand beaches. Stretching south of Miami for more than 110 km within 90 km of Cuba, the Keys are coral islands connected by roadways. You can borrow them on the Overseas Highway, which connects Key Largo to the south and Key West.
Major attractions include John Pennekamp Coral Reef National Park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary off Key Largo, where you can snorkel and dive; Bahia Honda State Park, where you will find some of the most beautiful beaches; and the legendary Key West, where a laid-back mentality complements the colorful Caribbean-style cottages and the rich history of Hemingway. You can also visit the southernmost tip of the United States here.
Islamorada proclaims itself "world capital of sport fishing" with tarpon, bonefish and catch license; and Marathon is also great for starting a line. Large fishing tournaments take place every year in the surrounding waters. While you're here, try to taste the conch, a type of marine snail, as well as the famous lime pie.