Whether you’re after a glitzy private island getaway or a low-key tropical escape, we’ve picked 15 of the world’s most stunning island hotels.
It’s built on its own 3,500-acre private island studded with lush coconut groves and ringed by pristine white sand beaches.
Each of its 25 villas — inspired by traditional Fijian bure — boast leafy tropical gardens and private infinity-edge pools.
As if that weren’t enough to keep you occupied, there’s also an equestrian center, five restaurants and countless coral reefs to be explored (via submarine, naturally).
Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort (Mozambique)
Anantara: Understated castaway chic.
But the views alone are worth the trek. Upon arrival, you’re greeted with miles of empty, powder-white sand and ocean so blue it barely looks real.
The resort itself is gorgeous, with its castaway-chic aesthetic and whimsical, Arabian Nights-inspired decor.
And though its wooden, thatched-roof villas may look simple, don’t be fooled: They’re decked out with luxe deep-soak tubs, roomy outdoor decks and plunge pools built just steps from the ocean.
Southern Ocean Lodge (Australia)
Each of its 21 glass-fronted suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows and are cantilevered to ensure jaw-dropping panoramas over Hanson Bay.
In contrast to its rugged coastal landscape, the lodge is sleek and ultramodern, built from sustainable materials like recycled gumtrees and local limestone.
It’s also luxurious: Each suite has its own private terrace, sunken lounge and standalone bathtubs, perfectly positioned to soak in the glorious views.
Cap Juluca (Anguilla)
Its domed, Moorish-style villas are cheerful and stylish, decorated with colorful batiks, rattan furniture and coconut wood accents.
Though the vibe is beachy and relaxed, rooms abound with posh amenities like plush Frette linens and Hermès bath products.
Added bonus: Every room is beachfront and has an ocean-facing patio.
Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea (Sicily, Italy)
Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea: Sicilian charm and jaw-dropping views.
Though you’d be hard pressed to find a hotel in Sicily that’s not picture-perfect, there’s something especially dreamy about this one.
Suites are huge and indulgent, outfitted with enormous marble bathrooms and furnished French balconies that offer sweeping views over the Bay of Mazzarò.
Added bonus: It even has its own private stretch of beachfront, fringed by lush subtropical gardens.
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina (Hawaii)
The property is sleek yet earthy, and takes advantage of its gorgeous oceanfront setting with plenty of sun-drenched, indoor-outdoor spaces.
All 371 rooms are decorated in a modern Hawaiiana style, with banana-leaf wall coverings, banana leaf-printed pillows and local wood accents.
But the hotel’s pièce de résistance is its blissful adults-only infinity pool, which is tucked away from the main pool and beach area and overlooks the Pacific Ocean.
Secret Bay (Dominica)
But therein lies its charm: Unlike the crowded, all-inclusive resorts of Bermuda and the Bahamas, this low-key boutique property feels like your own secret Caribbean hideaway.
Its eight treehouse-style bungalows are hidden amidst thick, jungle-like foliage and equipped with so many luxe features — hammocks, plunge pools, sundecks, personal libraries — that you won’t ever want to leave.
But you must, if only to walk down to its two stunning beaches or watch the sun set over the Caribbean Ocean from the gorgeous Vetiver Sunset Deck.
Soneva Jani (Maldives)
Each of the resort’s multi-level water villas — made out of renewable plantation wood — has its own private pool and a retractable roof that allows guests to sleep beneath the stars.
Many villas also have slides that transport guests directly from the top level into the lagoon below.
Other hotel highlights include an observatory — home to the largest telescope in the Indian Ocean — and an outdoor floating cinema.
The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa (Phuket, Thailand)
The Naka Island: Splendid isolation.
It’s not a private island resort, but it feels that way, with just 67 villas draped along miles of deserted, unspoiled beachfront.
Villas are earthy yet luxurious, made entirely of wood, stone and clay, and equipped with private pools and steam rooms.
If you can manage to drag yourself from your villa, make a beeline for the beachfront Z Bar, which serves up potent cocktails and epic sunset views.
The Cliff Hotel (Jamaica)
Though it sits directly on the ocean, this new boutique hotel isn’t your typical beach getaway.
For starters, there’s no beach: True to its name, the hotel is perched on low, jagged cliffs that jut out dramatically onto the ocean.
Still, its 33 rooms are as luxe as they come, outfitted with stylish hammocks, roomy balconies and, in some cases, private plunge pools.
Cavo Tagoo (Mykonos, Greece)
The vibe is refreshingly modern and minimalist: whitewashed surfaces, exposed wood and stone, and sleek, clean furnishings.
Rooms come with with whirlpool baths, ocean-facing balconies and, in some cases, private plunge pools.
No pool? No worries: The resort’s communal infinity saltwater pool has an aquarium bar and the best sunset views on the island.
Belmond La Samanna (St. Martin)
La Samanna: Unspoilt beaches and killer cocktails.
Its 83 lavish rooms and eight Mediterranean-style villas are hidden behind 55 lush tropical acres on the unspoilt shores of Baie Longue.
Property highlights include two infinity pools, a heavenly spa, two French-Caribbean restaurants and a 12,000-bottle wine cave.
But what you’re really here for is the Moroccan-themed beach bar, which serves up potent cocktails and killer ocean views to match.
Nihiwatu (Sumba Island, Indonesia)
Its 28 thatched-roof villas are rugged yet luxurious, decorated with teak furnishings, traditional ikat-print fabrics and local Sumban art.
Though every villa is impressive, the Marrangga villas — which feature beds elevated on cliffside platforms overlooking the ocean — are where you want to be.
North Island (Seychelles)
North Island: A celebrity favorite.
Its 11 newly renovated villas feature a glamorous, castaway-meets-Colonial vibe that blends seamlessly into its jungle-like natural surroundings.
Of course, there are five-star amenities to boot: indoor-outdoor bathrooms, deep-soak tubs and personal plunge pools, to name a few.
It’s no wonder that the resort’s guest list includes the likes of Angeline Jolie and Brad Pitt, George and Amal Clooney and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
CéBlue Villas and Beach Resort (Anguilla)
It has just eight eco-friendly hideaways built into the verdant hills above tranquil Crocus Bay on the island’s northwest coast.
Lodgings are sleek and modern, and equipped with large saltwater swimming pools, 3,000-square-foot sun decks and frangipani-filled private gardens.
Thanks to the resort’s linear, terraced design, guests can enjoy panoramic views over the Caribbean Sea from every single window.
Krisanne Fordham has written for Conde Nast Traveler, Fodor’s Travel, Departures and Travel + Leisure. She grew up in Sydney and now splits time between Umbria, Italy and New York.