Island Destinations That Aren’t the Maldives
Pure white sands. Turquoise seas. Endless blue skies. Consider the following 4 destinations if you’re craving an island getaway but want to try somewhere other than the Maldives.
Anambas Archipelago
Indonesia’s remote Anambas Archipelago is a set of idyllic islands located within the wider Riau Archipelago - 160 nautical miles (300km) northeast of Singapore. This island paradise consists of deep blue seas, 255 lush green islands dotted with coconut trees, white sand beaches and numerous azure lagoons teeming with fish and coral.
WHERE TO STAY: Bawah Reserve
A gorgeous tropical paradise surrounded by the bluest ocean imaginable, Bawah Reserve sits in sheltered seclusion. This pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area is surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, which cater to outdoor adventurers looking to indulge as well as those looking to relax in paradise. Bawah offers sustainable luxury at its best. Choose between the serenity of a Tented Garden Suite or Treehouse Lodge, surrounded by the island’s verdant tropical greenery; or take in the breathtaking views of the lagoon in an Overwater Bungalow or Beachfront Suite. For the ultimate in luxury and exclusivity, the resort’s recently opened Elang Private Residence is available for exclusive bookings.
Barefoot luxury in a far-flung pocket of Indonesia
Moçambique
Moçambique lies along the south-eastern coastline of Africa and boasts 2,500 kilometres of pristine coastline, as well as numerous islands and coral reefs. Situated 4km from the coast, its connected to the mainland by a bridge, and is a lesser-known yet totally delightful tropical getaway full of culture and history.
WHERE TO STAY: Sussurro
Seated on the secluded shores of a warm turquoise lagoon in Southern Mozambique, Sussurro is a thoughtfully designed space for you to align with nature and immerse yourself in a more meaningful travel experience.
Private bungalows provide over a thousand square feet of personal space surrounded by nature. Each suite includes indoor and outdoor bathing facilities and generous waterfront verandahs. Mozambican vernacular architecture weaves a natural canopy above billowing mosquito nets. Large apertures allow the colours of an ever-changing landscape to permeate the space. Rooms are dressed with furniture created and carved onsite and thoughtfully collected artisanal pieces from sub-saharan Africa.
A conscious narrative in African travel
WHERE TO STAY: Kisawa Sanctuary
Kisawa is a 300-hectare sanctuary of forest, beach and sand dunes, located on the southern tip of Benguerra Island; which has quietly emerged as a wild and stealthy getaway.
Kisawa founder Nina Flohr says she took cues from the tropical modernist movement as well as the work of local craftsmen for Kisawa’s integrated ambience. So goes the ethos of Kisawa, a retreat radical in both its remoteness and freedom, where attentiveness is balanced with adventurism. Any guest embarking on the journey to get here, the resort recognizes, must have a desire for exploration. Kisawa is a happy pairing of innovation and tradition. They believe in inclusive design and have worked with skilled artisans from Benguerra Island as well as patented 3D printing technology.
A bond between people and place, life and land.
Palawan
Named after the largest of its 1,780 islands, Palawan is known as the “last ecological frontier” of the Philippines, due to its rich biodiversity and relatively untouched natural environs. Island-hopping through the archipelago’s vast turquoise waters is the best way to experience signature Palawan experiences like floating through an underground river, swimming in hidden lagoons, and diving among World War II shipwrecks. Known for its crystal blue waters, fantastic diving spots, and admired by both local and international tourists for its breathtaking and pristine beauty, Palawan is every beach lover's dream destination.
WHERE TO STAY: Amanpulo
Blissfully marooned in the Cuyo Archipelago of northern Palawan, Amanpulo lies on Pamalican Island, a private island fringed with white sand beaches and pristine reefs. Offering a back to nature experience in supreme comfort and privacy, this tropical paradise is lapped by calm clear seas ideal for water sports, while sandy tracks lead to deserted coves and jungle-clad lookouts. Amanpulo's Casitas and Villas are set on the beachfront or ensconced within the forest canopy. The verdant landscape of age-old trees and dense thicket cradles the spaces in complete privacy, providing plenty of opportunities to spend time together with friends and family.
A private island retreat in the Philippines
Fiji
Nestled in the heart of the South Pacific Ocean, Fiji is a horseshoe-shaped archipelago comprising 333 islands and endless beaches and lagoons to explore. Fiji offers a variety of holiday experiences, from total relaxation on pristine beaches, to adventure amongst the country’s famed coral reefs and rainforests, and a vibrant local culture.
WHERE TO STAY: Vatuvara
Vatuvara Private Islands Resort offers conscientious luxury to the discerning traveller with an exclusive experience in the northern Lau group of Fiji.
A stay at Vatuvara Private Islands combines the ultimate in luxury comforts with the opportunity to authentically immerse yourself into the island’s magnificent Fijian culture, to absorb the local traditions and enjoy the rich symphony of island life.
Vatuvara Private Islands, is powered by solar energy from Kaibu Island, home to Tesla Solar Farm and follows organic standards. Fruit, vegetables and microgreens come fresh from our organic farms and greenhouse and seafood out of our crystal-clear turquoise waters.
This pristine 800-acre property can only be accessed by private plane.
Conscientious luxury in Fiji’s northern
Lau group of islands