10 Gorgeous Islands to Visit Around the World

Crab Island, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. Crab Island is a sandbar that is located just South of the Marler Bridge in Destin, FL. Crab Island started to gain in popularity as boaters used the area to anchor their boats to catch some rays and wade on the sandbar.
Photo by Tamara Malaniy on Unsplash

The siren call of island life is hard to resist for many. Visiting gorgeous, sunny isles is at the top of many bucket lists. However, beautiful beaches are not the only reason travelers flock to some of the most gorgeous islands worldwide. Many of these stunning destinations also offer lush rainforests, breathtaking hikes, and waterfalls to rival the most beautiful in the world. Consider adding one of these impressive islands to your travel bucket list the next time island life calls your name. 

Bali, Indonesia

pura ulun danu bratan temple in Bali, indonesia.
Photo by tawatchai1990 on Adobe Stock

One of the crown jewels of Indonesia, Bali is an irresistible island that blends ancient culture with spectacular natural beauty. The southern coast offers more than a dozen destination options. The area boasts gorgeous water rimmed with beach clubs, luxury shopping, and delicious food. There are plenty of places to sample Bali’s famous nightlife. Travelers seeking a more laid-back escape can visit a few of Bali’s over 10,000 temples or indulge in lavish spa treatments. Additionally, they can explore the island’s lush countryside, creating a perfect tropical getaway.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

bora bora, island, caribbean
Photo by Julius_Silver on Pixabay

Bora Bora, overlooked by Mount Otemanu, is renowned for its secluded, over-water bungalows, making it a global bucket list destination. Nestled deep in the clear turquoise waters of the South Pacific, this tiny outpost is one of a handful of islands. As a dormant volcano island, Bora Bora boasts warm, shallow waters perfect for swimming and exploring. Furthermore, her,e you can experience the brilliant underwater life teaming in the coral reefs ringing the island.

Maldives

The private island of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Photo by Masroor Ahmed on Unsplash

Deep in the Indian Ocean is one of the world’s most sought-after destinations. In the Maldives, visitors flock to the small chain of equatorial atolls for the coveted overwater bungalows amidst the crystal-clear waters. Out of 1192 islands, only 200 are inhabited, so visitors here are more likely to encounter underwater sea life on the reefs surrounding them. But the Maldives is also home to two underwater restaurant experiences, which are perfect for keeping an eye out for the fantastic aquatic life you are sharing with the gorgeous Maldives. 

 Cook Islands

One Foot Island, a small island on the Aitutaki Atoll in the Cook Islands, South Seas, South Pacific Ocean
Photo by Christoph Burgdorfer on Unsplash

The Cook Islands, a remote group of 15 South Pacific islands, provide visitors with an untouched natural paradise. Here, there are no buildings taller than a coconut tree, no branded resorts, and no crowds. However, amidst the white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons like Aitutaki, and unspoiled mountains, luxurious accommodations such as overwater bungalows await travelers exploring these islands located halfway between Tahiti and Fiji.