There’s something inherently healing about being surrounded by water, with skies that stretch endlessly in every shade of blue. Perhaps that’s why islands hold such allure—they offer not only rest and beauty, but also a sense of renewal. Whether you're dreaming of a perfect honeymoon, a solo retreat, or a romantic getaway, these island escapes invite you to slow down, sink in, and reconnect—with yourself, your partner, and the natural world. Here are some of our favorite island destinations across the globe—each one a world of its own.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Surrounded by sand-fringed islets and a turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef, the pacific island of Bora Bora, French Polynesia, overflows with beauty. Coined it as the “pearl of the Pacific by the 18th-century British explorer James Cook, this Pacific gem is a favorite for honeymooners and luxury seekers.

The iconic overwater bungalows, especially those at the St. Regis Resort—opened in 2006—offer unobstructed views and world-class amenities that define barefoot elegance.
Teti'aroa, French Polynesia
Formed over three million years ago, Teti'aroa rose from volcanic origins, much like its neighbors Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. Today, its crown is a scattering of motus—tiny islets that represent less than one percent of the original volcanic mass. These slivers of land rest atop a thriving reef that plunges hundreds of feet to the ocean floor, revealing only the tip of a vast underwater mountain.

Atolls like Teti'aroa are entirely organic—shaped by life and the remnants of it. Among the planet’s richest ecosystems, they shelter nearly 30% of all marine species, embodying the extraordinary biodiversity of our oceansJust 30 miles north of Tahiti lies Teti'aroa, a remote atoll once reserved for Tahitian royalty. Now home to The Brando—an eco-luxury retreat inspired by Marlon Brando’s vision—the island offers a rare harmony of sustainability and sophistication. With just 35 private villas, each complete with its own plunge pool and secluded stretch of beach, the experience is both intimate and deeply immersed in Polynesian culture.
Laucala, Fiji Islands
Laucala is a private sanctuary spanning 12 square kilometers of rainforest-covered mountains, white-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Its dramatic landscapes include untouched mangroves and marine-rich waters that surround the island in natural splendor. The resort’s 25 Fijian-styled villas are thoughtfully tucked among coconut plantations, perched atop volcanic hills, or set along secluded beaches—each offering sweeping views of coral gardens and jungle canopies.

More than a destination, Laucala is a state of mind—where style meets sustainability. Villas are crafted with natural fibers and locally sourced wood, wild orchids bloom in every garden, and organic ingredients from the island’s own farms elevate every meal. This immersive experience is matched only by the island’s legendary Fijian hospitality. For those seeking a romantic celebration, a serene chapel on the island provides a picture-perfect setting for weddings or private ceremonies.
Menyawakan Island, Indonesia
For those seeking paradise without the sky-high price tag of many Pacific island resorts, Menyawakan Island offers a rare and irresistible escape. Tucked within the protected Karimunjawa Marine Park—a stunning 27-island archipelago stretching 83 kilometers into the open Java Sea—this remote gem feels as exotic and untouched as its name suggests.

Lush, private, and extraordinarily beautiful, Menyawakan is home to just one resort: Kura Kura. Blending traditional Indonesian architecture with a modern sensibility, the resort features 20 elegant Pool Villas and 15 thoughtfully designed bungalows, all built with sustainability at heart. Here, discerning travelers can experience a quieter kind of luxury—eco-conscious, culturally grounded, and utterly serene. Hidden in the heart of Southeast Asia, Kura Kura invites you to discover a side of island life that feels both rare and deeply restorative.
Palawan Island, Philippines
Often hailed as the last frontier of the Philippines, Palawan is a dazzling stretch of emerald jungles, limestone cliffs, and aquamarine waters that seem almost unreal. From the dramatic karst seascapes of El Nido to the hidden lagoons of Coron and the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Underground River, the island is a haven for adventurers and romantics alike. Boutique eco-resorts blend seamlessly into the landscape, offering barefoot luxury while preserving the pristine environment. In Palawan, nature isn’t just scenery—it’s the soul of the experience.

Whether you're drawn to the overwater serenity of the Pacific or the hidden charms of Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean, these islands remind us that true luxury lies in beauty, balance, and connection. Let the waves be your guide—your island escape awaits.
-
A creative executive, digital strategist, and the founder of Atlas Media LLC. Enza is also the founder of PassportTalk, a digital magazine celebrating travel, culture and wellbeing. As both editor and strategist, she brings a refined editorial eye and a deep passion for quality, authenticity, and exploration. With an unwavering love for people and places, Enza created Atlas Media’s digital platforms to spark curiosity, celebrate the differences and diversity that shape our world, and invite travelers to experience cultures through a lens of meaning and wonder.

Subscribe
-
Journeys that Define a Life Well Traveled
-
Heritage for Sale: When Real Estate Becomes a Vessel of Culture
-
In the Path of the Eclipses, Spain, Egypt, and Beyond
-
Sir Bani Yas Island, Eco-Luxury on Nature's doorstep
Leave a Reply