Pangkor Laut Resort & Spa

On an underdeveloped private island off the western coast of Malaysia, this isolated tropical resort sprawls across a series of pristine beaches. Accommodations, in stilted villas or spacious suites (one of which is named Pavarotti after the famous tenor who fell in love with island), all offer easy access to the outdoors. Activities revolve around Emerald Bay, where you'll fish, snorkel, and cruise.  Follow the resort’s resident naturalist on a trek through the surrounding 2-million-year-old rainforest. To unwind, indulge in Chinese-style home cooking at Uncle Lim's Kitchen, where dishes are inspired by locally sourced ingredients.