Island Vacations

“No man is an island,” said poet John Donne in 1624, but that hasn’t stopped men (and women) from seeking out island vacations. There’s just something about an island, whether you are living in the 17th or the 21st century, that seems to promise absolute tranquility. It’s a safe space to leave your email inbox behind. Travel + Leisure’s editors and contributors evaluate island vacations based on the ease or difficulty of getting there, the quality and value of accommodations, the food, drink, and other amenities available, as well as—most importantly—the sheer beauty of the backdrop. Tropical Island GetawaysTropical islands evoke paradise, and when you are on an island vacation it’s hard to disagree. Step back in time on Greece’s whitewashed and blue roofed Santorini, the southernmost outpost of the Cyclades. Steep yourself in the South Pacific on the Indonesian island of Bali, whose breathtaking temples are the stuff of desktop backgrounds. Saint Lucia, in the Caribbean, presents visitors with spectacular views of its dramatic Piton Mountains rising above the sea.Not all islands are tropical. (After all, trip to Manhattan is, arguably, an island vacation.) Vancouver Island, which sits just west of the city of Vancouver on the mainland, offers whale watching, sport fishing, hiking, and surfing. Scotland’s Isle of Skye shows off the unearthly, jagged ridge of Cuillin as well as the earthy tastes of the Talisker Scotch distillery. Off the coast of Ecuador, travelers can see the fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos, islands that helped Darwin give birth to the theory of evolution, while visitors can sample the eponymous wine on the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira.To each their own island, whether a traveler seeks a tropical escape or a more northerly destination: T+L will help you find your perfect island vacation. Stop by often for the latest news and information.

Most Recent

5 Private Island Vacations You Can Book on Airbnb 

5 Private Island Vacations You Can Book on Airbnb 

Dreaming of a secluded escape? Here are five private island rentals you can book on Airbnb.
The Seychelles Is Opening to Fully Vaccinated Travelers

The Seychelles Is Opening to Fully Vaccinated Travelers

Travelers must prove two weeks have passed since they received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to visit.
The Largest Private Island in the Maldives Is Also the Most Exclusive

The Largest Private Island in the Maldives Is Also the Most Exclusive

Ithaafushi – The Private Island is serving up Waldorf Astoria's unparalleled luxury in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
I Traveled to Maui During the COVID-19 Pandemic — Here’s What It Was Really Like

I Traveled to Maui During the COVID-19 Pandemic — Here’s What It Was Really Like

One traveler shares her recent experience of visiting Maui amid the pandemic, including the flight, hotel, restaurant, activities, and more.
Here’s How to Get $1,500 Off a Private Jet Escape to the British Virgin Islands

Here’s How to Get $1,500 Off a Private Jet Escape to the British Virgin Islands

This private aviation company is offering travelers a $1,500 credit toward their escape to the British Virgin Islands.
This Swedish Film Festival Is Sending One Movie Lover to a Remote Island for a Weeklong Stay

This Swedish Film Festival Is Sending One Movie Lover to a Remote Island for a Weeklong Stay

The winner will spend the week alone with only films to entertain them.

More Island Vacations

This Hawaiian Wellness Retreat Is Offering 30-day Extended Stays for Those Who Need a Reset

This Hawaiian Wellness Retreat Is Offering 30-day Extended Stays for Those Who Need a Reset

Sensei Lāna'i, a Four Seasons Resort wants you to recharge in luxury.
7 Destinations in Hawaii Where the Locals Love to Go

7 Destinations in Hawaii Where the Locals Love to Go

Do as the locals do, and visit these travel destinations in Hawaii.
A Massive Reforestation Initiative Is Under Way in Seychelles

A Massive Reforestation Initiative Is Under Way in Seychelles

The Best Hikes in Hawaii Through Rain Forests, Volcanoes, and Secret Beaches

The Best Hikes in Hawaii Through Rain Forests, Volcanoes, and Secret Beaches

The Dominican Republic's 'Wild Side' Offers a Quieter Alternative to Punta Cana

The Dominican Republic's 'Wild Side' Offers a Quieter Alternative to Punta Cana

I Traveled to St. Lucia Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic — Here Are My Top Tips for Planning a Vacation to the Caribbean Island

I Traveled to St. Lucia Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic — Here Are My Top Tips for Planning a Vacation to the Caribbean Island

8 Amazing All-inclusive Vacations in Hawaii to Take the Stress Out of Planning

These all-inclusive vacations in Hawaii bundle flights, meals, lodging, and activities, so you can enjoy a stress-free getaway in paradise.

All Island Vacations

This Luxury Resort in the Maldives Is Offering Unlimited Stays for an Entire Year for Less Than You Think

This Luxury Resort in the Maldives Is Offering Unlimited Stays for an Entire Year for Less Than You Think

Why Hilton Head Island Is the Perfect Weekend Trip From Savannah

Why Hilton Head Island Is the Perfect Weekend Trip From Savannah

Why You Should Plan a Golf Trip to Hilton Head Island

Why You Should Plan a Golf Trip to Hilton Head Island

Where to Experience the History and Culture of Hilton Head Island

Where to Experience the History and Culture of Hilton Head Island

5 Hikes That Put the Natural Beauty of Hilton Head Island on Full Display

5 Hikes That Put the Natural Beauty of Hilton Head Island on Full Display

Mauritius Has Some of the Most Gorgeous Beaches on Earth — and It's Enticing Remote Workers With a New Long-stay Visa Program

Mauritius Has Some of the Most Gorgeous Beaches on Earth — and It's Enticing Remote Workers With a New Long-stay Visa Program

Maldives Private Island Resort Creates a Gorgeous Coral Tribute to COVID-19 Pandemic Heroes

Maldives Private Island Resort Creates a Gorgeous Coral Tribute to COVID-19 Pandemic Heroes

Hawaii Reopens to Tourists With 8,000 People Arriving on First Day

Hawaii Reopens to Tourists With 8,000 People Arriving on First Day

You Can Rent This Island in Sweden With Its Own Historic Lighthouse

You Can Rent This Island in Sweden With Its Own Historic Lighthouse

Chris Hemsworth Just Took His Entire Family to Australia's Secret Island Paradise

Chris Hemsworth Just Took His Entire Family to Australia's Secret Island Paradise

What to Know If You’re Planning a Solo Vacation to Jamaica, According to Experts

What to Know If You’re Planning a Solo Vacation to Jamaica, According to Experts

The Bahamas Updated Their Visitor Guidelines a Day Before Opening to Travelers — What to Know

The Bahamas Updated Their Visitor Guidelines a Day Before Opening to Travelers — What to Know

St. Kitts & Nevis Will Reopen to Visitors on Oct. 31

St. Kitts & Nevis Will Reopen to Visitors on Oct. 31

Antigua and Barbuda Will Allow Digital Nomads to Work From the Beach for 2 Years

Antigua and Barbuda Will Allow Digital Nomads to Work From the Beach for 2 Years

Frequent Travelers to the Maldives Can Soon Join a New Countrywide Loyalty Program

Frequent Travelers to the Maldives Can Soon Join a New Countrywide Loyalty Program

You Can Buy Out This Gorgeous Caribbean Hotel for Less Than $3,000 a Night — Here's What It Includes

You Can Buy Out This Gorgeous Caribbean Hotel for Less Than $3,000 a Night — Here's What It Includes

Former Prison Island Gets a Makeover As Costa Rica’s Newest National Park

Former Prison Island Gets a Makeover As Costa Rica’s Newest National Park

Aruba Is Inviting Professionals Working From Home to Work From Paradise Instead

Aruba Is Inviting Professionals Working From Home to Work From Paradise Instead

Kauai Gets 'Resort Bubble' Program Approval to Allow Quarantined Visitors to Use Facilities

Kauai Gets 'Resort Bubble' Program Approval to Allow Quarantined Visitors to Use Facilities

You Can Rent This Island Resort in Fiji for $14,000 Night — Here’s What You Get

You Can Rent This Island Resort in Fiji for $14,000 Night — Here’s What You Get

You Could Rent an Entire Island in China for As Little As $535 a Year

You Could Rent an Entire Island in China for As Little As $535 a Year

9 Mistakes to Avoid in the Maldives

9 Mistakes to Avoid in the Maldives

Cheese, Wine, and Geothermal Cooking in the Azores

Cheese, Wine, and Geothermal Cooking in the Azores

This Quiet Town on St. Lucia’s West Coast Has Sulfur Springs, Forested Mountains, and One of the World’s Best Restaurants

This Quiet Town on St. Lucia’s West Coast Has Sulfur Springs, Forested Mountains, and One of the World’s Best Restaurants

Anguilla Is COVID-free and Open to Visitors — Here's How to Plan a Visit

Anguilla Is COVID-free and Open to Visitors — Here's How to Plan a Visit

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