%$&* winter! 12 island getaways to escape to NOW!

on 9 July, 2019 at 00:00

Don’t you wish you could escape the dreary winter weather? We sure do. There’s nowhere we’d rather be than on a tropical island sipping a cocktail 🍹

So here are 12 gorgeous islands that are perfect for when the weather at home is cold, dull and miserable. Like, right now. Enjoy! 🏝

1. Sardinia

Italy

Sardinia has 2,000km of sparkling blue coastline dotted with remnants of its past – including the Nuraghe defence buildings, which are thousands of years old and date back to the Bronze Age. There are countless breathtaking beaches to visit, too, like Cala Goloritzé. Plus it’s just a 50min ferry ride from Corsica, so it’s perfect for a day trip (you know, if you’re in the neighbourhood).

Where to stay: Hotel Pitrizza, Costa Smeralda

2. Guam

USA

Winter – what winter?

The bottom link in the Mariana Islands chain, Guam is a US territory in Micronesia. It’s surrounded by the Philippine Sea, which you can enjoy postcard-perfect views of from lookouts like Two Lovers Leap and Ritidian Point. Or probably anywhere on this island, let’s be honest.

Where to stay: Outrigger Guam Beach Resort, Tamuning

3. Saipan

USA

At the other end of the Mariana Islands sits Saipan, an idyllic peak dotted with WWII history. It’s protected by a reef to the west and an old airfield to the south. Check out The Grotto, a beautiful cliffside diving spot, and Forbidden Island Marine Sanctuary, a reserve surrounding an ancient rock formation. They’re both home to A-MAZE-ING snorkelling. Who said tropical islands were just for sunbathing?

Where to stay: Surfrider Resort Hotel, Saipan

4. Rock Islands

Palau

You literally couldn’t get any further away from your winter woolies if you tried!

A UNESCO World Heritage Site covered in Limestone Forest and home to a lake full of harmless pink jellyfish? Let’s go! The Rock Islands are a cluster of formations at the tip of Palau and it’s definitely a spot that’ll help you forget your winter woes. It’s stunning! Plus you might even remember the serene location from a season of Survivor. But don’t worry, your visit will be a LOT comfier than that.

Where to stay: Palau Central Hotel, Koror

5. Palawan Island

Philippines

Welcome to El Nido Bay in the Philippines

Sip from coconuts, dive in an underground river (what?! 😱) and swim in perfect lagoons… Um, where do we sign up? Palawan Island is home to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Nacpan Beach – with a convenient drinks spot right on the sand – and glorious El Nido Bay. Look outside, now look at your screen, now back outside. Where would you rather be? 😉

Where to stay: Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

6. Rarotonga

Cook Islands

Tropical island sunrise. Check!

Ditch the spreadsheets and spread out on a banana lounge instead. Rarotonga island is just 32km in circumference and surrounded by a coral reef ring. Hop from beach to lagoon and back again with stunning spots like Muri Beach to visit along the way.

Where to stay: The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

7. Félicité Island

Seychelles

Once a coconut plantation, this private island is home to one of the most luxurious escapes on earth, Six Senses Zil Pasyon. And did we mention that ‘pasyon’ means passion? Oooh! Relax at the cinema under the stars, in the luxurious day spa, or just enjoy the natural bounty of this beautiful island. It’s literally thousands of dollars a night for a room, but you more than get what you pay for 😍

Where to stay: Six Senses Zil Pasyon Felicite Island, Seychelles

8. Ko Lanta Islands

Thailand

Winter is a VERY distant memory with views like this

Just off Thailand’s Andaman Coast, the Ko Lanta Islands offer a change of pace that’s a far cry from the throngs of backpackers and honeymooners you’ll find at some of the other islands. Make sure you hire a scooter and check out the beaches, Old Town and Emerald Cave while you’re here.

Where to stay: Lanta Sand Resort & Spa, Ko Lanta

9. Maguhdhuvaa

Maldives

The Maldives are a serious bucket-list destination and Maguhdhuvaa is one of the jewels in its crown. Here you’ll find Ayada Maldives, where rooms go for around $2,000 a night. If you’ve got a ‘rainy day’ (read: boring winter) fund, this is the place to splurge.

Where to stay: Ayada Maldives, Maguhdhuvaa

10. Mo’orea

Tahiti

Hello there, tropical island of our dreams!

Part of the Society Islands archipelago, Mo’orea is a fantasy island with prehistoric peaks that look like a scene from Jurassic Park. Crystal-clear water surrounds the island, as well as a reef, which protects the beach from Mo’orea’s world-famous surf break.

Where to stay: Manava Beach Resort and Spa Mo’orea, Mo’rea

11. Tanna Island

Vanuatu

At the southern tip of Vanuatu sits Tanna Island, which is full of natural wonders, including hot springs, waterfalls and even active volcanoes. However long you’re thinking of going for, add a couple more days, ‘cause this is somewhere you’ll definitely want to take your time and explore.

Where to stay: Tanna Evergreen Resort & Tours, Tanna Island

12. Saint Kitts

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Say hello to Nevis Peak 👋

Aruba, Jamaica, ooooh, I wanna take ya to… Saint Kitts. Saint Kitts is a cool mix of colonial architecture and Caribbean flavour. Plus there’s a (potentially active) volcano with a crater lake and some furry inhabitants too.