World’s Best Islands: 5 Amazing Islands You Need to Visit
Looking for the best island destinations to visit on your next yachting vacation? Find travel inspiration in this list of 5 amazing island destinations. Tens of thousands of islands dot our planet’s oceans and seas! From Aruba to Zanzibar, here are just 5 islands that should be on your bucket list! If it’s time to live your dreams then contact Torrens Luxury Collection Superyacht Charter Division and we’ll take care of the rest.
1. Maui Island – Hawaii
We discovered Maui, one of the world’s best islands, on a cruise of the Hawaiian islands. We were looking for a very relaxing place where we could just lay on the warm sand and let the ocean wash away all our worries. The first thing we noticed upon landing was that the air smells like tropical flowers. After a while, you get used to it but believe me, the memory will stick with you for a lifetime!
Maui is an island where people live in swimsuits with a surfboard under their arm. It has this easy going feel that helps you to relax and recharge your batteries. You can walk on the warm sand watching the surfers chase the perfect wave while eating a delicious cup of shaved ice. There are tons of little shops that sell this colourful desert not far from the beaches, often close to the locals who sell coconut milk. Imagine yourself drinking coconut milk directly from the coconut, sitting on white powder sand with a straw hat on your head and the sun kissing your skin.
How can you not love it? But Maui is much more than “just” sea and surfers. There’s a beautiful wild side to this island, that you can explore on the road to Hana. The road consists of approximately 600 curves and 54 bridges through a luscious forest, where you will find waterfalls and hiking paths.
2. Maldives Islands – Republic of Maldives
We’ve cruised to the Maldives a couple of times, and I can honestly say it is one of our favourite island destinations. The Maldives recently opened up to local tourism, before it was all-inclusive resorts, but now you can find reasonable places to stay. Get the experience of living like a local by staying at a guesthouse on Mahibadhoo, you will pay much less than for an over-water bungalow, or just stay on your yacht.
There is so much to do and see in the Maldives and most of it is underwater! The Maldives is like an underwater playground. There is so much snorkelling and diving! There are boat trips to go snorkelling with whale sharks, manta rays, and lots of turtles and fish so you cn always find to hot spots around the island, just go to where the diving boats are anchored. The water is unlike anything we have seen before. We stopped at several sandbars in the middle of the Indian Ocean where there was absolutely nothing around. It is simply stunning!
As the Maldives is a Muslim country you must adhere to their customs. You cannot buy alcohol on the island, there are no pork products, and you cannot wear a bikini at the beach. It is a great place to experience the local food and lifestyle.
3. Koh Lan (Coral Island) – Thailand
Koh Lan is one of the world’s better islands and one high on our list of favourites in Thailand. We heard about Koh Lan and so set course and cruised over for the day. When you arrive you’ll find yourself in Thai paradise. It’s just 40 minutes from the mainland and is the perfect day trip.
The island is 4 km long and mountainous. You can get around the island by tuk-tuk which leaves from the ferry port, or by motorbike taxi. Motorbike taxis can take you to the most popular beaches on the island as well as to quieter ones but it’s best to just cruise around and you’ll find the perfect spot to anchor for the day. All the beaches offer white sands, crystal clear waters and amenities whether one or multiple restaurants. Enjoy fresh Thai food along the beautiful beaches every day!
Samae beach is the kind of beach you dream about visiting. Spend a day wandering along the beach, swimming, and drinking from coconuts under the sun. Had Ta Yai beach is lovely and deserted. You might even be lucky enough to get the beach all to yourself! Our kind of bliss. Naul Beach, it’s at the south end of Koh Larn is by far the best for snorkelling and Scuba Diving.
4. Gili Islands – Indonesia
If you crave an exotic destination, head to Gili Islands. You won’t regret it, they are some of the world’s best islands! Gili Islands are three little coral islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno), surrounded by turquoise water and white sand beaches, just off the coast of Bali. When we visited Gili islands, they immediately became one of our favourite island destinations. There are many reasons why you would love them too!
The islands boast a range of diversity! If you want to party, head to Gili Trawangan, the most famous among young people. To experience local culture head to Gili Air with the biggest population of residents. If you just want to chill on the beach and enjoy a bit of solitude head to Gili Meno, the smallest of all islands. There is an island for everybody! And if you can’t decide, visit all three of them. They are just 30 minutes cruise away from each other!
The beauty, nature and the unique vibes are other reasons to love Gili. Imagine swinging palm trees, abundant sea life, and wide beaches with very few people on them. Then add hammocks, swings, bean bag chairs, sunset bars, and open air beach cinemas. There are no cars or other motorised vehicles on the Islands. You can move around on bicycle or in a horse carriage. To top it all off, Gili Islands are located in South-East Asia, just 2 hours by yacht from Bali.
5. Palawan Island – Philippines
We are always looking for best islands in the world and right at the Top is island El Nido. There are tons of things to do in El Nido from diving, snorkelling, hiking, but our favourite is island hopping. There is something magical about turquoise waters and massive limestone cliffs. There are some beaches that are only accessible during low tide or by ocean as you have to swim through caves to get them. No other island in the world is as epic as El Nido. There are even a few islands nearby that you can beach camp at. During the day you will find me out in the ocean and a night I’ll head back to town to catch the sunset and a good happy hour. El Nido town has a great beach town vibe with plenty of restaurants and bars. We highly recommend Altrove pizza, there is always a line but it’s worth the wait. Our vote for world’s best island is El Nido – it won’t disappoint!
With so many beautiful and unique islands in the world, it can be hard to pick just 5, however, these islands definitely deserve a spot on your bucket list! Let us know what your favourite island is in the comments!
Article created by Torrens Luxury Collection, Gold Coast Australia. For more Luxury Yachting articles and blogs just go to www.torrens.yachts/blog or contact us on 1300 148 648.
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