Everyone loves a refreshing beach holiday and there are a plenty of beautiful islands that promise exactly that with their sprawling beaches, rolling waves, pockets of wilderness and myriad of adventure activities. Here's a list of the top ten islands in the world that will give you an idea about what we are talking.
Mauritius
A small, multi-cultural island in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is a travellers' paradise where millions of tourists visit for a relaxing holiday every year. While a beautiful combination of white beaches, sapphire-blue waters, isolated coral reefs and tropical forests makes it a true nature's heaven, a range of luxurious resorts and adventure activities presents a wonderful holiday for families and honeymooners. Scuba diving at Belle Mare, snorkelling at Blue Bay Marine Park, Cave Sea Kayaking at Albion Caves and sunset horse riding on Riambel Beach are some of the most loved activities in Mauritius.
Maldives
Renowned as the most pristine land of white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters, the Maldives is a cluster of islands in the India Ocean, promising you a relaxing beach holiday. This tropical paradise, with has large resorts having their own private islands, presents an unrivalled luxury for the travellers. It is a dream destination offering an underwater date at Per Aquum Huvafen Fushi, a traditional dhoni sunset cruise and a wide array of adventure activities including snorkelling, diving, kayaking, kite surfing, jet skiing and more.
Sri Lanka
Embraced by tropical splendour, Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean with diverse landscapes ranging from rainforest and arid plains to sandy beaches and highlands. Best known for its ancient Buddhist ruins and British colonial heritage, it amazes tourists with a distinctive culture and architectural style. This pearl-shaped nation is an irresistible blend of rolling surfs, endless beaches, flavourful cuisines, world-famous tea and a rich wildlife. Some of the exciting experiences to enjoy in Sri Lanka include discovering Arugam Bay, walking with the elephants, climbing up the Sigiriya, spotting leopards in Yala National Park and having a tea in Nuwara Eliya.
Bali
The famed Island of the Gods, Bali astonishes with its beauty of sandy beaches, rugged coastlines, barren volcanic hillsides and lush rice terraces. What makes this Indonesian island stand out are the region's unique, deeply spiritual culture, the dramatic dance forms and the colourful ceremonies. It is a place with intricately carved temples at every corner and is where you can experience world-class surfing and diving. Besides, Bali is also known for its yoga and meditation retreats and lively bars.
Seychelles
A heaven where beauty has no boundaries, the Seychelles captures the attention with its series of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. Famed as the "Island of Love", it is an ideal tourist spot for honeymooners and presents a heavenly holiday experience amidst its white-sand beaches, secluded coves, luxury resorts, slick restaurants and exclusive spas. Diving and snorkelling are the most popular activities to experience in the Seychelles. Victoria Botanical Garden, Mahe Island, Museum of Natural History and St. Anne Marine Park are some of the prominent tourist attractions to visit here.
Phuket
The biggest island of Thailand, Phuket is where thousands of tourists from all over the world visit every year. Home to fine white sands, dreamy palm trees and lively towns, Phuket presents rich experiences for travellers. With a wide choice of hotels, and dining and partying options, it is an ideal holiday spot for every taste and budget. An exciting speedboat trip to nearby tropical paradises including the best known Phi Phi Islands and a relaxing cruise around Phang Nga Bay are some of the best things to experience here.
Fiji
Lying in the South Pacific Ocean are the islands of Fiji, home to volcanic mountains and warm tropical waters. Fiji is a group of 322 islands and 522 islets drawing tourists from around the world. While its exquisite beaches, lush interiors, under-sea marvels and captivating culture are a delight to witness, a huge range of water sports tours such as Nadi Tiva Island Cruise, Half-Day Finding Nemo Cruise, Fiji Snorkelling Tour in Began Lagoon and Savala Island Day Cruise from Denarau presents a world-class experience for adventure enthusiasts.
Jamaica
A world-famous tourist destination in the Caribbean, Jamaica excites with its mystique and allure. An ideal combination of rich history, unique culture and comfortable climate here draws visitors from all parts of the world. The fourth largest island country in the Caribbean, Jamaica is known as the “Land of Woods and Water†due to its crystalline waters and lush banana groves. Exploring the underwater world and enjoying golf are the best Jamaican experiences. A visit to Seven Mile Beach, Dunn's Rivers Falls and Park, Boston Beach and Blue Lagoon is strongly recommended.
Saint Lucia
The jewel of the Caribbean, Saint Lucia is an ideal place to have a sensorial experience. This Eastern Caribbean Island nation, with a combination of volcanic beaches, luxury resorts, reef-diving spots and fishing villages, ensures a relaxing experience for the travellers. More mountainous than most of the other Caribbean islands, it is one of the best place to take delight in exciting Caribbean adventures. A wide range of cruises, and sailing and water tours makes Saint Lucia a popular tourist destination. Reduit Beach, Pigeon Island National Park, Anse Chastanet are the top tourist attractions here.
Maui, Hawaii
With an incredible variety in climate, culture, cuisine and even topography, Maui is one of the best tourist destinations in Hawaii. Famed as "The Valley of Isle", Maui promises a range of delightful experiences to the travellers, be it relaxing on the sparkling sands of Kaanapali Beach, strolling down the beautiful main street of historic Lahaina Town and touring a local farm. Besides, snorkelling opportunities, luxurious resorts and historical and cultural attractions add more to Maui holidays.
