Top 3 Long Haul Island Destinations

Top 3 Long Haul Island Destinations Written by Barnaby Taylor. Published on 26th June, 2019. Category: Travel Guides

Everyone at some point in their life should be able to apply the word “idyllic” to their holiday. Or maybe you deserve numerous chances to “get away from it all”! For most people, this is the sort of word that sums up a place far from the madding crowd, with sun-drenched beaches, azure seas and first-class cuisine and customer care.

Be honest, did that picture just make you think of an island holiday?

There’s something infinitely magical about luxury holiday resorts crafted on land that’s caressed on all sides by beautiful tropical tides. You may even wish you could find a deserted island somewhere, to completely cut yourself off from your daily life. Though most people would prefer to lounge around their island paradise with every whim catered for, by discrete staff!

Fortunately, there are some long haul island destinations that have got the perfect solution. They offer privacy, peace and exclusivity; but wrapped up in facilities and service that mean you never have to lift a finger (unless it’s to sip a cocktail).

Here are three examples of luxury island getaways.

St Kitts and Nevis

Your tropical island paradise doesn’t have to be in the Caribbean, but the West Indies does have a wealth of opportunities to find the ultimate in ocean views and relaxation. It’s hard to choose just one, especially as different natural features and manmade pleasures appeal to different holidaymakers!

Rather than heading to the most popular Caribbean destinations though, you may prefer to relive your childhood fantasies about island living by finding your own private heaven in St Kitts and Nevis.

This single nation offers two blissful islands, both perfectly formed with glorious beaches and cloud-shrouded volcanic mountains.

One of the things that makes these island destinations so special is that they are authentic and largely untouched even though they are widely known as the “mother colony of the West Indies”. Their charm and character are beguiling, and you may never want to leave.

The accommodation is wonderful on both St Kitts and Nevis, with mouth-watering dishes created from ingredients straight from the ocean or nearby trees. Either island offers opportunities for water sports, as well as hiking, horse riding and birdwatching in the lush interior. If you manage to pull yourself away from your secluded hammock or lounger on a pristine palm-fringed shore, there are lots of historic sites and plantations to explore, but no crowds.

You would fly to St Kitts (also known as St Christopher Island) for either destination. The trip to the even quieter and more laid back island of Nevis (Queen of the Caribbees) is only possible by boat. It’s worth it though, as the out of the way beaches and beautiful botanical gardens of Nevis are truly stunning.

Peak season in the Caribbean is winter (December to April). If you go in May and June the islands are quieter and hotels offer attractive deals.

Phi Phi Islands

Thailand too has an abundant choice of island hideaways for peaceful and refreshing holidays.

The Phi Phis are incredible, and arguably offer the best island break in Southeast Asia.

Part of their appeal is undoubtedly how quiet they are. Getting to Koh Phi Phi or any neighbouring islands is only possible by boat. It is here that you will find the world famous, though isolated, Maya Bay. Its soft white sands and coral filled waters are sheltered by 100-metre cliffs on three sides. Word to the wise though, as this was made famous in the film “The Beach” you probably won’t get it all to yourself!

There are other parts of the Phi Phi islands that are secluded and exclusive though, to find your own slice of paradise.

The best hotels in Phi Phi are superb, with unfailingly prime locations, abundant water sports and excellent customer service. Thai food is becoming a global phenomenon, but the dishes you try in Phi Phi will show you the flavour combinations and locally sourced ingredients that started the trend.

The most popular time to go to Phi Phi is November to April, for perfect temperatures. As it’s tropically hot year round you may prefer to find a quieter window of opportunity for your luxury island break.

Mauritius

Mauritius, like Phi Phi, can involve pockets of pure peace, and feeling like you have island sands all to yourself. Or, you can opt for slightly more social holiday experiences.

This too is a holiday destination that appeals to most visitors in its hottest months (October through to December). However, as the climate is incredible year round, the best time to visit Mauritius can be whenever suits you!

Perfectly positioned in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is the epitome of a luxury island getaway. Imagine turquoise seas, white sand, volcanic peaks and refreshing lagoons, all basking under the African sun.

The words tropical paradise are inextricably joined with any description of Mauritius, which has worked hard to maintain a balance of man-made luxury accommodation and its own natural wonders.

When you’re not gazing in awe at the ocean views, there are plenty of opportunities to play golf, take part in watersports, go trekking or get close to endangered species in nature reserves. Tourist attractions on Mauritius – and luxury shopping centres – are optional days out from the island’s excellent resort hotels. Expect an eclectic fusion of food influences in fine dining restaurants, including Chinese, French and Indian influences.

Or, you could just get the sand between your toes on the beach, a cold drink in your hand and refuse to move; as you soak up island life at its most opulent.

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