10 Secret Tropical Islands Few People Know About
Finding the Real Paradise? Then you'll need to forget everything you know and set your sights on the open seas, to the tiny pieces of land stranded in the middle of the world's oceans. Here lie tropical islands unseen or unheard of by most, untouched by crowds and unchanged for centuries. Getting to them isn't easy, but if you decide to embark on the journey, you'll be rewarded with paradise.
Here are the top 10 of them - all with secluded resorts, so you can completely immerse yourself.
1 )Song Saa, Cambodia
Nestled on a small island in the undeveloped Koh Rong Archipelago off the southwest coast of Cambodia, is a luxury resort with a heartwarming conscience. Founded by an Australian couple who stumbled upon the region after renting a boat to explore, Song Saa has been the first to establish an ocean reserve and employ full-time conservation staff, working hard to protect the environment. You can hike with them in the pristine rainforests and visit local villages. Even the architecture harmonizes beautifully with the surroundings; some villas are nestled among the trees of the forest, others hang over the sea with steps descending into the water, all with private decks and plunge pools.
How to get there? Either take a domestic flight from Siem Reap to Sihanoukville Airport or a 4-hour road trip from Phnom Penh, followed by a speedboat ride to the resort. Or book a helicopter transfer directly to Song Saa.
2 )Nikoi, Indonesia
Nikoi epitomizes barefoot luxury. This private island forms part of the Riau Archipelago in Indonesia, just 2 hours south of Singapore, and remains so untouched that you feel like you've rented it all for yourself. The only building here, situated on the beachfront of the resort, is a villa spread generously across 5 hectares to never feel crowded. The rest of the island's 10 hectares is a sanctuary for wildlife - sea turtles, monitor lizards, hornbills, and eagles all call this home. There are no televisions or phones, but two swimming pools, every water sport imaginable, and beach massages at your disposal.
How to get there? Catch a ferry from Singapore to Bintan, then a taxi and private launch - all totaling about 2 hours of journey.
3 )Mafia, Tanzania
You've probably heard of Zanzibar, but have you ever heard of Mafia, an untouched island to the south? Here, there's no noise or hustle, no dusty roads or crowded hotels. Just sunshine and silence, with a beachfront retreat nestled among mangroves, called the Pole Pole Bungalows. Their name in Swahili means 'relax,' and you certainly will. Think massages on the beach, leisurely swims to secluded coves, or slow dives to explore stunning reefs, claimed to be some of Africa's best.
How to get there? Flights are available daily from Dar es Salaam to Mafia, taking about 30 minutes. If you're coming from other parts of Tanzania (including Zanzibar), you'll need to go via Dar.
4 )Con Dao, Vietnam
Off the southern coast of Vietnam lies a small archipelago of rugged islands jutting out gracefully from the sea. Known as Con Dao, formerly used as a French and American prison and recently designated as a national park, it's an untouched area of incredible natural beauty. Crystal clear seas, towering cliffs, endless skies... you know the drill. On the largest island, tucked away in a perfect cove on a private beach, sits the Six Senses Resort. Its 50 eco-chic villas boast incredible bathrooms and private plunge pools, and the fun restaurant, designed like a Vietnam market, serves everything from noodle dishes to elaborate canapés. It's a honeymooner's paradise, but with a kids' club, children's meal times, and a chic spa for weary parents, it's great for families too.
How to get there? Con Dao has an airport with direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City (1 hour) and Hanoi (2.5 hours).
5 )Havelock, India
Setting foot on Havelock Island isn't the easiest, but it's worth the effort. Part of India's Andaman Islands, this coral-ringed island hosts some of the world's most stunning beaches and a supreme sanctuary with all the pampering perks of a top-tier resort. The Jalakara has no phones and minimal WiFi, just a jungle-clad haven with a shaded infinity pool. Meals are delicious (owner Mark is a chef), and the 7 boho-chic rooms are utterly beautiful: one has a lily pond and hammocks, another an Ayurvedic copper plunge pool; the tower room boasts 360-degree panoramic sea views. It's hard to imagine a more pastoral place to escape from the world.
How to get there? The closest international airport is in Salvador. From there, you can take a private hopper flight to Bequia (25 minutes) or a taxi to the ferry terminal and then take a ferry to the island (about 6 hours in total).
6 )Boipeba, Brazil
Boipeba is a car-free, small utopia on the coast of Bahia, Brazil. Surrounded by shallow reefs, dense Atlantic forests, and miles of unspoiled beaches, it's designated as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve. Moreré beach has been voted Brazil's second most beautiful beach and here you'll find Boipeba Beach House, perched on a hillside above the secluded sands. This beautiful, four-bedroom eco-house is made entirely of sustainable materials and offers a sprawling space designed for relaxation. Even better, for families, there's a treehouse, a slide and swing, a tropical garden, and surfboards to borrow.
How to get there? There are small flights available every day from Salvador to Boipeba. Alternatively, you can fly to Salvador or Valença and take a 2-hour speedboat ride to the island.
7 )Koh Yao Noi, Thailand
Forget the bustling crowds of Phuket and instead, try Koh Yao Noi, a hidden paradise in the glittering Phang Nga Bay. Here you'll find small beachfront restaurants, a friendly fishing community, and a lush interior of rice paddies, palm trees, and rubber plantations. Head to the eastern coast of the island and settle into Koyao Island Resort, a rustic-chic retreat nestled on a prime beachfront facing Admiralty Bay and the island's best beach. Here, a restaurant serves up creative, fresh seafood and pizza, while cafes, bars, and restaurants in Port Elizabeth (the capital) are an easy walk along a natural waterfront pathway.
How to get there? Fly to Phuket or Krabi, then take a long-tail boat or speedboat from the local pier (30-40 minutes) and finally take a private tuk-tuk to the Koyao Island Resort.
8) Tioman, Malaysia
Satisfy the naturalist in you by setting foot on Tioman, a small paradise off the east coast of Malaysia. The island is home to a range of endemic species such as the Kajang slender litter frog and Tioman walking catfish and its surrounding waters are teeming with colorful corals. Adults looking to get away from it all can retire to a treehouseç.