top 5 island retreats

As our day to day lives seem get gradually busier and busier, there’s often nothing better than packing a bag and escaping from it all for a couple of weeks. Although slow city breaks and relaxing road trips can be great, sometimes only an isolated island retreat will do. We’ve pulled together a list of some of the most relaxing islands in the world to take your pick from.

Lizard Island, Australia // 

If it’s an isolated island paradise that you're after, with crystal clear waters, almost empty white sand beaches and an endless ocean to explore the depths of, then head to Lizard Island, situated in the Great Barrier Reef. Here you can spend long lazy days unwinding on the beach, cooling off inside a private villa, and enjoying luxurious spa treatments. Experience the underwater beauty of the reef by snorkelling or scuba diving, or take a boat trip out over the water, lying back and relaxing with the sea breeze in your hair. For the ultimate in luxury, witness the reef from above by taking a helicopter ride over the ocean.

Bequia, the Grenadines, the Caribbean //

The smaller of the Grenadine islands, Bequia is an idyllic destination for those seeking a chilled out getaway. Spend your days relaxing or walking on the pristine beaches, before retreating to a hilltop villa to watch the sun set over the ocean from the comfort of an infinity pool. The island is relatively undeveloped, and it is easy to discover secluded beaches with the absence of beach bars or tourist traps, such as Princess Margaret Bay and Friendship Bay.

Ariara, Philippines //

This private island on the Calamian archipelago is surprisingly affordable to hire for the week for a group of eighteen. Enjoy the privacy and peacefulness of being the only guests on the island, taking your time to explore the palm tree lined beaches, turquoise waters, and inner jungle. A dedicated team of staff are on hand at all times to pamper you with massages, candlelit meals on the beach and morning yoga sessions, and there is a fleet of boats available to take out onto the water to see the island from a different perspective.

Alonnisos, the Sporades, Greece //

The quietest of the Sporades, head to Alonnisos for an alternative island getaway. It might not be as exotic a destination as the other islands mentioned, but this Greek island is packed full of natural beauty and secluded beaches. Unlike the more touristy Greek islands, Alonnisos is filled with dense pine forests and a mountainous interior, although there are still plenty of picturesque sandy beaches. Enjoy the range of fresh seafood on offer across the island, making time to visit some of the smaller villages to experience an authentic Greek way of life. Take a boat trip from Patitiri harbour into Greece’s first National Marine Park for the chance to spot dolphins and seals frolicking in the wild.

Nanuya Lailai, Yasawa Islands, Fiji //

This beautiful Fijian getaway is a desert island dream; white sand beaches with a central jungle, surrounded by turquoise ocean. Home to the famous Blue Lagoon, this is where the majority of tourists will flock to in search of the sparkling blue water. Stay in the Nanuyan Island Resort for a luxurious and relaxing getaway with its own private beaches, an onsite spa and the opportunity to partake on a sunset cruise to witness the sun setting over the surrounding islands. 

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photos via: cory doctorow, size4riggerboots, wikipedia publicdomainpictures