The 10 Best Tropical Vacation Destinations On The Planet

When most people imagine a tropical getaway, their minds conjure images of turquoise water, palm trees, and stretches of white-sand beach. Paradise, however, isn't one-size-fits-all. For some travelers, it's an overwater bungalow without a care in the world. For others, it's a jungle adventure on the Equator. And then there are the people who fantasize about a European coastline straight out of "To Catch a Thief." In this guide, we'll jet off to 10 of the best tropical vacation destinations on the planet. From the islands of Hawaii to the private villas of the Maldives and all the way to Bali's rice terraces, each of these destinations meets someone's personal definition of "tropical paradise."

Every location on this list was chosen for its unique atmosphere, natural beauty, and amenities like five-star resorts, great beaches, and world-class dining. As we travel the world in this round-up, there's no doubt you'll start dreaming of your next tropical escape. Whether you want to go snorkeling with sea turtles or sip cocktails on a private island, you'll find your perfect version of paradise here. Let's dive in.

Often referred to as the "Pearl of the Pacific," Bora Bora is the ultimate symbol of tropical luxury. For decades, this island has been frequented by celebrities like Marlon Brando, Raquel Welch, Harrison Ford, Pierce Brosnan, and the Rolling Stones' Ron Wood. Located in French Polynesia, Bora Bora's impact on travel has been larger-than-life. Today, world-class resorts dot the island. Visitors can wake up in a private overwater bungalow at five-star hotels like the St. Regis Bora Bora or the Four Seasons. At the latter, guests can choose from one, two, and three-bedroom overwater accommodations or book private villas that include a Villa Host who will cater to one's every whim.

For those who want to take an adventure during their tropical getaway, hiking the rugged terrain of Mount Otemanu is a must-do excursion. The trek up the 2,385-foot dormant volcanic mountain is not for the faint of heart, but those who have done it say it is an awesome experience. While you can't reach the summit due to the danger posed by loose rocks, you can get close enough for spectacular views. Travelers can also take helicopter tours or 4x4 tours of the mountain. Mount Otemanu has a fascinating history, as it was once used as a refueling station for Allied forces during World War II. If you're looking for less outdoorsy activities, there are plenty of options. From Polynesian cooking classes to learning Tahitian words to snorkeling with tropical fish, Bora Bora has something for everyone, all served with a side of luxury.

Scattered across the Caribbean Sea, the Bahamas have been a hotspot for celebrity sightings for many years. The island nation is also the perfect tropical destination for everyday travelers, offering an unbeatable combination of beautiful beaches, sophisticated accommodations, and laid-back vibes. With roughly 700 islands, the Bahamas offers something for every type of traveler. For those in search of glamour and excitement, Atlantis Paradise Island near Nassau, the capital, is its own little world. Its famous coral-colored towers and Aquaventure Waterpark, the largest in the Bahamas, make it one of the most recognizable resorts in the world. Guests can participate in everything from celebrity chef restaurants and casino nights to private cabana rentals and special activities for kids. Just out the door is more fun, with Nassau's nearby shopping, dining, and cultural experiences beckoning visitors.

Outside the city, though, the Bahamas' other islands offer a more secluded, restful experience. The Exumas (and their famous swimming pigs!) are immensely popular with A-listers like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. To get truly off the beaten path in the Bahamas, consider taking a trip to the Out Islands. These six spots – Acklins, Conception Island National Park, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Long Island, and Mayaguana — are significantly less developed than other tourist spots throughout the country, allowing visitors to view unique birds, marine life, and untouched natural scenery. Whether you prefer the excitement of Nassau or the tranquility of the Out Islands, the Bahamas deliver paradise at every turn.

Hawaii is probably one of the best-known tropical destinations, and for good reason. Each island in the Hawaiian Archipelago has a one-of-a-kind rhythm, from the urban jungle of Honolulu on O'ahu to the actual rainforest jungles of Kauai. Starting on Oʻahu, the Waikiki Beach area offers a textbook Hawaiian vacation. From taking surfing lessons to watching the sea turtles at Laniakea Beach to hiking to the summit of Diamond Head, O'ahu offers a complete vacation. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial,  while more somber than most activities in the area, is a powerful experience and one I highly recommend. 

If, however, you want to immerse yourself in tropical landscapes away from Hawaii's most populous island, Maui offers some amazing activities. Fall is the best time of year to travel to Maui and avoid peak crowds so you can take in Maui's sights, like Haleakalā National Park, in peace. The pinnacle (literally) of the park is the Haleakalā Crater. If you wish to visit the summit of the peak at sunrise, you will need to make a reservation. The drive to the top – a just under 2-mile rise up 26 miles of mountain road — holds the world record for the tallest elevation in the shortest distance. Maui visitors can also check out the famous Road to Hana, which cuts through waterfalls and rainforests. On Hawaii, known as the Big Island, nature buffs should visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where active volcanic eruptions can still be seen. Meanwhile, on Kauai, known as the Garden Island, travelers can take advantage of kayaking on Hawaii's only navigable rivers. This experience is so incredible, in fact, that kayaking along the Na'Pali Coast was named the second-best adventure in the United States.

The Seychelles, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, was first spotted in 1502 by explorer Vasco de Gama and was uninhabited until the 17th century. This island nation offers a stunning landscape, including 41 islands comprised of granite — the world's only such isles. As one of the planet's most exclusive tropical vacation destinations, the Seychelles provides visitors with a mixture of sustainable exploration and over-the-top luxury. At the Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, guests can snorkel in coral reefs, take catamaran rides, and enjoy exceptional restaurants, all from the seclusion of one of the resort's 50 solar-powered private villas. Meanwhile, at Six Senses Zil Pasyon, travelers can choose from high-end bungalows and residences amid a setting that is devoted to ecological preservation.

One of the most popular islands in the Seychelles is La Digue, home to Anse Source d'Argent. This is one of Earth's most photographed beaches for a reason and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Anse Source d'Argent features contrasting dark granite rocks, light sand, and bright blue water, resulting in a visually arresting locale. Nearby Praslin Island, reachable from La Digue by ferry, is home to the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. 

The ancient palm tree forest here is so incredible that it earned a UNESCO World Heritage designation for its primeval preservation. Conservation is a central component of life in the Seychelles, where locals and luxury resorts all work to preserve biodiversity on land and underwater. Sustainable travel is a big deal in this nation, and many resorts, like those highlighted here, take eco-consciousness seriously.

Bali is just as magical as it's reputed to be. Known as the "Island of the Gods," Bali is the epitome of a tropical escape. A landscape of remote rainforests, intricate Hindu temples, and tiered rice terraces comes together to create a one-of-a-kind vacation experience. Despite becoming a tourist hotspot in the 1970s, and then again thanks to "Eat, Pray, Love" in the 2010s, Bali has retained its cultural traditions, and it's still possible to experience this Indonesian island at its most authentic. Here, you can see people leaving morning offerings of flowers and incense all over the island. Exploring places like Tukad Cepung waterfall and Tirta Empul makes you feel as if you've stepped into a mystical plane, if only for a brief time.

All of this centuries-old culture doesn't mean Bali is stuck in the past. There is plenty of contemporary luxury to be found if you know where to look. The Ubud and Nusa Dua areas are dotted with high-end resorts like The Ritz-Carlton Bali and Italian designer brand Bulgari's Bali hotel. Travelers can also spend their days at chic beach clubs, like Finns in Canggu, which bills itself as "The World's Best Beach Club." Roosterfish, which is perched on a little bluff overlooking Pandawa Beach, is another can't-miss. Shopping is another highlight in Bali; handmade rattan bags, traditional pants made from batik fabric, locally crafted jewelry, and Balinese artwork make great souvenirs or gifts. Finally, foodies will find a laundry list of restaurants to try, from a steak dinner at Uma Garden in Seminyak to delicious Indonesian coffee and pastries at Denpasar's Seja Sanur (you won't want to miss out on their hazelnut granola latte!)

Home to Oles Verdes, one of the most gorgeous island resorts that is both family-owned and tourist-friendly, Costa Rica offers just about everything adventurous tropical travelers could want. When it comes to tourism, this Central American nation focuses on eco-adventure, thanks to its plethora of rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, and wildlife. Many vacationers enjoy going to Monteverde's cloud forests, which cover only about one percent of the Earth. There are numerous ways to experience these unique habitats, from trekking across suspended bridges at Selvatura to riding in a Sky Tram gondola. Hiking Miravalles Volcano is another popular activity. Award-winning photographer Leigh McAdam, an experienced hiker, recommends hiring a local guide for this particular journey, as it can be a strenuous climb!

Along Costa Rica's coast, the town of Manuel Antonio – not to be mixed up with the local National Park of the same name — offers less intense excursions. Spend the day sunbathing on one of this area's lovely beaches, like Playa Espadilla Sur or Playa Biesanz. You can also go into the National Park itself to visit the very popular Playa Manuel Antonio. Although it has natural gems at every turn, what is perhaps Costa Rica's greatest treasure is its spirit. People here live by the philosophy of "pura vida" ("pure life"), a phrase that perfectly captures this vibrant nation's positive approach to life. Whether you're ziplining through the trees or eating chifrijo at a local cantina, you'll undoubtedly find yourself slipping into the pura vida lifestyle when you visit Costa Rica.

A favorite holiday escape for William and Catherine, Prince and Princess of Wales, the Maldives are a place to see and be seen. Made up of 26 coral atolls and close to 1,200 islands – the largest of which is only about the size of New York's Central Park – in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are unique in that nearly every resort in this country is on its own tiny isle. This means that hotel guests effectively have their own private beaches, no matter where they stay. As a result of this seclusion, few destinations feel as indulgent as the Maldives. Getting to this nation feels like part of the adventure. Some ultra-luxury resorts, including Cheval Blanc Randheli, the royal couple's choice, can only be reached by seaplane. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives on North Fari Island and Ayana Maldives are also highly-rated accommodations.

The Maldives aren't just about luxuriating, though. Local officials and hotel executives are also committed to sustainable tourism. Nominated for the World's Leading Green Destination award in 2024, eco-friendly resorts and organizations throughout the Maldives are devoted to coral reef restoration projects, sustainable waste management solutions, green architecture initiatives, and a host of other programs. In short, even when you're staying in a five-star villa with a private plunge pool, you can feel good about the low impact you're having on the environment when you choose a tropical trip to the Maldives.

Made up of more than 300 islands, Fiji is the kind of place that almost feels too beautiful to be real. Over 200 of its isles are currently uninhabited, but there is still plenty to explore. Travelers consistently report that they also feel more welcomed here than they ever have anywhere else they've visited. Tropical adventure comes in many forms on Fiji. Experienced surfers flock here for the iconic Cloudbreak near Manamuca, while novices can enjoy the waves in places like the Coral Coast. Ziplining through the rainforest is another popular activity here, and both bamboo rafting and whitewater rafting are available for those who want a river-based adventure.

Some of Fiji's most unforgettable experiences, however, are cultural. Widely regarded as a friendly destination, there are many ways that "vulagi" (meaning foreigners or guests) can respectfully join in cultural rituals. For example, travelers are often invited to participate in Kava ceremonies, where a communal drink made from the kava root is shared as a symbol of friendship and community. Then, there are Lovo feasts, which involve cooking food, including meat and root vegetables, underground over hot stones. The result is a form of smoky Fijian barbecue that has to be tasted to be believed. Traditions like these are the embodiment of the word "bula," which means both "hello" and "life." No matter how you spend your days here, you'll have a great time — here are the top-rated Fiji islands to start your vacation planning. 

While not tropical in the traditional sense, Italy's Amalfi Coast delivers everything travelers love about island paradises, with a side of European culture. It offers sun-drenched beaches, perfect blue water, and views of the Mediterranean coastline that seem to stretch for miles. Located on Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula, this UNESCO World Heritage site received its designation for being a "landscape of outstanding cultural value." Every town in the Amalfi region, from Positano and its dramatic cliffs to the famed St. Andrew's Cathedral in Amalfi itself to Ravello's elegant villas, offers something exciting for travelers to experience. Travelers can sample limoncello and Delizia al Limone made from locally grown lemons, or set sail on a private boat tour to visit beautiful beaches and grottos. Among the most glamorous beaches in the area are Marina Grande, Fornilo Beach, and Gavitella Beach.

The Amalfi Coast isn't just for Euro road trippers, though. It's a favorite stop for major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, which only adds to the tropical feeling. Cruising is long associated with island ports, and there's something about arriving on a cruise ship that adds to the tropical feeling of this location. If you want to stay awhile, though, consider booking a room at the Anantara Convento di Amalfi, a gorgeous hotel that was once a cave and later expanded and turned to other purposes, such as a Capuchin convent and a nautical institute, before welcoming guests in its current incarnation as a hotel. Whether you get here by car, ferry, or cruise ship, there's little doubt that you'll find yourself enchanted by Italy's Amalfi Coast.

Off the east coast of Africa, the Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar is a place where history, native culture, and natural beauty collide. Known as "Spice Island" for its hundreds of years of trade in cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, spices are still a major part of the nation's economy. One of Zanzibar's major draws is Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that allows travelers to wander down narrow streets through a Swahili trading town that melds African, Arab, European, and Indian cultures. While there are a variety of things to do in Stone Town — like visit the Old Fort and check out the Forodhani Park – you should also be prepared to wander and let yourself get a little lost. Among the most famous features of this neighborhood are the carved Zanzibari doors that adorn many buildings.

If you want something more stereotypically tropical than Stone Town, check out the coastline — Zanzibar's coastline is often ranked among the world's best. Travelers can scuba dive or snorkel in over 30 local dive sites filled with marine life such as sea turtles and tropical fish. Zanzibar's waters are also among the best in the world for spotting elusive whale sharks! Many visitors also enjoy sunset cruises on traditional dhow sailboats. And, don't miss a spice farm tour, where you can learn more about the spice trade that has sustained this semi-autonomous region for centuries. 

To put together this guide, I drew from many sources, including my own experiences traveling to tropical destinations. I then turned to high-authority travel blogs and magazines, including but not limited to Conde Nast Traveler, National Geographic, Diary of a Tourist, Sally Sees, and Leigh McAdams's Hike Bike Travel. This round-up also features numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, which I researched using the official UNESCO website. The same goes for various hotels and restaurants that are featured here; official tourism websites were also utilized. The result is a guide that will help all sorts of tropical vacationers, from those who want five-star luxury to those seeking adventure, find the right destination for their needs.