An island getaway is a great way to create fun memories, whether you want to learn something new like scuba diving or take many sunset walks on the beach. Choose an island vacation destination with an overwater restaurant and unique honeymoon suites. Couples enjoy getting massages together and many unique island spas offer specially designed couples spa suites.
While most travelers agree that some of the best island destinations include Hawaii, French Polynesia and the Caribbean honeymoon, which island you choose will depend on your interests and budget. If you live on the East Coast, getting to an island in the Caribbean or Florida may take less time than flying to a Pacific island. If you are on the West Coast, Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island of Hawaii are all great choices. Private island resorts on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia should not be overlooked either - they offer awesome scuba diving, snorkeling and secluded sandy beaches.
Maui
Maui is known around the world as one of the premier island golf resort getaways. The island is also home to Haleakala National Park where vacationers watch the sunrise at 10,000 feet and view volcanic cindercones. Maui's beaches range from white sandy beaches in resort areas such as Kapalua, Wailea and Makena, to black and red beaches in Hana.
Florida
If you are not very familiar with Florida, you may not know that the state is home to several secluded islands, great for honeymoons and romantic getaways. Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys has oceanview accommodations and its thatched-roof design will make you think you've traveled to the Pacific. Sunset Key Cottages are set on a small private island, popular with couples. If you are planning a family vacation, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island has a program for kids and many activities for guests of all ages, including beautiful swimming pools, golf and a spa.
Nassau and Paradise Island
Nassau and Paradise Island in the Bahamas is one of the most popular island vacation destinations from the East Coast. Nassau is the capital city of the Bahamas and quite easy to get to with several daily flights. Paradise Island, home to Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, is connected with Nassau via two 600-foot bridges. Find out more about the Bahamas.
Heron Island
Located on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island offers some of the best snorkeling and scuba divingin the world. September is a great time to visit if you want to watch migrating whales. During the summer, turtles can be seen laying eggs on the beach on Heron Island.
Barbados
Barbados offers a selection of luxury resort getaways with sandy beaches, upscale spas and programs for kids. Island activities include golf, fishing, horseback riding, scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, and surfing.
Molokai
Of all the Hawaiian islands open to visitors, Molokai is the most secluded. With only one gas station, empty beaches and casual atmosphere, this island is ideal for those who want to get away from it all and just relax. If you are interested in whale watching, visit Molokai during the winter months.
Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island is a barrier island getaway in Georgia, popular with family vacationers. The island has 22 miles of bike trails, three 18-hole golf courses, a historic village and several beaches. Stay at the Jekyll Island Club, a National Historic Landmark with the American Queen Ann architecture.
Jamaica
Jamaica is a relaxing Caribbean island vacation destination featuring scenic waterfalls, beaches and a choice of accommodations for all budgets. If you are planning a honeymoon, try Caves Resort on the western end of the island which offers both privacy and proximity to Negril's seven-mile beach on Jamaica.
Oahu
Most visitors to Oahu end up on Waikiki Beach. Surfing, sunbathing, shopping and dining are the most popular pastimes.
Oahu also offers an array of cultural attractions, located in Honolulu and the rest of the island.
Island Vacation Tips
Whether it is low season or bookings are low, resorts and hotels often offer deals and island vacation packages. Look for off season deals in Hawaii, the Caribbean, Florida and other destinations in the fall after kids go back to school. If you are planning a couples getaway, look for romantic vacation packages that include special amenities such a romantic dinner, flowers and limo transfers from the airport. All-inclusive packages sometimes make vacation planning simpler because you know how much you will end up paying at the end without having to estimate the cost of meals and activities.
More Ideas
Some of the top resorts in the world are located on an island. Private island vacation ideas include Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin Islands, Cayo Espanto in Belize, Kamalame Cay in the Bahamas and Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. Pricing at Kamalame Cay is all-inclusive: meals, snorkeling gear and sea kayaks. There are many resorts for families and couples on Barbados, including Sandy Lane Resort, The Crane Resort and The Fairmont Royal Pavilion. Sea-U! Guest House is an affordable option among pricier alternatives in Barbados. The Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii has an outdoor treatment suite where you can get a lomi lomi massage surrounded by the sounds of a waterfall. Elbow Beach Bermuda features luxury spa suites with ocean views, soaking tub and a daybed.
