In every issue of ISLANDS magazine, editors highlight a favorite "Stay" place. Here we've mapped recent picks, along with the latest rates. Can you stay on a plantation in St. Lucia for $80 a night? Yes you can. Find out more by playing with the map to see each resorts' exact location or by following the links below.
Easter Island: Posada de Mike Rapu
The urge to trek to the middle of nowhere has inspired polar expeditions, mountain ascents and mid-ocean atoll explorations. But staying there? That's an opportunity to bask in the wonder of journey's end. Awaken to wild horses grazing just outside your picture window at Posada de Mike Rapu on Easter Island. Three-night rate from $2,280.
Hawaii: Hotel Hana-Maui
You don't have to be the teacher's pet to appreciate these island classes. Take the Hotel Hana-Maui, where guests are invited each week to learn the ancient practices of ukulele playing, lei making and hula dancing from local teachers called kumu. The plantation resort sits at the remote eastern end of Maui's fabled Road to Hana. Rates from $495.
Ko Samui: Six Senses HideawaySome of the most beautiful beaches in the world line a tiny spit of land just off the eastern coast of Thailand. The island of Ko Samui, ringed with opulent, sandy shores, is best enjoyed in private. At the Six Senses Hideaway Samui, Thai culture and natural beauty are served with luxury -- and a touch of exclusivity. Rates from $380.
New Zealand: Hapuku LodgeTree-House Lodges -- a trend sweeping island locations from Africa to the Caribbean -- may have you feeling a bit like Tarzan. Take a bright New Zealand morning on the deck of a tree house at the Hapuku Lodge, for example. You may even be tempted to swing from the trees forever. Rates from $380.
Sardinia: Hotel Cala di VolpeIf money were no object and you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose? If you were the Aga Kahn -- the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and one of the world's richest men -- you'd build a lavish villa in the northeastern corner of Sardinia. Hotel Cala di Volpe, or "den of the fox," is surrounded by rugged, golden lime- stone cliffs, steady breezes, white beaches and sparkling emerald water. Rates from $675.
St. Lucia: La Haut PlantationSome trips are all about the beach, some are all about the mountains, some are all about the spa. But all about the farm? Let it be noted: Whether you sow the seeds of relaxation, adventure or indulgence on your next journey, you'll be sure to reap something worthwhile if you stay at La Haut Plantation. Rates from $80.
Vancouver Island: Fairmont EmpressSome of the world's favorite authors have had favorite island retreats. Take note: Robert Louis Stevenson wasn't the only writer who found treasure in the islands. For Rudyard Kipling, who penned The Jungle Book, solace was to be found on Vancouver Island, Canada, at the Fairmont Empress hotel in Victoria. Rates from about $140.
