We've searched the world of islands to find the most incredible escapes yet dreamed up by the indulgent mind of man and the never-ending creativity of nature. These are places where nature and nurture have worked in concert to enliven your senses -- places where you can head out and explore or settle in and let the simple joy of a dreamy beach sweep you away. (Find more on these retreats in ISLANDS magazine.)

Big Island, Hawaii: Kona Village Resort
Your room is cooled by trade winds and a lazy ceiling fan. The earthy tones of wooden shutters, bamboo and wicker are punched up by a bold Hawaiian quilt, a unique art form. The wet bar is stocked with 100-percent Kona coffee and chilled guava, lilikoi and pineapple juices. Put that polished coconut outside your door, and it means "Do not disturb." konavillage.com

Bora-Bora: Ti'a Moana
Join in a traditional motu picnic as men in loincloths dig up a smoky sand-covered himaa oven, uncovering cast-iron pots among heated lava rocks. There is stewed chicken with manioc leaves, moist coconut bread and, of course, tender pork. Take a break and refresh your palate with a bowl of poisson crue, raw tuna cured with lemon juice and sweetened with coconut milk. boraboracruises.com

Fiji: Likuliku Lagoon Resort
Slip down to the Masima Bar, over the lagoon, shortly before sunset and order a couple of the resort's astonishing Fijian mojitos (made with coconut crème!), then wait for the magical moment just before the sun extinguishes itself with a dip into the ocean. You'll hear the beat of drums and the cry of a warrior as he lights the torches surrounding the bar. Toast, kiss, repeat. likulikulagoon.com

Haggerstone Island: The Guest House
If the tide is low, there is nothing better than a romantic dinner on Haggerstone's own tiny cay, a pearly sliver of sand surrounded by balmy waters that lap your feet in turquoise and extend to the deserted horizon in shades ranging from robin's egg to kingfisher blue. haggerstoneisland.com.au

Langkawi: Four Seasons Resort
If you skip the spa at Four Seasons Langkawi, you are missing out on one of the best experiences here. A truly incredible space, you will walk alongside a reflecting pool and across stones to your pavilion with a private steam room, soaking tub and glass-enclosed massage room overlooking forested limestone cliffs. Choose one of four specially blended oils for an Eastern massage. Do yourself a favor and choose the 180-minute Sodashi Sea Secrets treatment. fourseasons.com/langkawi

Santorini: Kirini Hotel
Reserve the entire cave spa for your own private evening. Book a massage for two or indulge in a hyacinth flower facial and a body treatment with mastic, the legendary vegetal elixir found only on the island of Chios. After the sauna, steam room and heated pool and Jacuzzi, chill out with some iced champagne. kirini.com

Seychelles: Fregate Island Private
Each villa has a private Jacuzzi. Have candles and wine delivered and set up by the Jacuzzi, slip in the water and let the night take over. The stars above Fregate look close enough to touch, the breeze feels like a lover's kiss and with barely anyone else on the island, you can rest assured that the evening will be wrapped in privacy. fregate.com

South Andros: Tiamo
Elevated and separated from the environment by three screened walls that block the tiniest no-see-ums but give leave to cooling breezes and the whir of hummingbirds, the bedrooms at Tiamo are like open-air stages. Sea-grape and mangrove greenery provide privacy, allowing Adam-and-Eve-style freedom within each cabin. Just be warned that if your performance tends to play to the back rows, you may get applause from neighboring cabins who've heard every line. tiamoresorts.com

St. Barts: Eden Rock Hotel
During your in-room massage, indulge your senses with fragrant oils from Belou's P, a line of 100-percent organic products created by local artisans, Helene Muntal and Franck Garcia. The oils, named for some of St. Barts' beaches (Chauvette, Colombier, Lorient), flood your senses with aromas of sandalwood and lime; jasmin and frangipani; gardenia, narcissus and iris. The sound of the ocean just outside your door provides the soundtrack for your escape. edenrockhotel.com

St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Young Island Resort
Book a sunset cruise that skirts the coast of St. Vincent on the resort's 52-foot yacht. Have the chef pack you a picnic basket with cheese and the homemade breads that Young Island's kitchen is known for. Add wine, a captain and scenic views of the Grenadines for a romantic evening. youngisland.com