9 Resort Escapes Worth the Splurge

January 30, 2012

For an exotic vacation, don't miss these surprising resort destinations on islands around the world, from sleeping on site at the Great Barrier Reef to the lap of eco-luxury on Ko Kood, Thailand.

Resort Escapes Worth the Splurge | Likuliku Resort Fiji | Most Exotic Vacation Destinations
Likuliku Lagoon
The staff at this resort on Malolo Island Fiji, a tiny island nestled in a blue lagoon, will make you feel right at home—that is, if overwater bures in paradise are what you call home. From $900.
dragon-bridge.jpg
Soneva Kiri , Ko Kood, Thailand
Soneva Kiri's Eco-luxe resort features a bridge made entirely of giant bamboo, made to look like a 50-ft high dragon. From $1,400.Zach Stovall
Resort Escapes Worth the Splurge | Fantasea Reefworld, Great Barrier Reef | Most Exotic Vacation Destinations
Fantasea Reefworld , Great Barrier Reef
Fantasea Reefworld is moored on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, so you can wake up to one of the world's great wonders. From $650.
Resort Escapes Worth the Splurge | Hapuku Lodge Tree Houses Kaikoura New Zealand | Most Exotic Vacation Destinations
Hapuku Lodge Tree Houses , Kaikoura, New Zealand
Hapuku Lodge Tree Houses give eco-conscious travelers a bird's eye view of New Zealand olive groves against the Pacific Ocean. From $570.
Resort Escapes Worth the Splurge | Mockingbird Hill Hotel, Port Antonia Jamaica | Most Exotic Vacation Destinations
Mocking Bird Hill , Jamaica
Hotel Mocking Bird Hill's ­weeklong culinary adventure taught Laurel Kallenbach that there's much more to the island than what can be seen from the fenced-off resorts. From $155.Courtesy Mocking Bird Hill
Resort Escapes Worth the Splurge | Kelea Surf Spa Oahu | Most Exotic Vacation Destinations
Kelea Surf Spa , O'ahu
Legend has it that Hawaiian Cheifess Kelea gave up her title so she could live by the Pacific and surf. Stay at this surf spa and, like its namesake, you'll never look at the ocean the same.
Resort Escapes Worth the Splurge | Mockingbird Hill, Port Antonia Jamaica | Most Exotic Vacation Destinations
The Sanderling , Duck, North Carolina
On North Carolina's Outer Banks, the adventurous (and not so adventurous) feel right at home. From $129.Courtesy Mocking Bird Hill
Tomamu Resort Ice Village
Alpha Resort Tomamu, Hokkaido, Japan
Alpha Resort Tomamu, in addition to more traditional lodging, offers "ice suites" complete with ice beds.Courtesy of Alpha Resort Tomamu
Resort Escapes Worth the Splurge |Ani Villas Anguillai | Most Exotic Vacation Destinations
Ani Villas, Anguilla
Pulling up to this towering cliff-top estate, I have to pinch myself. For the next three days, we'll flirt with this fantasy life, waking up each morning to breakfast made by our personal chef, enjoying sea views and sunset drinks on all four balconies, and getting daily massages at the cliff's edge. —Audrey St. ClairCourtesy Ani Villas

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