Exotic Vacations 9 Resort Escapes Worth the Splurge

9 Resort Escapes Worth the Splurge

By Islands Staff

January 31, 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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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. Clair Courtesy Ani Villas