For many years, the small Caribbean island of Roatán flew under the radar of most travelers. Located off the northern coast of Honduras, this destination in the Bay Islands is the kind of beautiful gem that seasoned island-hoppers and especially ex-pats loved to keep hidden, because of its natural allure and the fact that, well, it was mostly free of tourists. Roatán is also a diver’s haven due to its proximity to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, but even its status as one of the best dive destinations in the world couldn’t spoil the secret.

Only when the major cruise lines caught on did the rest of the world start to turn its attention to the Bay Islands’ “Big Island.” While that was bad news for those who protected their secret, the tourism boost put a new focus on Roatán’s other activities and offerings. There is certainly no shortage of excitement on this beloved island.

The Diving is a Must

Let’s be real—if you’re visiting Roatán for the first or fiftieth time, scuba diving is still at the top of your to-do list. This island has more than 100 dive and snorkel locations for people of all experience levels, so your waterproof action camera will require the bigger memory card. 

Whether just getting your mask wet for the first time or returning to the reef to say hello to old underwater friends, there are dive shops on Roatán—like Coconut Tree Divers and Sun Divers—that will show you an amazing time and make sure you spot so many different types of fish and sea turtles. Roatan Divers is a boutique operator (that means a focus small groups and enhancing the individual experience) that comes highly recommended and runs trips to West End and Sandy Bay. 

Take the Time to Learn about Roatán

Any destination is made better by a tour. The more you learn about an island’s history and culture, as well as the people who make it an amazing place to be, the more you’ll appreciate and share it as if you discovered it. Everyone loves to plant their flags, after all. An island tour on Roatán will vary in cost, depending on the operator, and it can focus on any number of the island’s best activities. 

Bodden Tours offers a very popular Best of Roatán private tour that includes a ride on the Mayan Jungle Canopy Zipline, a visit to Victor’s Monkey Business to meet the monkeys, sloths, macaws and more, and an ATV jungle adventure, among many others (including snorkeling, naturally). Animal lovers will also enjoy Arch’s Iguana Farm, where private tours put them up close with the colorful reptiles, even offering the opportunity to feed them and see baby iguanas. 

Other tours include trips to the mangroves and beautiful beach at Camp Bay, where kite-surfing lessons are available. For those seeking a richer cultural experience, the Flamingo Cultural Center offers an all-inclusive interactive tour showcasing the lifestyle and traditions of the Garifuna people, and it includes music and samples of the cuisine.

One great way to get an all-encompassing experience is the Ruthless Roatán Charters day trip to Cayos Cochinos, an archipelago of 15 islands where guests can spend hours fishing and snorkeling—the marine life is supremely abundant here—or even interacting with the local Garifuna tribe. As an added bonus, the tour operators even serve fresh sashimi on the boat.

Meet the Dolphins at Anthony’s Key

With 56 bungalows spread out across 11 acres of lush tropical beauty, Anthony’s Key Resort is certainly one of the more unique places to stay in Roatán. What puts it over the top is the variety of dolphin experiences that guests and visitors can enjoy, from the simple Dolphin Encounter to the Dolphin Dive, which drops certified divers 60-feet below the surface, where they’ll interact with these brilliant creatures in the open water.

There’s even a dolphin summer camp for kids ages 5-14 who want to spend their family vacations learning about marine life.

Enjoy Some Local Culinary Treats

Pick your treat: rum, chocolate or beer? Just kidding, you can tour them all. Begin a culinary adventure at the Roatán Chocolate Factory, where you can run right to the gift shop and pick up any number of locally made sweets and treats, including chocolate bars made with Honduran coffee, island coconut and passion fruit, among other ingredients. You’ll also find the El Cabrito Diablito Hot Sauce that we’re dying to add to our Caribbean list. But the real fun takes place on the factory’s tour, where you’ll learn how chocolate is made (it’s fascinating if you’ve never experienced it).

Next, you’ll want to swing by the Roatán Rum Company, where you’ll be able to sample delicious rum cakes and a variety of artisan rums, like the Wandering Spirit and Tropical Mango. If rum’s not your thing, contact Tours by Locals for a trip to the Roatán Island Brewing Company, where “the cool kids hang out.” Your dedicated tour guide will pick you up and drop you off again (a must for an immersive beer tour), and he will probably even have some good recommendations for lunch.

Head Out to Sea

Divers aren’t the only people drawn to the waters surrounding Roatán. There’s great fishing to be experienced as well, so on top of an experience like a day trip to Cayos Cochinos, charter operators like Go Fish Charters and Wahoo Slayer offer half- and full-day trips for people looking to catch anything from sailfish to mahi mahi. 

You can even catch some Z’s, but we recommend you wait until you return to the resort for that. You’ll definitely be tired after the adventures on day in Roatán can provide.

The post How to Make the Most of a Vacation in Roatán appeared first on Islands.

At a time when people are looking to get back to the majesty of the Caribbean and experience adventure and excitement far away from the hustle and bustle of busier islands, Graham’s Place is the boutique resort that will check all your boxes. Rest and relaxation, action and thrills, good food, and great people—it can all be experienced on this spectacular Private Island located just off the coast of beautiful Guanaja, one of the Bay Islands of Honduras. (To give you an idea, there are 3 Bay Islands of Honduras. Roatan, Utila and Guanaja. Guanaja being the least travelled.)

Originally from the Cayman Islands, owner Graham Thompson moved to Honduras about 30 years ago for retirement, but he never lost his passion for hospitality. What started as a vacation spot for his family and friends soon became a popular destination for bone fishermen who quickly spread the word that this was no ordinary fishing lodge.

Because of a reputation for warmth and kindness, Graham’s Place has grown to become a Private Island experience unlike any other, offering all the perks without the private island prices.

Location is, of course, everything. Less than two miles from Guanaja, the least traveled of the Bay Islands, you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous blue Caribbean water and stunning tropical greenery, all of which is begging to be explored. And with the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef close by, Graham’s Place is a wonderful choice for divers, snorkelers, and water enthusiasts of all varieties, ages, and experience levels.

That’s not to say you can’t stay on-site and also have an amazing time. You can stay as busy or do as little as you like, there is always something to check out. The list of activities offered here is staggering. Small groups, large groups, couples or individuals, there is something for everyone. For the fishing enthusiast there are half- and full-day deep sea fishing, bottom fishing and fly-fishing trips. If fishing is not your thing, escape to and explore captivating locations like Bonacca Cay to see where the locals live, go to school, go to church and more. Check out Michael’s Rock, where you can snorkel and then take a beautiful nature hike to a nearby waterfall. Or grab a tank or three and embark on the diving excursion of a lifetime, as there are over 50 breathtaking sites around Guanaja, including the Jado Trader wreck, Jim’s Silverlode, and Vertigo, which will impress all visitors with its breathtaking drop-offs.

At Graham’s Place, you can snorkel at the house reef, take a spin in the resort’s kayaks or take a paddle on a paddle board and go exploring relax on the Instagram-worthy beaches and marvel at the sunsets, or all of the above. It is a great place for just wandering through the nature trail, bird watching or seeing some of the local animals scampering around. Take a walk out on the foot path to the reef and see some great aquatic life. It is also one of the most amazing places to go stargazing on the quiet beautiful nights.

When it comes to accommodations, Graham’s Place boasts 16 hotel rooms (each with two double beds), four villas (with three double beds), four efficiency rooms, and two one-bedroom suites. Every room leads you right out to the beach with a view of the beach and the majestic mountains of Guanaja. there are plenty of perks to make guests feel like they’re right at home.

And at a time when things aren’t quite ordinary, this Private Cay is an extraordinary alternative for people who need to reschedule those lost birthdays, weddings, and milestone moments.

Graham and his staff like to tell guests, “Keep this place in mind, a better place is hard to find.” And once you’ve experienced all Graham’s Place has to offer, you’ll most definitely believe it.

For more information go to https://grahamsplace.ky/

The post An Adventure Unlike Any Other Awaits at Graham’s Place appeared first on Islands.

September is the perfect time to take that trip you’ve always wanted to go on to Hawaii; the Aloha Festivals celebrate Hawaiian culture with events all month long. Or, if you’re more of a movies buff, venture to Southeast Asia for the Bali International Film Festival held on a beach. More interested in boats? Italy’s Regata Storica is a historic race that pits 16th-century-style boats against each other. Enjoy hundreds of craft beers — or just a couple — at the Key West Brewfest in the Sunshine State, or visit Honduras for the renowned Roatan International Fishing Tournament.

Whatever you’re looking for, read on for our list of the best places to visit in September.

Bali

Calling all film fanatics: plan your next vacation to coincide with the Bali International Film Festival (Balinale for short). This weeklong event held in South Kuta Beach showcases over 100 feature films, documentaries and shorts produced by Indonesian and international filmmakers. The schedule also includes workshops and seminars offering tips on scriptwriting, editing and acting, to learn the ins and outs of the industry from the pros.

The 2019 13th-annual Balinale goes from Sept. 24 to Sept. 29.

Oahu, Hawaii

The Aloha Festivals celebrate Hawaiian culture with free events all month long, making Hawaii one of the best places to vacation in September. The festivals kick off in Waikiki with the induction of the Royal Court, where the chosen king, queen, prince and princess are adorned with lei head feathers, helmets and cloaks, accompanied by traditional Hawaiian chants and hula dancing.

The Waikiki Hoolaulea is an epic block party, with a variety of crafts, food vendors and performances by hula schools. Don’t miss the Floral Parade to watch bloom-covered floats, pau horseback riders and marching bands cavalcade down Kalakaua Avenue.

Aloha Festivals kick off with the opening ceremony on Aug. 31. The 73rd-annual Floral Parade concludes the festivities on Sept. 28.

Venice, Italy

Nearly every resident in Venice comes out to watch the annual Regata Storica (the Historical Regatta), which takes place on the Grand Canal. The festivities start with a pageant by locals in 16th-century-style boats reenacting the last Queen of Cyprus’ return to the city. Then gondoliers donning traditional costumes race their vessels for major bragging rights. Watch all the action from a waterfront cafe or from a floating grandstand in the lagoon.

The 2019 Regata Storica takes place on Sept. 1.

Dana Point, California

Travel back into time at the Tall Ships Festival, held at Dana Point Harbor in Southern California. Tour classic schooners dating back to the 1770s, and watch them parade by at the Sails ‘n Ales event, with craft beer tastings, food trucks and live music. Have a blast (literally) at mock cannon battles between the ships where you can choose to act as part of the crew or just enjoy the show.

The 2019 Tall Ships Festival starts on Sept. 6 and lasts all weekend.

Florida Keys

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with a cold one at the annual Key West Brewfest, held at various restaurants, hotels and bars around the island. Sample over 150 beers, including a few local brews at the festival’s seminars, pool parties, happy hours and tap takeovers held throughout the weekend.

Notable craft-beer breweries (think Funky Buddha and Dogfish Head) will also team up with nearby restaurants for beer-pairing dinners. But the main event is the Saturday night tasting festival held on South Beach. When that’s over, party through the streets in a second line, led by a New Orleans brass band, to the after party at Green Parrot Bar.

Key West Brewfest takes begins Aug. 29 and concludes Sept. 2.

Roatan, Honduras

Anglers, get ready for the Roatan International Fishing Tournament, a catch and release competition and an Offshore World Championship qualifying event and one of the best tropical places to travel in September. Divisions include billfish (blue and white marlin, sailfish and spearfish), junior (15 year-olds and younger) and rodeo (points based on specific fish) with prizes awarded to the team who reels in the heaviest catch and earns the most points overall. Other awards include the Record-Breaking Blue Marlin prize for anyone who reels in a catch above 708 pounds, and the Top Lady Angler award, presented to the female competitor with the highest billfish or rodeo points.

The 2019 Roatan International Fishing Tournament goes from Sept. 12 to Sept. 15.

The post Best Places to Travel in September appeared first on Islands.

Every year, our Best Islands to Live On article is our most popular, and it’s not surprising. The dream of #SurroundMeWithWater becoming an everyday reality is one we all share: According to our reader survey, 80 percent of you have thought about moving to an island someday, and 75 percent have considered purchasing an island home.

Nearly 60 percent of readers are contemplating a move to the Caribbean — so we offer five top picks. You told us you’re concerned with the cost of island living — so we rounded up affordable options (plus one that’s worth the splurge, just for fun). A beach bum wants a different vibe from a city slicker — so we broke down locations by the personality type they suit best. Same goes for stages of life: Recent grads and retirees have varied needs, so we addressed each one. Plus, we share on-the-ground tips from expats who made the leap. We’re confident these islands will inspire your next move.

And now, in no particular order, our list of the Top 20 Best Islands to Live On.

Best Caribbean:  Grand Cayman

When Jennifer Smith visited Grand Cayman on a Caribbean cruise in 2008, she never imagined she’d be living there with her husband two years later. “We realized Grand Cayman was very different from the other islands,” says Smith, who works as a controller for a real-estate developer and writes a blog called Offshore CPA, which offers tips for relocating expats. “We immediately fell in love with it.” So on their return to New Jersey, the pair researched the local job market and landed positions at two accounting firms — Grand Cayman is home to one of the world’s largest banking jurisdictions, with plenty of opportunities for finance-minded expats.

But don’t go buying a one-way ticket just yet. Anyone who wants to move there must have a valid work permit before he or she arrives, so it’s important to solidify employment before taking the plunge. And while the length of their work permits governs most expats’ time — a minimum of two years in most cases — some Americans have the chance to stay permanently. Wisconsinite Kim Kadiyala met her Caymanian husband in Chicago, moved near his family in Grand Cayman and now spends weekends at places like Starfish Point, a quiet beach on the island’s northern shore. Says Kadiyala, “I don’t think I’ll ever live in another place as beautiful as this.” — David LaHuta

• Population: 60,413
• Language spoken: English
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $874
• Starting home price: $150,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $6.51

Most Affordable: Dominican Republic

Matt Bokor immediately fell in love with the Dominican Republic for its cozy corner bars, rustic inns, cook shacks and especially the outgoing locals. “Dominicans are gregarious, welcoming and friendly,” says Bokor, who moved to the island from Miami. “They’ll have you dancing the merengue in no time.” The affordability of the island was appealing too. “We have sticker shock every year returning to Florida for our family reunion,” he says. “A pound of green peppers at the supermarket in Miami is about $4, compared with $1.20 here. Per pound, tomatoes are about 30 cents, and carrots are 25 cents. At the fishermen’s market in Las Terrenas, we bought 7 pounds of seafood for $40.”

There are a few downsides: traffic, power outages and crime. (Bokor points out that there is a heavy police presence.) In the end, though, the advantages win out. Bokor’s favorite thing of all is that convenience stores deliver. “Need eggs and orange juice first thing in the morning?” he says. “Just call. Run out of beer midway through the big game? They’ll bring it right to your door.” — Sarah Sekula

• Population: 10.4 million
• Language spoken: Spanish
• Currency: Dominican peso
• Average year-round temp: 80˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $500
• Starting home price: $155,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $4

Best for Retiring: Bocas del Toro, Panama

Basil Stetson retired in Bocas del Toro to become a surf bum. It didn’t hurt that the exchange rate was beyond favorable — but not because he couldn’t afford a tonier location. Along with his fabric-designer wife, April Cornell, Stetson already owns on Grand Cayman. Rather, the low costs entice young energy, courtesy of backpackers. “The place feels fresh,” says Stetson. “I don’t want to live among high-rises and lots of old people.”

He adds, “It’s a small community.” How small? On Sundays, everyone can be found at the airport, where locals aren’t catching planes but fly balls — the runway is the community baseball field. Stetson might be retired, but he still speaks in business parlance. “Those games pay dividends,” he says. “Because of them, everyone knows who I am — one of the few gringos in the stands.” — Brooke Morton

• Population: 7,366
• Language spoken: Spanish
• Currency: USD
• Average year-round temp: 78˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $450
• Starting home price: $80,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $7.00

Thinking of moving to Bocas Del Toro? The Red Frog Beach Island Community offers upscale villas and condos for sale. This new resort draws success from owners investing in a second home wanting to capitalize on Panama’s booming economy. The resort offers a vacation exploration tour to visit and see the unique nature, wildlife and the marvelous beaches in this little-known Caribbean Archipelago. Owners can rent their homes for income through the resort’s property management program. See the video or visit the website redfrogbeach.com to learn more. [Sponsored]

Best for a Small-Town Vibe: Ambergris Caye, Belize

Life on Ambergris is quiet. Slow. Morning rush hour is a dozen bikes wheeling over the bridge to the main town of San Pedro. Kirsten Miglio relocated from Chicago with her husband in 1993. Back then, the one road cutting lengthwise across the island saw just three golf carts, the other main means of transport. Now, Miglio struggles to estimate how many carts rumble along the dirt roads.

Around town, everyone is familiar with the couple, who own owns Ak’bol Yoga Retreat and Eco Resort, 2 miles south of San Pedro. “People remember faces; names are less important,” Miglio says. “There are little pockets of communities, like the French community, the yoga community, the divers, the fly-fishermen, the sailors,” she says, adding that most of the smaller groups gather often for happy hour, dinner or whatever it is that brings them together. — BM

• Population: 13,381
• Language spoken: English
• Currency: Belize dollar
• Average year-round temp: 79˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $900
• Starting home price: $200,000
• Cost of milk: $2.76 for a quart-size box

Best Caribbean: Martinique

Spend a few days in Martinique, and you’d think you were in a tropical version of Marseille. After all, the French island is home to one of the region’s largest Francophone populations, including a burgeoning expat community from mainland France who’ve relocated for the locale’s black-sand beaches, lush rainforests and Caribbean joie de vivre.

The “Paris of the Antilles” also attracts folks from the U.S. who come to teach English — expats like Hayley Hund, who moved from Leavenworth, Kansas, in 2014 to work as an English teaching assistant. “It’s important to live like the Martiniquais,” says Hund, who enjoys practicing her Creole and eating anything au gratin. “The lifestyle has taught me to leave my watch at home and let my day develop at its own pace. As the locals like to say, ‘Il n’y a pas d’heures précises,’ or ‘there are no fixed times.'” — DL

• Population: 386,486
• Language spoken: French, Creole and English
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $800
• Starting home price: $170,000
• Cost of milk: $1.12 per liter

Most Affordable: Phuket, Thailand

With jungle-topped mountains, high-end dining, championship golf courses and internationally famous beaches, Phuket is an ideal setting for many foreigners from around the globe. As the largest island in Thailand, it has just about everything you need.

Top-tier medical care is easy to find and, better yet, reasonably priced. You’ll be close to an international airport, which means you won’t have to fly out of Bangkok (a major plus). There are plenty of international schools, and grocery stores are stocked with imported goods. Whether you rent or buy, it’s still extremely affordable. Keep in mind, however, that foreigners cannot own land in their name, but they may purchase a condo or home and lease the land. — SS

• Population: 620,000
• Languages spoken: Thai, English
• Currency: Baht
• Average year-round temp: 84˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $510
• Starting home price: $168,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $6

Best for Recent Grads: St. Croix, USVI

Spend the day with the 20-something set on St. Croix, the largest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, and you might ask if you’ve stepped into an REI or Michelob Ultra commercial. Scenes cut quickly between sailing to Buck Island to swim with turtles, hiking the northwest coast to snorkel in tide pools, and dancing on a roped-off street for St. Patrick’s Day.

It’s the world of Matthew Weicker, a scuba instructor who chose to make the largely undeveloped island home in July 2015. “St. Thomas feels less like an island and more like a city with lots of vehicles, and it’s very built-up. St. Croix is quieter, with old-island charm.” Its smaller population makes it easier to join the party, er, community. For Weicker, finding that island-style welcome was simple. “Hang out in town, grab a beer and just start talking to people.” Regarding employment, Weicker adds,”The best way to land a job is to walk into the restaurants, bars and tour companies in town and talk to who’s hiring — it’s much easier in person than over the phone.” — BM

• Population: 53,000
• Language spoken: English
• Currency: USD
• Average year-round temp: 85˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $875
• Starting home price: $130,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $4.99

Best for Urbanites: Hong Kong

“Hong Kong is the densest place I have ever experienced,” says Laurie Goldberg, a craft-beer importer who jets often to New York and Tokyo. With Hong Kong’s huge population comes perks. For one: cheap cabs. Thirty minutes and the equivalent of $20 U.S. buys transit to the white-sand beaches and lush hiking trails of Tai Long Wan, which reminds her of Thailand.

As for city life, Goldberg — who has called Los Angeles and Hawaii home — found the transition seamless, thanks in large part to an expat community numbering 1 million. “It was similar to moving to a city in the U.S. — everyone speaks English — but it’s much easier to meet new people,” she says. She adds that the transient nature of Hong Kong’s expat scene makes it much more welcoming. After arriving in 2011 with her husband, Adam, his law-school chum introduced them to everyone he knew. Instantly, they had community. Nights out progressed from listening to a Journey cover band at the bar Insomnia to midnight foot massages, a uniquely Hong Kong tradition — all fueled by a craft-beer selection as international as the crowd enjoying it. — BM

• Population: 7.19 million
• Languages spoken: Cantonese, English
• Currency: USD
• Average year-round temp: 72˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $3,200
• Starting home price: $675,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $11.34

Best Caribbean: St. Kitts

A sunny home with a new passport to boot? In St. Kitts, it’s as easy as writing a check. The destination is one of a handful of countries that offer a citizenship-by-investment program, in which $250,000 plus the cost of a home buys you Kittitian citizenship.

Or simply join the workforce. At Ross University — an accredited veterinary school that draws students from the U.S. and Canada — faculty positions are often available. Opportunities can also be found in construction, engineering and real estate, plus hospitality jobs at new hotels. “Several resorts are scheduled to open in the next few years,” says Derek Wales, a Massachusetts native who followed his girlfriend to St. Kitts in 2014 when she decided to attend Ross University, “so now is a great time to send in your résumé.” — DL

• Population: 40,000
• Language spoken: English
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,025
• Starting home price: $350,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $11.50

Most Affordable: Roatan, Honduras

Roatan, off the east coast of Honduras, is a hodgepodge of small communities with a large expat population. Pristine plots of land, untouched and exactly the way nature intended them to be, are still available for purchase. Deb Crofutt, who moved to the island in 2013, can attest to that. “You can buy land or an already built home for less than in the U.S.,” she says. “We own a 2,100-square-foot home on a quarter-acre of land, and our property taxes are about $130 a year.”

“Roatan is large enough to have conveniences and luxuries, such as dentists, yoga studios and high-end restaurants,” says Rika Purdy, an expat from Vancouver. “But it’s still small enough that you get to know your entire community and enjoy a slower pace of life. And due to the low minimum wage, which is about $15 per day, you can find quality housekeeping, childcare, cooks or home security for an affordable price.” — SS

• Population: 80,000
• Languages spoken: Spanish, Bay Islands Creole, English
• Currency: Honduran Lempira, but USD is widely accepted
• Average year-round temp: 80˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $500
• Starting home price: $100,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $2

Best for Starting a Business: Oahu, Hawaii

“I found it quite easy if you pick the right market,” says Mike Davis of launching Extract Juice Bar in downtown Honolulu with wife, Stacey, in 2013. “Just find a niche that isn’t already exploited locally,” says Davis. Before flying out, the couple scoured Yelp and Google to get a feel for the island’s neighborhoods. After they arrived, they spent half a day sitting outside their intended shop location, studying foot traffic. Their product skews toward an affluent clientele, so they targeted the business district, fueled by tourism and military dollars. Davis also figured it wise to open doors at 6 a.m., when the suits clock in to do business with the mainland.

More importantly, the venture brought added benefits to the couple’s lives. They’re stoked that riding waves is now part of their everyday. Says Davis, “Two weeks ago, my fridge went down over the weekend. I was closed for three days and lost all my produce. But when you’re in Hawaii, how can you ever be mad that you’re on an island?” — BM

• Population: 953,207
• Language spoken: English
• Currency: USD
• Average year-round temp: 77˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,300
• Starting home price: $60,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $5.49

Best for Foodies: Sicily, Italy

“Sicily’s architecture is very baroque, and its desserts are too — in fact, there’s flair and exuberance to all the island’s food,” says Jann Huizenga. She and her husband, Kim Crowley, spend half the year in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the rest in a Sicilian town called Ragusa Ibla, population 3,000. When asked to share a favorite food memory, Huizenga pauses. In spring, the thing to do is join friends on hillsides, foraging for wild asparagus, fennel, capers and borage, a spinachlike green. The resulting bounty is cooked with pasta.

If you don’t have friends to scrounge with, try the restaurant I Bianchi, which is managed by a two-star Michelin chef and is known for its pastries and gelatos. Caffe Sicilia in the village of Noto is another Huizenga must-try, namely for its almond granita and its take on a Sicilian summer breakfast: gelato tucked inside a brioche.”It’s a great big thing,” she says, and as she describes the textures and flavor, it seems some of the island’s exuberance has rubbed off. — BM

• Population: 5 million
• Language spoken: Italian
• Currency: Euro
• Average year-round temp: 60˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $400
• Starting home price: $170,000
• Cost of milk: $1.37 per liter

Best Caribbean: Virgin Gorda, BVI

“I love watching visitors react to our version of reality,” says Cassie Mitchell, who moved to Virgin Gorda from Royal Oak, Michigan, in 2012 to pursue a career in guest services. “It reaffirms why I’m here in the first place.” Of course, the BVI reality takes many forms. For her friend Scott Allerton, a Florida native who opened Carib Kiteboarding in 2003, it’s teaching visitors the sport. “My office is the ocean,” says Allerton, who has taught more than 1,000 people on Virgin Gorda’s Eustatia Sound, ideally suited for kiteboarding thanks to its consistent side-shore breezes.

On tiny Virgin Gorda, it’s small-town living at its sunniest: Grocery runs require boats, clocks give way to island time, and virtually everyone knows your name. “All of us expats share three traits that allow us to survive here,” says Mitchell. “Kindness, patience and optimism.” — DL

• Population: 29,151
• Language spoken: English
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,200
• Starting home price: $275,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $10.55

Most Affordable: Boracay, Philippines

Though Boracay is tiny, it has nine beaches, 30-plus nightlife spots and 27 dive sites. About an hour flight from Manila, it attracts fun-loving expats like Paul Fournier, who moved there in 2012. “I pay $296 per month for a studio apartment, including cleaning service, in the center of Boracay,” he says. “White Beach and Bulabog Beach are just a five-minute walk. I eat out daily because the food is so cheap. Beer in the beachfront bars averages out to $1.30 — the cheapest is only 84 cents.”

But one major drawback is medical expenses. “The healthcare quality on Boracay is not great,” says Fournier. “To find proper medical care, you have to leave the island — usually hopping a one-hour flight to a major city.” — SS

• Population: 20,000
• Languages spoken: English, Visayan, Tagalog
• Currency: Philippine peso
• Average year-round temp: 84˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $400
• Starting home price: $100,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $7

Best for Starting a Family: Key Largo, Florida

“I was raised on the water, surfing, diving, skiing and fishing — it’s what I wanted for my kids,” says Steve Powers, who, along with his wife, Cheryl, has been raising three daughters since 2008 in the Norman-Rockwell-meets-Jimmy-Buffett landscape that is Key Largo. The couple knew they wanted to relocate to a Florida coast, and the Keys offer double the shoreline. Powers had always wanted to run a business, so when the local Sea Tow franchise, a marine-rescue company, became available, he took the helm.

In many ways, it’s exactly what the Powers had hoped, and now their kids live in the water. “It’ll be midnight, and they still have their swimsuits on,” says Steve. “I bought an outdoor projector, and they’ll want to watch Jaws while swimming.” Factor in the ocean and Gulf, and the possibilities become endless — more than enough to fill any childhood. — BM

• Population: 11,000
• Language spoken: English
• Currency: USD
• Average year-round temp: 80˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,000
• Starting home price: $250,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $3.35

Best for Beach Bums: Maui, Hawaii

Find your Maui tribe, and you’ll find your Maui beach. Mothers with little ones gather at, appropriately enough, Baby Beach near Lahaina on the island’s northwest tip. Retirees: Wailea. Windsurfers meet for sessions at Kanaha Beach Park, near the airport. Those preferring drum circles find each other on the North Shore’s Baldwin Beach Park. Find Sylvia Whelchel, an Ayurveda practitioner from Oregon, with her people — women who shred — every morning at 6:30 at Ho’okipa Beach. “Even if the waves aren’t good, we still paddle out,” she says. “It’s our version of hitting the gym.”

Surfing is just one way Whelchel lets Maui shape her lifestyle. Surrendering to the island’s way of life is your best chance to find happiness. “It’s really common to see people move here, thinking their lives will be better,” she says. “But if they don’t change themselves, they’ll be in the same rut as they were before, working too much and whatnot.” Whelchel calls it letting go of the “mainland vibe.” She says, “Here, you’re admired for surfing big waves or for owning a truck that can carry all your sports equipment.” The island lifestyle isn’t about buying or owning possessions. It’s about something else entirely — a sense of community. — BM

• Population: 160,000
• Language spoken: English
• Currency: USD
• Average year-round temp: 75˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $1,400
• Starting home price: $450,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $9.59

Best Caribbean: The Abacos, Bahamas

“The Abacos used to be the Wild West of the Caribbean,” says Austin Smith, who moved from Florida in 1989 to a 300-acre cay dubbed Lubbers Quarters. “It was like being a pioneer, but instead of arriving in covered wagons, we sailed in boats.” At the time, the island had no power or running water, which is a big difference from the Abacos of today. Chiefly because of its proximity to the U.S. — a mere one-hour flight from West Palm Beach, Florida — **the islands are now a haven for Americans looking for a second home or a full relocation from the States. **

And thanks to Smith’s latest project, owning a slice of paradise just got easier. In May 2016, he launched Lubbers’ Quarters, 12 two- and three- bedroom fractional-ownership cottages available to buyers for 13 weeks each year. For $165,000, cottages include 25 percent home ownership and a 23-foot boat to explore the archipelago. “It’s carefree home ownership at its best,” says Smith, who also developed a mobile app called Island Compass, which lets boaters identify points of interest on a smartphone without incurring costly roaming charges. “We’re building our resort by giving people a great deal on a house,” says Smith. “It’s a win-win.” — DL

• Population: 13,170
• Language spoken: English
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $925
• Starting home price: $150,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $12

Worth the Splurge: Moorea, Tahiti

Imagine living in Yosemite Valley without the crowds. “That pretty much sums up Moorea,” says Michael Poole, who relocated in 1987. He also lauds the affable community, interesting mix of cultures and incredibly good food, plus plenty of holidays and celebrations. “Life here is certainly enjoyed,” Poole says. “However, it’s not very easy to move here. It’s expensive, and there isn’t a rich expat culture. People want to live here because it reflects and fulfills their vision of a tropical paradise.“

“It’s true that things like food and cars are very costly,” says Laurel Samuela, an expat from California. “But we don’t have property taxes, and healthcare is very inexpensive. Plus, our lagoon is full of fish, and our garden is packed with mangoes, avocados and passion fruit.” — SS

• Population: 16,191
• Languages spoken: French, Tahitian, English
• Currency: French Polynesian franc
• Average year-round temp: 79˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $723
• Starting home price: $350,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $4.51

Best for Health Fiends: Coolum Beach, Australia

A variety of factors draw health-minded individuals to the Sunshine Coast. For some, it’s the benefits of living near the ocean. This relaxed lifestyle was what Jamie Schwear had always dreamed of, especially in landlocked Arizona. In 2015, she arrived in the town of Coolum Beach, 90 minutes north of Brisbane. “I never found a place like this in the U.S. that I could afford,” says Schwear, who now lives across the street from the Coral Sea.

It’s a popular spot for the active set and a haven for surfers. Weekends are spent outdoors: strolling the Coolum boardwalk, where whales can be spotted June through November, and hiking in Mount Coolum National Park, named for its 680-foot peak. Perhaps the best part is how uncrowded paradise is. “The whole population of Australia is less than the state of Texas,” she says. For guaranteed solitude, she heads north to Noosa National Park. “We have miles and miles of coastline where you can walk the beach and be the only one, which is amazing. You become a part of wild, unspoiled nature.” — BM

• Population: 8,000
• Language spoken: English
• Currency: Australian dollar
• Average year-round temp: 80˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $900
• Starting home price: $215,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $4.24

Read more about moving to an island:

10 Real Estate Tips for Moving to an Island | How to Move to St. John, USVI | Living in the Cayman Islands

Best for Starting Over: Cozumel, Mexico

Don’t be surprised at weight loss or lower blood pressure when starting a new life in Cozumel. Cruise-ship anchors aweigh, this 250-square-mile island settles back into slow rhythms, packaging the folksiness of a small Midwestern town with prime Caribbean beachfront. As for health benefits, new arrivals Joni and Karan Thadani said adios to Kansas in January, and they already need smaller shorts. Credit might be due to swapping their law practice for selling island real estate. Or to the mom-and-pop eateries dishing up their nightly dinners.

“It’s amazing that the restaurants all serve fresh, handmade food,” says Joni. Their diet is now mostly seafood, meat and produce, yet it’s cost-effective. Barbecue chicken with rice and beans fetches less than $5. For Karan, the answer is much simpler: “Nothing is better for your health than seeing the ocean every day.” — BM

• Population: 100,000
• Language spoken: Spanish
• Currency: Peso
• Average year-round temp: 80˚F
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $750
• Starting home price: $104,000
• Cost of a gallon of milk: $1.52

The post Top 20 Best Islands to Live On appeared first on Islands.

Anthony’s Key Resort – Honduras

Choose from 56 individual stilted bungalows: some perched on the hillside of Roatan Island, others nestled on the water’s edge of the hotel’s namesake islet, which is a short boat ride away. Take in the lagoon view from your private patio or from the restaurant’s Sunset Deck.

Weddings
For the best ceremony backdrop, wed on the resort’s upper deck at sunset overlooking the key. Packages (from $1,500) include a wedding cake, a bridal bouquet, Moet & Chandon champagne, a photographer and a videographer.

Honeymoons
While away your first days of wedded bliss swimming with dolphins and diving the world’s second-largest barrier reef; spend your nights snuggled up in your private wooden bungalow — sans TV.

Barcelo Montelimar Beach – Nicaragua

Keep busy on property at three swimming pools (one the biggest in Central America) and the hotel’s own private beach. But don’t miss off-property excursions to nearby sights like Masaya Volcano National Park and the colonial towns of Granada and León.

Weddings
Hold a beachside ceremony and buffet reception for up to 50 guests with the resort’s wedding package ($4,000), which includes an open bar and music for five hours.

Honeymoons
Complimentary honeymoon perks include a couples massage, a horseback ride on the beach, an in-room bottle of wine and a romantic candlelight dinner.

Barceló Tambor Beach – Costa Rica

This secluded resort’s three-mile beach on Ballena Bay, tropical vegetation and colonial-style rooms reflect the culture and natural allure of Costa Rica.

Weddings
Bridal-package perks include complimentary hairstyling and flowers, plus a horse-drawn-carriage ride to the ceremony. A wedding cake, a bottle of wine, photography and next-morning breakfast in bed sweeten the deal.

Honeymoons
Honeymooners receive a bottle of sparkling wine, a fresh-fruit platter, a romantic dinner at El Rancho Steak House and a special in-room breakfast, all courtesy of the hotel.

Cayo Espanto – Belize

Seven beach villas dot the outskirts of this private island off the coast of Belize. A personal houseman will take care of any needs while you enjoy a swim at the end of your very own dock.

Weddings
To bring along your entire guest list for a wedding on this posh private isle, a full buyout for three nights is required. But if you just want an intimate ceremony for two that includes flowers and a wedding cake, prices start at $2,500.

Honeymoons
Choose from four- to seven-night honeymoon packages (from $5,980) and stay in Casa Solana, a secluded beach villa that comes with a personal butler, all meals and the best sunset views.

Hotel Riu Guanacaste – Costa Rica

Perched directly on Matapalo beach next to Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica, this 701-room complex offers a range of activities, from beach volleyball to diving and fishing in the Pacific, as well as five onsite restaurants and four lounges.

Weddings
If you’re hosting 20 guests or fewer, consider the Royal Wedding package, which includes the services of a wedding coordinator, flowers, a wedding cake and a semiprivate dinner in Tucán gourmet restaurant.

Honeymoons
In addition to soaking up the sun on the resort’s own strand, take a romantic horseback ride on the beach or an eco-tour to nearby volcanoes.

Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica

At this 538-room resort, opened November 2012 next door to sister hotel Hotel Riu Guanacaste, soak in Pacific views on Matapalo beach or from your private balcony.

Weddings
Take the financial stress out of your day with the Free Wedding package (with a booking of at least five rooms for three nights), which includes flowers, a wedding cake, sparkling wine and a semiprivate dinner for up to 10 guests.

Honeymoons
Cool off in one of four swimming pools (one with a swim-up bar) by day; come nightfall, cozy up on the terrace of Stars lounge with a pair of Cacique Guaro Sour cocktails.

Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort – Belize

This remote all-inclusive is nestled between Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and the Caribbean Sea — with nothing else for miles. The 25 eco-sensitive, standalone cabanas open to the sand, and the onsite restaurant serves Maya-inspired fare.

Weddings
The seven-night wedding and honeymoon package ($5,720) offers couples a beachfront ceremony complete with floral decor, a photographer and a cake, followed by seven nights in an oceanfront cabana.

Honeymoons
With the six-night honeymoon package ($4,200), you’ll receive flights between the Belize international airport and Kanantik’s private airstrip, private Mercedes Benz airport transfers, three off-property excursions and a candlelit beach dinner with Moet & Chandon.

Occidental Grand Papagayo Resort – Costa Rica

Newly turned adults-only, this quiet hillside retreat is the first in the region to cater exclusively to couples. Four restaurants, four bars and 169 boutique rooms overlook the Pacific Coast.

Weddings
With the Simple Love package (complimentary with seven nights in a Royal Club master suite), you’ll wed beneath a wooden canopy draped with sheer white fabric and then enjoy a one-tier wedding cake and sparkling wine.

Honeymoons
Newlyweds can relish Costa Rica’s wild beauty with daily activities that include kayaking, scuba diving and bird watching — no kids allowed.

The post Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Central America for Romantic Getaways appeared first on Islands.

ST. KITTS

Vervet monkey steal the show (and the odd hamburger bun) at Reggae Beach Bar & Grill, located on the island’s southeast peninsula. When you’ve finished that last bite of banana-bread pudding, recruit the kids for a game of beach volleyball or rent snorkeling gear to explore offshore reefs. reggaebeachbar.com

Grand Cayman

You’ll love: The frozen-drink menu at The Wreck Bar and Grill on Rum Point. They’ll love: The location. This end-of-the-road hot spot sits on the east tip of the North Sound. From table, beach or dock, your minis will be mesmerized by kitesurfers preforming aerial acrobatics. rumpoitclub.com

BAHAMAS

There’s no charge to feed the Southern stingrays off Stocking Island, a spit of land in the Bahamas near Exuma. They’re there because a house specialty of Chat ‘N’ Chill, a beach bar and restaurant beloved by the sailboat set, is conch ceviche. Your kids get a lesson in making the lemony dish, then they feed the scraps to these gentle, winged scavengers. chatnchill.com

HONDURAS

On Utila, sleepiest of the Honduran bay islands, ask anyone: The walls of the Jade Seahorse resort, home of B-Leaf Restaurant, are as unusual as it gets. little detectives explore its many intricate treasures, from marbles to tiny toys, stuck into the cement walls, bridges and patios around the tables. http://jadeseahorse.org/ – Brooke Morton

The post 4 Kid-Approved Restaurants in the Caribbean appeared first on Islands.

Read more: Why Move to Roatan?

The post Best Islands to Live On: Roatan appeared first on Islands.

Eat for $1-$45 a day

Play for $0-$20 a day

The post How to Travel to the Bay Islands on $169 a Day appeared first on Islands.

Vacations, in general, are expensive enough as they are already. Flights, hotel bookings, food, local transportation, [possibly] alcohol, souvenirs — there’s seemingly no end to the costs. So, when planning your next getaway, why not look at some of these all-inclusive island vacations to get the most bang for your buck?

There’s no shortage of packages to set you and your family or friends off on one of the best island getaways. Our list includes tropical resorts on a bevy of Caribbean islands, in Hawaii and even off the coast of Australia. From immersing yourself in the local community by fishing for your own food to relaxing in a plunge pool near the base of an extinct volcano, this list of island resorts is sure to have an all-inclusive package for everyone.

No. 26: Little Palm Island Resort (Florida Keys)

Only Here: It’s three miles from a U.S. Highway, so you can drive most of the way. Or swim over, like the miniature key deer sometimes do from nearby islands.

Why It’s On This List: Take a wooden motor yacht over to this romantic private island, and you’re totally disconnected. The resort has hosted presidents because it’s so easy but so shut off. It’s a five-acre jungle paradise with thatched bungalows and bamboo-lined outdoor showers that are anything but reminiscent of the U.S.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

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No. 25: Sandals Whitehouse (Jamaica)

Only Here: All leftovers go to surrounding farms, and more than 90% of the staff is Jamaican. So, every morsel of food and every dollar spent is helping the community.

Why It’s On This List: Sandals wrote the book on all-inclusives, so, although other resorts on the list might be lightly trafficked, they know how to create a clean, friendly atmosphere in a setting of huge pools, nonstop crepes and top-shelf liquor. The setting is rural Jamaica and safe.

Take a closer tour and check rates.

No. 24: Club Med, Kabira Beach (Japan)

Only Here: Guests at most all-inclusives are discouraged from leaving the property. Not here. Excursions take guests to pearl farms, old Japanese villages and even more remote islands.

Why It’s On This List: The property is at the center of a national marine park with some of the best snorkeling in this region of Japan.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

No. 23: Royal Isabela (Puerto Rico)

Only Here: A humongous shower (with three shower heads) finishes off the exclusive nature of each casa.

Why It’s On This List: The cliffside views, privacy of a casa and natural surroundings almost overshadow the fact that Royal Isabela has, perhaps, the best golf course in Puerto Rico. The resort’s sign alongside the two-lane access road is barely visible, an immediate indication that you’re entering a peaceful escape at one of the best island resorts.

See why it’s one of Puerto Rico’s best hideaways.

No. 22: Travaasa Hana, Maui (Hawaii)

Only Here: Staying at Travaasa means you learn from the staff how to fish, sew leis, play ukuleles and give up your cellphone.

Why It’s On This List: For many travelers, Hawaii is about exploring, not staying in an all-inclusive cocoon. But Travaasa is different because it’s in Hana, which is a minimum of a two-hour drive from the county’s main airport in Kahului. The area is a throwback to old Maui, and the resort fits right in.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

No. 21: Club Med, Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)

Only Here: One of our editors went to Club Med to relax and wound up learning how to swing on a trapeze and shoot a bow and arrow. She also ramped up her volleyball game.

Why It’s On This List: With more than 40 all-incs lining a stretch of Caribbean beach on the Dominican Republic’s eastern coast, Punta Cana is the world’s mecca of all-inclusives. The Club Med Punta Cana is especially noteworthy because it has so many family-friendly amenities while also smartly offering romance packages for couples.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

No. 20: Excellence, Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)

Only Here: Somehow, the candlelit beach dinner at Excellence completely shuts off the rest of the all-inclusive metropolis that is Punta Cana.

Why It’s On This List: The Islands staff has stayed at more than 20 all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic, and, as one editor said of Excellence, “It’s one of the only all-inclusives here that genuinely feels like the Caribbean, not just a resort placed in the Caribbean.”

See more and book a trip.

No. 19: Song Saa (Cambodia)

Only Here: The resort works with the local community to teach sustainability, as indicative by straws at bars being made of ocean reeds.

Why It’s On This List: Cambodia is a rising, must-see destination. No place bridges the reality of the location with luxury like Song Saa. The wellness offerings include underwater meditation (don’t worry; it’s only three feet of water), rainforest walks and, yes, we’d say a private-beach picnic qualifies as a wellness extra. Oh, and take a look at this villa’s infinity pool.

Look closer and see the all-inclusive rates.

No. 18: Barefoot Cay (Roatan)

Only Here: Wake up, and stroll from your beach villa to this palapa. Jump off with a snorkel mask and fins. Come to life on the reef that surrounds Roatan and for some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean.

Why It’s On This List: The private villas are built directly on the beach with open-air showers (no one can see) and kayaks ready to use whenever you want (no sign-up forms). Go for the all-inclusive package that includes boat rides out to epic dive/snorkel sites to help complete one of the best island vacations.

Book a package deal.

No. 17: Sanctuary Cap Cana (Dominican Republic)

Only Here: Island-specific bungalows and a castle fronting the ocean make this all-inclusive stand out from the crowd of resorts around Punta Cana.

Why It’s On This List: On the high end of the budget spectrum is a suite with three private plunge pools. On the other end are rooms for $150 per person per night. The rooms are not what we would call “low-end” living. For a property in Punta Cana, it’s rare to feel so isolated.

Check the updated rates.

No. 16: Kamalame Cay, Andros (Bahamas)

Only Here: The overwater spa is a rarity in the Caribbean.

Why It’s On This List: Andros is known as the wildest inhabited island in the large Bahamas group, with pine trees and lonely white-sand beaches. It’s hard to believe that it’s less than 10 minutes by plane from Nassau. Don’t bother packing shoes on Kamalame Cay: The Guest House entrance backs up to the beach, and there’s no such thing as a dress code — ever.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

No. 15: Couples Tower Isle (Jamaica)

Only Here: The spa is consistently ranked as one of the best in the Caribbean.

Why It’s On This List: Jamaica is the birthplace of the modern-day all-inclusive, and Couples makes its mark with more of a romantic indulgence than a gastronomic indulgence (there’s that, too, if you want to partake). In line with that thinking are the sunset catamaran cruise, jacuzzis and a private island for what they call “au naturel” sunbathing.

See the updated rates and specials.

No. 14: Young Island (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)

Only Here: The Grenadines are where you still find uninhabited or barely inhabited islands. Young Island fits the region perfectly.

Why It’s On This List: St. Vincent is pretty deep in the Caribbean, but it still takes a Zodiac shuttle to reach Young Island (it’s a 200-yard ride). Some of the private cottages are on top of the hill, which essentially makes up the entire island. There are few places in the Caribbean as quiet as this.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

No. 13: The Caves, Negril (Jamaica)

Only Here: This resort is built on a cliff. Private dining available inside the sea cave takes romance to a new extreme.

Why It’s On This List: It isn’t far from the fun of Negril, but most guests choose to stay put because of the views and unique ambience on and in the rock. Photographer Zach Stovall consistently ranks it among his favorite all-inclusives in the Caribbean.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

No. 12: Fowl Cay, Exumas (Bahamas)

Only Here: Claim not only one of the few island villas in the Exumas, but also claim the keys to a boat. Go ahead and roam at your leisure.

Why It’s On This List: The kitchen is stocked with whatever breakfast items you order in advance. Lunch is prepared and packed by a chef so you can eat it whenever and wherever you want. Then finish the day with dinner at the restaurant at the top of the hill. It’s the high life in an all-inclusive package.

See the rates.

No. 11: Cayo Espanto (Belize)

Only Here: The Sky, Sand & Sea Exclusive includes a private-helicopter tour of the Belize reef and a five-night stay, among other bonuses.

Why It’s On This List: The villas are about as close to luxury, overwater bungalows as you’ll find in the western Caribbean. There are only seven of them on the island, so you could go an entire trip without seeing anyone other than staff and your significant other.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

No. 10: Lizard Island (Australia)

Only Here: We don’t know of another resort that can boast 24 beaches and a position at the Great Barrier Reef.

Why It’s On This List: It’s all five-star: the suites, the meals, the property. But because the resort is Australian and on the Great Barrier Reef, the staff encourages guests to get out and take advantage of sights you might never see again. They’ll even pack a picnic lunch for an extra nudge.

See more about the island and updated rates.

No. 9: Jade Mountain (St. Lucia)

Only Here: Each suite (“sanctuary” in Jade Mountain language) has an unobstructed view of the Pitons because there is no wall on that side of the “sanctuary.”

Why It’s On This List: Once your breath comes back after seeing one of the best views in the Caribbean, it’s almost taken again at the sight of a private infinity pool. Soak with a cocktail, and take it all in. There’s no such thing as being completely inside. Everything is out in the open: the birds, the bed, and even the bathroom has no walls. But it’s all designed so the neighbors have no idea what you’re doing.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

No. 8: Guana Island (British Virgin Islands)

Only Here: Seven white-sand beaches, 850 acres of hills and forest and only 30 guests total.

Why It’s On This List: Seeing the BVI like this is usually only possible by private yacht. Here, the ground doesn’t bob around. It’s rare to stay on a private island like this and see so many beautiful plants and so much wildlife. You know you’re in the BVI when the beach barbecue and crab races get fired up.

See more, including updated rates..

No. 7: Hermitage Bay (Antigua)

Only Here: With the changing water colors and views of the sharp peaks of Nevis, St. Kitts and Montserrat in the distance, this could be the Caribbean’s sibling of Bora Bora.

Why It’s On This List: With 17 sea-view villas on the lush hillside and eight beachfront suites, there’s not a single bad room here. The interiors are open and wood-heavy, which we now see mimicked in villas across the region.

See the all-inclusive package on the resort’s website.

No. 6: Petit St. Vincent (St. Vincent and the Grenadines)

Only Here: Room service is called by raising a little yellow flag outside your secluded villa. The food is delivered via cute little Mini-Mokes.

Why It’s On This List: It takes most of a day to get here because the island is tucked near the uninhabited Tobago Cays, far from the outposts of St. Vincent or Grenada. Inside the villa (more of a stone cottage, actually), there is no TV or phone. It’s a true escape. Bring someone special to pass time.

See more and updated rates.

No. 5: Four Seasons Bora Bora (Tahiti)

Only Here: The plunge pool on the bungalow’s patio is practically close enough to Mount Otemanu to splash water on it.

Why It’s On This List: Most of the resorts with overwater bungalows charge everything a la carte. The Four Seasons runs seasonal, all-inclusive overwater-bungalow packages. The snorkeling off the private deck is always included.

Check the current rates.

No. 4: Lily Beach (Maldives)

Only Here: A calendar photo come to life, Lily Beach offers overwater bungalows on a small atoll in the amazing Indian Ocean waters.

Why It’s On This List: The seaplane landing on an island only the size of two football fields is enough to make this a dream trip. It only gets better with off-the-bungalow snorkeling, gourmet Indian cuisine and sunsets that will make a grown man cry.

See the all-inclusive rates.

No. 3: Likuliku Lagoon (Fiji)

Only Here: Living rooms with glass floors and bathrooms with full views of the dreamy lagoon—constant reminders this is South Pacific living.

Why It’s On This List: In Fiji classic homes are called “bures,” so that’s what the adults-only beachfront villas are called here. And because this is supposed to be an immersive cultural experience, resort staff will show you what home is like, and locals will ask to take you to church. Or they’ll be glad to make music right on the dock.

See resort rates.

No. 2: Qualia (Australia)

Only Here: Open a wall-sized patio door to a private plunge pool, eucalyptus trees and the endless Pacific Ocean. This is definitely Australia.

Why It’s On This List: People who live Down Under know about Qualia. It’s a dream destination for them, too. The island is within easy reach of the phenomenal beaches of the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.

See the all-inclusive package prices.

No. 1: Motu Teta (Tahiti)

Only Here: When we say “private island in Tahiti,” we don’t mean it’s someone’s private island with 15 villas built on it. Yes, this is someone’s island. He bought it as a family getaway. But, since he only uses it a few times a year, he decided to rent it out, complete with staff, house and everything people once imagined of Tahitian islands.

Why It’s On This List: Photographer Jon Whittle has stayed in nearly a dozen resort bungalows around the islands of Tahiti. He calls this experience unlike any other. “You get to live the local life. Go fish for good; hunt for lobsters at night; swim with the sharks. It’s the complete experience.” For one price, here’s the world’s best all-inclusive.

See how much it costs.

The post Best All-Inclusive Island Resorts Ever appeared first on Islands.

If you’re dreaming of living in the Caribbean, then you should consider these island paradises: the best Caribbean islands to live on.

Read more in our Ultimate Best Islands to Live On Guide. | See where the top Caribbean islands rank on our worldwide Top 20 Best Islands to Live On.

No. 10: Cayman Islands

The incredible water is the source of most jobs on the Cayman Islands. Obtaining a work permit can be a bit of an obstacle course, so planning ahead for a three-month wait is wise. The job market opens up in September, when tourist season is just ahead.

No. 9: St. Croix, USVI

This is one of the Islands editors’ favorite photos of what life in the U.S. Virgin Islands promises. Hanging out with new friends and families on a little unnamed beach in a quiet corner of St. Croix, having a sunset bonfire. That’s the island life.

No. 8: Culebra, Puerto Rico

Hard to believe an island this close to mainland Puerto Rico can be so pure and sparsely populated. It might be too small to uproot a family and replant here, but for retirees, singles, empty nesters, people buying a second home … Culebra is hard to beat.

No. 7: Bocas del Toro, Panama

The western Caribbean is a relatively newer frontier, and Bocas del Toro has proven to be a popular draw for expats. The Bocas island group has never had a recorded hurricane and the U.S. dollar is the national currency, The number of bikes and footpaths are evidence of the laid-back choice of transportation.

No. 6: Anguilla

North of the French West Indies and just east of Puerto Rico and the BVI, Anguilla isn’t as far removed as you might think. Not geographically. But culturally it’s a distant outpost. Something healthy is in the air, water and food, because people here are known to live long.

No. 5: St. Thomas, USVI

Corby Parfitt was once a marketing director cramped in a San Francisco cubicle. Now he and his family live on the USVI island closest to the mainland, St. Thomas, because of a unique offering: Home Depot. That store has been essential for Corby’s business, a real-estate company.

In one word we can tell you why people move here: water. It’s beyond amazing. The most populated of the Turks and Caicos is Providenciales (aka Provo). Residency and work permits are easy to navigate, and there are plenty of business opportunities. Eight airlines offer nonstop service from the States.

No. 3: Roatan, Honduras

Don’t be alarmed by the negative press about Central America or Honduras in particular. The mainland isn’t as bad as it’s made out to be, and besides, Roatan is far away from it all. Until recently, almost all expats came for the diving (the world’s second-biggest barrier reef is swimming distance from shore), but now they also come for the weather and the cost of living.

No. 2: Bahamas

Armed with a decent budget, the most dreamy move is out to the Exumas where island ownership is in vogue. But those looking to live in a more civilized area choose Nassau. There are more business ops on Nassau and it’s the only hub for ferry and floatplane service to nearby escapes.

No. 1: St. John, USVI

It seems to be among the final three options for most people considering a move to the Caribbean. Being a U.S. territory makes for an easier-than-most transition, yet St. John has a pure island lifestyle: lush hills, pocket beaches, sea breezes to compliment the ever-present sun. The airport is in St. Thomas, necessitating a ferry over to St. John and keeping this new home a bit less worn than its bigger sibling island.

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