10 Luxury Islands Like Bora Bora Worth Visiting in 2025
Image credit: Overwater Bungalows in Moorea, French Polynesia - Ryan Galler
Moorea, French Polynesia
Located a short boat ride away from Tahiti, the island of Moorea offers similarly stunning views and a much less crowded atmosphere. Moorea is also home to French Polynesia’s world renowned overwater bungalows, including the beach front resorts Hilton and Sofitel. Additionally, the island is known for its deep blue lagoons, and crystal-clear waters, all set against jagged volcanic peaks and palm laden beaches.
Surrounded by a coral reef teeming with marine life, Moorea is an ideal destination for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. Must-do activities while staying on the island include swimming with reef sharks, exploring hidden motus by boat, or hiking inland trails that lead to panoramic lookout points like Belvedere. Ultimately, Moorea is a bit more laid-back than its high-end sister island of Bora Bora but still boasts jaw-dropping scenery and a strong sense of place.
Dining skews casual but flavorful, with locally caught fish, fresh fruit, and tropical cocktails served with a view. Here you’ll find day trips, food, and accommodation slightly more reasonable than Bora Bora too—an added perk that doesn’t compromise on quality or experience
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa
Where To Stay in Moorea:
For couples, we recommend staying at the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea resort in their overwater bungalows with views of the lagoon and mountains. Or try the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa, which offers direct access to the coral gardens below.
Image credit: Image 1: Xavier Coiffic Image 2 & 3: One & Only Le Saint Géran courtesy of Expedia
2. Mauritius
Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean, has long been described as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. With a blend of Indian, French, Creole, and Chinese cultures, the island has a unique history and architecture, from ancient volcanic mountains to colorful temples and cosmopolitan beach towns.
Mauritius is famous for its varied landscapes: rainforests with waterfalls, sugarcane fields, and dramatic coastlines. Coral reefs ring much of the island, creating tranquil turquoise lagoons perfect for swimming, sailing, and kite surfing. Some of the most photogenic beaches can be found on the northeast coast, while the south offers more rugged beauty and secluded coves. Though sunny most of the year, the best time to visit is during the dry season from May to December.
Port Louis, the bustling capital, blends colonial architecture with local markets and modern shopping centers. Beyond the city, the inland villages and botanical gardens reveal a quieter, more serene side of Mauritius. For travelers interested in wellness, the island also has an impressive roster of holistic retreats and Ayurvedic spas.
Where to stay in Mauritius
One&Only Le Saint Géran is a longtime icon that offers white-glove service, on a palm-lined private peninsula. The rooms and suites here are generous in scale, and the service feels both attentive and intuitive.
The Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius is a secluded resort with traditional thatched villas, impeccable service, and lush tropical gardens along Turtle Bay.
Soneva Jani Hotel in Maldives, image courtesy of Expedia
3. The Maldives
The Maldives is an archipelago composed of 26 atolls and over 1,000 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. Known for its ultra-clear waters, powdery white beaches, and kaleidoscopic coral reefs, it’s a destination that delivers pure escapism.
Whether you're a honeymooner looking for serenity or a diver chasing manta rays and whale sharks, the Maldives offers an exceptional spectrum of experiences. Resorts here range from minimalist eco-retreats to over-the-top luxury, with underwater restaurants, private plunge pools, and even personal butlers. Seaplanes and speedboats whisk guests from Malé to private island resorts, each offering its own flavor of paradise.
Where To Stay in The Maldives
A stay at Soneva Jani is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Known for its sustainably designed overwater villas, private waterslides, retractable roofs, and floating cinemas, it redefines barefoot luxury.
The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is another standout, offering bold architecture, modern interiors, and one of the most indulgent overwater spas in the region. Located on a secluded island in the Dhaalu Atoll, a seclued getaway that’s perfect for a honeymoon.
Image credit: Roman Ry
4. Taha’a, French Polynesia
Taha’a, often called the Vanilla Island, is rich in both scent and scenery. The island is a short boat ride from Raiatea and is known for its peaceful pace, flower-filled air, and old-world Polynesian charm. Surrounded by a spectacular lagoon, Taha’a offers unspoiled beauty and exceptional snorkeling right off its shores.
Coconut plantations, vanilla farms, and pearl farms give the island a sense of authentic industry and heritage. The underwater life around the coral gardens is vivid, and boat trips to nearby motus provide dreamy castaway experiences.
Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts hotel on the Island of Taha’a
Where To in Stay Taha’a:
Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts is a Relais & Châteaux property with just 58 suites and villas, including some of the most intimate overwater bungalows in French Polynesia. Its location on a private islet offers direct views of Bora Bora in the distance.
Image:Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts,courtesy of Expedia
5. Rangiroa, French Polynesia
Unlike the more polished Society Islands, Rangiroa offers a wilder, more remote version of Polynesia. As one of the largest atolls in the world, Rangiroa encircles a vast, fish-filled lagoon that feels more like an inland sea. Tiputa Pass and Avatoru Pass are famed for their drift diving, often with dolphins, sharks, and manta rays.
Rangiroa has a quiet energy, minimal development, few tourists, with the days activities dictated by the tides. It’s ideal for divers and ocean lovers who want proximity to raw nature without giving up creature comforts.
Where To Stay in Rangiroa:
Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts is the best option on Rangiroa, with iconic pink sand beaches, overwater bungalows, and a setting that feels blissfully off-grid. The resort emphasizes traditional polynesian craftsmanship materials, thoughtful details, and a strong connection to the land its located on.
Images: COMO Laucala Island, Fiji
6. Laucala Island, Fiji
Laucala Island has to be seen to be believed, online the property is so jaw-droppingly beautiful it’s hard to believe it’s real. This 3,500-acre private island in the Fijian archipelago golf courses set amongst lush jungle, coconut groves, and mountain side bures dropping into electric-blue water. Every inch of the island is picture-perfect, from the farm-to-table waterfront dining to the turquoise-tiled spa pavilions.
Guests can horseback ride on the beach, snorkel off coral reefs, or tour the island’s hydroponic farms. There’s even a DeepFlight personal submarine on site for underwater exploration. Despite the extravagance, Laucala maintains a sense of authenticity, celebrating Fijian culture through locally inspired architecture, incorporating traditional building techniques and craftsmanship throughout the resort.
Where To Stay in Fiji:
COMO Laucala Island Resort is the only place to stay on the island, with 25 uniquely designed bures. Each includes a private pool, lush garden, and expansive indoor-outdoor living areas.
Image Credit: Six Senses Zil Payson Resort in Seychelles, Courtesy of Expedia
7. Seychelles
Seychelles is a postcard-perfect Indian Ocean archipelago with lush jungle, rare wildlife, and some of the most beautiful beaches on Earth. Granite boulders frame coves with translucent water, and the interior islands offer hiking, birdwatching, and Creole culture.
The archipelago consists of 115 islands, each with its own unique beauty and offering something special for visitors. Offering complete seclusion and serenity, many of Seychelles' upscale resorts are located on their own private islands, including the famous Six Senses Zil Payson of Félicité Island.
Snorkel and dive in the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean or explore the wild jungles. Hike up to the breathtaking viewpoints in La Digue to see its unique limestone formations that line the shore from above.
North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort
Six Senses Zil Payson Resort in Seychelles
Where To Stay in Seychelles:
North Island is the choice for total privacy—favored by royals and celebrities alike. It’s rustic and refined, with barefoot luxury at its core.
Six Senses Zil Payson on Félicité Island offers bold design, clifftop villas, and close access to La Digue’s famous beaches.
Image: St. Regis Red Sea Resort, Ummahat Islands, Courtesy of Expedia
8. Ummahat Islands, Saudi Arabia
Off the coast of Saudi Arabia, the Ummahat Islands are being developed as part of the Red Sea Project—an ambitious plan to redefine luxury tourism in Saudi Arabia through sustainability and design. Here, futuristic architectural resorts surround untouched coral reefs and vast desert views.
Snorkeling and diving are world-class, and the region’s dry desert climate ensures consistently warm, sunny weather. Expect minimal light pollution and unrivaled stargazing.
Where To Stay in Ummahat Islands
St. Regis Red Sea Resort sits on its own private island, offering overwater and beachfront villas designed with a restrained, contemporary palette that doesn’t compete with the raw beauty of the surrounding reef and dunes. There’s a Jean-Georges restaurant on site, a floating spa, and butler service that actually anticipates what you want before you ask.
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is more secluded, more serene. The villas are built to face the horizon, with interiors inspired by Bedouin culture—think sand-toned textiles, carved wood accents, and curved architecture that mirrors the shoreline. Each comes with a private pool and telescope for stargazing. The on-site lab run by marine biologists makes this a destination for both quiet luxury and curious minds.
Image: Orpheus Island, Courtesy of Expedia
9. Orpheus Island, Australia
Tucked within the Great Barrier Reef marine park, Orpheus Island is only accessible by helicopter—a 30-minute flight from Townsville that sets the tone for what’s to come. The island is fringed with coral gardens and mangrove estuaries, ideal for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and guided marine expeditions.
The vibe is remote but relaxed, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and connection to the reef. Guests can join research station tours, take part in coral planting, or simply soak in the stillness of the surroundings.
Where To Stay on Orpheus Island
Orpheus Island Lodge is an all-inclusive, design-conscious retreat with just 14 rooms, suites, and villas. Each villa is pared back yet cozy, letting the view do most of the talking. The dining leans hyper-local (line-caught fish, tropical produce, reef-foraged garnishes), and the signature “Dining with the Tides” experience, a private candlelit dinner on the pier, is worth planning a night around.
Image: Aitutaki, Cook Islands
10. Aitutaki, The Cook Islands
Aitutaki’s main draw is its vast, dazzling lagoon, a patchwork of blues that looks surreal from the air. It’s laid-back but stunning, with a sleepy pace that invites true unwinding. You won’t find crowds or mega-resorts here, just soulful beauty and genuine hospitality.
Pacific Resort, Aitutaki
Where To Stay in Aitutaki
Pacific Resort Cook Islands in Aitutaki is the island’s top pick. Its beachfront villas and bungalows face the lagoon, and the design is tropical yet polished. Meals lean local and fresh, and the atmosphere is one of discreet, relaxed elegance.
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Paradise awaits - read our list of stunning tropical islands like Bora Bora that you need to visit in 2025.