Top 5 Island Getaways

Sometimes you just need to pack up your bags and jet off to a beautiful island. Winter is in full swing and the dreary grey outside most likely has you pining for sunshine. A tropical island adorned with lush nature and pristine beaches would solve all of your winter blues. But, where is one to go for such things?

Let me transport you to some of the best paradise islands on the planet. Whether you want wildlife or nightlife, it’s time to find your perfect island getaway.

Tioman Island, Malaysia

Often over shadowed in favour of the Langkawi archipelago, Tioman Island is the tropical paradise you’ve been dreaming about. To travel to the island you will need to hop in a boat at Mersing in mainland Malaysia. From there you will cross crystal clear water until you reach the island. As the boat gets closer to Tioman Island, the verdant vegetation will appear in full force. Finally you will disembark on to golden sand, surrounded by mysterious jungle. If you want to disconnect from the world and immerse yourself in paradise then this is the place to be.

Easter Island, Chile

Steeped in history, Easter Island sits in the Pacific Ocean, around 3,500km from mainland Chile. It is far from the most accessible place on earth but that doesn’t stop people from all over the world making travel plans to visit it. Easter Island is famed for its collection of Moai that can be found all over the island. Moai are the giant stone heads that you have probably seen photos of. To this day these statues still baffle historians and anthropologists alike. The island offers plenty of hiking opportunities as well as a beautiful beach for when the weather is good.

Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai, aptly nicknamed the Garden Island, is a formidable example of just how astonishing nature can be. Lush valleys are punctuated by crashing waterfalls and fringed with beautiful beaches. Active visitors to this island can easily spend their day partaking in adventure activities, such as ziplining or kayaking, or hiking around the island’s various crags and cliffs. For those who would rather relax, there is a fantastic selection of beaches to doze on.

Koh Tao, Thailand

Predominantly known for its fantastic scuba diving opportunities, Koh Tao is one of Thailand’s more peaceful islands. You won’t find raging full moon parties here but you will find a few bars where you can settle down with friends and a few bottles of Chang. If you aren’t interested in diving or would simply rather keep your feet on terra firma then you can spend the day exploring the island on foot.

Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

Not too far from Bali is a little archipelago called the Gili Islands. Most popular of these is the legendary Gili Trawangan – or Gili T as it is known for short. Not only is this beach the definition of paradise island but it can also get pretty lively in the evenings. The typical day on Gili T consists of splashing around in the impossibly turquoise sea; soaking up the sun on the powder white beach; and then hitting up the food market for some freshly caught seafood.