Here in the blog Royal Holiday cruises, we have talked about beautiful and magical islands before. These wonderful places hold certain allure for tourist; maybe is the fact that they are literally disconnected from the rest of the world and rest peacefully surrounded by the sea. Islands are attractive also because the lifestyle they inspire, the fact that time seems to run slower while you are there watching they sun go down and the air smells sweeter and inspire you to forget about the world and leave everything else behind.
Here we have a popular list according to Tripadvisor of the best islands to visit around the world in 2016. Check out our deals in these and more destinations for hotels and cruise lines that can take you there.
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Bora Bora, Society Islands
Bora Bora is a small South Pacific island northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia. The island is surrounded by small islets and a turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef that makes is a popular destination for scuba diving. Bora Bora is great for relaxing, exploring, being active and experiencing great traditional dishes and cocktails.
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Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is mountainous island in the Andaman Sea, home to some of Thailand’s most popular beaches and rainforest. The island is home to many high-end seaside resorts, spas and restaurants. Phuket is truly the face of Thailand and it represents everything that is beautiful and famous about the region. Water sports are extremely popular and found everywhere in the island. Facing away from the ocean and exploring the inside of Phuket’s forests will not disappoint.
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Mauritius, Africa
Mauritius is a volcanic island nation in the Indian Ocean, is known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs. Mauritius was the only known habitat of the famous and extinct dodo. Deep-sea fishing and luxury leisure are common in Mauritius. The island is considered the wealthiest territory in Africa.
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Majorca, Balearic Islands
Mallorca is one of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, known for its beach resorts and sheltered coves, mountains and Roman and Moorish ruins. The Copa del Rey regatta is hosted in Palma, the capital of Majorca. The Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival is hosted at the Teatro Principal in Palma de Mallorca. This is fastest growing Mediterranean film festival and has occurred annually since 2011.
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Bali, Indonesia
Bali is an island and province of Indonesia that includes the island of Bali and a few smaller neighboring islands, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. The island is known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. The sighs are unreal and seem as if they were taken from a post card. The culinary diversity makes Bali one of the most unforgettable places in the world to visit and experience.
Image courtesy of Michael Dawes at Flickr.com
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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Providenciales, or “Provo” is an island in the northwest Caicos Islands, part of the Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory. The island is surrounded by beautiful white sand beaches, and has been ranked “Best Beach” by Conde’ Nast magazine and by the World Travel Awards for several years in a row. Provo offers all modern conveniences, including luxurious hotels, villas and condos, numerous restaurants, spas and shopping facilities and an amazing golf course.
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Jamaica
Jamaica is an island country situated in the Caribbean Sea, consisting of the third-largest island of the Greater Antilles. The island is known for its music, the amazing food that sets it apart from other Caribbean islands and the abundance of flora and fauna available to the delight of all visitors. Jamaica’s forests are perfect for hiking and bird watching, making a prime destination for those who like sports and getting in touch with nature.
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Santorini, Cyclades
This southern Aegean island is the largest island of a small, circular archipelago that bears the same name and is the remnant of a volcanic caldera. Santorini is what remains after a huge volcanic explosion destroyed early settlements that were all part of a large single island. The traditional architecture as well as the small but flourishing wine industry, attracts thousands of visitors who want to see first-hand one of the most beautiful destinations in the entire world.
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Maui, Hawaii
Maui is an island in the mid-Pacific, the second largest in Hawaiian island chain and known for its beach resorts, diverse geography and outdoor activities. The big tourist spots in Maui include the Hāna Highway, Haleakalā National Park, Iao Valley, and Lahaina. Time feels like it stands still at the Hawaiian village of Keanae, definitely worth visiting. The place is paradise for nature lovers and those into extreme water sports alike. No other island in the world combines so well every aspects of what it means to be in a true island paradise.