Ask anyone for their dream holiday destination and there’s a good chance they’ll choose a tropical island. For many, just the mention of a vacation is enough to conjure up images of white sandy shores, crystal clear waters and swaying palm trees. But while the planet is home to a diverse array of idyllic archipelagos, finding the perfect suite or villa for your stay can be tricky.
To help, Elite Traveler has rounded up the most extravagant island suites, fresh from our annual Top Suites in the World list. From the lush tropical hillside of St Lucia to the tranquil bayside town of Savusavu in Fiji, we’ve chosen the most picturesque islands with luxurious accommodation to match.
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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, The Muraka
The whitewashed villa is reached via a private wooden jetty / ©Justin Nicholas
Kicking off our list of sumptuous suites is Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Set across two islands linked by a wooden footbridge, this immaculate resort in the Indian Ocean is the ideal setting for those looking to escape the crowds and experience a slice of paradise. The Muraka is by far the most opulent residence. Designed by local architect Ahmed Saleem, with New York firm Yuji Yamazaki, the whitewashed villa is reached via a private wooden jetty leading to the top floor, sun deck and infinity pool. Perhaps most impressive is the master bedroom. Located 16 feet below the ocean surface, the space has been designed with giant panes of curved glass so you can watch the tropical fish as you lie in bed.
[See also: A Luxury Guide to Island-Hopping in the Maldives]
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Jade Mountain, Galaxy Sanctuary
For the most breathtaking views of the Piti and Gros Piton Mountains, choose the Galaxy Sanctuary / ©Jade Mountain
Located within 600 acres of lush greenery in St Lucia, this stunning resort has been thoughtfully designed to blend in with the Caribbean landscape. Each of Jade Mountain’s unique suites is accessed by its own suspended sky bridge ensuring total privacy. For the most breathtaking views of the Piti and Gros Piton Mountains, choose the Galaxy Sanctuary. The lavish suite features soaring 15-ft ceilings, expansive living spaces, a wraparound terrace and a two-person chromotherapy whirlpool tub. There’s also a giant 900-sq-ft infinity pool – the perfect setting for sipping cocktails at sunset.
Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Alii Royal Suite
The binocular tripods for watching the spinner dolphins in Hulopoe Bay / ©Four Seasons Resort Lanai
On the smallest and least inhabited of Hawaii’s six islands lies the Four Seasons Resort Lanai. Scattered with waterfalls, sculpture gardens and pavilion-style buildings, this dreamy wellness enclave is the perfect spot for a relaxing break. Boasting panoramic ocean views, the aptly named Alii Royal Suite is the most exclusive of the properties on the island. Dotted with elegant artwork and bespoke furnishings, the 3,984-sq-ft suite features expansive open-plan living areas and three open-air lanais ideal for al fresco dining. On the balcony, you’ll find binocular tripods to watch the spinner dolphins jumping in the Hulopoe Bay marine sanctuary below.
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COMO Parrot Cay, Love Pumpkin
At the heart of the residence is an expansive terrace and open plan courtyard / ©Four Seasons Resort Lanai
Famed for its balmy weather and laid-back charm, Turks & Caicos in the Bahamas certainly ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to booking a dream vacation. Within this archipelago lies COMO Parrot Cay: a pristine 1,000-acre private island resort home to an array of tranquil beachfront villas. The best place for soaking up the sea views is Love Pumpkin. Just steps from the ocean this sprawling 10,525-sq-ft residence comprises a three-bedroom main house and an additional two-bedroom guest villa. At the heart of the residence is an expansive terrace, open plan courtyard and outdoor Balinese-style gazebo. Stepping foot inside, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of tranquility: think floor-to-ceiling windows, flowing linen drapes and handmade terrazzo floors.
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Presidential Villa
Effortlessly blending indoor and outdoor living, the property features a spacious walled garden / ©Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort
This luxurious resort is situated near the bayside town of Savusavu on the south coast of Fiji’s second-largest island. Named after legendary explorer and marine conservationist, Jean-Michel Cousteau, the eco-friendly retreat has an array of sustainability programs in place to protect the stunning natural environment, from preserving coral reefs and marine life to reforesting mangroves. The two-bedroom Presidential Villa is ideal for families, hosting up to five guests. Effortlessly blending indoor and outdoor living, the property features a spacious walled garden and terrace ideal for entertaining. Guests are treated to a spa treatment, nightly cocktails and hors d’oeuvres during their stay.
[See also: VOMO Island Fiji Reopens with New Beachfront Residences]
Song Saa Private Island, Royal Villa
The Royal Villa features an outdoor terrace dotted with daybeds / ©Song Saa Private Island
This tiny private island is located in Cambodia’s pristine Koh Rong archipelago, around 30 minutes by speedboat from the city of Sihanoukville. Dedicated to championing responsible luxury, a diverse range of humanitarian and conservation initiatives are in place including the establishment of a marine reserve to protect the surrounding ocean habitat. In keeping with the rest of the island’s properties, the Royal Villa has been designed using plenty of reclaimed materials. Set on its own bridge to ensure total privacy, the residence features an outdoor terrace dotted with daybeds, indoor and outdoor rain showers and giant sunken bathtubs. For larger gatherings, there’s dining space for 12 guests and a dedicated mojito-making station.
Nihi Sumba, The Owner’s Suite
Inspired by Sumbanese architecture, the villas feature thatched roofs and exposed wood-beamed ceilings / ©Nihi Sumba
This tranquil resort on the island of Sumba, 250 miles east of Bali, is something of a hidden gem. And while it isn’t easy to get here (you’ll need to take an hour’s flight from Bali’s Ngurah International airport followed by a 90-minute drive) the journey is certainly worth it. Home to 28 uniquely designed villas with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, the resort has an intimate, exclusive feel that belies its size. The enormous Owner’s Estate takes opulence to a new level. Comprised of three two-story villas, there’s plenty of space for the entire family. Inspired by Sumbanese architecture, the villas feature thatched roofs and exposed wood-beamed ceilings. Outdoor spaces take center stage with a giant sun deck, balcony and treetop platform. The resort is also home to the Sandalwood Stables giving equine lovers the chance to swim with horses or go for a sunset ride along the beach.
Fogo Island Inn, Flat Earth Suite
The 1,100-sq-ft Flat Earth Suite features double-height windows and locally made bespoke furniture / ©Fogo Island Inn
Finally, if you’re looking for something a bit different from your typical island retreat, the spectacular Fogo Island Inn is well worth a visit. Perched atop a rocky outcrop on a remote island off the northeast coast of New Foundland, Canada, the striking timber-clad hotel boasts breathtaking views of the North Atlantic. Guests can relax in the rooftop hot tubs, spot whales and even hope to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Mixing contemporary and traditional design, the 1,100-sq-ft Flat Earth Suite features double-height windows, hand-crafted quilts and locally made bespoke furniture. The wood-burning stove, soaker tub and underfloor heating make the residence extra cozy when returning from a bracing walk.
See all of our Top 100 Suites here.
[See also: The Best Private Island Resorts in the World]
