12 Hidden Islands for a Perfect Tropical Escape 2024

Some of the links might be affiliate links and, at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission. See our disclaimer for more info.

It’s all very well taking off to a tropical paradise, but many of the planet’s most popular spots are hardly peaceful. If you want to uncover a real hidden gem, the good news is that plenty of idyllic tropical islands remain relatively undiscovered.

Just imagine. Islands rich in native wildlife and colorful coral reefs. Or how about sunset cruises, local restaurants serving the freshest seafood, or even UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserves?

It’s all out there, waiting for you to find it. So, at which of these paradisiacal spots will you first sink your toes into the sand?

Nikoi, Indonesia

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

Indonesia isn’t all about Bali. The tiny island of Nikoi is only a couple of hours by ferry and private transfer from Singapore and offers 15 hectares of unspoiled space. You’ll have to get off the grid as there’s—gasp—no internet, but you will have a wildlife refuge, water sports, massages, and 18 deluxe Indonesian villas at your disposal.

Denis Island, Seychelles

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

The wishbone-shaped private island of Denis is a glittering gem among the pearls of the Seychelles. It’s under 40 miles from Mahé, and a light aircraft ride will get you there. A stylish eco-retreat is the only accommodation option, and it offers activities including game fishing, canoeing, wildlife walks, sunset cruises, and unparalleled diving and snorkeling.

Tioman, Malaysia

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

Though lesser-known than other Malaysian islands, Tioman off Peninsular Malaysia’s east coast has much to offer. Namely unique ecology and geology, with the Juara Turtle Project on the east coast, wildlife-rich tropical rainforest, and abundant marine life. From colorful corals to the endemic Tioman walking catfish, there are things to see that you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.

Boipeba, Brazil

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

Boipeba Island is home to one of Brazil’s most beautiful coastal spots, Moreré Beach. According to UNESCO, the island is also a World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve. Private hopper flights can take you there from Salvador. Moreré Beach offers a relaxed, alternative vibe and natural pools to swim in.

Côn Đảo, Vietnam

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

Côn Đảo isn’t just one paradise island but an entire archipelago. Soft sandy beaches and the surrounding coral reefs are the island’s star attractions, making them a prime diving and snorkeling spot. In season, you can also see nesting sea turtles on the shore at Bảy Cạnh Island.

Mafia, Tanzania

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

It might sound like the sort of people that rumor has it live in Sicily, but Mafia is actually a small island close to Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania. This lesser-known answer to the African spice island offers perfect peace at Pole Pole Bungalows. Things to do include stretching out on your shady verandah to enjoy the silence, looking for marine life, visiting the sumptuous spa, and taking dhow trips to discover even more remote seaside spots.

Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

Saying that Gili Trawangan is the biggest and busiest of the three Indonesian Gili Islands might give the wrong impression. Even though it’s larger and more built-up than Gili Air and Gili Meno, it’s car-free and retains a time-warp feel. Scuba diving and snorkeling trips are popular, not least for the sunken ship at Wreck Point. Besides that, you can sunbathe, feast on fresh seafood, explore on foot and enjoy the laid-back, tropical island vibes.

Swaraj Dweep, India

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

Swaraj Dweep was previously known as Havelock Island and formed part of Ritchie’s Archipelago within the Andaman Islands. The islands are in the Bay of Bengal, off India’s east coast, and offer superb scuba diving and snorkeling. Away from the beaches and coral reefs, you can go wildlife-spotting in forests, which provide a habitat for the white-headed myna bird.

Song Saa, Cambodia

🏨 Book a stay on this private island here

Though many people visit Cambodia only for Angkor Wat, the southeast Asian country has hidden islands that can easily rival those neighboring Thailand. The private island of Song Saa in the Koh Rong archipelago is a fine example. As a luxury resort, it boasts overwater villas, an infinity pool, and an overwater restaurant. If you want to explore, pristine beaches and untouched rainforest await.

Bequia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

At only seven square miles, Bequia in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is perfectly sized for easy exploration. Though there are some hotels, the island is refreshingly free of big developments. Settle in, and you can enjoy a warm welcome, coastal paths that conveniently link other locations with the capital of Port Elizabeth, and casual eateries serving up freshly caught seafood.

Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

Koh Yao Noi in Phang Nga Bay is about as close to untouristed, traditional Thailand as you’re ever likely to get. Expect a thriving fishing community, with little local seaside restaurants cooking up the day’s catch. Base yourself by the beach, and you can take longtail boat trips out to sea to find sheltered coves and marine life or head inland to see coconut and rubber plantations, plus tumbling rice terraces.

Peanut Island, Florida

🏨 Explore all your hotel options here

Forget the Florida Keys if you want to dodge the tourist masses. Head instead to Peanut Island, which only exists due to dredging projects that took place here around a century ago. Today, family-friendly Peanut Island offers Cold War history at the Kennedy Bunker, swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports, including kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

Beach Destinations

12 Top Tropical Beaches To Escape to in May

12 Quaint US Harbor Towns for a Relaxing Seaside Vacation