Ok, sure it’s a little bit predictable but there really is nothing like breathtaking Bora Bora. It’s the island elysian you need after slogging it out these last couple of years, go on treat yourself. Come here for the beautiful landscapes, crystal clear lagoons, and abundant marine life.

The months of July - September have the least rainfall of the year, with warm tropical weather at average daily highs of 84°F, rarely falling below 82°F. This means the water temperature is at an average of around 81°F which makes it ideal for spending your days cruising around the lagoon spotting manta rays and snorkeling amongst colorful coral reefs. July - November is humpback whale season in French Polynesia, when the humpback whales come closer into the reef to give birth.

There is no shortage of luxury accommodation available, Four Seasons, St Regis, Conrad Bora Bora, and Le Meridien all have exceptional resort facilities on Motu’s surrounding the main island of Bora Bora offering opulent overwater bungalows and villas.

The main island has limited development, which is all part of its charm. We recommend spending your evenings sailing between hotels for your sunset cocktails and fine dining. For French fare with a Polynesian twist, we recommend the famous Lagoon Restaurant by Jean-Georges. Here you’ll be able to sip on vintage champagne and take in the golden sunset over Mount Onemana as sharks swim through crystal clear water beneath the glass floor below. Or share sushi with Victoria Secret models and tech moguls at Vaimiti restaurant at Four Seasons. Want something a little more barefoot luxury? Head to Tamure Beach grill at Conrad Bora Bora for a cultural show over native dishes using produce sourced from local farmers.

Must Do: Take a private helicopter around the sheer peaks of Mount Onemana, and explore the striking lagoon scenery from a unique vantage point.

It’s hard to narrow down which of Fiji’s 300 islands is the best, but after much deliberation, we’ve come to the conclusion that this summer’s must-visit Fijian island is Royal Davui.

Royal Davui is a private island, home to the exclusive Royal Davui Resort, an adults-only luxury retreat with only 16 cliffside villas. After being hit by a tropical cyclone in early 2020 and facing nationwide lockdown restrictions over 2021 the team at Royal Davui are excited to be back in full force, looking better than ever. They have renovated their pool and dive area, and have recently been nominated for the 2022 Conde Nast readers’ choice awards.

The island is famed for the tropical reef that surrounds it, which is a must-see for any dive or snorkeling enthusiasts. A colorful array of rare soft corals circle the island providing a home to scores of small sea creatures and species of tropical fish. There is a range of dive sites within 30 minutes, including shipwrecks, bull shark diving, and underwater caves. Water quality is pristine, offering unparalleled visibility straight out from the island’s white sandy shores.

For those looking for something a little more relaxing, there is a day spa and fitness center on-site and the resort offers many activities throughout the week including kava ceremonies, local village visits, cultural cooking classes, and hikes.

The villas also provide a tranquil setting for relaxation, set amongst the cliff and nestled in the jungle with sweeping views of Beqa Lagoon, you’ll be able to watch the waves rolling in from your private balcony pool as the trees sway in the breeze.

What really sets Royal Davui Island apart from the other islands of Fiji is that it feels like you’ve stumbled across a luxe version of the paradise from the movie, the beach. The island feels like utopia found, and each staff member is a uniquely talented part of a little community that pulls this special place together.

To quote Richard “I still believe in paradise. But now at least I know it's not some place you can look for. Because it's not where you go. It's how you feel for a moment in your life when you're a part of something. And if you find that moment, it lasts forever.”

Must Do: Get out in the water, the dive team can organize night dives or night snorkeling to see the reef in a whole new light. Come back and warm up with a Kava ceremony.

A vibrant, colorful Caribbean island with a unique limestone and coral terrain, Anguilla needs to be included on your summer holiday hit list. Forget the nearby island of St Barths this summer, instead, opt for a boat race around one of the 33 white sandy beaches of Anguilla.

Anguilla’s famous Boat Races are back just in time for your summer vacation. Festivities kick off on the 30th July, and run throughout the month of August including the South Valley street fair, Anguilla Summer Festival, daily boat races, beach parties, the Grand Parade of Troupes, and the inaugural Poker Run event. Hunt down your finest speedboat, and get out on the water to join in on the gaieties.

Anguillians know how to host a great event, so make sure you book a couple of weeks’ accommodation to leave plenty of time for post-party recovery. The high-end hotels in Anguilla will have you feeling like you’ve walked straight into a Slim Aarons with their old-money aesthetics. The Four Seasons had the interiors designed by Kelly Wearstler, Belmond Cap Juluca has LVMH furnishings with a Caribbean flair and the Malliouhana interiors are a masterclass in modern tropical glamour. You’ll want at least 7 days just to soak up all the stunning design.

Must Do: Whether you are there for the Poker Run, viewing it from a luxury super yacht or from your hotel balcony, you must see Meads Bay. It’s regularly voted one of the best beaches in the world and for good reason.

Found in a remote corner of the South Pacific Ocean is the remarkable island of Aitutaki. Aitutaki is part of the Cook Islands chain which was recently voted the #1 country in the world to visit by Lonely Planet.

Surrounded by an aquamarine lagoon, Aitutaki is one of the best places in the world for kitesurfing due to its calm conditions and year-round warm temperatures. May - October is the ideal time to go. Take a boat out to the globally renowned kitesurfing spot at Honeymoon island, you’ll be able to jump through the air over clear blue waters while seeing giant trevally and stingrays glide by.

Take a private cruise out to one-foot island for a picnic on pillowy soft sand amongst the swaying palms. On the way back we recommend you stop to see the enchanting giant clams with their zigzagging rainbow glow shimmering through the water. If you are lucky you’ll be followed around by the friendly local Napolean fish while you are there.

For accommodation, we recommend Pacific Aitutaki Resort with Polynesian luxury thatched-roof villas. As you enter the lobby Koi ponds provide a cool respite from the bordering humid jungles, tropical gardens cascade down the cliffs to the pools and frame the dining area. The local food on offer here is the best available on the island and they’ll whip up a nice margarita to match.

Must Do: Just relax. So remote and quiet, this island is the perfect place to indulge in the joy of doing absolutely nothing.

One of the lesser known islands of French Polynesia, Moorea has so much to offer. Often called Tahiti’s little sister, Moorea feels like worlds away from the main island even though it’s just a quick 30 minute ferry from Papeete port.

Dramatic cliffs and undulating hills make the island a scenic marvel. Here you’ll find villas and airbnb’s tucked into quiet hillsides blissfully enjoying the blue water vistas below. The overwater bungalows of Moorea are more relaxed and down-to-earth than the opulent multi-storied villas you’ll see in Bora Bora, and that’s exactly what the voyagers that come here like about it. We recommend the Sofitel Moorea for their overwater bungalows. Just don’t make the same mistake we did and snorkel your way back to someone else’s bungalow and find yourself rather embarrassed during your post swim shower.

Moorea has a teeming reef that locals work hard to preserve. One of our favourite local non-profits that keep this healthy reef thriving is the team at Coral Gardner, and if you come and visit you can adopt your own coral to commemorate the unforgettable times that were had. We recommend you come here now, adopt a coral and then come back in 5 years to see the beautiful progress the team at Coral Gardner has made helping this little guy grow.

Must Do: Pop champagne bottles and make friends at the Moorea Beach Club cafe.

For more tropical destination inspiration check out our guide to the 15 best beaches in the world.

Top 5 Luxury Islands To Visit For Summer 2023

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

2. Royal Davui Island,

Fiji

3. Anguilla, Caribbean Islands

4. Aitutaki, Cook Islands

5. Moorea, French Polynesia