7 Under-the-Radar Islands We’re Dreaming About Now

We may be confined to our homes at present, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to stop daydreaming about traveling

Mandarin Oriental Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Less famous than St. Barts and Mustique, the Caribbean island of Canouan is getting ready for its closeup. For now it’s got just one five-star luxury resort—the Mandarin Oriental Canouan—and a collection of residences valued at $10 million and up. Since taking over the old Pink Sands Club, the Mandarin Oriental has added a handful of sleek new villas that can be purchased freehold. There’s a new 120-slip marina and rumor has it there’s a Soho House and an Aman hotel coming to the island, which would certainly boost Canouan’s reputation. This is one island we’re keeping close tabs on.

 Cape Kudu Hotel on Koh Yao Noi, Thailand. A 20-minute speedboat ride from bustling Phuket lies the much quieter Thai island of Koh Yao Noi. What it lacks in nightlife it makes up for in gorgeous beaches, amazing sunsets, and local charm. You’ll want to stay at the Cape Kudu Hotel, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World with a breezy seaside design, a lovely restaurant that serves delicious Thai food, and a fantastic staff that can arrange anything from cooking lessons to and island-hopping excursion aboard a traditional longtail boat.

Sipan, one of the Elaphiti Islands, Croatia. Off the coast of Dubrovnik lies this archipelago of six small islands worth exploring on your next visit to Croatia. Though there is ferry service available, the best way to discover them is to charter a catamaran for a day trip from Dubrovnik. You’ll set sail on the turquoise Adriatic Sea, stopping to swim and snorkel in the cool water. Drop anchor at the island of Sipan for lunch at Bowa, a restaurant comprising a series of treehouse-like pavilions on stilts above the water. After a day at sea, you’ll want to retreat to the comfort of your suite at the ultra-chic Hotel Excelsior, the recently renovated Hotel Bellevue, or the intimate Villa Orsula, all of which are part of Adriatic Luxury Hotels, which runs 12 hotels in Croatia.

Ponza. Italy. Surely you know about Capri—and maybe have been there—but what about Ponza? This alternative to Italy’s more famous islands has the same beautiful beaches, hidden coves, and winding roads leading up to panoramic viewpoints, but without the crowds and the sky-high prices. There aren’t any five-star hotels on the island, but the Hotel Chiaia di Luna has plenty of seaside charm, with hand-painted tile floors and a terrace overlooking the port. The island is a favorite vacation spot for Romans. Spend your time as they do, boating around searching for the best hidden coves, sunbathing, and indulging in fresh pasta and seafood at restaurants like L’Aragosta.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam. Travelers to Vietnam typically visit cities like Hanoi and Hoi An, and perhaps the famous Ha Long Bay, but it might be worth adding the island of Phu Quoc to your itinerary. Off the country’s southern coast, the island boasts pristine beaches, authentic local culture, and a destination resort designed by Bangkok-based Bill Bensley. For the ambitious JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, Bensley invented the story of a French colonial-era university that was dusted off and renovated to become the beachfront resort. Every building adheres to the theme, from the Department of Chemistry—where creative cocktails are served—to the Department of Architecture, where rooms are adorned with black-and-white photographs of columns and pilasters.

Valletta, Malta. This island nation stole the spotlight in 2018 when it was designated a European Capital of Culture. The country actually comprises three inhabited islands: the main island of Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Visit Malta for its historic palaces and churches and spend some time wandering the well-preserved streets of Valletta lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. Gozo boasts hidden swimming holes, beautiful beaches, and salt pans. On Comino, you’ll find the Blue Lagoon, where the eye-popping turquoise water glistens in the sun. You can day trip to the latter two islands while staying on Malta, at the Phoenicia Malta—a member of Leading Hotels of the World favored by Queen Elizabeth II—or at the Corinthia Palace Malta, which will soon unveil its elegantly renovated spa.

Guana Island, British Virgin Islands. If you harbor fantasies of being a castaway on a deserted island, Guana Island in the British Virgin Islands is the place for you. It’s less developed than Tortola and Virgin Gorda (home to the recently reopened Rosewood Little Dix Bay), making it perfect for a respite from everything that’s going on in the world. There’s a collection of luxuriously simple rooms and villas to rent on the island, but the best way to experience it is by chartering a yacht with the Moorings—a company favored by experienced sailors since 1969—and explore several islands over the course of a few days.