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Top luxury island resort destinations in Asia

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Maldives
Coral atolls, lagoons and overwater villas
9.2
The first resort, Kurumba, welcomed guests on 3 October 1972. By 2007 the country had 92 resorts across 1,192 coral islands in 26 atolls. Many resorts take over a whole island and guests arrive by seaplane. The highest natural point is only 2.4 metres above the sea.
Highlights:
  • 🌌 Watch a glowing beach at night on Vaadhoo Island
  • 🦈 Snorkel with reef sharks and manta rays at Hanifaru Bay
  • 🏝️ Stay in an overwater villa surrounded by turquoise lagoon
Bali
Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure
8.2
The Subak irrigation system won UNESCO World Heritage status in 2012 and shapes the rice terraces around Ubud. Mount Agung rises 9,944 feet as the island's highest peak. Villas with private pools and spas cluster around Ubud and the south coast. Balinese Hinduism guides daily life.
Highlights:
  • ⛪ Visit Uluwatu Temple perched high on a seaside cliff
  • 💦 Swim beneath the cascading Tegenungan Waterfall
  • 🌋 Watch the sunrise over Mount Batur volcano
Canggu
Sunset beaches and vibrant surf culture
8.7
Longboard waves roll in along a 6 mile beach with nine tourist beaches such as Echo and Batu Bolong. Villas and beach clubs have replaced many rice fields. Jalan Raya Canggu is often jammed with traffic. Water quality at Batu Bolong has tested poorly in the past, so check conditions.
Highlights:
  • 🌾 Explore rice terraces from Tanah Lot viewpoint
  • 🎨 Stroll through Canggu's vibrant street art murals
  • 🏄‍♂️ Surf sunrise waves at Echo Beach
Phuket
Beaches, Culture and Nightlife
8.1
The Big Buddha, about 148 feet tall, overlooks Chalong Bay. Thailand's largest island covers 210 square miles and connects to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge. Karon and Kata have quieter sand than busy Patong. Old Phuket Town has Sino-Portuguese architecture, with cafes and boutiques in restored shophouses.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Explore colorful streets of Phuket Old Town
  • 🗿 Climb to the serene Big Buddha viewpoint
  • 🏖️ Relax on Patong Beach and enjoy vibrant nightlife
Ko Samui
Tropical Vibes and Relaxed Luxury
7.4
In the Gulf of Thailand, Thailand's second-largest island covers 88 square miles. Samui Airport opened in 1989 and Bangkok Airways has long run flights there. Bophut's Fisherman's Village hosts a lively night market. Day-trip boats reach Ang Thong Marine Park, about 44 islands to the west.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Chaweng Beach
  • 🚤 Explore Ang Thong National Marine Park by boat
  • 🕉️ Visit the iconic Big Buddha Temple at Wat Phra Yai
Langkawi Island
Tropical Beaches, Rainforests and Sunsets
7.9
Teluk Datai holds the island's oldest exposed rock formation. UNESCO named Langkawi a World Geopark on 1 June 2007. Luxury resorts tuck into the rainforest around the bay. The Langkawi Sky Bridge reopened in February 2015. Kilim Karst Geoforest Park has about 6 miles of mangrove and limestone caves.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Take a mangrove boat tour through Kilim Geoforest Park
  • 🏖️ Relax on the white sands of Pantai Cenang Beach
  • 🌉 Ride the Langkawi SkyCab and cross the curved Sky Bridge
Palawan
Paradise of Lagoons and Limestone Cliffs
8.2
At about 280 miles long, this island is more than twice as long as Long Island. National Geographic Traveler named it the leading island destination in East and Southeast Asia in 2007. Pamalican Island has an airstrip serving the Amanpulo resort. Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, created in 1993, teems with marine life.
Highlights:
  • 🏝️ Go island hopping around the turquoise waters of Coron Bay
  • 🛶 Explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • ⛵ Sail through the limestone cliffs and lagoons of El Nido
Okinawa Island
Reef beaches and Ryukyu Kingdom heritage
8.4
With 34.7 centenarians per 100,000 people as of 2002, the island is one of the world's Blue Zones. The Ryukyu Kingdom was founded in 1429 with its capital at Shuri Castle. Beach resorts front Manza and Moon Beach. Ferries from Naha's Tomari Port reach the Kerama islands.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on white sands of Emerald and Zanpa Beaches
  • 🏯 Explore historic Shuri Castle, former Ryukyu Kingdom palace
  • 🐋 Visit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, home to whale sharks
Boracay
Powdery white sands and turquoise waters
7.8
The government closed the island for six months from 26 April 2018 to repair its sewage system. It reopened that October. Upscale resorts now line the 2.5 mile White Beach. Bulabog Beach on the east side is the main spot for kiteboarding. Mount Luho gives views from 302 feet.
Highlights:
  • 🛥️ Explore the caves of Crystal Cove Island by boat
  • ⛵ Watch breathtaking sunsets from a paraw sailboat
  • 🏖️ Relax on the famous White Beach’s powdery sand
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