Top luxury island resort destinations in Oceania
Top luxury island resort destinations in Oceania
Oceania is home to some of the most photographed luxury islands anywhere, built around clear lagoons, private resorts and a level of remoteness that is often the whole point.
French Polynesia remains the region's most iconic destination, with Bora Bora and Moorea known worldwide for overwater bungalows set above turquoise water. Fiji offers a similar style at a range of price points, from large resort islands to smaller private ones like Wakaya, reachable only by boat or seaplane. Australia adds its own high end islands too, including Lord Howe Island, which caps visitor numbers to protect its reef, and the Whitsundays, where resorts sit within easy reach of the Great Barrier Reef. Distance from a major airport usually decides both the price and the level of privacy on offer.
The destinations on our list for Oceania reflect that same range, from classic overwater luxury to quieter, harder to reach island escapes.
Lists by region
Island in French Polynesia
Bora Bora
Turquoise Lagoons, Overwater Dreams
Hotel Bora Bora opened in 1961 and stilted bungalows over the lagoon followed nine years later. Overwater bungalows are now standard at most resorts. A barrier reef with a single opening, the Teavanui Passage, encloses the lagoon. Mount Otemanu rises 2,385 feet above it. The St. Regis occupies Motu Marfo, an artificial island.
Overseas Territory in France
French Polynesia
Paradise of Crystal Clear Lagoons
Five archipelagos make up the territory, from the Society Islands to the Tuamotus with about 80 atolls. The Brando resort on Tetiaroa atoll is described as 100 percent energy independent. Rangiroa and Fakarava are noted diving destinations. Tahitian black pearls accounted for 55 percent of export value in 2008.
Island
Tahiti
Sun‑kissed lagoons and volcanic horizons
The InterContinental Tahiti Resort and Spa is billed as the largest luxury resort on the island. It lies five minutes from the airport with views of Moorea. The 2024 Olympic surfing competition took place on Tahiti. Mount Orohena rises 7,352 feet. The southeastern half of Tahiti Iti is reachable only by boat or on foot.
Bay in New Zealand
Bay of Islands
Sunlit coves echo with ancient legends
A drowned valley system holds 144 islands off the Northland coast. Big game fishing here became known internationally after Zane Grey publicised it in the 1930s. Eagles Nest at Russell offers five ultra modern villas with a resident personal chef. Paroa Bay Winery adds cottages where a personal chef prepares up to three courses daily.
Island in Australia
Lord Howe Island
Secluded paradise with crystal reefs and cliffs
Visitors are capped at 400 at any one time on an island of about 445 residents. Capella Lodge offers nine suites with a wet edge pool and spa on Lagoon Beach. Cycling is the main way to get around. There is no mobile phone coverage. UNESCO listed the island group in 1982.
Country
Fiji
Tropical paradise with diverse landscapes
Laucala Island Resort offers 25 bures on Taveuni's northeast coast, about a 45 minute private flight from Nadi. Its 18 hole course was designed by David McLay Kidd. Royal Davui in Beqa Lagoon has 16 villas with plunge pools on a tiny private island. Yasawa Island Resort has 18 bures and ten beaches for guests.
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