Although stay-at-home mandates, travel restrictions, and social distancing have become the new normal, the world will travel again. Thankfully, travel dreams are immune to any virus and can give us something exciting to look forward to in a time of ongoing frustration. If you find yourself daydreaming about luxury island resorts and white sand beaches, use this guide as a source of inspiration for your post-coronavirus adventures. Get your wanderlust wheels spinning for when you can finally pull the trigger on booking a much-needed tropical island escape.
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, Maldives
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, Maldives
It doesn’t get much more remote than Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, a picture-perfect paradise set in the Indian Ocean on two private islands. It’s like stepping into a postcard at this lavish island retreat set on the southern tip of the Maldives archipelago, which offers luxurious beachfront and overwater villas with brilliantly blue water views and extravagant amenities such as private pools and butler services. Meet a dazzling array of colorful marine life on a snorkeling or diving excursion, take in the scenery from the resort’s outdoor pool or visit the spa center for lagoon views and pampering massages. When it’s time for dinner, dig your toes in the sand at Firepit, a beachfront restaurant that showcases the ancient art of cooking over a flame with barbecue specialties. With perks like these, it’s easy to forget the world beyond the horizon.
The Sankara Hotel & Spa, Japan
The Sankara Hotel & Spa, Japan
Located on the subtropical island of Yakushima in Japan, The Sankara Hotel & Spa offers a tranquil getaway nestled in the island’s ancient rainforest. You can leave your worries behind when staying at this luxury retreat, where you will be awakened from your dreams by morning bird songs in the subtropical forests. The centerpiece of the hotel is the inviting rooftop pool, where you can kick back and enjoy the views with a cocktail in hand, as well as the swanky spa that offers an extensive menu of blissful body treatments. On-site dining is highlighted by regional cuisines made with ingredients found on the island, while palatial villas boast ocean views, outdoor baths and spa rooms.
Ladera Resort, St. Lucia
Ladera Resort, St. Lucia
Escaping to the Caribbean islands is always a good idea, and Ladera Resort in St. Lucia is one of the best. Perched 1,100 feet above the sea, the resort is famous for its jaw-dropping island views and is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The luxurious suites feature an “open wall” that faces the Pitons and the Caribbean Sea, along with private heated swimming pools and butler services. Visit the posh Spa at Ladera for therapeutic massages paired with majestic mountain and rainforest views, then dine on field-to-table cuisine at the resort’s signature restaurant Dasheene. St. Lucia is a feast for the senses, so it would be a shame if you didn’t take advantage of the stunning scenery with a rainforest tour or sailing trip to Marigot Marina, which allows time for snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Anse Cochon.
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua In Maui, Hawaii
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua In Maui, Hawaii
The island of Maui, in the Hawaiian archipelago, is a nature lover’s paradise with golden beaches, lush rainforests and scenic drives, which means it’s the perfect setting for a post-coronavirus escape. You’ll have easy access to some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the world on the at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, which sits on 54 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s easy to see why this is a top escape for those looking to unwind, as it boasts a luxury spa, lagoon-style pool and multiple dining options, as well as two championship golf courses, tennis facilities and family-friendly amenities. There’s also sailing, kayaking and whale watching excursions available, as well as helicopter tours offering epic bird’s eye views of this lush paradise. You can also enjoy the ocean views in one of the ultra-luxe Oceanfront Suites, which boasts two spacious lanais balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows and a deep soaking tub. What more do you need?
Azulik Resort, Tulum, Mexico
Azulik Resort, Tulum, Mexico
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Tulum is a coveted beach destination for luxury travelers in Mexico. To truly get off-the-grid, stay at Azulik Resort, an adults-only oasis and peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the Mayan jungle. Its collection of unique villas is designed to create an atmosphere of rest and offer you a chance to reconnect with nature. With rustic-chic vibes, the thatched-roof and electricity-free villas come with private beach access, sea-facing hot tubs and butler services. The unique architecture is fused with contemporary art, particularly at the on-site restaurant where avant-garde cuisine is served in a treehouse with private floating nests overlooking the jungle. Holistic wellness is the focus at the exclusive seaside spa, which features traditional Mayan steam baths and sacred ceremonies. With nature as its main amenity, Azulik is a must-visit for jet setters who want to get away from it all. ■
