The beautiful South Pacific region is characterized by endless tropical scenery: gradient aquamarine waters, pristine sandy beaches, and ever-blue skies spotted with delicate white clouds. Lush greenery and swaying palms border the bleached sands of the South Pacific, creating a tropical paradise that's truly unlike any other area in the world. There's no doubt about it: it's a paradise. It'll come as no surprise then that this area of the world is home to more resorts than most places on the planet. But navigating paradise can be tough — just ask the guy who mapped it out — and locating a resort with all the qualities and characteristics you desire can make all the difference in finding, well, your own little slice of paradise. From jungle retreats to dazzling beach getaways, here are the top five luxury resorts for every type of traveler.
#1 Blue Karma Resort Ubud, Bali
Located in the Instagram paradise of Bali, Blue Karma Resort Ubud claims its somewhere “between heaven and Earth.” We’ll go ahead and tell you it’s a little closer to heaven than it is to Earth. Designed with holistic principles in mind, Blue Karma Resort Ubud hosts a series of luxury wellness programs — yoga retreats, specialty Balinese massages, and waterfall excursions — to allow its guests to recharge and renew their spirits. Nestled at the base of the jungle along stunning rice paddies, the highlight of this resort is undoubtedly the Karma Yoga pagoda. This multi-tiered temple is intricately designed to mimic traditional Buddhist temples and is the tranquil setting for nearly all of the resort’s yoga and meditation programs. With numerous activities and plenty of ways for guests to recharge — both inside and out — Blue Karma Resort Ubud is the perfect all-inclusive resort for the seeker in need of a revitalizing escape.
#2 Four Seasons, Bora Bora
Voted “Most Epic Stay Hotel in the World,” the Four Seasons Bora Bora is an extraordinary tropical bungalow oasis in French Polynesia. Nestled on sand-fringed islets on an outer coral reef that encloses a lagoon, its bungalows feature some of the best views in the South Pacific. Perfect for couples and families alike, the property features an infinity pool and children’s splash pad, relaxation lounges and complimentary water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, jet boarding, kite surfing, and parasailng. Guests can even gain exclusive access into the Lagoon Sanctuary with a marine life expedition. The tour, guided by a marine biologist, is designed so that guests can experience the sounds and sights of underwater reef life. If you’re dreaming of an on-the-water getaway, the Four Seasons Bora Bora is for you.
#3 Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa, Cook Islands
Named after the sea explorer who helped to chart and — quite literally — put them on the map, the Cook Islands have become a haven for modern-day wayward explorers. But for those explorers that prefer their adventure with a side of luxe, Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa is a welcome sight.This retreat resort has struck the perfect balance between outdoor adventure and luxurious spa treatments, offering insatiable beachfront villas complete with private pools and white sandy beach views. Day trips are offered to Aitutaki, one of the natural wonders of the world, while its award-winning Waterfall Spa Facility features a Vichy shower and unique beauty and spa treatments to accentuate its unique setting. Decorated with tropical waterfalls, ornate courtyards and ornamental gardens, Rumours Luxury Villas and Spa will grant ultimate rejuvenation, all while staying synced with the beautiful nature that makes it so unique.
#4 Castaway Island, Fiji
Inspired by the now-famous movie, Cast Away, featuring Tom Hanks, Castaway Island is nestled on its very own private island in the heart of Fiji’s Mamanuca Island family. Only accessible by boat, this balmy hideaway includes nearly 174 acres of dense tropical rainforests, secluded sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs and aquamarine waters. A resort of contrasts, Castaway Island is a holistic mix between luxury and leisure. Friendly staff and hospitable service combined with exclusive thatched bungalows offering picturesque beachfront views and a variety of amenities designed to please any taste make for an exclusive resort experience create a unique experience few resorts can dream of replication. The resort even offers island hopping and shell market excursions, as well as a Modriki tour to where the real Cast Away movie was filmed, complete with a champagne brunch, snorkeling and sights tour. If you've dreamed of escaping it all — but don't want to give up a few of today's modern luxuries — Castaway Island is for you.
#5 Bedarra Island Resort, Queensland
Bedarra Island Resort is perhaps not a destination you travel to, but one that you completely disappear to. It's somewhat off the map compared to other resorts — and we mean that both literally and figuratively. Bedarra Island Resort is quite low key. Though just six miles from the Mission Beach, Queensland, this island oasis is tucked away deep in a tropical rainforest, so much so that its retreats are completely engulfed in greenery. Secluded villas nestled amongst vast rainforest lands create a pristine atmosphere for ultimate relaxation, while the resort boasts unparalleled views of the Great Barrier Reef. 180-degree views of the ocean front can be seen almost everywhere, even from the comfort of your own bed. In addition to outdoor showers and cozy lounges overlooking the lagoon, the resort offers a luxury saltwater pool and spa, and for active travelers, Bedarra has sea kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, fishing, and interactive rainforest excursions. The best part about this resort is that visitors are encourage to truly embrace the landscape. If your idea of paradise is falling off the grid, we have a feeling you'll never want to leave Bedarra Island Resort.