<p>Kiss the clock goodbye in one of 89 villas—most built over the pristine lagoon—at the <a href="https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bobxr-the-st-regis-bora-bora-resort/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2" target="_blank">St. Regis Bora Bora</a>. Kayak, sail, or simply chaise-lounge with views of Mount Otemanu. Butler service, a restaurant menu by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and traditional <i>taurumi </i>massages round out the relaxation.</p>

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Kiss the clock goodbye in one of 89 villas—most built over the pristine lagoon—at the St. Regis Bora Bora. Kayak, sail, or simply chaise-lounge with views of Mount Otemanu. Butler service, a restaurant menu by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and traditional taurumi massages round out the relaxation.

Photograph by Douglas Peebles, Getty Images

Visit the world's best island escapes

Dine in a candlelit grotto, dive with manta rays, or lie back for a waterside massage

The sea in all its styles, from big-wave drama to lapping lagoon, sets the scene at the world’s most spectacular island resorts. Whether guests arrive by boat or by plane, an island escape affords a remove that a mainland property can’t mimic. Untethered and unbound, isles from the tropics to the Arctic compel adventurers and sunseekers drawn by the dream of downtime. Here are 21 of our favorite island resorts, from Caribbean idylls that have bounded back after the 2017 hurricane season to eco-retreats in Africa.

Book your next trip with Peace of Mind
Search Trips
This article originally appeared in the December 2018/January 2019 issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine. This version was updated on March 26, 2019.
Chicago freelancer Elaine Glusac writes about travel and food. Follow her on Twitter @ElaineGlusac and Instagram @eglusac.

Read This Next

10 of the best hotels in Bali, Indonesia's spiritual island
10 best things to do in North Carolina
Canada's greatest natural wonders: what not to miss

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet