Latest news with #islandescape
Telegraph
17-07-2025
- Telegraph
Exuberant luxury abounds in these adult-only Caribbean resorts
If you and your partner are yearning for a luxurious island escape, with all the bells and whistles included, these unique Royalton Resorts are your golden ticket to totally tropical bliss. The hotelier's two exuberant properties on the islands of Antigua and St Lucia deliver peak experiences across the spectrum – from romance to adventure – while instantly making your dreams of castaway-style travels a sand-in-toes reality. Booking your adventure with British Airways Holidays couldn't be any more convenient: this most trusted tour operator flies you direct from the UK to these celebrated islands. Plus, the All-In Luxury offered at each property listed here means your stay is as seamless and hassle-free as it gets. British Airways Holidays offers Atol protection from the moment you book, plus the option of low deposits and flexible payments, allowing you to pay for your holiday in as many instalments as you like*. And all British Airways Holidays customers have access to a dedicated 24/7 holiday helpline. So the only question left to answer is, where should you stay? Hideaway at Royalton Saint Lucia, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only With its verdant landscape and cone-shaped Piton Mountains, St Lucia is serene and dramatic in equal measure, with a myriad of ways in which to indulge and relax. Rainforest canopies tower around natural sulphur springs, and stunning bijou coves – like the one this property rests on – punctuate an enchantingly beautiful coastline. At Royalton's namesake hideaway, swaying palms set a tropical and romantic scene between beachfront cabanas and capacious pools. A Royalton FIT service comprises a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and its instructor-led courses will keep you energised in paradise. And when it's time to bask in the sun, waiters are on hand – across all areas – to cater to your every whim. You have a range of bars to choose from, including a swim-up Chill Pool Bar serving refreshing beers, and the ocean-facing Aquarius stocked with premium spirits. The gastronomy across the resort's chic dining spots spans ceviche and seafood at the exclusive Dorado restaurant to gourmet cuisine and local liquors.. You can also expect front-row seats to St Lucia's sublime sunsets, plus full access to even more dining options and amenities at the adjacent sister resort, thanks to its Book 1, Enjoy 2 benefits concept. In the sanctuary of your suite, you're spoiled with luxurious features such as twin-basins, freestanding whirlpool bathtubs and Hideaway's Signature rain showers, designed for ultimate rejuvenation. Book the Diamond Club suite category for a swim-out pool and make time for The Royal Spa, which offers a wide selection of treatments – including a Swedish massage – designed to pamper your body and soul, for an additional cost. We think you'll agree, this resort is hard to beat for an indulgent grown-up escape. Royalton CHIC Antigua, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only There's so much to love about Antigua, especially if you choose this sought-after resort on the island's north-west coast, where everything is tailored to singles, couples and grown-up groups of friends. Being just 15 minutes from Antigua's international airport, this resort gets an A-star for convenience. Once you've checked in, you can forget about your credit card and dive into hassle-free dining, unlimited premium liqueurs and 24-hour room service. Its stilted overwater suites wow guests with glass-sided pools, overwater hammocks and optional in-room dining, while Pescari, the resort's overwater restaurant, serves up artistically designed seafood and sublime sunsets. If that wasn't enough, the Diamond Club concept allows you to unlock luxuries like late check out (subject to availability) and evening hors d'oeuvres. British Airways Holidays packages include a generous checked baggage allowance for each customer and come with full Atol protection for complete peace of mind. Secure your Caribbean holiday to these Royalton Resorts with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.* *Based on two sharing. Full balance due seven weeks before departure for long haul holiday bookings. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
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Travel + Leisure
15-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This Is the No. 1 Island Destination for 2025, According to Expedia—and It Ranked for Its Year-round Sun
Dreaming of going on an island escape? It turns out everyone else is too—and Expedia knows exactly where we all want to go. On Tuesday, the travel booking site released its 2025 Island Hot List, which it calls "the definitive guide to island travel based on verified data and traveler insights." And right off the bat, it shared that the global interest for island getaways is up an average of 30 percent year-over-year. This year, Aruba made the list, with Expedia noting it's "best for year-round sun," while Bali, Indonesia, took home a spot thanks to being the "best for relaxation." They're joined by the Dominican Republic, which Expedia says is best for adventure, Fiji, which is best for community, Jamaica, as it's best for culture, and Koh Samui, Thailand, which is best for affordable luxury. The list, Expedia explained, was compiled using comprehensive data on global traveler interest, local accommodation rates, flight and lodging accessibility, the quality of hotels (based on traveler reviews and guest experience ratings), local weather patterns, general tourism appeal, and traveler safety. 'Powered by real traveler data, the Expedia Island Hot List gives travelers the inspiration they need to plan a smarter island escape,' Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations, shared in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure . The Maldives also made the list thanks to being the best for romance, while Oahu, Hawaii, was named best for surfing, Paros, Greece, for being the best for nightlife, and Sardinia, Italy, as the best island for food Lovers. 'We are honored that the pearl of the China Sea, Koh Samui, has been recognized among the top 10 Expedia Island Hot List," Narin Tijayang, the former executive director of Koh Samui Office, Tourism Authority of Thailand, shared. "[It's] a testament to the breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture of our island. Koh Samui, with its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and warm hospitality, stands ready to welcome travelers from around the world to experience the very best of Thai island life." (Thailand is T+L's 2025 Destination of the Year.) Beyond the global hotspots, Expedia also pulled data on the islands with the biggest search increases from U.S.-based travelers. Topping the list is Madeira in Portugal, with a 45 percent increase in interest, followed by Nantucket (+40 percent), St. Thomas (+30 percent), Palm Beach (+30 percent), and Turks and Caicos, which saw 10 percent growth in search. Expedia noted that the "optimum time" to visit each place varies; however, it added that if you need a closer range, September is, on average, the prime time for an island getaway. That's usually the shoulder season for island destinations, which offers more affordability and a wider range of available hotel room options. It also added that you can turn on the Flight Alerts tool on its app to track pricing and get notified when fares dip, so you can book that island getaway you so richly deserve.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Yahoo
10 best islands in Johor to snorkel, relax & dive — all reachable from JB
Looking for a dreamy island escape without dusting off your passport? Just off the coast of Johor lies a string of sun-kissed gems, each more enchanting than the last. Picture turquoise waters lapping at powdery white shores, coral reefs teeming with life, and secret sea caves waiting to be explored. The best part? These idyllic islands are accessible from Johor Bahru, making them perfect for spontaneous getaways or a little romance in the you're chasing sunsets, scuba tanks, or simply a hammock and a good book, these 10 islands in Johor promise to live up to your expectations. Tucked off the coast of Mersing, Rawa Island is a little slice of barefoot luxury just 3 to 4 hours from Johor Bahru. Often dubbed the 'Malaysian Maldives,' this small coral island is all about white powdery beaches, luminous turquoise waters, and a vibe that whispers exclusivity. Privately owned by the Johor royal family, Rawa keeps things intimate with just a handful of laid-back resorts like Rawa Island Resort and Alang's Rawa. Days here are spent paddling a kayak through glassy waters, trekking through lush jungle to panoramic viewpoints, or snorkelling alongside technicolour reef fish that glide just offshore. With its calm, shallow shores and serene atmosphere, it's as perfect for families as it is for lovers of sun-dappled simplicity. How to get there: Drive/Bus from Johor Bahru to Mersing Jetty: ~2.5 – 3 hours by car or 4 – 5 hours by bus. By car: Take the North–South Expressway (NSE), exit at Ayer Hitam, then continue eastward via Route 50 toward Mersing. By bus: Take a direct bus from Larkin Sentral to Mersing Bus Terminal, then grab a cab (5 – 10 minutes) to the jetty. Ferry/Boat to Rawa: Rawa Island Resort arranges private speedboats (20 – 30 minutes) from Mersing Jetty. Advance booking is required. Ferry times depend on the tide, so check with your resort before travelling. Just a short boat ride from Mersing, Pulau Besar — once known as Pulau Babi Besar — offers a generous dose of island charm that lives up to its name. 'Besar' means 'big' in Malay, and everything here feels just a little larger than life: wide sandy beaches, spacious resorts, and an endless horizon of crystal-clear blue. The island's long stretches of powdery white sand and gently swaying palms make it a postcard brought to life. Beneath the waves, a nearby marine park teems with vibrant marine life, making it a hit with snorkelers and curious first-time divers. Less posh than Rawa and more polished than rustic Sibu, Pulau Besar strikes a sweet balance that is ideal for groups, families, or anyone dipping their toes into the island life for the first time. How to get there: Drive/Bus to Mersing Jetty: ~2.5 – 3 hours. Boat to Pulau Besar: Speedboats arranged by the resorts (~30 minutes). Boats only operate during high tide. Tucked just under 4 hours from Johor Bahru, Pulau Sibu is a quiet whisper of paradise near Mersing. A cluster of islands that includes Sibu Besar and Sibu Tengah, it feels like stepping into a snapshot before filters existed. With no motor vehicles allowed and only a handful of low-key resorts, the island gently nudges you to slow down. The water is shallow, warm, and begging for a lazy paddle or a snorkel among coral gardens. Resorts like Sea Gypsy Village and Rimba Resort keep things refreshingly rustic, all while championing marine conservation. And if you time your visit with the tides, the shoreline becomes a live exhibit of starfish, sea cucumbers, and coral fish shimmering in the shallows like nature's jewelry. How to get there: Drive to Tanjung Leman Jetty: ~2.5 – 3 hours from Johor Bahru. Speedboat to Sibu Island: Most resorts arrange transfers (20–30 minutes). There is no public ferry; you must book your stay before arriving as boat schedules are synced with check-in/out. Floating about 70km off the coast of Mersing, Pulau Aur feels like the edge of the map among other islands in Johor in the best possible way. Remote, raw, and wrapped in crystal-clear waters, it's the kind of place seasoned divers daydream about. Part of the Johor Marine Park, Pulau Aur is home to blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles, bumphead parrotfish, and kaleidoscopic coral gardens that look like they've been plucked straight from a nature documentary. The island itself is blissfully underdeveloped, with only a smattering of humble dive lodges and barefoot resorts. No beach bars, no crowds, just the soundtrack of waves and the occasional splash of fins. How to get there: Drive to Mersing Jetty: ~3 hours. Boat to Aur Island: Speedboats arranged by resorts or dive shops, taking 3 to 4 hours (depending on sea conditions). Not accessible via public ferry; only private charters or dive trip packages. Departures are limited and usually early morning. Pulau Tengah is a private island retreat just a breezy 20-minute boat ride from Mersing where luxury tiptoes gently alongside nature. Once a Vietnamese refugee camp in the 1970s, today it's home to just one hideaway: Batu Batu Resort. Picture powdery white sand, lush jungle trails, and coral reefs so close you could snorkel to them before breakfast. It's a dreamy escape for families, honeymooners, and eco-conscious wanderers. The resort champions sustainability with reef protection programs, solar power, and turtle conservation efforts that actually make a difference. Spend your days kayaking, wandering forest trails, or visiting baby turtles at the hatchery. How to get there: Drive to Mersing Jetty: ~2.5 – 3 hours. Boat to Tengah Island: ~20-minute boat ride via resort-arranged transfers only. As it's private, only guests of Batu Batu Resort can visit. No public boats available. 10 Johor Bahru hotels & resorts that will make you want to stay forever Pulau Tinggi sits quietly, often overshadowed by its flashier island cousins — but that's exactly its charm. Larger than Rawa or Sibu, Pulau Tinggi is all wild edges and earthy allure, with dense rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and a rugged silhouette that's earned it the nickname 'General's Hat Island.' It's a dream for the low-key adventurer who loves trekking up to the misty 600-metre summit, meandering through jungle trails, or diving into coral-laced waters that feel like your own private aquarium. How to get there: Drive to Tanjung Leman Jetty: Same route as Pulau Sibu. Speedboat to Pulau Tinggi: ~30 – 45 minutes, arranged by your resort. No public ferries; private resort transfers are the only option. A little farther afield about 5 hours by road and ferry from Johor Bahru, Pulau Tioman is the kind of escape that rewards the journey. Tucked within the Rompin district and accessible via Tanjung Leman or Mersing jetty, this island is a legend among divers and beach lovers alike. As part of the protected Tioman Marine Park, the island is a living postcard of tropical fish, reef sharks, sea turtles, and vibrant coral gardens. You can stay in laid-back villages like Salang, Tekek, or Juara, where the vibe is effortlessly easy. Hike through rainforest trails, spot cheeky monkeys, or simply stretch out under the sun with nowhere to be. Tioman doesn't rush you — and honestly, why would you want it to? How to get there: Drive/Bus from JB to Mersing Jetty: ~3 hours by car, 4–5 hours by bus (same as Rawa). Ferry to Tioman: Bluewater Express operates daily ferries (~1.5–2 hours), stopping at various villages like Tekek, Salang, and Juara. Tickets can be booked online or at the terminal. Nestled beside Pulau Aur within the Johor Marine Park, Pulau Dayang may be small, but it packs a punch beneath the surface. Known among diving and sport fishing circles for its deep blue pelagics, dramatic coral drop-offs, and crystal-clear visibility, this island is less about crowds and more about the call of the sea. Once home to a couple of modest dive lodges like Dayang Blue Resort, the island now caters to a more niche, seasonal crowd — usually arriving via multi-day dive trips from Johor Bahru or Singapore. It's not the kind of place you stumble upon; it's the kind you seek out. For serious divers and fishing enthusiasts looking to escape the usual itinerary, Pulau Dayang offers that rare, remote magic that feels like a secret passed between friends. How to get there: Drive to Mersing Jetty: ~3 hours. Boat to Pulau Dayang: ~3 to 4 hours by private speedboat or as part of a dive group package. Check resort availability or join dive tours (they often include Aur, Dayang & Harimau). No walk-in access. Pulau Harimau — Malay for 'tiger' — may sound fierce, but this tiny, uninhabited gem near Pulau Aur is more siren than beast. Known for its dramatic sea cave hiding a secret saltwater pool, it's one of the islands in Johor that looks like it was made for Instagram, then left untouched just enough to stay magical. Steep cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and that hidden mini-lagoon make it a favourite stop for island-hoppers and snorkelers based on nearby Pulau Aur or Dayang. There are no resorts, no cafes, not even a hammock in sight — just raw, wild beauty made for day trips and quick dips. How to get there: Drive to Mersing Jetty: ~3 hours. Boat to Pulau Aur or Dayang, then island-hop to Pulau Harimau: No direct trips — you must stay on Pulau Aur or Dayang and arrange a half-day boat excursion. In case it's not already obvious from the name, Pulau Pemanggil is the kind of island that feels steeped in both nature and myth. Less polished than Tioman or Rawa, it draws a different kind of traveller — those in search of marlins and barracudas, jungle trails, and a bit of supernatural whispered in the wind. At its heart rises Batu Buau, a towering boulder said to hold spiritual significance, watching over the island like a quiet guardian. The waters are clear, the snorkelling serene, and the vibe refreshingly uncommercial with only a handful of fishing lodges and rustic spots like Lanting Beach Resort. For seekers of nature, culture, and a touch of island mysticism, it's an unforgettable escape off the beaten path. How to get there: Drive to Mersing Jetty: ~3 hours. Speedboat to Pulau Pemanggil: Speedboat arranged by resorts (~1.5 – 2 hours ride). Boats only leave during good weather, and trips are usually tied to fishing or diving packages. 10 lovely Airbnb JB flats to rent for your getaway The post 10 best islands in Johor to snorkel, relax & dive — all reachable from JB appeared first on
