Top Seven Destinations Reachable by Boat
In our world of crazy-busy schedules, constant communication and social ‘mania’, finding time for yourself, by yourself, feels impossible. If you’re craving quality time to disconnect for some long overdue downtime, Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with more than one million incredible places to stay, has selected the seven top remote destinations only reachable by boat. Yes, that’s right – you’re basically trapped in paradise. So, take a look at these gems for inspiration on planning your next trip where you can unwind, relax and bask in some much-needed solitude.
Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Medhufaru is a picturesque island hidden from the rush of tourists. The island is reachable by a scenic 60-minute speedboat ride or a leisurely half-day cruise. While you’re there, be sure to stay at the newly-built Soneva Jani - named after the Sanskrit word for ‘wisdom.’ Fringed by pristine beaches and blanketed in lush tropical greenery, the resort offers you the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It also features both overwater and island villas that stretch over a serene lagoon – a perfect site for peace and tranquility.
Indulge your craving for some alone time by staying at the idyllic Palm Island Resort - an exclusive, private-island resort located in the southern tip of Saint Vincent & Grenadines. The resort is a lush oasis surrounded by white-and-black-sand beaches with placid shores and peaceful nature trails along the island. Here you can sunbath on black-sand beaches, swim in crystal-clear turquoise water and bask in tropical serenity on an island far from the maddening crowds. Earthly paradise? We think so.
If you’ve watched Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings or done a simple Google search of New Zealand, you’ll know that the country’s natural landscapes are a jaw-dropping sight. Whether it’s the vibrant coastal cliffs, white-tipped mountains, lush forests or underground caves, New Zealand offers the perfect location for meditation and self-discovery.
While you’re in the country, add the beautiful Waiheke Island to your list of sites to visit for a unique and authentic experience. There you can tour the island’s famous vineyards, specialty shops and local art galleries that showcase indigenous art pieces. And to ensure your stay is as relaxing as possible, stay at the cozy and quaint, Kiwi House B&B – the ideal location to enjoy some quiet and meditative time.
The beautiful island of Turks and Caicos has welcomed an impressive number of famous visitors. Highly publicized celebrities such as Jay-Z, Kylie Jenner, Nicki Minaj and Brad Pitt found solace and privacy on the sands of this awe-inspiring island. If you crave the same, now’s your chance to visit!
Treat yourself as one of these celebrities by staying at the luxurious Blue Haven Resort, which offers you access to a private beach, spacious suites and gourmet restaurants. This accommodation is complete with hammocks and a water trampoline (the only one on the island). You can also book private excursions to remote islands such as Little Water Cay, one of the uninhabited Caicos Cays only reachable by boat!
The name says it all. Los Secretos Guesthouse is the ideal vacation spot to stay under the radar. The accommodation is located on the picturesque island of Isla Bastimentos – a 15-minute boat from the main city. The island will charm you with its authenticity and anonymity.
While vacationing here, you can enjoy long walks around the 3-acre park, where you can observe a diversity of birds, the “white face” monkeys, iguanas, the famous sloth and the iconic red frog from Panama! Not to mention you can take a scenic boat ride to watch dolphins play in the bay. (*sigh* If this isn’t paradise, I don’t know what is!)
Immerse yourself in the enchanted Rayavadee resort, a perfect accommodation spot for peace, quiet and fun outdoor activities. Located in Raiylay Beach, this property is only a four-minute walk from the beach, and situated right next to Krabi Marine National Park. Raiylay’s famous Limestone cliffs also attract avid rock climbers from all over the world, but the beautiful beaches and quiet relaxing atmosphere stands as the main attraction feature. Visitors can also enjoy activities including snorkelling, cave and mountain exploring and short-distance boat trips to several offshore islands including the world-famous Phi Phi Islands.
Ever have the urge to be completely tech-free? To turn off your phones, laptops, tablets and just…live? Well at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa you’ll have just that! Located on the island of Little Torch Key, Florida, this resort is mostly a tech-free zone. There are no TV’s in the rooms and cellphones aren't permitted in public areas.
Nestled among tropical landscaping, this exclusive and luxurious island retreat is reachable only by boat or seaplane. It offers a marina, full-service spa with top end massages, facials and full-body treatments. Yoga classes and kayak rentals are also available, so you’ll have the chance to absorb as much “good vibes” as possible.