When you crave a getaway that includes tropical sun, turquoise sea, fruity cocktails and absolutely no obligations – then you know it’s time for a tropical getaway. But be warned, we’re not just talking about “beach and pina coladas” (although that counts too). A true tropical adventure is a combination of culture, nature, hedonism and those moments when life tells you to sit back, enjoy yourself and let the sun do its thing.
Below, we present the top tropical destinations that you shouldn't miss - whether you're looking for a private paradise for two, a solo spiritual awakening or a family adventure with a touch of the exotic. Of course, with added value - each location on the list offers something special: whether it's natural spectacle, hotel luxury or stories brought to you by the locals (and maybe a monkey who steals your banana).
The most beautiful tropical destinations
1. Maldives – Luxury on the water, where every day starts with "wow"
Best time to visit: November – April (when the rain is on pause and Instagram is in full swing)
The Maldives is more than just a destination – it’s a state of mind. Here, days aren’t counted by hours, but by the number of cocktails and sea turtles you spot from your overwater bed. This archipelago of over a thousand islands in the Indian Ocean is synonymous with intimacy, privacy and that “paradise experience” we all shyly search for online during long meetings.
Wherever you land – let it be Soneva Jani, Joali Being or a more “affordable” boutique hotel – you expect magic: dinner on a sand dune, a sea breeze massage and snorkeling straight from your bedroom. In fact, the only effort of the day here: choosing between bathing and swimming.
Book accommodation in Maldives2. Belize – An adventure that smells of the sea and history
Best time to visit: January – May (sun, few tourists and lots of guacamole)
If you're looking for a destination that combines Caribbean ease with Mayan mystery, then Belize is your jackpot. Only in this small Central American country can you spend one day exploring the jungle and Mayan ruins (Caracol or Altun Ha) and the next diving along a coral reef so impressive that even Jacques Cousteau wouldn't have any complaints.
Waiting for you on Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye relax, man mentality, an excellent seafood menu and afternoons that are perfect for leisurely strolls with your feet in the water. If you're really brave, jump in Great blue hole – one of the most famous diving spots in the world. And no, it's not a filter – the colors are really like that.
3. Riviera Maya, Mexico – Everything from lounging to ritual bathing in cenotes
Best time to visit: December – April (when Tulum is not yet too "influencer")
Welcome to the south of Mexico's Yucatan, where a mix of luxury, wilderness and – yes, spirituality with a touch of glamour awaits you. The Riviera Maya isn't just about all-inclusives (although let's face it, they're not bad) – it's about experiences: swimming in sacred cenotes, exploring Mayan history at the Tulum ruins and dancing barefoot by a bonfire on the beach (probably with a DJ from Berlin).
Mayakoba and Kanai offer hotels like from magazines, while Sian Ka'an Biosphere A place where nature still has the final say, the Riviera Maya is a paradise for couples, friends, and solo explorers with a taste for good food and even better views.
4. Palawan, Philippines – When the land and sea decide to create a work of art
Best time to visit: March – May (during the dry season and before the summer tourist rush)
Palawan is a destination that will leave you speechless – and with a coconut-soaked beard. This Philippine island offers limestone cliffs, secret lagoons, underground rivers and coral gardens that look like CGI but aren’t. A paradise for explorers, divers and those who need more than just a sunbed.
El Nido and Corona are the main points where the magic begins: island hopping, diving among WWII shipwrecks, and candlelit evenings in bungalows that can only be reached by boat. If you want peace and unspoiled postcards – this is it.
5. Koh Samui, Thailand – Wellness, coconuts and smiles at every turn
Best time to visit: January – April (dry, warm and just right)
Koh Samui is synonymous with balance: between tropical luxury and Thai modesty. Here you start the day with yoga on a sandy beach, continue with curry and end in a spa, where a massage turns into existential enlightenment. Or into sleep – depending on the time of day.
Resorts like Four Seasons, Kamalaya and Banyan Tree They offer a high dose of comfort with a low dose of worry. The island is also a great starting point for exploring neighboring islets or the interior with lush waterfalls, plantations and temples.
6. Moorea, French Polynesia – An island where time moves slowly
Best time to visit: May – October (calm season, no cyclones)
Forget Bora Bora – Moorea It's quieter, more authentic, and still insanely beautiful. Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Tahiti brings you to an island where greenery explodes from the heart and waterfalls cascade into tropical valleys while you sip juice from a pineapple freshly picked 500 meters away.
Moorea is for those who want something more: from zip line adventures to plantation visits, from snorkeling with manta rays to whale watching (yes, real, massive whales!). Stay? Sofitel Kia Ora for glamour, Airbnb on the beach for intimacy.
7. Isla Holbox, Mexico – Bohemian Casualness with a Taste of the Sea
Best time to visit: March – June (before the rainy season, with the most sun and waves)
Life on Holbox is slow-paced – almost like a movie where the main character is a fisherman who sells you the catch of the day in the morning and plays guitar on the beach in the evening. No cars, no commercial hotels, just sand, wind and neon sunsets.
If you've ever wanted to swim with whales (don't worry, they're vegetarian), this is the season. Or if you're more into a hammock and a margarita? That's also a highlight of the day here.
8. Costa Rica – Tropical nature with a “pura vida” philosophy
Best time to visit: December – April (dry season, but with an ever-green view)
Costa Rica is like a nature documentary – except you’re in it. Monkeys, hummingbirds, waterfalls, jungles, volcanoes, tropical beaches – all in one day. And when you think it can’t get any better, you arrive at an eco-lodge with a view of the clouds and homemade coffee for a good morning.
The west coast (Guanacaste, Peninsula Papagayo) offers luxury in nature, while the interior hides thermal springs, trekking trails and the most beautiful hot springs in the world. Remember: here the rule is "no panic", everything comes in its own time - even your cocktail.
9. Cartagena, Colombia - Culture, chaos and Caribbean charm
Best time to visit: December – March (a little rain, a lot of music)
Cartagena is vibrant, colorful and a little crazy – in the best possible way. The colonial old town is like an open book of history, with champeta music playing and the smell of freshly baked arepas. Here, the sun doesn't just warm your skin, it warms your soul.
With a day trip you jump on Isla Baru and you catch that Caribbean blue, and at night you get lost among street artists and gourmet corners offering a fusion of Afro-Colombian cuisine. And yes, here too you'll find a rooftop bar where limonada de coco comes with a view of the century-old rooftops.
10. Mauritius – A tropical island with an African rhythm and a European touch
Best time to visit: May – December (dry weather and pleasant temperatures)
Mauritius is an exotic mix – France, India and Africa in a tropical package. Here you have sandy beaches, jungles, waterfalls and sugar cane plantations. You can climb volcanoes, ride horses on the beach or drink rum at sunset – all in the same day.
Inside the beautiful Black River Gorges National Park Beautiful flora and fauna await you, while along the coast are luxurious resorts like One&Only Le Saint Géran or The Oberoi a paradise for pampering. If an island could be a haute couture piece – it would be Mauritius.
With the greatest pleasure, dear tropical dreamer! We continue with the next ten paradise destinations that are no less spectacular – in fact, it will now become even harder for you to choose just one. Below you will find a mix of glamour, raw nature, exotic flavors and of course – the opportunity for a legendary stress-free vacation with a cocktail in hand.
11. Fiji – 300 reasons to visit (read: islands)
Best time to visit: May – October (dry season, ideal for snorkeling and romantic walks on the beach)
Fiji is like a greatest hits album of tropical dreams. Crystal clear seas, friendly locals, bungalows right on the water and exotic experiences ranging from traditional villages to coral safaris.
If you're traveling with kids, the resorts here are experts at "mini tropical wonders" - with cooking workshops, coconut crafts and even visits to local schools. Or if you're just the two of you, jump on the Tokoriki Island Resort or Kokomo Private Island, where every minute feels like the last scene of a love movie.
12. Koh Chang, Thailand – For those who love to discover the undiscovered
Best time to visit: November – March (when the weather is stable and the sunbeds are not sold out yet)
If Phuket seems too luxurious and Koh Samui a bit too sinful, then Koh Chang (aka “Elephant Island”) is the perfect choice. This hidden gem in Thailand is one of the last places where you can find a tropical paradise experience. without crowds and franchise cafes on every corner.
70 % islands are covered by a national park, which means jungle treks, waterfalls, unforgettable views and a tropical silence that heals more than any wellness weekend. Dream in Santhiya Tree Koh Chang or treat yourself to a view of palm trees and silence in a smaller eco resort.
13. Galápagos, Ecuador – Snorkeling Safari
Best time to visit: December – May (calm sea and most marine activity)
Forget savannah safaris – here you'll spot floating legends: sea lions, blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises and iguanas that look like old souls from another planet.
The Galápagos is not just a tropical destination, but a natural wonder that will change your idea of life on Earth.
Tip: the most authentic way to discover the islands is by boat – small expedition cruises like the ones offered by Lindblad Expeditions, allowing you to wake up to a new island (and a new "wow" moment) every day.
14. Turks & Caicos – When the sand crunches underfoot like luxurious powder
Best time to visit: December – April (dry, warm, but pleasantly breezy)
If you are looking for the perfect combination of luxury and tranquility, they await you. Turks & CaicosGrace Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world (seriously, check Google Images), the water is so clear you can't lie to yourself that you've lost weight, and the bungalows here aren't houses—they're serviced dreams.
Snorkeling or a catamaran ride awaits you during the day, and in the evening a culinary walk among the finest restaurants in the Caribbean. A touch of Miami, but without the noise and with twice the elegance.
15. Singapore – Tropical futurism with a street food flavor
Best time to visit: February – April (least rainfall, most festival events)
Tropical heat, but in a super neat, futuristic way. Singapore is not your classic “lay under a palm tree” destination, but more of a “jog in the botanical garden with a robotic tree line and then shoulder ride to a street Michelin star.” Street food here is an art, not just a snack – from chili crab to the legendary Hainanese chicken rice.
And if you're still not convinced, let us tell you this: the airport (Changi) is a destination unto itself – with waterfalls, a tropical garden and a duty-free shopping nirvana. Two days in the city, one day on Sentosa – and you’re reborn.
16. Dominican Republic – A paradise for every budget (and every mood)
Best time to visit: December – April (Caribbean classics – sun, rum, salsa)
The Dominican Republic is not just about Punta Cana. Although this part of the island idyll is more than attractive with its all-inclusives, the real value lies in its diversity: surfing in Cabarete, cycling among sugar cane plantations in Bayahibe, dancing until dawn in Santo Domingo.
If you want luxury, choose Amanera or Eden Roc Cap Cana. If you're more of an all-inclusive enthusiast, you have plenty of choices. The Dominican Republic is that "all in one place" destination – lie down, dance, explore, enjoy. Repeat.
17. Bora Bora, French Polynesia – Instagram's Muse
Best time to visit: May – October (less humidity, more live postcards)
If Moorea smells like exclusivity, it is Bora Bora a true glamour queen. Overwater bungalows are the standard here, not the exception. Lagoons with ten shades of blue. And yes, those breakfasts delivered by canoe are real.
If you are looking for a combination of peace and wow factor, you'll become a Zen guru here in seven minutes. Try traditional Tahitian cuisine, treat yourself to a spa with a view and – why not – take a ukulele lesson. Your soul will thank you.
18. Grenada – The Isle of Spices and Underwater Art
Best time to visit: January – May (sun, dry weather and lively energy)
Grenada It has everything you expect from the Caribbean – and then some unexpected. It’s more “under the radar” and therefore more authentic: nutmeg fields, cocoa plantations, colorful spice markets, and people who greet you with a smile you can’t buy anywhere else.
You must visit Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park – the world's first underwater art gallery, which, in addition to its artistic impact, also helps the coral ecosystem. And if you come in August, you can experience Spicemas – the island dances, glows and sings. And you with it.
Raj has several titles – which one will be yours?
From the beach, where you are alone with the sunset, to places where tropical means ultramodern – the world is full of wonders among the palm trees. If you have read everything and have not started looking for plane tickets… you are clearly very disciplined.
Are you more into the jungle or a hammock with a view? Is it time for an overwater bungalow or ceviche by a street lamp? Either way – there are no more excuses. The right destination is waiting for you. The only question is: SPF 30 or 50?
