Wander With Wonder – Discovering Wow Moments Around the World or Across the Street
Discover the best luxury island hopping holidays in Croatia, Greece, and more. Experience five-star stays and breathtaking views.
With so many beautiful archipelagos worldwide, it’s no wonder that island hopping is a popular way to travel. See each country differently by getting a taste of national and distinct island culture across various land masses. Plus, island hopping doesn’t have to mean breaking your budget! Swap hostels for five-star luxury stays onboard luxury boats to ensure you’re ‘hopping’ in style.
Here are five top-pick destinations for luxury island hopping holidays.
Croatia
On the Adriatic Coast, a sailing experience in Croatia is guaranteed to wow. Explore both the mainland of the Dalmation coastline and the vast array of islands. Amble around Hvar Island, one of the largest in the portfolio, and soak in the delightful purple hues of lavender fields and a picturesque yacht-filled harbor.
Turquoise sea of Hvar Island, Croatia. Photo by xbrchx via iStock by Getty Images
Explore the Old Town and devour the quintessence of European charm in the medieval square lined with historic façades. Climb up to the fortress for panoramic views across the town and surrounding islands. Why not challenge yourself to a sunrise climb to see the area in a new light? With such a picturesque cityscape, the orange light is sure to make the scenery even more astonishing. Stay in one of the luxury spa hotels and utilize the wealth of treatments guaranteed to keep you rejuvenated as the trip continues.
St. Stephen’s Square in Hvar. Photo by xbrchx via iStock by Getty Images
Be sure to stop by Korčula Island to glimpse a fairytale town! The birthplace of globally renowned explorer Marco Polo, its Old Town is called mini Dubrovnik. You’ll enjoy leisurely walks down cobblestone streets specifically laid out to cater to heating and cooling homes at the right times of year. Dine at gourmet restaurants and enjoy local ingredients intricately crafted into top-quality dishes that impress even the fussiest palettes. Taste your way through the island at the variety of local wineries and enjoy the freedom of picking up all your favorite delicacies to take back onboard for the next sail!
The medieval town of Korčula is an idyllic location for island hopping in Croatia. Photo by florin1961 via iStock by Getty Images
Greece
Embark on a blissful adventure of a Greek island hopping holiday and see why it’s been one of the most loved destinations in Europe for a summer getaway for decades. See over three islands in one holiday to make it feel like a cross-continent escape, and indulge on a luxury yacht to spend sailing time on.
Santorini in Greece. Photo via Creative Commons
Spend an evening marveling at the unworldly spectacle of the sunrise in Santorini on the hilltops of Oia, and explore Michelin-starred restaurants for exceptional dining. Be amazed at how pretty the streets here feel, with synonymous Greek white-washed, blue-domed buildings to bring traditional dreams to life!
Sail further on to Naxos, the biggest of the Cycladic island collection. Home to over a hundred kilometers of sandy beaches, find the perfect spot for lazing under the Greek sun. Explore the shops up the hillsides until you reach the castle at the top.
Hop off at Mykonos to embrace the youthful atmosphere, full of quaint restaurants and boutique luxury shopping experiences for tempting holiday purchases. You’re guaranteed to spend the whole holiday smiling ear-to-ear with a luxury island-hopping escape in Greece.
Sunset on Mykonos Island, Greece. Photo by f9photos via iStock by Getty Images
The Philippines
In Southeast Asia, the Philippines is home to over seven thousand islands or islets, abundant with natural and cultural diversity. Venture here to visit some of the world’s most picturesque beaches and kaleidoscope of coral reefs for divers to revel in. Enjoy the utmost luxury thanks to the lower cost of living here compared to neighboring Europe, and stay in the most exclusive, luxury-feeling resorts and properties.
Coron, Busuanga Island, Palawan Province, Philippines. Photo by Sean3810 via iStock by Getty Images
Discover many fine-dining experiences across various islands, serving cuisine influenced by various cultures and nationalities. Even fly to some destinations within the archipelago and rent the most luxurious accommodation on a private island for the day, like Balesin Island Club, where you can soak up the peaceful ambiance of beach days. It’s a members-only landscape, and there are few other places in the world as uniquely isolated and secluded.
The Maldives
The Maldives archipelago, which consists of more than a thousand coral islands in the Indian Ocean, is the most isolated in the world. It is 700 kilometers (about 435 miles) from the nearest mainland of Sri Lanka.
Aragu Restaurant at Velaa Private Island. Photo courtesy Velaa Private Island
Combine the most indulgent overwater villa stays with active exploration. Premier diving spots make the Maldives phenomenal for getting close to varied marine life and underwater beauty. Sail around to stay at some of the most luxurious properties on earth, from the five-star laid-back indulgence of Gili Lankanfushi to what’s dubbed the most luxurious Velaa Private Island. Immerse yourselves on a trip like no other with a luxury Maldives holiday specialist who can take you to a new level of luxury vacationing.
Indonesia
From the bright lights of nightlife on the most-loved island of Bali to the crystal waters of Raja Ampat, more than six thousand islands make up Indonesia, making this a prime destination for island hopping in Asia. Like the Philippines, the lower cost of living here makes it the best place to experience the utmost in luxury and personalized travel.
Head to Komodo National Park and board an even more secluded boat. A luxury yacht trip through the park lets you get close to the renowned Komodo Dragon while sipping champagne and lazing beneath sunny skies on the front deck. Enjoy luxurious spa treatments on the seafront of Bali and recognize why it’s one of the most loved destinations for travel.
Summary
Island hopping is a winner for its seamless mix of natural, cultural, and vibrant exploration. See just how the country’s character flows throughout landscapes and the various local characteristics of individual islands. Be immersed in world-renowned and local boutique luxury across many lands and feel like you’ve experienced multiple holidays in one!
We invite you to explore Wander With Wonder for more of our favorite cruises, whether to take you island hopping or across the seas, and the best luxury experiences we have discovered in our travels.
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