25 Great Island Escapes

Travel + Leisure has scoured the world for the best new island escapes – from a rustic homestead on the Russian island of Olkhon to Japan's extraordinary Tadao Ando-designed hotel, Fiji's first over-the-water bures and (the anything but bookish) Library on Koh Samui. In compiling this list we consulted specialist travel agents – experts who make it their job to go beyond the hype and get to really know these delectable places. What did we discover? Read on; we'd be surprised if you weren't reaching for your fl ippers and your Factor 15 before you get to the end of the list – if only in your dreams.

1. MALLORCA, SPAIN

Why here, why now? L'Avenida, a tiny colonial mansion, opened in the old town of Sóller in March. The hotel is surrounded by orange groves and has just eight rooms, all fitted out in a drop-dead-chic palette of browns and whites. Also worth a look is Orient-Express Hotel's latest contribution to luxury getaways at La Residencia at Deia, called simply The Villa.

T+L Tip At L'Avenida ask for a room with a view of the awe-inspiring Tramuntana mountains.

The Facts L'Avenida, +34 971 634 075; www.avenida-hotel.com; doubles from $287. The Villa, +34 971 63 6 046; www.hotellaresidencia.com; from $6894 a week.

2. NAOSHIMA, JAPAN

Why here, why now? This eight-square-kilometre island in the Seto Inland Sea is 13km north of Takamatsu City. This is your chance to stay in an extraordinary hotel designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Guests choose between four buildings, one of which is also a working museum. Most of the rooms are decorated with original contemporary artwork.

T+L Tip Opt for the amazing Oval building, which sits above the rest of the complex and offers a bit of privacy from the artseeking public.

The Facts Benesse House, +81 87 892 2030; www.naoshima-is.co.jp; doubles from $317.

3. OLKHON, RUSSIA

Why here, why now? This is the largest island in Lake Baikal and a true travel hot spot. The place to stay is Nikita’s Homestead. It’s an environmentally friendly rustic guesthouse in the largest settlement of Khuzhir and is run by Nikita Bencharov, a former Russian table tennis champion, and his wife, Natasha. And yes, there is a chance to play table tennis.

T+L Tip Try one of the luxury Mongolian yurts for something a bit different.

The Facts Nikita’s Homestead, +7 914 895 7865; www.olkhon.info/en; doubles from $54 including meals.

4. LE TAHA’A, FRENCH POLYNESIA

Why here, why now? Following recent renovations, the Le Taha’a Private Island & Spa now has larger two-room villas that are great for families. If you’re looking for the latest and greatest slice of tropical luxury, you can’t go past St Regis on Bora Bora, with its two-bedroom over-the-water bungalows complete with private pools, in case you don’t feel like stepping from your bure into the sea.

T+L Tip A good option for families who are looking for a relatively short fl ight and childfriendly luxury.

The Facts Le Taha’a, +689 508 445; www.letahaa.com; suites from $1089. St Regis, +689 607 888; www.starwoodhotels.com; suites from $1200.

5. PANTELLERIA, ITALY

Why here, why now? Pantelleria is a windswept island off Sicily and 70km from the coast of Tunisia. Giorgio Armani has a holiday house here and the island has always attracted a highbrow fashion and art crowd keen to escape the more wellknown islands. Santa Teresa Resort recently opened about 10 kilometres from the island’s harbour. The resort is unusual in its design – you’ll fi nd 18 chic Moorish stone cottages set in four mini-villages on a 40- hectare olive farm. The sparse whitewashed interiors owe as much to Africa as they do to Italy.

T+L Tip The island is famous for its warm mineral springs. Try a mud bath at the Lake of Venus.

The Facts Santa Teresa Resort, 0011 800 3746 8357; www.designhotels.com; doubles from $164.

6. MAMANUCA ARCHIPELAGO, FIJI

Why here, why now? This tiny tropical paradise is brimming with new properties. Likuliku Lagoon Resort in the Mamanuca archipelago has just opened and is the fi rst Fiji hotel with over-the-water bungalows. The thatched-roof bures are perched on a bay ringed by coral. InterContinental Fiji, which is part of the Natadola Marine Resort, the colonial-style Crown Plaza Grand Pacifi c Fiji, opens this year, as does the Fiji Orchid, which is a 15-minute drive north of Nadi airport and is being touted as the perfect place to spend a night before hopping over to the smaller islands.

T+L Tip Best time to visit is April to November when winter temperatures hover around 27 degrees.

The Facts Likuliku, +679 672 0978, www.likulikulagoon.com; doubles from $805 including all meals (over-water bures from $1427).

7. SANTORINI, GREECE

Why here, why now? This picture-perfect island now sports a fabulous new spot to sip a chilled glass of white and watch the sun go down over the Mediterranean. Starwood offers Mystique, which opened last May, and has raised the luxury hotel bar on this jewel of an island – a bar that was already set very high. It has 18 whitewashed villas clinging to a cliff in the town of Oia. Expect Starwood style and luxury, including an infi nity-edge pool that seems to dissolve into the Mediterranean below.

T+L Tip Head to Mystique’s wine cave – a well-stocked cellar - right on sunset for a predinner drink.

The Facts Mystique, +30 22 8607 1114; www.mystique.gr; doubles from $690

8. COPPERFIELD BAY, CARIBBEAN

Why here, why now? David Copperfi eld may conjure cheesy magic tricks (and controversy) but this place is a world removed from all that showbiz glitz. Copperfi eld spent $50 million on four islands in the southern Bahamas. On one of them, Musha Cay, he has built fi ve luxurious villas for 24 guests. The idea is that you invite the guests, so the whole island “resort” is yours. It’s serious high-end luxury.

T+L Tip Pack your racquet – there’s a fl oodlit, championship tennis court.

The Facts Musha Cay, +203 602 0300; www.mushacay.com; from $27,862 per day all inclusive for eight people.

9. YAI NOI, THAILAND

Why here, why now? This Six Senses Hideaway opened in October. It’s nestled on a secluded tip of Koh Yai Noi overlooking dramatic limestone pinnacles on Phang Na Bay. The service is the key – just about anything you could wish for can be arranged.

T+L Tip Request an in-villa dinner. You could have up to four chefs creating a special feast just for you.

The Facts Six Senses Hideaway, +66 7641 8500; www.sixsenses.com; doubles from $765.

10. BRYHER, UNITED KINGDOM

Why here, why now? This tiny island, one of the isles of Scilly off the south-west coast of England, is home to the Hell Bay Hotel. It is run by the Dorrien- Smith family who not only own Bryher but also nearby Tresco, which has a beautiful abbey and gardens. The quaint hotel, with its Lloyd Loom furniture, has a top restaurant with local seafood including Cornish scallops and Bryher crab.

T+L Tip Grab a kayak and explore the coves and uninhabited islets nearby.

The Facts Hell Bay Hotel, +44 1720 422 947; www.tresco.co.uk; doubles from $604 including dinner.

11. NORTH ARI ATOLL, THE MALDIVES

Why here, why now? Banyan Tree Maldives Madivaru, the fi rst tented experience in the Maldives, opened recently on North Ari Atoll, one of 26 in the Maldives. Each of the six villas has three luxurious linked tents, a swimming pool, private deck and butler on call. The delicious W Retreat & Spa, a romantic’s haven, is on neighbouring Fesdu Island.

T+L Tip Swimming and snorkelling are best between December and March. Surfi ng is good between June and November.

The Facts The Banyan Tree Madivaru, +960 666 0760; www.banyantree.com; doubles from $3990, all inclusive. W Retreat & Spa, +960 666 2222; www.starwoodhotels.com; doubles from $895.

12. HVAR, CROATIA

Why here, why now? There is certainly a lot of buzz around this picturesque island, with rocky beaches and a medieval town of winding alleys lined with restaurants and bars. Where to stay? Hotel Riva and The Adriana are vying for your attention. Riva is a boutique hotel, the only Croatian member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and was renovated in 2006. Not to be outdone, The Adriana is Croatia’s only member of the Leading Hotels of the World.

T+L Tip The bar at Riva, which hovers just above the Adriatic, is a perfect spot for a cocktail and yacht watching. The local wine is well worth a try.

The Facts Hotel Riva, +385 21 750 750; www.slh.com; doubles from $286. The Adriana, +385 21 750 200; www.lhw.com; doubles from $310.

13. NAKA YAI, THAILAND

Why here, why now? Interested in health and wellbeing? Six Senses Erawan is a serious wellness spa disguised as a high-end luxury resort. There are 61 pool villas, an organic and raw food restaurant and Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and Thai therapies. The resort, the only one on the island, is a 10- minute boat ride from Phuket and is set to open in March.

T+L Tip Be prepared to give up meat (and cigarettes) while you’re here. If you really want to get away, book the 2500- square-metre Retreat on the Hill with its own meditation cave.

The Facts Six Senses Erawan, +66 2631 9777; www.sixsenses.com; doubles from $2462 all inclusive.

14. FAAFU ATOLL, MALDIVES

Why here, why now? Maafushi is a three-hectare dot in the Maldives’ Faafu Atoll, offering the pinnacle of exclusivity and luxury. The Rania, operating since 2006, takes just one private party at a time. That’s a private island, private yacht, private butlers, private chef and private dive instructor for you and up to 15 others. It’s so exclusive no Australian travel agent is licensed to book it. We can but ogle.

T+L Tip Arrive with energy. Watersports, game fi shing, yachting, dining and spa treatments are all laid on and you’ll want to get your money’s worth.

The Facts The Rania, www.janinecifelli.com/rania.php; from $11,257 all inclusive, depending on number of guests.

15. ST LUCIA, CARIBBEAN

Why here, why now? Jade Mountain Resort has 24 suites, each open on one side to the elements and extraordinary views of the lush green Pitons peaks. Guests have their own glasstiled infi nity-edge pools. Jade Mountain is attached to the Anse Chastanet resort but sits above it, sharing Anse’s private beach and all the resort’s facilities including the Kai Belté Spa, where you can have a hot stone massage on the beach.

T+L Tip Skip the steep stairs down to the beach and linger in your own pool instead.

The Facts Jade Island Resort, +758 459 4000; www.jademountainstlucia.com; doubles from $1070.

16. CAPRI, ITALY

Why here, why now? Long a destination for Europe’s jet set, Capri has been rejuvenated with a stylish new hotel that opened in March. JK Capri’s crisp white ocean-front building houses 14 rooms and eight suites. Like the original JK in Florence, the Capri hotel exudes an understated elegance. And, unlike a lot of the island’s hotels, this one has its own terraced gardens and sits right on the water.

T+L Tip Let the concierge arrange a private boat trip around the island to discover all of Capri’s secret little beaches.

The Facts JK Capri, +39 081 838 4001; www.jkcapri.com; doubles from $820.

17. KOH SAMUI, THAILAND

Why here, why now? The Library, which opened a year ago, is a minimalist’s dream and there’s nothing like it on Koh Samui. This 26-room hotel on jam-packed Chaweng Beach is all about high style, from its redtiled pool and lobby littered with Thai antiques down to the black lacquer fl oors and iMacs. If you like this sort of vibe, keep watch for the W opening on the west side of the island in early 2009.

T+L Tip If you want good light at The Library opt for the second fl oor studios rather than the ground fl oor suites.

The Facts The Library, +66 77 422 767; www.thelibrary.name; doubles from $323.

18. BALI, INDONESIA

Why here, why now? In such a crowded market it can be hard to stand out, but three top operators are going to give it their best. Anantara was due to open in December in Seminyak. Every room in the all-suite hotel opens onto the beach. St Regis Resort is due to open a resort in Nusa Dua in June and W is set to open its fi rst Indonesian resort in Seminyak in 2009 (www.starwoodhotels. com).

T+L Tip For a luxurious escape that gets you away from the beach crowds, head to Ubud and the lush greenness of Royal Pita Maha (www.royalpitamahabali. com) or Kirana Spa (www. kiranaspa.com).

The Facts Anantara Resort Bali, +62 361 767 636; www.anantara.com; doubles from $304.

19. KANGAROO ISLAND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Why here, why now? Kangaroo Island, off the South Australian coast, is one of the last frontiers of unspoilt planet Earth. A third of the island is national park, wildlife abounds and the gourmet industry is thriving. Beaches range from the dramatic to the swimmerfriendly. Southern Ocean Lodge, the latest bold venture from James and Hayley Baillie of Capella Lodge (Lord Howe Island, NSW fame), is due to open in March 2008, positioned on a cliff top overlooking Kangaroo Island’s wild seascapes. Stunning design and sophisticated touches add luxury to the island’s mix of untouched nature, honest food and gorgeous beach house rentals.

T+L Tip Much of the recent Australian fi lm December Boys was shot around Hanson Bay and Stokes Bay. Don’t miss the natural wonder at Seal Bay Conservation Park and Flinders Chase National Park. And consider winter; it’s spectacular.

The Facts Southern Ocean Lodge, 02 9918 4355; www.southernoceanlodge.com.au; doubles from $1800 all-inclusive.

20. HAINAN ISLAND, CHINA

Why here, why now? A large mass off China’s south coast, Hainan Island is known as “the oriental Hawaii”. It shares scale, latitude and climate with the more famous island getaway. The rest of the world is discovering that there’s more to China than the Great Wall and Shanghai; there are beach holidays, too. The litany of international hotels and resorts is set to swell with Le Meridien Shimei Bay Resort due to open in January 2009 and the Westin Shimei Bay Resort a year later (www.starwoodhotels.com). Until then the pick of the bunch is the Horizon Resort, which had a new wing added last year.

T+L Tip The island is popular between December and February when China’s north is frosty, but temperatures are warm year-round. Escape the beach crowds by visiting the traditional Miao and Li villages. The Guan Yin Temple is a worthy diversion from watery pursuits.

The Facts Horizon Resort, +86 898 8856 8888; www.marriott.com; doubles from $182

21. ISCHIA, ITALY

Why here, why now? For the past five years this beautiful island in the bay of Naples (its closest neighbour is Capri) has hosted the Global Film and Music Festival, attracting the likes of Oliver Stone. Hotel Regina Isabella, with its seawater pool, is the place to stay.

T+L Tip The hotel is built on the site of mineral springs warmed by the island’s volcano – Mount Epomeo. Take advantage of the waters with a hydro massage at the spa.

The Facts Hotel Regina Isabella, +39 081 994 322; www.reginaisabella.it; doubles from $303.

22. MAURITIUS

Why here, why now? On this tranquil, lush island off the coast of Africa, Shanti Ananda Resort Spa opened a year ago. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because it is the sister spa to the Himalayan Ananda. Both are destination spas – places to go for treatments and detoxing. Not a new concept to high-end resorts but a new one for Mauritius. Not to be outdone, Four Seasons is opening Anahita here in 2008 – a mix of residences and hotel suites. (www.anahita mauritius.com).

T+L Tip Pack your very best yoga gear: the Hatha yoga classes are held in a pavilion right on the beach.

The Facts Shanti Ananda, +91 11 2656 8888; www.shantiananda.com; doubles from $796.

23. EASTER ISLAND

Why here, why now? You can now check out those amazing Easter Island sculptures for yourself (they are called moai, should you ever come across them in a crossword). The Explora group offers a new level of luxury on this exotic Pacifi c Ocean island with Explora en Rapa Nui. The hilltop hotel, which was due to open in December 2007, is a sinuous ribbon of volcanic rock housing 30 guestrooms, a restaurant and a spa. The island is Chilean governed and the hotel is about 5km from Hanga Roa, the island’s only town.

T+L Tip Explora’s raison d’etre is to get its guests out and about. Take advantage of the guided walks and picnics.

The Facts Explora en Rapa Nui, +56 2 206 6060; www.explora.com; doubles from $2020 all-inclusive for three nights.

24. HAMILTON ISLAND, QUEENSLAND

Why here, why now? Hamilton Island, one of the 74 Whitsunday islands, is both holiday playground and island community. Golf buggies are the main transport. Qualia resort’s sensually designed pavilions with private plunge pools have added a new level of luxury to Hamilton, where the checklist for paradise – azure water, perfect weather, Barrier Reef proximity, epicurean delights – is impressive.

T+L Tip When cocktails ennui sets in, hike to Passage Peak for a different perspective. It’s the Whitsundays’ highest point.

The Facts Qualia, 02 9433 3349; www.qualia.com.au; doubles from $1400 all-inclusive.

25. PHUKET, THAILAND

Why here, why now? The Yamu enters a crowded market with an excellent pedigree. It’s the brainchild of designer Philippe Starck, architect Jean- Michel Gathy (Aman Resorts) and Adrian Zecha (founder of Aman Resorts). Perched on the pre-requisite white-sand beach the hotel, due to open at the end of the year, will have 61 luxurious guest rooms (one with its own recording studio) and that edgy, elegant stamp you’d expect when you combine the likes of Starck and Gathy.

T+L Tip Once you’ve got the accommodation sorted out, take a boat to Phang Nga Bay National Marine Park and check out the amazing geological rock formations.

The Facts The Yamu, +66 89 727 5119; www.theyamu.com; rates not yet available.