The Maldives has long been the poster child for tropical island getaways, with its crystal-clear waters, overwater bungalows, and pristine beaches. However, as over-tourism concerns grow and travelers seek more authentic experiences, a new wave of remote island destinations is emerging across the globe.
These hidden gems offer the same breathtaking beauty but without the crowds and commercialization. Here is a list of 20 remote islands that travel experts predict will rival the Maldives in popularity over the next decade.
Each offers its unique blend of natural splendor, cultural richness, and that coveted sense of discovery that the Maldives once provided.
Cocos Islands
Located in the Indian Ocean between Australia and Sri Lanka, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands remain one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. The horseshoe-shaped atoll boasts turquoise lagoons that rival those in the Maldives, with water visibility extending beyond 80 feet on clear days.
Local authorities have implemented strict environmental protections that limit development to just 27% of the island, ensuring its pristine coral reefs and beaches remain untouched for generations.
Bocas del Toro
This Panamanian archipelago combines Caribbean charm with Latin American flair, creating a unique island experience unlike any other. Its secluded coves and vibrant coral gardens are home to some of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the Western Hemisphere, with over 95 species of coral and 200 species of tropical fish.
The islands’ laid-back atmosphere and growing number of eco-luxury resorts are attracting investors looking to develop sustainable tourism models that preserve the area’s natural beauty.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Con Dao Islands
Vietnam’s Con Dao archipelago represents the perfect balance of historical significance and natural beauty, with dense jungle forests meeting untouched beaches. The main island’s troubled past as a French colonial prison has given way to careful conservation efforts, with nearly 80% of the archipelago protected as a national park.
Six Senses Con Dao, the first five-star resort on the islands, has set a new standard for luxury that respects local heritage and environmental sustainability.
Tetiaroa
Once Marlon Brando’s private paradise in French Polynesia, Tetiaroa is now home to one of the world’s most exclusive eco-resorts. The atoll’s dozen small islands surround a five-mile-wide lagoon with water so clear that boats appear to float in mid-air.
The Brando resort operates with a near-zero carbon footprint, using innovative technologies like seawater air conditioning and renewable energy to minimize environmental impact while maximizing luxury.
Lakshadweep Islands
India’s answer to the Maldives lies just 220 miles off the country’s southwestern coast, featuring the same stunning coral formations but with a distinct cultural identity. Only 10 of the 36 islands are inhabited, and strict visitor controls have preserved both the marine environment and the islands’ unique blend of Indian and Arab cultural influences.
Recent infrastructure improvements and new flight routes are making these islands more accessible while maintaining their unspoiled character.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Bazaruto Archipelago
Mozambique’s crown jewels consist of six islands with towering dunes that cascade directly into azure waters. The archipelago is one of the last remaining habitats for the endangered dugong, a gentle marine mammal that inspired ancient mermaid legends.
New luxury lodges emphasize community involvement, with over 80% of staff hired from surrounding villages and trained in sustainable tourism practices.
Andaman Islands
These 572 islands in the Bay of Bengal between India and Myanmar feature some of the most diverse coral reef ecosystems on the planet. Only 38 islands are permanently inhabited, with several now hosting boutique resorts that combine luxury with authentic cultural experiences.
The indigenous Jarawa tribe maintains traditional lifestyles in protected areas, while other parts of the archipelago are being carefully developed with strict environmental guidelines.
Los Roques
Venezuela’s hidden gem consists of 350 islands, cays, and islets surrounded by the Caribbean’s clearest waters and most intact coral reefs. The entire archipelago was declared a national park in 1972, limiting development and preserving its natural state decades before conservation became fashionable.
With only one main inhabited island, Gran Roque, the rest of the archipelago remains largely untouched, offering a glimpse of how the Caribbean looked centuries ago.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Corn Islands
Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast features these two pristine islands where English Creole culture and Spanish influences blend to create a unique island vibe. Less than 8,000 residents call these islands home, with tourism infrastructure only recently beginning to develop beyond small, locally owned guest houses.
The islands’ relative isolation—they’re accessible only by small aircraft or boat—has protected them from mass tourism, preserving their authentic island character.
Príncipe
Part of the African nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve sits in the Gulf of Guinea and boasts a landscape that seems straight out of Jurassic Park. Forests cover over 90% of the island, which hosts plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth.
Recent investment from South African developers has introduced luxury eco-lodges without compromising the island’s biodiversity or disturbing the traditional fishing communities that have existed here for generations.
Ogasawara Islands
Often called the ‘Galapagos of Japan,’ these remote islands lie 620 miles south of Tokyo yet remain technically part of the metropolis. The 30+ islands feature endemic plant and animal species that evolved in isolation over millions of years.
Strict environmental protections and the 24-hour ferry journey required to reach them have limited tourism to dedicated nature enthusiasts, though luxury developments are now being planned that will increase accessibility while maintaining ecological safeguards.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Pemba Island
Often overshadowed by neighboring Zanzibar, Tanzania’s Pemba Island offers a more authentic experience with fewer tourists and more intact coral reefs. The island produces approximately 70% of Tanzania’s cloves, filling the air with a sweet aroma during harvest season.
New boutique resorts are emerging along its coastline, designed to blend with local architectural styles and operate in harmony with surrounding fishing villages that have existed for centuries.
Fernando de Noronha
Brazil’s ecological sanctuary consists of 21 islands and islets with strict visitor limits—only 500 tourists are allowed on the main island at any time. The surrounding waters host the highest concentration of resident dolphins in the world, with some pods remaining in the area year-round.
A daily environmental preservation tax increases with each day visitors stay, encouraging shorter visits and generating funds for conservation efforts.
Iles des Saintes
This tiny archipelago in the French Caribbean features a perfect blend of Gallic charm and tropical splendor. The main island’s town of Terre-de-Haut feels like a Mediterranean fishing village transported to the tropics, with red-roofed houses climbing hillsides above one of the world’s most beautiful bays.
French culinary traditions combined with Caribbean ingredients have created a unique gastronomic scene that rivals destinations with much higher profiles.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Rodrigues
Located 350 miles east of Mauritius, this autonomous island has developed tourism at its own deliberate pace, focusing on quality over quantity. The island’s lagoon is twice the size of the land mass itself, creating endless opportunities for water sports and marine exploration.
Local initiatives have restored native plants across 35% of the island, reversing centuries of environmental degradation while creating new opportunities for eco-tourism.
Iles Eparses
Scattered around Madagascar, these French-controlled islands remain among the least visited places on Earth, with access restricted primarily to scientific researchers. Plans to allow limited luxury eco-tourism are underway, with strict guidelines that would permit no more than 30 visitors at a time on any island.
The surrounding waters contain some of the healthiest and most diverse coral reef systems in the Indian Ocean, largely untouched by human activity.
Loyalty Islands
This province of New Caledonia combines French sophistication with Melanesian traditions against a backdrop of perfect beaches and unique limestone formations. The three main islands—Lifou, Maré, and Ouvéa—each maintain distinct cultural identities while sharing a commitment to sustainable tourism development.
New Caledonia’s recent investments in renewable energy mean these islands can develop luxury accommodations without increasing carbon emissions.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Yaeyama Islands
Japan’s southernmost islands lie closer to Taiwan than to mainland Japan and feature a subtropical climate perfect for year-round tourism. The islands combine pristine beaches with traditional Japanese culture that has evolved in isolation, creating a unique blend of experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Taketomi Island, in particular, preserves traditional Ryukyu village architecture, with narrow streets lined with houses protected by stone walls and red-tiled roofs.
Quirimbas Archipelago
Northern Mozambique’s 32 coral islands combine historical significance with natural beauty, featuring ancient Portuguese colonial structures alongside undeveloped beaches. The southern portion of the archipelago constitutes a national park, while the northern islands are being developed with careful attention to environmental impact.
Recent discoveries of nearby natural gas reserves have brought infrastructure improvements to the region while raising the islands’ profile among luxury travelers.
San Blas Islands
Panama’s Caribbean coast features this archipelago of 365 islands, only 49 of which are inhabited by the indigenous Guna people. The Guna maintain political autonomy and control tourism development, ensuring their islands retain cultural authenticity while generating sustainable income.
Simple overwater bungalows constructed with traditional methods offer an experience similar to the Maldives but with deeper cultural connections and at a fraction of the price.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Paradise Found
These islands represent more than just new destinations for luxury travelers—they embody a different approach to tourism development that learns from both the successes and mistakes of places like the Maldives. By prioritizing environmental protection, respecting indigenous cultures, and limiting visitor numbers, these emerging destinations aim to remain special for generations.
The true luxury they offer isn’t just pristine beaches and clear waters, but the opportunity to experience places that still maintain their natural integrity and cultural authenticity in an increasingly homogenized world.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Towns Built for One Purpose That Were Later Abandoned
- 15 Hidden Spots in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Most Visitors Miss
- 20 Once-Popular Beach Towns That Are Now Ghostly Empty
- 15 Canyons in the U.S. That Are Just as Stunning as the Grand Canyon
- 10 Under-the-Radar Mountain Towns That Are Both Affordable and Beautiful
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.