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I’ve been to 30 tropical islands. From Bora Bora to Barbados, here are the top 5 I’d visit again.

August 9, 20240
I loved the idyllic shoreline and bungalows in Bora Bora.

Kelly Magyarics

This South Pacific haven screams “paradise.” Though getting there was a long journey — I had to take a 16-hour flight from New York to Tahiti, followed by an hourlong flight to Bora Bora — the island was absolutely otherworldly.

The island, formed by an extinct volcano, is surrounded by a calm turquoise lagoon that’s basically a huge wading pool. I remember marveling at rows of romantic bungalows with glass floors and thatched roofs overlooking the water.

The island’s Mount Otemanu, shrouded by clouds, was also a postcard-worthy sight from any angle.

The local cuisine combines French and Polynesian cultures. I enjoyed meals like Le Poisson cru, a ceviche-like dish made with coconut milk, tomatoes, and cucumber. It was truly heaven on earth.

I loved the luxurious vibes in Saint Barthélemy.
Saint Martin had plenty of things to do, like visiting Maho Beach.

Kelly Magyarics

Saint Martin is split into two distinct French and Dutch sides. I thought the French side had a quiet, relaxed vibe during my visit.

I laid on the beach at Orient Bay (referred to as the Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean) and shopped at the luxury boutiques in Marigot, the capital of the French Collectivity on Saint Martin.

I found the Dutch side much livelier as I clubbed at the Soggy Dollar Bar in Simpson Bay and sipped rum cocktails while watching the sunset at The Rusty Parrot.

The island is also the ultimate destination for aviation geeks, as the Princess Juliana International Airport is steps away from Maho Beach. I spent hours watching planes fly directly above me.

Visitors can also island hop to nearby Saint Bart’s and Anguilla, easily accessible by ferry or plane.

I was blown away by Curaçao’s beautiful beaches and scenery.
Barbados offers beautiful beaches.

Ina Meer Sommer/Shutterstock

The Caribbean is synonymous with rum, but in my opinion, no island offers as authentic an experience as this destination.

Based in Barbados, the iconic rum producer Mount Gay has been selling the spirit since 1703. Touring and tasting at the company’s distillery is a must-do for any fan of the sugarcane-based spirit.

Visitors can also make their way through Barbados’ flavorful cocktails (and cuisine) at lively bars and restaurants. I loved the potent rum punch and local fish cakes at Oasis Beach Bar, as well as the seared jerk tuna and butter beans at Calma Beach Club.

The island was perpetually vibrant — it seemed like a party, festival, or concert was always happening. The snorkeling in Carlisle Bay was also amazing, as I saw parrotfish, hawksbill turtles, and seahorses.

Plus, Rihanna fans can snap a selfie in front of the Barbadian native’s colorful childhood home, where her name adorns the doormat.