See These Islands Before You Die

An island vacation is a bucket-list essential, but it’s not just a question of simply booking a Caribbean getaway and jetting off. You might want to experience a true island escape, but if you don’t know what one’s like, let the experts help you. Some islands truly are better than others, but it’s a question of "amazing" and "breathtaking." Still, if you’re going to invest in luxury travel, shouldn’t it be on the best your money can buy?

Bali: The Island of Gods
Bali isn’t just somewhere loved by Elizabeth Gilbert in Eat, Pray, Love, but a place of natural wonder and spiritual enlightenment. Bali’s strong Hindu population (comprising 93% of the population) means that you can explore gorgeous temples and check out complex, colorful celebrations almost daily.

St. Regis Bali
121 suites and villas make up this exquisite resort, decorated with Balinese art. The St. Regis Bali features gardens and private pools near all guest quarters, and the soft beaches of Nusa Dua aren't far off from your accommodations.

Four Seasons Resort Bali
This expansive resort regularly receives accolades for its service, and you'll notice why right away at the Four Seasons Resort Bali. At this kid-friendly location, you've got to take time to explore the Indonesian spa and oceanside dining that make this spot so perfect for luxury-seekers.

Key West
If you want to travel, but you don’t want to go too far, then Key West is your place. Surrounded by sparkling water, but still a hop-and-a-skip from mainland Florida, Key West is home to North America’s only living coral reef. The lowland island has select sandy beaches and a funky, laid-back lifestyle, and its colorful buildings are photo-op ready at any time.

Casa Marina Resort
The tropical elegance at the Casa Marina Resort has been drawing movie stars and the idle rich since the 1920s, and now you have a chance to explore what's been keeping it alive all these years. The landmark resort combines Old Key West with the new, and you can't forget to spend a night on the patio while you're there.

Palm Islands Dubai
From all the islands in the world, the Palm Islands might be considered the very best. Why? They were engineered by experts to be a manmade paradise, with destination resorts and high-end shopping options around every corner.

Madinat Jumeirah
This Arabian resort will have you wishing to extend your vacation as soon as you see it explode in bright lights after sunset. The hotel, both opulent and traditional, is connected to places of interest by Venice-like waterways. Don't forget about the Six Senses Spa.

The Jumeirah Beach Hotel
598 rooms in the Jumeirah Beach Hotel means that you won't have trouble finding the perfect suite. 20 international restaurants, cafes, and bars and a luxury marina give you a great chance to dine and stroll under the Middle Eastern moon.

Bora Bora
Gorgeous waters surrounding Bora Bora are best seen as close as possible, and you can’t get much closer than in one of the stilt-legged huts on the coast of the idyllic island. If you need somewhere to recharge that’s heavy on the beauty and on the luxury, than one of the world’s most beautiful islands should do the trick.

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
Thatched huts connected by a snaking walkway are exactly what most of us picture when it comes to resort vacations in Bora Bora. If stilt-living isn't for you, there are also seven beachfront villas available for booking at the Four Seasons Bora Bora.

Intercontinental La Moana Bora Bora
Two white sand beaches and a collection of intimate bungalows is the setting for your Bora Bora vacation at the Intercontinental La Moana, but it's just where things start. Take advantage of water sports and cultural exploration via concierge service at one of Bora Bora's top luxury resorts.

CNN’s list goes on, and your bucket list is sure to grow longer. After all, one island vacation won’t suffice when there’s so many stunning island destination across the globe.