It’s easy to get swept up with visions of idyllic beaches and dreamy sunsets but one always ends up confused when it comes to choosing an ideal island getaway for oneself. So we thought we’d put together a list of 6 of our favourite island getaways, with pros and cons of each, so it is easy for you guys to zero in on your ideal island getaway, whatever your preferences might be. You’ll find something here, irrespective of whether you’re after a luxurious getaway, a wellness holiday, or a road trip. Read on

I) SEYCHELLES

“It’s as though I’d drunk a bottle of anise and fallen asleep wrapped in a quilt of roses. It pulls me along – and I know I’m drowning” Seychelles’ seductive beaches make me think of Garcia Lorca’s gorgeous poetry – it draws you in and before you know it, you’re in love! Seychelles is ideal for those who like a mix of culture, luxury, nature, and hiking on a romantic getaway.

Overview of Seychelles

PROS

Gorgeous beaches, perfect mix of culture and scenery, island hopping opportunities, amazing hotels

CONS

Hard (not impossible!) to explore on a budget, public areas and beaches can get really crowded during peak times so privacy is not guaranteed

PERFECT FOR

Romantic getaways and honeymoons

Bruised Passports Itinerary for Seychelles

Couple sunbathing on beach at Silhouette Island — Sunbathing on the gorgeous beaches of Seychelles

Woman at Anse Source D'Argent in La Digue — Savi at Anse Source D’Argent – we thought we’d give a different twist to one of the most photographed beaches in the world

II) MALDIVES

What’s more romantic than being marooned on a tiny private island, positioned strategically between Asia and Africa? A sun-drenched island paradise far far away from civilisation and all that comes with it – laughing and playing in the sparkling ocean, bare feet on sand, sipping on coconut water, and reading on golden beaches. That’s the MALDIVES in a nutshell. You just need to take a deep breath and unleash the skinny dips, flower-laden baths, beach-side breakfasts, and the bubbly

Overview of Maldives

PROS

Gorgeous beaches, private and luxurious accommodation, perfect watersports

CONS

You have to stay put in one hotel as island hopping is inconvenient and expensive, no cultural experiences perse

PERFECT FOR

Uber private romantic getaways and honeymoons

Bruised Passports in Maldives

infinity pool maldives travel fashion — Morning coffee with a view to boot in Maldives

Morning coffee with a view to boot in Maldives

Outrigger Konotta Maldives sunset cruise — A fiery sunset, a brewing storm, dolphins jumping out of the water, and our very own private Dhoni boat in Maldives

III) BALI

Along comes an island where it isn’t about the beaches but lush paddy fields, secret waterfalls, and sun-hazed countryside – about appreciating the thrumming rhythm of slow life. Ubud, with its labyrinth of smoothie bars, yoga studios, tie & dye boutiques, bohemian retreats, and vegan eateries is truly our ticket to the moon. The bustling resort areas of Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Kuta are similar to other beach-side getaways in South-East Asia. Unlike Ubud, the beaches of don’t scream special to us. Just head to Thailand or Vietnam if you want to hit beaches!

Overview of Bali

PROS

Affordable, gorgeous highlands, amazing cultural experiences, vegan haven

CONS

Underwhelming beaches (in fact we don’t like most of Bali’s beaches), rowdy party goers, crowded touristy spots

PERFECT FOR

Wellness getaways, getaways with friends, long sabbaticals

Bruised Passports Guide to Ubud, Bali

The Tegenungan waterfall Ubud Bali — We love Bali : Morning walks at The Tegenungan waterfall in Ubud

IV) FIJI AND FRENCH POLYNESIA

It was when she smeared powder all over my face and held my hand like THAT … that I realised this dazzling paradise garlanded with frangipanis, sugarcane fields swaying in the sun, the palm-scented ocean, and golden sunsets every single day would be a favourite. ‘Bula Vinaka’ is the phrase that greets you when you first land in Fiji!! It literally translates to ‘a warm hello’ and boy do Fijians live up to that promise! Here sarongs are the national dress and everyone works on Fiji time – slow and easyyyyy

Overview of Fiji and French Polynesia

PROS

Uber-picturesque beaches, culturally immersive experiences, convenient island-hopping, incredible dives and snorkelling, incredible luxury hotels

CONS

Remote/hard to reach (unless you live in Australia or New Zealand), can get expensive

PERFECT FOR

Honeymoons and romantic getaways, luxurious family getaways, island hopping cruises

Bruised Passports Itinerary for Fiji

Fiji itinerary kids at sigatoka river safari — Vid goofing around with Fijian kids – they loved his camera and wouldn’t let go

Vid goofing around with Fijian kids – they loved his camera and wouldn’t let go

Ideal for a romantic getaway. Dinners in Fiji islands look a bit like..

V) CANARY ISLANDS

Canary Islands, Spain : these Spanish islands, located just off the coast of Africa, are perfect because they are warm even during winter months. They are accessible, affordable, and gorgeous but can get super crowded during summer months. Ideal for beach bums

Overview of Canary Islands

PROS

Proximity to Europe, picturesque beaches, Spanish villages and tapas bars, warm weather almost all year round

CONS

Rowdy tourist and crowded beaches during peak times

PERFECT FOR

Family holidays, mini roadtrips, partying

Bruised Passports Itinerary for Lanzarote

Earth: The Mountains Rising From Volcanic Ash In Lanzarote

Spanish villages and warm weather – The Canary Islands are ideal for partying it up!

Fashion Blogger UK — Canary Islands’ proximity to Europe makes it ideal for short holidays

VI) GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Don’t go here for the beaches but the rare wildlife, birds, flora, and fauna. Expect playful sea lions, lackadaisical iguanas, rare birds and blue-footed boobies diving into ocean in front of your eyes. The Galápagos Islands are heavily protected and expensive, but they’re amazing for nature enthusiasts! Swim with turtles and cherish this rare holiday in some of the most remote islands in the world.

Overview of Galapagos Islands

PROS

Extremely rare birds and wildlife, one of the most unique places on the planet

CONS

Extremely expensive as they are heavily protected

PERFECT FOR

Bird-watchers, wildlife enthusiasts

Bruised Passports Itinerary for Galapagos

A gorgeous blue-footed booby on North Seymour island Galapagos — A gorgeous blue-footed booby in Galapagos

A gorgeous blue-footed booby in Galapagos

Blue-footed boobies dive into the ocean for fish in Galapagos Islands

Boy sunbathing on tortuga bay beach with iguanas — Vid napping on the beach right next to the iguanas – only in Galapagos

VII) MAURITIUS

Mauritius is known for its ethereal beaches with powdery white sands and warm azure waters. While it does have some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world, there is no dearth of things to do in Mauritius – it isn’t called Paradise Island for nothing! Even though we had to tear ourselves away from our lovely hotel, we are glad we did. Mauritius is perfect if you like your holidays jam-packed with activities and beaches.