Enjoy the Sun in the Top Tropical Destinations

by Jessica Howell

Lazily basking in the heat of the sun, toes dipped in the cool ocean water and frozen drink in hand… ROAD & TRAVEL's list of top tropical getaways will leave you dreaming of seaside luxury. From white sandy beaches to tranquil blue-green lagoons, these destinations are guaranteed to satisfy every one of your warm weather desires.

Fiji, South Pacific

The South Pacific's warm waters swirl around this collection of islands - 333 in all. Perfect for movers and shakers, island hopping in Fiji can provide serene solitude in the morning and give way to steamy hot spots in the evening. Whether you're looking for excitement and attractions or peace and quiet, this destination can accommodate.

While Fiji enjoys ideal South Sea tropical climates, trade winds from the east southeast bring year long cooling breezes that make for comfortable, cool evenings. There are plenty of exceptional luxury resorts to choose from and since English is the spoken language, you can venture from your resort without worry.

Luxury Resort Pick: Shangri-La's Fijian Resort
Visit Bula Fiji for more information. For more info.

Maui, Hawaii

If there is one reason for Maui's enduring popularity it is it's diversity -- the island's uncanny ability to dazzle and soothe almost at the same time.

The second largest island in the Hawaiian chain, Maui is 48 miles long and 26 miles across. But into that space is packed long, sandy beaches, tropical rainforests, rolling green pasture lands, dryland forests, and spectacular rocky cliffs. From east to west, there is a place to accommodate any personality. From ubertrendy Upcountry to Hana's old plantation lifestyle, Maui is continually thought of as Hawaii's best and most exclusive.

Luxury Resort Pick: The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Click on Visit Maui for more information.

Barbuda, Caribbean

Tired of following the travel-trendy crowd? If you're in search of a tropical destination that's off the beaten path, but tried and true, you'll easily fall for Barbuda (pronoun-ced Bar-byew-dah), a small island 26 miles north of its Caribbean sister, Antigua.

This sparsely populated gem is primarily inhabited by birds. That's right - the glossy black Magnificent Frigate Birdsto be exact - who seem to show a marked preference for the sandy island. Swooping through the sky with a wing span up to 8 feet and enjoying the undeveloped wilderness, the Frigates are striking, majestic and a memorable aspect of Barbuda. If bird gazing isn't your thing, try diving, snorkeling, fishing, caving or beachcombing on pink coral and white endless sandy stretches.

Luxury Resort Pick: The Beach House
Visit Antigua-Barbuda or Babudiful for more information.

Bora Bora, Tahiti

In 1961 Bora Bora was a coconut and hibiscus-strewn split volcano afloat in the vast South Pacific region known as French Polynesia. Today, few things have changed with looming green-wreathed volcanic peaks lending a dramatic backdrop to this little island some 260 kilometers northwest of Tahiti. Lush tropical gardens and crystal clear emerald lagoons make Bora Bora any traveler's dream. Pack your bags with the breeziest summer resort wear and seek refuge near the island's legendary Mount Otemanu.

The name Bora Bora, which is believed to mean "first born" in Polynesian, originated from a legend that it was the first island raised out of the sea by the supreme god. Judging from it's ethereal beauty, it doesn't sound too far off to us.

Luxury Resort pick: Hotel Bora Bora
Visit Tahiti Tourism for more information.

Los Cabos, Mexico

"The Capes," known as one of Mexico's most exclusive destinations, lies on the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula (the world's longest) and is perfectly situated where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortes. Don't let the short distance from America fool you - these beaches may be miles away, but you'll feel a world apart. A picturesque slice of Mexico, Los Cabos still resonates with the 18th Century mission town that it once was.

Your eyes will fall first on the craggy peaks of Sierra de la Laguna, then wander to miles of golden beach and finally rest on the calm turquoise ocean. With plenty of hotel and resort options, you'll easily find a place that pleases. So settle in and the decide where the warm breeze will take you: sun bathing, sailing, golfing, exploring the great "El Arco" rock arch… the possibilities here are as limitless as the sandy terrain.

Luxury Resort Pick: Las Ventanas Al Paraiso
Visit Cabo for more info on Los Cabos.