The 5 Best Exotic Island Getaways To Visit In 2027 According To Travel Experts

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As travelers start to look ahead planning their 2027 getaways, major publications are dropping their big destination lists. Lonely Planet just released their Best in Travel 2027 lineup, and they highlighted some really exotic places across this gorgeous planet of ours.

They gave shoutouts to places like Montserrat and Bocas del Toro, but their picks for remote, exotic island escapes deserve some serious attention. My job is literally trying to find the best travel experiences and knowledge to share with you, and these places all fit the bill.

If you want to experience the best island getaways on the planet next year, here are 5 exotic destinations you need to put on your radar.

1. French Polynesia – The South Pacific Dream

French Polynesia is the bucket-list heavyweight, but Lonely Planet’s 2027 lineup emphasizes why it’s evolving beyond just the ultra-expensive resorts.

• The Vibe: Dramatic emerald peaks rising sharply out of neon-turquoise lagoons, blending French flair with Polynesian warmth across legendary island groups.
• The Highlight: Taking a boat tour through the shallow lagoons of Moorea and Bora Bora to swim with stingrays and blacktip reef sharks in crystal-clear water.

Tip From The Editor (me): You don’t have to spend a fortune on an overwater bungalow to experience the magic here. Book a local family-run pension on Moorea instead, rent a scooter to circle the island, and spend your afternoons eating fresh fish at a roadside food truck.

2. Fulidhoo, Maldives – The Local Island Alternative

When people think of the Maldives, they picture thousand-dollar-a-night overwater bungalows locked away on private resort islands. Lonely Planet highlights Fulidhoo on their 2027 list for a simple reason: it breaks that luxury mold.

• The Vibe: A tiny local island in the Vaavu Atoll where traditional Maldivian life takes center stage, complete with sandy streets, zero cars, and a welcoming community.
• The Highlight: Snorkeling crystal-clear lagoons where nurse sharks and rays swim right alongside you just feet from the shore, all without paying resort prices.

Tip From The Editor (me): Don’t bother booking a luxury resort island just to see marine life. Stay in a local guesthouse on Fulidhoo, and walk right off the public beach with your snorkel gear—you’ll see more sharks in ten minutes than most resort guests see all week. Just remember to dress respectfully outside the beach areas since it’s a local island.

3. Samoa – The Heart of Polynesia

If you want the South Pacific without the commercial gloss of Bora Bora, Samoa is a revelation. Lonely Planet flagged it for 2027 as the Pacific’s warmest welcome.

• The Vibe: Steeped in Fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way), featuring traditional open-air beach fales, cascading waterfalls, and deeply rooted village traditions.
• The Highlight: Swimming in the breathtaking To Sua Ocean Trench, a massive 30-meter-deep volcanic sinkhole surrounded by lush jungle connected by a steep wooden ladder.

Tip From The Editor (me): When you climb down into the To Sua trench, go early in the morning before the tour vans arrive. The water is cold and refreshing, but watch your footing on the wooden steps—the mist from the jungle makes them slick. Afterward, grab a fresh coconut from a roadside stand down the road.

4. New Caledonia – The French Pacific Gem

New Caledonia made Lonely Planet’s 2027 list as a standout destination where South Pacific wilderness meets French culture.

• The Vibe: Home to one of the world’s largest barrier reefs and vast lagoons, blending Melanesian Kanak traditions with Parisian cafes in Nouméa.
• The Highlight: Exploring the Isle of Pines, where natural marine pools, towering pine trees, and untouched white sand beaches create stunning scenery.

Tip From The Editor (me): Rent a car or scooter to explore Grande Terre beyond the city. Stop by the local markets in Nouméa for fresh pastries and island fruit before heading out to the coast—the blend of fresh croissants and South Pacific ocean views is something you won’t forget.

5. Okinawa, Japan – Japan’s Subtropical Coastline

When travelers think of Japan, they usually picture neon-lit Tokyo streets or historic temples in Kyoto. Lonely Planet’s 2027 pick reminds us that Japan has a stunning subtropical paradise.

• The Vibe: A relaxed island prefecture with a distinct Ryukyu culture, crystal-clear blue waters, and some of the longest-living communities on earth.
• The Highlight: Diving the coral reefs around the Kerama Islands or exploring ancient castle ruins and coastal limestone caves.

Tip From The Editor (me): Skip the big resort hotels on the main strip and head north toward Yanbaru or the smaller outer islands. Rent a car to explore the coastal winding roads, and stop at a local seaside spot to try Okinawan soba noodles—it’s a totally different side of Japan that most tourists miss.

The mega-resorts aren’t going anywhere, but the window to experience these islands in their raw, authentic state is narrowing. 2027 is the year to lock in those flights before the rest of the world catches on.

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