- When it comes to vacation nothing beats a beach. While the coastal states offer a few viable options, there’s nothing like the pristine waters surrounding a tropical island. If you haven’t mapped out your <strong><a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/summertravel/">summer travel</a></strong> location just yet, we’ve compiled five of the best island destinations to get you motivated. <em>— Andrea Adams, Travelista TV</em> <br><br> <b><em><a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/outofoffice/">For more travel tips, destinations and best places to stay, eat and play, visit blackenterprise.com/outofoffice</a></b></em>
(Image: ThinkStock)
- <ul> <li><strong>ANTIGUA & BARBUDA:</strong></li> </ul> The Caribbean islands of <strong><a href="http://www.travelista.tv/2011/05/01/welcome-to-antigua/" target="_blank">Antigua</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.travelista.tv/2011/05/02/barbuda-and-beyond/" target="_blank">Barbuda</a></strong> are home to 365 beaches, world-class hotels, amazing cuisine and sailing week (end of April). <ul> <li><strong>Stay: </strong><strong><a href="http://www.villasatsunsetlane.com/" target="_blank">Villas at Sunset Lane</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.campbellgrayhotels.com/carlisle-bay-antigua.html?lang=EN#/carlisle-bay-antigua" target="_blank">Carlisle Bay</a></strong> or <strong><a href="http://www.lighthousebayresort.com/lhbdev/" target="_blank">Lighthouse Bay</a></strong> (Barbuda)</li> <li><strong>Eat:</strong> C&C Wine bar, <strong><a href="http://www.thetidesantigua.com/" target="_blank">The Tides</a></strong> or Dennis Beach Bar</li> <li><strong>Shop:</strong> Deshaun Boutique and Jolly Harbor</li> <li><strong>See and Do:</strong> Barbuda – Frigate Bird Sanctuary, Shirley Heights on Sunday afternoon, Rainforest Zip Line Tour. Take part in <strong><a href="http://www.travelista.tv/2011/05/01/celebrity-fun-soca-in-antigua/" target="_blank">Carnival</a></strong>, July 23-August 2, 2011.</li> </ul>
(Image: Carlisle Bay Resort)
- <ul> <li><strong>KOH SAMUI, THAILAND</strong></li> </ul> Koh Samui is a paradise getaway that boasts lush gardens, incomparable wellness treatments, and stretches of sandy beaches. <ul> <li><strong>Stay: </strong><strong><a href="http://www.kchotelsresorts.com/kcresort/" target="_blank">KC Resort & Over Water Villas</a></strong> or <strong><a href="http://www.sareesamui.com/" target="_blank">Saree Samui Hotel</a></strong></li> <li><strong>Eat: </strong><strong><a href="http://www.o11s.com/" target="_blank">Ocean 11</a></strong></li> <li><strong>Shop:</strong> Jim Thompson for luxurious Thai home goods</li> <li><strong>See and Do:</strong> Take a boat to Koh Tao to snorkel alongside black fin sharks; indulge in a four-hand Thai massage, take Thai cooking classes, or go dancing at Mint Bar.</li> </ul>
(Image: KC Resort)
- <ul> <li><strong>SANTORINI, GREECE</strong></li> </ul> Surrounded by breathtaking vistas and high cliffs, the volcanic island of Santorini feels as if you have floated into heaven. <ul> <li><strong>Stay: </strong><strong><a href="http://www.perivolas.gr/" target="_blank">Perivolas Hotel</a></strong> or <strong><a href="http://www.aquasuites.gr/" target="_blank">Aqua Suites</a></strong></li> <li><strong>Eat:</strong> Il Cantuccio, Ambrosia or Taverna Kritikos</li> <li><strong>Shop:</strong> Go to Fira for the best in jewelry and ceramics.</li> <li><strong>See and Do:</strong> Tour the islands and waterways of the caldera with a private catamaran, and don’t miss the black sand beach. In September, check out the International Classical Music Festival.</li> </ul>
(Image: Perivolas Hotel)
- <ul> <li><strong>BAHAMAS</strong></li> </ul> One of the most exclusive islands in the Bahamas is Harbour Island, featuring over three miles of beautiful pink sand beaches. <ul> <li><strong>Stay: </strong><strong><a href="http://www.pinksandsresort.com/" target="_blank">Pink Sands Resort</a></strong> or <strong><a href="http://www.harbourislandlanding.com/" target="_blank">The Landing</a></strong></li> <li><strong>Eat:</strong> The Landing, The Rock House or Arthur’s Bakery</li> <li><strong>Shop:</strong> Hand-crafted straw or Afro-Caribbean music at the gift shop of the Pink Sands Hotel</li> <li><strong>See and Do:</strong> Sunbathe on stretches of pink sand beach that extend into forever or journey to uninhabited islands for a picnic.</li> </ul>
(Image: Pink Sand Resort)
- <ul> <li><strong>SARDINIA</strong></li> </ul> Set in a natural environment with lush vegetation, Sardinia is known for hidden coves, relaxed-luxury beach atmosphere, and beautiful yachts. <ul> <li><strong>Stay: </strong><strong><a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=66 " target="_blank">Hotel Pitrizza</a> </strong>or <strong><a href="http://www.lacoluccia.it/hotel_lusso_sardegna-1332.html" target="_blank">Hotel La Coluccia</a></strong></li> <li><strong>Eat:</strong> La Mola or Gianni Pedrinelli</li> <li><strong>Shop:</strong> Porto Cervo’s downtown</li> <li><strong>See and Do:</strong> Visit the Church of St. Lorenzo. Indulge in the transparent waters of Punta Afosdelo and dei Sassi e delle Alghe' beaches. Spot Italian celebrities and athletes as you sip drinks on Ira Beach at Jaguar Beach Club.</li> </ul>
(Image: Andrea Adams)












