If you’re sitting at your desk reading this on as you try to steal a few moments of peace and quiet in an otherwise crazy day, admit it; you’d love to be shipwrecked on a beautiful desert island in the middle of nowhere, exploring gorgeous beaches and soaking up the sun. No phones, no internet, just you and a good book (and maybe an endless supply of iced cocktails). Whether you’re high-maintenance or love the great outdoors, some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches are just waiting to be explored on islands across the globe, from French Polynesia to The Maldives, so pack your bikini and your sun cream, because these beaches won’t stay deserted for very long!
1 Le Taha’a Island, French Polynesia
Mention French Polynesia and many people won’t know where you’re talking about, which makes this first beach resort the perfect place to escape to (or be shipwrecked on)! This luxury resort is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy nature at its most beautiful, with overwater bungalows on stilts rising out of the crystal-clear azure waters. To top it all off, your breakfast will arrive by canoe every morning, and you’re well away from the tourist hub of Bora Bora. If you’re planned on being shipwrecked on gorgeous beaches such as this one, better make sure you bring your Visa card!
Frequently asked questions
2 The Maldives
Around 1,190 individual islands make up The Maldives, in the Indian Ocean, and it’s estimated that around 90 of these islands are uninhabited. For the really adventurous, hire a boat or take a trip with a local guide to one of the desert islands just off the coast. You could even book a desert island vacation, as some of the uninhabited islands are owned by locals who offer ‘Robinson Crusoe’ style breaks where you can experience a holiday camping under the stars. Being shipwrecked here is like landing in paradise, with soft golden sands, lush green palm trees and clear water that’s perfect for swimming and diving – so go on, dive in!
3 Aldabra Island, the Seychelles
With summer finally over here in London, this is one beach I wouldn’t mind heading for right now! Aldabra Island is the westernmost island in the Seychelles, and the largest coral atoll in the world – it’s actually a group of four islands and is around 60 square miles in size. The scenery here is straight out of a movie, with palm tree fronds overhanging mysterious caves, and white sandy beaches without a soul in sight. The only thing you are likely to see here is Giant Tortoises, as Aldabra Island has one of the largest populations of these creatures in the world; around 150,000 of them call the island home!
4 Muk Ko Ang Thong, Thailand
Muk Ko Ang Thong is a group of 42 islands situated in the Gulf of Thailand, and the area is a designated National Park, covering more than 39.5 square miles. The islands name means ‘Bowl of Gold,’ and year round sunshine and high temperatures ensure Muk Ko Ang Thong lives up to its name! If you’ve seen the movie ‘The Beach’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio, it was filmed here, and whilst the novel and movie have increased the island’s popularity, you’ll still find plenty of deserted beaches and coves for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing here – you may never want to leave!
5 Cocos Island, Costa Rica
If you’re a fan of Indiana Jones, then Cocos Island is your dream destination to find yourself shipwrecked on. Normally, tourists are only allowed to visit the island with prior permission from the park rangers, who are the only people living on the island. The scenery here is out of this world – mile after mile of lush green jungle and some of the most unusual wildlife you’ll ever encounter! Legends tell tales of treasure buried here in the 19th century by pirates, including Incan gold stolen by the infamous pirate Benito Bonito, and the island is known to attract treasure hunters.
6 Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
The Fijian islands of Mamanuca are made up of around 20 islands, one of which was used as the location for the film ‘Castaway’ starring Tom Hanks. Whilst you’ll find that some of the islands are a popular holiday destination thanks to their stunning white sandy beaches and sheltered coves for swimming and diving, you’ll be glad to hear that there are a few uninhabited islands just waiting to be discovered. Hiring a boat gives you the freedom to explore the islands at your own pace, but make sure you pack plenty of supplies in case you really are shipwrecked!
7 Exuma, Bahamas
Whilst the Bahamas is a tourist hotspot synonymous with luxury resorts and popular with honeymooning couples from across the globe, there are still parts of it that remain largely untouched by tourism. Here, in the stunning Exuma area, you’ll find more than 360 islands of varying sizes – rent a boat and prepare to find beautiful lagoons, submerged caves, mysterious grottoes and some of the most amazing coral reefs. This is a great spot for those looking for that genuine shipwrecked feeling – with many of the islands uninhabited, you can take to the sea in your boat and not see another living soul all day long!
The idea of being shipwrecked on a gorgeous beach is so tempting, particularly when work or home life gets really stressful; the phones are ringing, you’re trying to respond to emails and your to-do list is getting longer and longer! Sometimes, a vacation is just what you need to get away from it all, although it doesn’t always have to be a deserted beach; perhaps your idea of the perfect escape is a romantic European city such as Paris or Rome! So tell me, where do you like to jet off to when you’re looking to escape it all?
