Tropical island holidays: readers’ tips, recommendations and travel advice

This week’s winning entry

Gili Islands, Indonesia

Walking on the pristine beaches of the Gili Islands, Indonesia, one could be forgiven for mistaking their surroundings for the set of the film “Cast Away” – but rest assured, this unspoilt paradise has much more to offer than an old volleyball.

Called the “Maldives of the East”, they are the cooler sisters, and more individual. Head to Trawangan for cocktails served under the stars and Bohemian gatherings at Paradise Sunset Bar, after the freshest fish imaginable at Scallywags. Swim with turtles among the world’s best surviving reefs, all a snorkel away from the heavenly beaches of Gili Meno.

For accommodation, look no further than Ana Warung and Bungalows for an experience more “flashpacking-than-backpacking”, or grab an off-season bargain at Les Villas Ottalia. Finally, hire a bike to avoid waiting for the slow, although charmingly rustic, horses and carts for transport.

Helen MacVicar, from Kent, wins a £350 travel voucher with DialAFlight

^{Gili Islands, Indonesia (Alamy/Getty Images)}

Read more: Indonesian islands travel guide

More feedback from readers

Carabao Island, Philippines

In a country made up of more than 7,000 islands, it takes something special to stand out, and that’s exactly what you’ll find if you travel to Carabao Island, in Romblon Province in the Philippines.

It benefits from the same perfect weather, postcard landscapes and pure white, coral sand beaches as its better known neighbour, but where Boracay is party-focused tourist central, Carabao is laid-back, untouched and practically deserted. Landing on the main beach, a short walk takes you to San Jose where accommodation ranges from small luxury boutique hotels to basic palm huts facing the beach.

Local diving is excellent, fresh seafood barbecues are plentiful and cheap, and a motorbike tour of the island is an exhilarating experience. So if you are in the area, tear yourself away from the crowds and make an effort to visit a real slice of paradise.

Matthew Wood, West Lothian

Taveuni, Fiji

The island of Taveuni is 26 miles long and seven miles wide and is known locally as The Garden of Fiji. It lies across the 180th degree of longitude and claims the only motor road in the world to cross this meridian. Its resorts, scattered around the island, are famous for the hospitality of the Fijian people.

The island is noted for its 10-mile-long line of volcanic peaks, rising to over 4,000ft in height. High up on this ridge there is a freshwater lake where rare orchids grow. These orchids are found nowhere else. Taveuni is home to a species of maroon feathered parrot and also to the orange dove, whose green plumage in season changes to flaming orange of purest hue. Plantations of palms extend for miles around Taveuni’s coasts, producing copra for export. Coffee, ginger and tropical fruits grow there in profusion.

Taveuni must rank as one of the least known but one of the most exotic of tourist destinations.

Carl Hughes, Powys

^{A collared lory, one of the exotic bird species that entice visitors to Taveuni (Alamy/Getty Images)}

St Lucia

Hiking with our guides through the rainforest of St Lucia provides endless opportunities to see birds including parrots and macaws, wild and cultivated flowers of all description and sample fresh mango or coconut. Rodney Bay is a wonderful base for exploration and our walks included lunch stops on the beach sampling fresh barbecued meals provided by St Lucians, followed by a swim in either the Caribbean Sea or the wilder Atlantic Ocean.

If the chance arises, stay at the memorable 19th-century French colonial Balenboche sugar plantation in one of its tropical open-style cottages, aptly named Frangipani or Almond, and fit in a yoga session in its long barn. Maybe sample the delicious organic meals served on the sweet-smelling veranda, or perhaps take a walk through the grounds, past lily ponds and orchards, down to the private beach as the sun sets.

Margaret Hardeman, Worcestershire

Antigua

We had already visited several islands in the Caribbean, including Antigua, and were unsure which one to return to when a friend recommended Blue Waters in Antigua. We have been going there almost every year since. This spa hotel welcomes you with a rum punch in the cool spacious reception as soon as you arrive from the airport. It is then luxury all the way on the all-inclusive tariff. It is, however, the friendly staff – not the pools, the beach in its own bay or the magnificent views – that make this place the paradise on earth that it is.

Alan Ashton, by email

As they came closer to the shore, the James Bond theme grew louder and our sense of anticipation peaked. It wasn’t even in our honour but there was no escaping the excitement.

People-watching from our luxurious pods on the pristine white beach, cocktails in hand, we were reminded of why we return to Antigua year after year. Yes, beautiful beaches, crystal clear water and stunning sunsets play their part. So too, fine dining and luxurious accommodation. But the real reason to make this your next tropical island destination is to experience the welcome and hospitality of its people.

Going the extra mile is just their norm, so with a quiet word to the host you too might find you’re greeted with champagne (or a martini) as you walk barefoot through the powder sand from your boat to your surprise birthday lunch in an exotic and idyllic setting like no other.

Marion Macklin, East Sussex

Read more: Caribbean travel guide

^{Antigua (Alamy)}

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Victoria House, a luxurious retreat in old plantation grounds on the quieter south side of Ambergris Caye, Belize, is a gem. Spend as much time as you can in the water, because the barrier reef is quite incredible and full of colourful life. You won’t fail to come up close to rays, nurse sharks and turtles, as well as coral in every shape and form.

On the island, the food is punchy and flavoursome. We had an excellent Belizian/Creole lunch at Wild Mango’s set on the beach front and dinner at El Fogon, a favourite with the locals where the freshly caught snapper and conch are a delight.

The homemade cinnamon rolls at The Bakery are a treat, and we had the tastiest jerk chicken at Robin’s Kitchen, a small hut set off Coconut Drive.

Be sure to come back with a bottle of Marie Sharp’s Habanero Hot Sauce.

Shriya Patel, London

Phuket

After leaving the hustle and bustle of Phuket’s international airport, the warmth of the sun and the atmosphere made me smile as I travelled by taxi to my hotel. I noticed many people sitting outside their houses and sensed the feeling of belonging to a community.

Then I looked on beyond the trees and paradise hit me. All I could see was the idyllic colour of the water and the sandy white beaches as we drove up to the holiday of a lifetime at the Avista Hidaway Spa – a holiday which cost me £1,000 for 10 nights and turned out to be a truly memorable experience.

Jo Woolford, by email

Dominican Republic

I have visited the Dominican Republic twice and can definitely recommend snorkelling on Sosua’s amber coast, where there are so many beautiful exotic fish and corals.

Taking a catamaran excursion to the reef adds to the whole experience if you have never tried it before.

Claudia Gardner, West Sussex

Read more: Dominican Republic travel guide

Share your travel tips to win

Each week we offer a prize to whoever sends us the best travel tip. Click here to find out more.