The local meaning of Ratua is ‘everyone is welcome’. At this resort of the same name on a 60-hectare island nestled within the unspoilt archipelago of Vanuatu, a 70-minute flight from Port Vila, everyone really is. Guests are invited to stay in 200 year-old hand-carved teak villas, dismantled and imported from a mountain range in Indonesia, some of which exceed 140 square meters in size. The atmosphere of seclusion and intimacy is reinforced by a maximum guest capacity of 42; you can explore Ratua Private Island’s crystalline lagoons, lush forest and private beaches by horse, bicycle or (bare)foot without bumping into another guest (though you may see dugongs, tropical fish and turtles while snorkelling). 

The waters surrounding the picturesque island of Malakal Island teem with aquatic life, cementing it as a world-class diving location. On shore, you’ll find Hotel Indigo, opening in 2025, built in a unique crescent layout that’s designed to maximise views of the unspoilt island – one of over 200 in the idyllic archipelago of Palau, a direct six-hour flight from Brisbane. Thanks to its layout, many of the stay’s 200 brand-new rooms boast both lagoon and ocean outlooks but there’s plenty more to enjoy: two restaurants, a bar, fitness centre and spa and a generous saltwater pool that spills into the ocean.

A 30-minute private boat ride from Noumea is all that separates you from the 200-hectare marine reserve backdrop to the DoubleTree by Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort. Just off the south coast of New Caledonia’s main island of Grande Terre, this stunning property features garden or beach bungalows, as well as 25 overwater bungalows – the only ones you’ll find in the country. They’re just as heavenly as they look, complete with an outdoor shower, 250-thread-count linens and a 13-square-metre deck that hovers over the lagoon.

A paradisical setting – swaying palms, white sands and glittering ocean – makes The Havannah resort a favourite among honeymooners. Located just a 40-minute drive from Port Vila Airport, you don’t need to venture too far to find it. By day, indulge in a treatment from the in-house spa or lounge by the infinity pool overlooking Havannah Harbour. By night, take a seat at a candlelit table for two on the jetty or at a private, lantern-lit BBQ on the beach where local seafood or beef will likely be sizzling on the grill. If you can, break the budget and book one of the two Deluxe Waterfront Villas for superlative amenities including an open air bathtub and a seven-metre plunge pool that looks out to the neighbouring islands Moso and Lelape.

From the beach to the lush gardens to the glistening lagoon, there is a vista to please every type of traveller at this Lifou island resort, set to open in 2025. As the first major hotel in the Loyalty Islands, northeast of the New Caledonian mainland Grande Terre, maintaining cultural connection has been key, with local Mou tribe and landowners consulted throughout the development. The result? Secluded bungalows with king-sized beds, private balconies and outdoor jacuzzis combined with mature tropical forest surroundings and authentic tribal experiences.

Rising out of the crystal clear waters of the Beqa lagoon, the Royal Davui Island Resort offers the ultimate in laidback luxury. Having recently undergone a multi-million dollar renovation, the 10-acre, adults-only resort hosts a maximum of 32 guests at any one time. Accommodation is 16 villas and bungalows nestled among the lush green landscapes of the Fijian archipelago, each boasting a private plunge pool, open air sun deck and distracting views of the surrounding lagoon. If you manage to muster up the energy to leave the sanctuary of your villa, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Take your pick from private snorkeling tours, sunset cruises to local communities, traditional Fijian cooking classes and a champagne picnic on a private sand cay.

Though the best thing to do might be nothing, there is still plenty to keep you busy at Tamanu on the Beach, a family-friendly resort on the Vanuatuan island of Efate, a half hour drive from Port Vila. Consider a guided market tour, day trips to ancient volcanos, treatments at the in-house spa or afternoons spent at the kids club for little ones. The real drawcard is the property’s private beach overlooking the Coral Sea, where many of the 15 whitewashed bungalows are perched with unobstructed views of the water. The remainder are nestled in jungle and verdant gardens a little further inland but regardless of where you lay your head, you’ll be soothed to sleep by the sound of lapping waves.

The unique position of Sheraton Samoa, at the intersection of Apia’s bustling harbour and the scenic Vaisigano River mouth, means guests of this recently renovated resort can indulge in both the slow rhythm of island life and the energy of the buzzy capital city. The resort, named for the renowned hotelier Aggie Grey, boasts 149 guest rooms, three suites and 23 private bungalows. There’s a freshwater lap pool, a range of dining options from high tea to delicious buffet breakfasts (with more still to come), plus recently renovated corporate spaces that count King Charles among recent visitors.  

With its sandy shores, lazy palms and crystal clear water, Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa is a quintessential South Pacific resort. Expect legendary Fiafia nights (a display of traditional songs, dance and food), freshly-baked breakfast pastries and a pool with a swim-up bar. The charming stay attracts everyone from honeymooners to solo travellers and families alike. Venturing out is easy, too – guided tours of nearby waterfalls or swimming holes are not to be missed.

If it’s seclusion you’re seeking, search no further. This intimate boutique hotel on its namesake island has a maximum guest capacity of just 36 across 18 different rooms, with accommodation options spanning cottages set in tropical jungle and deluxe villas complete with a private plunge pool. For those with an appetite for anything other than lounging poolside or indulging in a couples’ massage, staff are on hand to organise snorkelling excursions and guided hikes.

You’re spoilt for choice at Likuliku Lagoon Resort, an adult-only property on the edge of the Malolo island lagoon. Choose between one of 35 beachfront bures, half of which have their own private plunge pools, or one of 10 overwater bures, each with a glass floor panel that offers a glimpse of the colourful marine life below. The options continue: dine at the main restaurant or at a candlelit table for two on one of the decks overlooking the ocean; hit the spa; dive into a snorkelling adventure; or get a glimpse of a Fijian crested iguana, which are critically endangered and undergoing a small captive breeding program on the island.

At Mystic Sands, you’ll be whisked away to a world of tropical beauty. Serene beaches and near glass-clear waters tick the island fantasy boxes, while rooms of king-sized beds, private decks and convenient kitchenettes make the hotel a great option for families, couples and solo travellers alike. The resort also offers complimentary snorkels and kayaks for guests to explore the gorgeous environment, as well as whale watching – Mystic Sands runs its own tour program, Humpback Swims, with a dedicated pier on the grounds.

Whether you book an overwater villa, garden retreat with its own private plunge pool or beachfront bungalow with direct water access, you’ll feel as though you have the best seat in the house at this luxury French Polynesian resort. That said, the overwater villas are the only accommodation where you can catch both the sunrise and the sunset. Find all the facilities you would expect from a high-end Hilton, including a wellness spa, outdoor pool, fitness centre, multiple dining options and bathrooms stocked with Crabtree & Evelyn products. But the real draw here is the crystal clear lagoon – guests are welcome to make use of the free snorkelling, kayak and paddleboard equipment.

Incredible views of Mount Otemanu, a generous staff-to-guest ratio and decadent overwater bungalows with their own private plunge pools set the Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa apart. If indulgence is the name of the game, you’ll be hard pressed to choose between a treatment at the Heavenly Spa by Westin or a crêpe at Tipanier, the resort’s French bistro. Maere, the overwater eatery where the menu changes in accordance with the availability of local produce, from locally-caught fish to Mediterranean-ish mezze, is another faultless choice.

For both complete privacy and access to nature, it’s hard to top Rumours Luxury Villas on the Muri Lagoon in the Cook Islands. No stone has been left unturned when it comes to villa inclusions: two private decks, a pool, spa and cascading water feature, plus a coffee machine and kitchen. Beyond your retreat, there’s the option to take a leisurely paddle board across the lagoon, visit the bustling Muri night markets and try out the spa, with its Vichy shower massage.