2025-2026
TROPICS & EXOTICS COLLECTION

Indulge in the serene charms of Dravuni Island, a minuscule paradise boasting the best of Fiji with none of the crowds. Almost entirely ringed by unspoiled sandy expanses, this peanut-shaped gem lies within the vibrant Great Astrolabe Reef, offering splendid snorkeling opportunities right off the shore. To catch some lovely views of your ship and neighboring islands, take an easy hike along a palm-fringed path to the highest point, and in the island’s sole village, interact with friendly locals and browse the hand-made, brightly colored sarongs available for sale. If you crave relaxation, the island’s coziness means you can easily find a place of your very own on a picture-perfect beach.

Situated across from mainland China on the Qiongzhou Strait, Haikou is Hainan Island’s bustling capital, charmingly known as Coconut City due to the abundance of namesake palms adorning its streets. Admire the vividly hued Temple of Five Lords complex, originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty, or stroll the stately Old Town, lined with arcaded buildings that display an appealing blend of Eastern and European styles. Natural wonders abound, including the caves and lava tunnels of Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark and the teeming ecosystem of the Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove Nature Reserve, where you can also discover villages buried underwater by a 17th-century earthquake.

While most South Pacific islands are volcanically formed, far-flung Niue has the distinction of being one of the world’s largest raised coral atolls, an ancient coral reef pushed to the surface over eons. Due to its unique geological past, expect to see a variety of otherworldly formations carved out of the malleable rock, including secluded canyons and sea caves filled with crystalline pools. The coral reefs surrounding the island are very much alive, offering incredible experiences such as swimming with whales, an unforgettable encounter few places can deliver. Quaint Alofi, perched upon seaside cliffs and one of the world’s smallest capitals, has fewer than 1,000 residents but all the warmth of a Polynesian retreat.

Kanazawa, while not widely known outside its home country, played a prominent role in Japan's history as the second most powerful shogunate during the momentous Edo period. As it was spared from WWII air raids, several of its historic districts remain largely intact, including the noteworthy Naga-machi samurai district, where these noble warriors once resided. Explore the exquisite Kenroku-en Garden, a beloved national treasure featuring plantings that ensure blooms throughout the growing season, interspersed with ponds, water features, bridges and postcard-worthy views around every turn of the path.

In lush Ko Kood, experience nearly untouched natural beauty, as this sparsely developed island truly defines off the beaten track. As part of the Ko Chang Marine National Park, Ko Kood boasts excellent snorkeling and diving sites, some over evocative shipwrecks. The powdery beaches are pristine, with nary a congested resort in sight, and the island’s interior is no less alluring, showcasing venerated, centuries-old trees and several magnificent waterfalls, including photogenic Khlong Chao. To absorb the island’s everyday rhythms, the stilt village of Ban Ao Yai offers a snapshot of traditional Thai life and is the perfect backdrop for memorable photography.

Nestled along Madagascar’s verdant eastern shores, Toamasina is entirely fringed by expansive beaches facing the Indian Ocean, perfect for a relaxing stroll or horseback ride. Admire the vestiges of French presence in the wide boulevards lined with colonnaded buildings, and immerse yourself in markets infused by the entrancing fragrances of vanilla and cinnamon. Parc Ivoloina, set deep in the rainforest, offers a sanctuary for the island’s cherished lemurs as well as other striking flora and fauna endemic to the region. Nearby Plum Island, home to Africa’s tallest lighthouse, invites trekking through dense greenery or snorkeling the surrounding vibrant reefs.

Made prosperous almost singlehandedly by the revered 18th-century merchant Mitsuoka Homma, Sakata has retained charming remnants from this golden era of sea trade. The perfectly preserved Homma Residence encapsulates the lifestyle and customs of Japan’s wealthy class at the time. Honoring the importance of rice as Sakata’s economic engine, the fascinating Shonai Rice History Museum boasts enlightening exhibits and the picturesque, wood-built 1893 Sankyo-Soko Rice Storehouses. Among the area’s many elegant temples, none is more breathtaking than the Hagurosan Five-Story Pagoda, each level adorned with a broad, swooping roof. Located in a thick cedar forest near a rushing stream and cascade, this magical site is sure to etch itself into your memory.

Nestled about halfway into the Gironde Estuary, Pauillac occupies a privileged position within the Médoc wine growing region, with iconic estates such as Château Lafite-Rothschild and Château Pichon Baron right at its doorstep. A charming, tranquil town with a lovely waterfront promenade past stately stone-built mansions, Pauillac is also a gateway to iconic wine-growing towns, including Saint-Émilion and Cognac. Just under an hour away, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bordeaux never fails to enchant with its palatial architectural heritage, embellished by medieval towers, expansive squares and sumptuous fountains. Of course, no visit to the region is complete without a tasting of fine vintages in a château’s historic cellar.

Discover the singular flora and fauna of Madagascar, a land blessed with species found nowhere else on the globe. In the wilderness reserves surrounding Toliara, wander amid otherworldly baobab trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old, and keep an eye out for the island’s playful lemurs and exotic birds. The Antsokay Arboretum is dedicated to protecting Madagascar’s endangered endemic plants, with over 900 varietals thriving within its grounds. Just north of the city, Ifaty Beach beckons with its white sands and crystalline waters, but if you choose to remain in town, browse the vibrantly hued spices and produce found in the city’s markets.

The Vava’u Archipelago comprises dozens of islands, some so minuscule they are mere specks on the map. Admire this mesmerizing tableau from atop Mount Talau, a protected national park and a significant site in local lore. The sheer amount of unspoiled coastline draws in-the-know yachters, who weave in and out of sparkling bays and magnificent sea caves. Turquoise lagoons abound, beckoning with calm waters perfect for snorkeling or swimming, and they are often lined with immaculate beaches. The bustling town of Neiafu offers a snapshot of Tongan life, nowhere more so than amid the fresh fruits and enticing crafts displayed at the Utakalongalu Market.