1. Cocos Keeling: Idyllic Cocos Keeling lies midway between Australia and Sri Lanka. Photo courtesy Rik Soderlund
Courtesy Rik Soderlund
2. Grenada: Grenada is a snorkeling paradise that becomes a party haven during Spice Mas each August. Photo courtesy Grenada Tourism
Courtesy Grenada Tourism
3. Nosy Be: Even the breeze is beautiful in Nosy Be. It smells of the abundant ylang ylang plant. Photo courtesy Viaggio Routard
Courtesy Viaggio Routard
4. Dominica: When an island is home to a "champagne" reef, you know it's special. Photo courtesy Ken Bosma/Flickr/Creative Commons
Courtesy Ken Bosma/Flickr/Creative Commons
5. Reunion Island: Reunion Island might be the Indian Ocean's most thriving island, but it's definitely underrated. Photo courtesy Vicente Villamon/Creative commons/Flickr
Courtesy Vicente Villamon/Creative commons/Flickr
6. Sumba: Indonesia goes way beyond Bali -- the island of Sumba has perfect surf, high-end resorts, history and culture. Photo courtesy Monica Renata/Creative Commons/Flickr
Courtesy monica renata/creative commons/flickr
7. Tobago: The smaller half of Trinidad & Tobago is a peaceful spot. Top tip: Try the homemade coconut ice cream. Photo courtesy Oswin Browne
Courtesy Oswin Browne
8. Mauritius: It's no surprise that author Mark Twain said heaven was modeled after Mauritius. Photo courtesy Sofitel So Mauritius
Courtesy Sofitel So Mauritius
9. Barbuda: Interested in birds? Barbuda's sanctuary is home to the world's biggest colony of the Magnificent Frigatebird. Photo courtesy Josh Noseworthy/Creative Commons/Flickr
Courtesy Josh Noseworthy/Creative commons/flickr
10. Sulawesi: On this Indonesian island,glorious beaches give way to rainforests and mountains. Photo courtesy Fabio Achilli
Courtesy Fabio Achilli
11. Guadeloupe: Guadeloupe is several islands for the price of one, an archipelago that provides many delights. Photo courtesy Ellen van den Doel
Courtesy Ellen van den Doel
12. Sal, Cape Verde: Sal, in Cape Verde off the west coast of Africa, is known for its salt deposits. Visitors can bathe in the famous salt pools. Photo courtesy Ron Bowyer
Courtesy Ron Bowyer
13. Roatan: Roatan is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef -- another diving hotspot. Photo courtesy Sheila Sund/Creative Commons/Flickr
Courtesy Sheila Sund/Creative commons/flickr
14. Alonissos: Greece is renowned for its picturesque islands, but Alonissos is a lesser-known gem. Photo courtesy Andreas Menayas/Creative Commons/Flickr
Courtesy andreas menayas/creative commons/flickr
15. Bequia: In the Caribbean's St Vincent and the Grenadines lies Bequia, a welcoming island with palm tree-lined beaches and spectacular sunsets. Photo courtesy Chris LeCroy/Creative Commons/Flickr
Courtesy Chris LeCroy/Creative commons/flickr
16. La Gomera: La Gomera is a quiet isle with black sand beaches and local delicacies, including locally made Gomera white wine. Photo courtesy Tony Hisgett
Courtesy Tony Hisgett
17. Isles of Scilly: Who says England doesn't have island paradises? The Isles of Scilly are located off the southwest coast. Photo courtesy Paul Walter/Creative Commons/Flickr
