Whether or not a tropical island is your destination of choice, for many all it takes is the mere thought of lounging on white sandy beaches with a cocktail in hand to enter into faux relaxation mode.

[Wake up, you’re still at work.]

Sure, not all beaches are white – nor sandy for that matter – but whether you’re looking for a private island or a super low-key getaway, CNN listed 15 of the world’s most stunning island hotels and they’re worth a day-dreaming look.

We chose our top five, each showcasing the range of different kinds accommodation one can find. I’m pretty keen to check one or two out:

Lacaula Island (Fiji)

Let’s be honest: Beautiful is an understatement for this luxurious South Pacific hideaway, owned by Red Bull founder and CEO Dietrich Mateschitz. It’s built on its own 3,500-acre private island studded with lush coconut groves and ringed by pristine white sand beaches. Each of its 25 villas — inspired by traditional Fijian bure — boast leafy tropical gardens and private infinity-edge pools. As if that weren’t enough to keep you occupied, there’s also an equestrian center [sic], five restaurants and countless coral reefs to be explored (via submarine, naturally).

Secret Bay (Dominica)

Perched on a clifftop on the island of Dominica, this uber-luxe hotel remains relatively undiscovered compared to other Caribbean resorts of the same caliber. But therein lies its charm: Unlike the crowded, all-inclusive resorts of Bermuda and the Bahamas, this low-key boutique property feels like your own secret Caribbean hideaway. Its eight treehouse-style bungalows are hidden amidst thick, jungle-like foliage and equipped with so many luxe features — hammocks, plunge pools, sundecks, personal libraries — that you won’t ever want to leave. But you must, if only to walk down to its two stunning beaches or watch the sun set over the Caribbean Ocean from the gorgeous Vetiver Sunset Deck.

Belmond Villa Sant’Andrea (Sicily, Italy)

Though you’d be hard pressed to find a hotel in Sicily that’s not picture-perfect, there’s something especially dreamy about this one. Built as a villa in 1830, the beautifully renovated Belmond has retained the laid-back charm of a private family residence (think homemade Sicilian pastries upon check-in and fresh flowers in every room). Suites are huge and indulgent, outfitted with enormous marble bathrooms and furnished French balconies that offer sweeping views over the Bay of Mazzarò.

Added bonus: It even has its own private stretch of beachfront, fringed by lush subtropical gardens.

Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort (Mozambique)

It doesn’t get much more far-flung than this resort, tucked away on a tiny private island in the Quirimbas Archipelago, off the northern coast of Mozambique. But the views alone are worth the trek. Upon arrival, you’re greeted with miles of empty, powder-white sand and ocean so blue it barely looks real. The resort itself is gorgeous, with its castaway-chic aesthetic and whimsical, Arabian Nights-inspired decor. And though its wooden, thatched-roof villas may look simple, don’t be fooled: They’re decked out with luxe deep-soak tubs, roomy outdoor decks and plunge pools built just steps from the ocean.

Always good to see southern Africa feature, although enjoying that resort above isn’t going to come cheap.

Southern Ocean Lodge (Australia)

Built atop scrub-covered bluffs on the southwest tip of Australia’s Kangaroo Island, this unique resort is another spot offering incredible views. Each of its 21 glass-fronted suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows and are cantilevered to ensure jaw-dropping panoramas over Hanson Bay. In contrast to its rugged coastal landscape, the lodge is sleek and ultramodern, built from sustainable materials like recycled gumtrees and local limestone. It’s also luxurious: Each suite has its own private terrace, sunken lounge and standalone bathtubs, perfectly positioned to soak in the glorious views.

How divine? You can see the full list on CNN over HERE, and good luck trying not to add all of them to your bucket list.

[source:cnn]