Elevate is narrowing in on some very special destinations and continuing the theme of avoiding mass tourism. Most recently, the Elevate team has enjoyed a mix of gorgeous island destinations during our own spring travels, returning refreshed and ready for summer.
Crete
Crete is the kind of place where, no matter how many days you have, you’ll wish you could stay longer. Not only will you find gorgeous beaches dotting every coast, but you will also find yourself immersed in layer upon layer of fascinating history and culture. Human settlements date back many thousands of years before the ancient Minoans, and the island has been ruled at times by the Romans, the Ottomans, the Venetians, and now is part of Greece. Each culture has left its imprint on architecture and local flavors, making Crete the ideal place to explore, and eat very, very well! The island is rich in local artisanal agriculture, and is renowned for its local produce and freshly baked breads, all drizzled with luscious olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. Coming from Boston in April, each dish was a revelation bursting with simply delicious flavors!
A perfect day has you waking to the sounds of the sea, then swinging up through snowcapped mountain ranges to reach far-flung parts of the island for gorgeous sandy beaches, warm village life, and hikes through the countryside. Home to some of Europe’s deepest gorges, you can pick how far you want to go and we’ll find a perfect hike to match. Our family loved to stop and listen for the tinkling bells of goats grazing the steep sides of Imbros gorge! At the bottom of your descent through canyons, meet your driver and head to the seashore to celebrate with fresh seafood and a cold drink. Your days can be as full of adventure, or as relaxing and restful, as you wish.
– Emily Jump
French Polynesia
While most everyone has heard about the romantic South Seas island of Tahiti, popularized by the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, South Pacific, very few actually know where the Polynesian islands are located or realize what a family of very diverse islands await travelers to this far away, bucolic destination.
French Polynesia is in fact a constellation of wildly different island worlds scattered across the South Pacific, each with its own rhythm, landscape, and cultural texture.
At the heart of it all are the Society Islands, anchored by Tahiti. Often a point of arrival rather than a final stop, Tahiti offers a vibrant cultural entryway—lush valleys, black-sand beaches, and a strong connection to contemporary Polynesian life. A short ferry ride away, Moorea offers jagged green peaks, mirror-like lagoons, and a slower pace that invites travelers to settle in and engage more deeply with the land and community.
Then there’s Bora Bora, perhaps the most iconic of the islands. Its lagoon—impossibly turquoise, encircled by coral reef—has become shorthand for paradise. But beyond the overwater bungalows lies a deeper experience: traditional fishing culture, sacred sites, and a strong sense of place that rewards those who look past the postcard image.
For something more remote and untouched, the Tuamotu Archipelago offers a striking contrast. Islands like Rangiroa and Fakarava are low-lying coral atolls, where land nearly disappears into vast lagoons. These are some of the best places in the world for diving—think drift dives through passes teeming with sharks, manta rays, and schools of fish so dense they feel immersive. Life here is pared down, elemental, and deeply connected to the ocean.
Further afield still are the Marquesas Islands, including Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa. Rugged, remote, and largely untouched by mass tourism, these islands feel almost mythic. Towering cliffs, wild horses, and ancient archaeological sites speak to a powerful cultural heritage. This is where travelers go not for relaxation alone, but for perspective—for a sense of scale, history, and human resilience.
Across all five archipelagos, what endures is the warmth of Polynesian hospitality and a worldview rooted in respect—for community, for nature, and for tradition. Travel here can be as indulgent or as grounded as one chooses, but the most meaningful journeys that Elevate supports tend to be those that engage with local guides, support small-scale enterprises, and leave space for connection.
– Dominique Callimanopulos
Galapagos, Ecuador
You know that feeling, when you realize your soul just grew a little bit? That happened for me in the Galapagos 20 years ago. Watching the phosphorescent trails of fish darting through the sea all around me, with the clear star-strewn sky above, I knew I would keep that moment out at sea with me, always. My time in the Galapagos filled my young mind with wonder that such a place could exist, and with hope that it might remain riotously wild and beautifully free well beyond my first 8 days there.
Of course, much has changed since 2004! But yet, the rugged and thoroughly untamed beauty of the Islas Encantadas still crashed over me in remarkable ways half a lifetime later. What a profound privilege it was to wake to friendly finches on my balcony and giant tortoises in the gardens in the highlands of Santa Cruz each morning! I came to the Galapagos Safari Camp at a time when I needed to be snuggly wrapped up in nature’s embrace once more. I departed a week later strengthened by the kind and attentive nourishment of locally sourced feasts, thoughtful wildlife encounters, and a deep and abiding respect for living lightly within a fragile island ecosystem.
Snorkelling around San Cristobal, while dodging and weaving with playful sea lion pups near the ocean’s surface, created a perfect pocket in time. Fully immersed in the rhythms of island wildlife, there was no room to feel either frazzled or bored. Here, slowing down doesn’t mean missing out. Stepping away from my busy and buzzing life and into the soothing patterns of blue-footed booby couples, the barks and bobs of sea lion colonies, and prehistoric hammerheads cruising the deep was a quiet revelation.
We humans are adventurers, storytellers, and deep observers when we allow ourselves to be. The Galapagos Islands tug at something essential that may sometimes feel buried under the weight of distractions, reminding us of what matters most: time to be present, engaged, and with open minds in a place of wonder. I simply cannot wait to go back.
– Emily Jump
Menorca, Spain
Located off the eastern coast of Spain in the Balearic Islands, Menorca is the quieter, more laid-back Mediterranean destination focused on nature, agro-tourism, and relaxation, rather than the nightlife and beach clubs of Ibiza. The island has long been on my list for a slow-paced, extended holiday, perfect for hiking and catching some early spring sun.
Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Menorca has intentionally preserved much of its natural beauty and traditional character. Rolling green hills, farmland, whitewashed villages, and undeveloped beaches give the island a timeless feel. A true highlight of any visit is staying at one of Menorca’s beautifully restored countryside estates. Historic manor homes and traditional fincas have been transformed into intimate boutique hotels surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, farmland, and pine forests. Many even connect directly to the Camí de Cavalls, a coastal path that circles the entire island, historically used to defend against invasions. Our favorite rural properties include Vestige Son Vell, Vestige Son Ermita, and Torralbenc. Each property offers its own distinctive atmosphere and beautifully preserved historical character with breezy courtyards, inviting pools, and chefs that prioritize local products.
The coastline is Menorca’s greatest attraction, with many secluded beaches and calas (coves) accessible only by boat or scenic walking trails. One of the best ways to explore the island is via the ancient Camí de Cavalls. The beauty of the trail is that you do not need to complete it all at once and you can easily dip in and out for shorter or longer hikes depending on the beaches and coves you’d like to visit. The trail winds through countryside, skirts cliffsides, and offers a mix of rugged and groomed trails as well as stone and wooden stairways that lead to beaches and expansive vistas (please note that many beaches have sections that are au naturel where nudists sunbathe swimsuit free.)
Apart from the hikes, beaches, and delicious meals, I recommend taking a moment to visit at least one of the Talayotic sites — an indigenous civilization only found in the Balearics. They have remarkable prehistoric stone structures, perfectly stacked without mortar and remind us of life before the Romans. Later influences from the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, Greeks, and even the French, and British shaped the island’s blend of culture, cuisine and architecture which can be seen in the beautiful little cities of Mahon (in the East) and Ciutadella in the West. There is also the charming fishing town of Fornells in the North known for lobster stew and where you can find the island’s best artisanal ice cream. Between the two cities and along the main road are turnoffs for small whitewashed villages where locals gather at café-lined pedestrian streets to share traditional Menorcan pastries such as the ensaïmada, a large spiral of flaky dough dusted with powdered sugar accompanied by a strong coffee.
After spending a couple of weeks on Menorca, my recommendation is to not pack your itinerary. It is a place to wander and let time unfold. Instead, prioritize the island’s coastal walks, day-sails to secluded coves, prolonged lunches, and visits to the historical sites and interior countryside. It’s an island where historical and modern life co-exists and provides a little slice of natural paradise.
– Lana Byal
Isla Palenque, Panama
Tucked into the emerald waters of the Gulf of Chiriquí on Panama’s Pacific coast, Isla Palenque offers a different kind of luxury—one defined by seclusion, ecological richness, and a deep sense of place. This 400-acre private island feels both expansive and intimate, where primary rainforest meets quiet, swimmable beaches and the pace of travel naturally slows.
Here, the experience is shaped as much by what’s preserved as by what’s provided. Much of the island remains undeveloped, with miles of forested trails winding through towering trees, alive with howler monkeys, sloths, and vibrant birdlife. Guided walks reveal layers of history as well—prehistoric petroglyphs, shell middens, and traces of the island’s agricultural past—offering a narrative that stretches far beyond its present-day role as a retreat.
Along the coastline, seven distinct beaches each carry their own character, from wide sandy crescents to hidden coves. The surrounding waters, part of the larger Gulf of Chiriquí, are rich with marine life. Seasonal whale migrations, playful dolphins, and opportunities for snorkeling or kayaking add a dynamic element to an otherwise tranquil setting.
Accommodations on the island are intentionally low-impact, designed to blend into the landscape rather than compete with it. At Isla Palenque Resort, casitas and beachfront villas are positioned for privacy and immersion, with open-air designs that invite in the sounds of the forest and sea. The ethos here is thoughtful and regenerative—supporting local communities, and minimizing environmental footprint.
– Dominique Callimanopulos
Svalbard, Norway
Svalbard is less a destination than an encounter—with silence, scale, and the raw edge of the Arctic. Located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole, this remote archipelago offers a kind of travel that strips things back to essentials: light, ice, wildlife, and the humbling awareness of how small we are within it.
The main gateway is Longyearbyen, one of the world’s northernmost settlements. Despite its frontier setting, it’s a surprisingly sophisticated base—home to a tight-knit international community, a handful of excellent restaurants, and a cultural life shaped as much by science and exploration as by tourism. From here, travelers venture out into a landscape that feels almost lunar: wide valleys, fractured glaciers, and mountains that hold light in a way that feels entirely unique.
Much of Svalbard remains protected wilderness, including vast areas within Northeast Svalbard Nature Reserve and Southeast Svalbard Nature Reserve. These regions are inaccessible without expedition support, but they define the character of the archipelago—remote, pristine, and governed by the rhythms of ice and sea. In summer, under the midnight sun, expedition cruises navigate through fjords edged with glaciers, where walrus haul out on sea ice and seabirds fill the cliffs in astonishing numbers. In winter, the polar night gives way to a different kind of magic: long twilight hours and the chance to witness the Aurora Borealis ripple across the sky.
Wildlife is central to the Svalbard experience, but it’s approached with a strong ethic of respect and distance. Polar bear are perhaps the most iconic inhabitants, roaming sea ice and coastlines, but sightings are never guaranteed—and that unpredictability is part of the integrity of the place. Reindeer, Arctic foxes, and beluga whales also shape the ecosystem, each adapted to one of the planet’s most extreme environments.
There’s a compelling human story here as well. Svalbard has long been a site of exploration, research, and resource extraction, and that legacy is still visible in abandoned mining settlements and active scientific outposts. Today, it also plays a role in global stewardship through projects like the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a quiet but powerful symbol of resilience and long-term thinking.
– Dominique Callimanopulos
Lamu, Kenya
Set just off Kenya’s northern coast, centuries-old Swahili culture remains deeply rooted in Lamu, where life unfolds at a human pace, giving way to the quiet rhythm of footsteps, dhow sails, and donkeys moving through narrow streets.
At the heart of the island lies Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continually inhabited Swahili settlements in East Africa. Coral stone buildings, intricately carved wooden doors, and shaded courtyards speak to a long history of trade and cultural exchange across the Indian Ocean.
Beyond the town, the island opens into long stretches of undeveloped coastline, particularly along Shela Beach, where sand dunes meet the sea and traditional dhows drift along the horizon. Days are fluid: sailing at sunset, exploring nearby islands, or simply settling into the cadence of coastal life. The surrounding Lamu Archipelago offers a broader canvas—mangrove forests, quiet channels, and small fishing communities that reflect a way of life largely unchanged over generations.
Lamu’s cultural calendar adds another layer of depth. Events like the Lamu Cultural Festival celebrate Swahili heritage through music, poetry, dhow races, and traditional crafts—offering travelers a chance to witness living culture rather than curated performance.
Accommodations here tend toward the intimate and character-rich, often in restored Swahili homes or small boutique properties that blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Hospitality is personal, rooted in a tradition of welcome that feels both genuine and unhurried—a perfect add-on to any safari or a perfect winter island escape!
Ko Lanta, Thailand
With shimmering turquoise waters, delightful Thai cuisine, and lush rainforests, Ko Lanta offers a family-friendly escape to Southern Thailand, away from the hustle and bustle of the country’s most popular islands. Quiet beaches are a major draw of Ko Lanta. With less people around, you can spend your time listening to the lapping of the waves and the cool breeze rustling through nearby trees. As the sun begins to set, pay a visit to one of the casual beach bars and sip on a cocktail while watching the sky come alive with vibrant colors. Beaches stretch along the coast, and there’s a spot suited to every traveler, whether you’re looking to snorkel, surf, or simply relax by the water.
Beyond beaches, Ko Lanta is also an ideal spot for cultural immersion and wildlife experiences. The north of the island is most developed, and in addition to the more-accessible beaches, you’ll find lots of dining options to sample Thailand’s much-celebrated cuisine! You’ll also encounter a fusion of cultures on the island, especially in the north and central areas, which have been settled by Thai, Chinese, and Muslim communities. You’ll encounter this mixture in Ko Lanta’s unique culinary flavors and architecture.
As you head south, the coastline becomes quieter and more rugged, with smaller bays and fewer people. The area is heavily forested, and as you wind through the narrow jungle roads, with lush green foliage all around you, you’re likely to spot troops of long-tailed macaques enjoying a shaded nap or munching on fruits and seeds. You can truly spend hours watching the monkeys interact with each other and bounce around the rainforest. Continuing all the way south to the very tip of the island, you’ll find Mu Ko Lanta National Park, a must visit! The Park has a hiking trail that takes you through the jungle, where you’re likely to encounter more monkeys, as well as lizards and birds. The park protects a stretch of coastline that feels noticeably more remote than the rest of the island. The dense jungle, rocky headlands, and handful of quiet beaches make it worth the visit.
– Niamh Bayliss
Amami Islands, Japan
When most people think of Japan, tropical forests, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and white sand beaches are not usually the first images that come to mind. Yet just 200 miles south of Kyushu, is one of Japan’s most beautiful archipelagos, the beautiful Amami Islands.
This small chain of subtropical islands sits between mainland Japan and Okinawa in the southern part of Kagoshima Prefecture. Life here moves at a noticeably slower pace than on Japan’s larger and more frequently visited islands, offering a completely different side of the country. Shades of deep green and brilliant blue dominate the landscape, where dense jungles, mangroves, calm turquoise waters, coral reefs, rivers, waterfalls, and charming seaside villages provide the perfect respite for nature lovers.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ecological importance, the Amami archipelago is said to be the most biodiverse region of Japan due to its exceptional concentration of endemic species. The islands allow you to be immersed in nature and present a perfect relaxed end to your Japan trip. We recommend 4 to 5 nights on Amami Oshima, the largest island in the chain. Here, you’ll find boutique beachfront villas, private cottages, and intimate luxury retreats rather than large international resorts.
Your days can be spent venturing out for marine adventures such as snorkeling and diving among the coral reefs, paddleboarding and kayaking through the mangroves, exploring waterfalls and rivers, and exploring local villages to learn about the Amami’s unique cultural heritage. Of course, there is also plenty of opportunity to simply relax by the beach and soak in the tranquility of this special little slice of paradise.
