The world’s top 6 tropical escapes

Tropical holidays are escapism in its purest form, promising swaying palm trees, clear waters and plenty of sunshine. If you’re seeking a paradisiacal holiday, the following places will hit the spot.

Deep in the South Pacific, the 15 remote Cook Islands possess blindingly white sands and fiery coloured fringing coral reefs that create aquamarine lagoons around the shore. Volcanic, forest-cloaked Raratonga is the largest of the islands, rising to over 2,000 feet at its centre. It's a naturally stunning place where you can eat delectably fresh mangoes, scuba dive and snorkel in the lagoons or hike across the island for far-reaching panoramas. For a taste of island life, visit a night market or attend an 'Island Night' – a regular local event that showcases Polynesian culture. The highly rated Muri Shores offers large, thatched beach cottages just steps from the sea.

The tropical, coastal town of Palm Cove has an irresistibly slow pace of life. It's located just north of the city of Cairns and not far from the Great Barrier Reef, which tends to be the draw for most visitors. But it isn't a major tourist destination in itself, so it makes an ideal place for a quiet, rejuvenating escape. Laze on the palm tree-lined beach or head inland to visit the Atherton Tablelands and hike through the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Stay at Sanctuary Palm Cove, just two minutes’ walk from the beach.

When it comes to tropical destinations, it's hard to beat Hawaii. You can hike up monumental volcano peaks, through rainforest and jurassic scenery, snorkel and surf in sparkling waters beside miles of blonde beaches, and zip wire through the jungle past waterfalls worthy of music videos – and it's every bit as dreamy as you might imagine. Stay at the Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach and relax by the infinity lounge pool in a private cabana.

Murals of tropical flowers and portraits cover the buildings on Isla Holbox, reflecting its colourful character. The island falls within Mexico’s Yum Balam Nature Reserve, so you won’t find any high-rise developments or large resorts here. Browse the tiendas (shops) and mercados (markets) for empanadas, grilled fish tacos and other local treats. You can also kiteboard and watch flamingos and pelicans saunter across the island's shallow lagoon. The beautiful Villas Caracol offers guests the use of kayaks to explore Isla Holbox's waterways and the sea.

The small island of Ko Lipe is a little harder to get to than Thailand's typical tourist hotspots, meaning it remains relatively undiscovered. Go snorkelling just offshore in the Andaman Sea and you’ll have schools of rainbow-coloured parrot fish darting around you and the kaleidoscopic coral. Stay at Serendipity Beach Resort Koh Lipe, where the bedrooms open onto wooden, ocean-facing balconies with plunge pools that seem to overflow into the jungle.

The town of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic has a glamorous and exclusive side but you’ll also still see modest houses, raw natural beauty and old-fashioned yellow school buses imported from the USA carrying local workers around the island. After you’ve explored this tropical, Caribbean paradise, watch the sunset with a piña colada in a hammock hanging from the palm trees (after which the town is named). With a private beach area and canary yellow houses planted almost on the sand, Hotel Tortuga Bay is an idyllic high-end accommodation.