Climate change is threatening this Indian Ocean archipelago’s pristine coral reefs, which is why many of the nation’s new resorts are making conservation a priority. In 2017, the Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah became the world’s first exclusive-use UNESCO hideaway, and its sister resort, the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, continues to champion conservation through the Maldivian Sea Turtle Conservation Program. This is a paradise that’s definitely worth saving.

This charming North Atlantic island is coming off a pretty big 2017, hosting the 35th America’s Cup, but the country still has some wind in its proverbial sails. Eight major sailing events will take place between March and July 2018, including two brand new regattas. Chic travelers should head to The Loren, the island’s first new-build hotel in 45 years, which opened last winter overlooking Pink Beach. Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelson opened Marcus’ at the Hamilton Princess, and hotels from Ritz-Carlton Reserve and St. Regis are both currently in the works. Bonus: The already easy two-hour flight from the East Coast will be even more enjoyable when the L.F. Wade International Airport wraps up its major expansion by 2020.