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Perched on the edge of Kachemak Bay, this weathered fishing town sits where the Kenai Peninsula meets the Gulf of Alaska, making for incredible opportunities to spot wildlife. Enjoy time to wander the bustling docks, where charter boats head out in search of giant halibut while bald eagles soar overhead and harbor seals bark from the floating docks. Explore the art galleries where local artists capture the northern lights and the region’s dramatic scenery in everything from carvings to oil paintings.

Miyazaki, located on Kyushu's southeastern coast, offers an enchanting blend of ancient mythology and modern adventure. This renowned haven for outdoor enthusiasts boasts spectacular coastal drives along pristine shorelines and houses seaside shrines steeped in legend. The sacred trio of Miyazaki Shrine, Amanoiwato Shrine, and Takachiho Shrine holds profound significance in Japanese creation mythology, marking the legendary birthplace of Japan itself.

The Fari Islands may well be the crown jewel in a chain of coral atolls renowned for pristine white sands and impossibly blue waters. On a voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, blissful hours in this remote retreat include exclusive access to the luxurious amenities and world-class hospitality of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives. Relax in a private cabana on an idyllic beach overlooking the turquoise lagoon, or go farther to discover the vibrant marine life under the surface on a snorkeling or diving expedition.

To describe Bora Bora as paradise is no overstatement. The island is a vision of vivid blues and verdant peaks, topped by slow-drifting, milky white clouds around the centerpiece of Mount Otemanu. Water shapes everyday life here and sailing the serene lagoon by outrigger canoe or snorkeling among the coral gardens are adventurous ways to get a sense of how the island breathes. Visit a working pearl farm to see how rare black pearls are cultivated, or encounter Bora Bora’s military history at the World War II cannons perched above Faanui Bay.

Located off Sumatra’s east coast, Belitung is almost surreal in its perfection. This quiet island is laced with sugar-white beaches, crystalline shallow waters, and surreal granite boulders that rise like sculptures from the sea. Tourist attractions are few, so life here unfolds slowly: wade through sparkling tide pools, snorkel above coral gardens, and settle into a beachfront warung for warm grilled fish topped with fiery Indonesian sambal.

Lombok may be lesser known than its big-hitting neighbor Bali, but it’s no less compelling. The island is a treasure trove of tradition, where daily life carries on much as it has for centuries. Head south from the harbor through tobacco fields and rice terraces to Sukarara, and find a women’s weaving community that continues the tradition of threading vibrant songket patterns by hand. A trip inland brings you to Sade, a heritage village that has been inhabited by the same community for 15 generations, as well as Ende, a Sasak village where homes are built from clay and bamboo.

Few places on Earth feel as ancient or as alive as Komodo. The island is home to its legendary namesake dragon, whose low, muscular gait seems like something from another time. Join a local ranger for a guided walk through the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park to look for these prehistoric lizards, while also keeping an eye out for deer, wild boar, and rare, endangered birds. If you prefer to do your wildlife watching underwater, head to Pink Beach, a beautifully photogenic and uncrowded stretch named for the microscopic coral organisms that give the sand its blush color.

Bali best reveals its deep history in artistry and craft. Admire the work of goldsmiths in Celuk, woodcarvers in Mas, and village batik artists whose hands follow patterns passed down through generations. In Ubud, the former royal capital, Hindu shrines sit among banyan trees, while the surrounding Jatiluwih Rice Terraces—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—invite exploration by foot or by bike.