My fantasy destinations, want to share?

[PenneCavatelli]

I'm a big fan of tiny islands, think palm fringed beaches, a coconut palm and a reef full of fish.

Places that I'd like to go to include
The Gili Islands
The Philippines
The South Pacific I blame Paul Theroux

I'd love to hear from anyone that's been?

I've been to Gilli Trawangan and it's not idyllic like you mean. One side is a lot less busy though. Gilli Meno or Gilli Air are supposed to be a lot quieter.

Would agree that although Gilli T is lovely it's not the "desert island" you seem to crave. Gilli Air is pretty though. Tbh the most perfect island I have been to was when we went to Vanuatu, we got taken by boat to a tiny island for the day that had the most beautiful beach and clear warm water that I have ever seen, snorkelling was amazing too.

I'm going to El Nido in the Philippines in January.
I'll report back.

Right, will add Vanuatu to my South Pacific list.
El Nido looks perfect, have a wonderful time.

We stayed 5 days on the Cook Islands in the South Pacific. Absolutely stunning

Thanks.
I'm looking forward to it, although the Maldives has probably ruined me forever and I'll have to see if the Philippines can compete.

I've enjoyed the Maldives but I think we haven't chosen the right islands, the rooms were too close together for them to be the perfect desert island.

There’s a partial land bridge connecting India to Sri Lanka.

One night when my twins were newborns, I spent the night awake with them crying, looking at it on google earth. It’s stuck with me. I want to see it with my own eyes.

I've been to quite a few places in the philippines. Absolutely beautiful. Boracay is the best place I've ever been. Our hotel was right on the beach, there were palm trees, the sea was warm, the sand was white and so soft.... beautiful!

I've stayed at El Nido Resorts Lagen Island twice and El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island once. You can't go wrong with either, it's just amazing. In both islands, there is only the one resort so it feels private but the trade off is no other restaurants/bars to visit.

If the latter is what you're after then Boracay is great.

Our best tropical island holiday was at Wilson Island in Queensland, Australia. Max 18 guests on the island. Wild birds and sea turtles laying eggs. Dedicated chef and open bar/kitchen. But they don't take kids; if you plan to bring kids then nearby Heron Island is great (stay at number 1 Heron Island).

My favourite was a private island in the Bahamas, it was amazing.

@loubieloo4, was it Fowl Cay? It's on my fantasy wish list

@MarinaBettina

It was called Little whale cay, words can't describe it

Just googled Little Whale Cay, it looks gorgeous.