One of the main reasons why you go on a vacation is to relax. It is a time when you should be enjoying peace and quiet and getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Perhaps you see yourself lounging while contemplating the scenic horizon.

However, you almost always end up in the most popular areas that are unceasingly flooded by crowds of tourists. Your vacation ends up not quite as you planned. It is too crowded, too noisy, inconvenient and stressful.

So instead of heading to a popular destination flocked by tourists every year, why not head down the path less traveled and go to some places that are magical but remain unknown to most of the world.

Here is a top ten list of the best kept secret vacation gems:

10. Green Magic Treehouse

Vacation up in a tree?

Well, you had better believe it! The Green Magic Treehouse Resort in Vynthiri, Kerala, India is one of the best places to go if you want to spend some quiet time with Mother Nature.

Surrounded by a lush green forest, the Green Magic Tree House is about six hours away from Cochin. It features an eco-lodge perched on top of the trees. These sturdy houses were built by the local tribe of Paniya.

The tree houses are fully equipped with amenities and furnishings such as toilets, shower, running water as well as a carpeted sit out veranda, a comfortable bed and lamps. You can relax in their rattan chairs while you view one of the most beautiful sunsets of the rain forest as well as the abundance of different plants and animals around the lodge.

How to get up the tree? You can access the tree house by boarding an indigenous lift that works like an elevator.

9. Forest Houses Resort

If you want the perfect family trip, then you had better head to the Forest Houses Resort in Sedona, Arizona USA.

This type of vacation is perfect if you are into hiking and nature. The forest houses in this resort are located right in the heart of a 20 wooded acre forest in the upper part of the Oak Creek Canyon. The serenity of the entire place as well as the cool climate will allow you the opportunity to relax.

After a restful day, you can try adventurous outdoor activities, such as trekking, as the resort is filled with spectacular trails as well as breathtaking hike spots.

8. Luna Lodge in Costa Rica

Picture yourself beholding a magnificent river gorge while you watch rare bird species such as the scarlet macaw and honey creeper. Doesn’t this sound wonderful?

Set in a 75-acre virgin forest, the Luna lodge is a paradise abundant with natural landscapes, elegant boulder formations, refreshing waterfalls as well as harmonic chirps of beautiful and exotic bird creatures.

The rancho houses are secluded in a natural garden where you can enjoy nature at its finest. It is well equipped with amenities such as bedrooms, restaurants, lounge areas, gift shops and even a library.

Activities include bird watching and stargazing. You can also enjoy sipping your pineapple juice while lying in comfortable hammocks.

7. Rain Country

Cool climate, pristine mountains and verdant hills. What more could you ask for in a place like the Rain Country Resort in Kerala, India.

This spectacular place showcases the wonderful vegetation of Kerala. You can stay in their solitude cottages where you can enjoy quiet time with the soft flow of the streams the only sound to accompany you. The cottages are also complete with luxurious facilities such as bath tubs, dressing room, and bath room.

There is also a serene lake where you can reflect and unwind while sitting on the bank with your feet submerged in the cool waters of the lake.

6. Zermatt

For a cool Alps vacation, then you should pack your bags with winter gear and then head to Zermatt!

Zermatt is a lovely vacation village in Switzerland. You can enjoy one of kind, refreshing activities such as hiking and trailing in the snow. Such activities will allow you to behold the majestic mountain peaks as well as the glaciers. That’s a perfect vacation, combining the picturesque landscape with fun activities.

In town, you can enjoy a warm and sunny climate as you walk in fields abundant with wild and colorful flowers. When you’re tired with sightseeing then take a break while sipping a cup of hot cocoa or enjoying a traditional cheese fondue.

5. Aruba

If you love beaches, then Aruba is definitely the place to be.

Aruba is a vacation spot located in the Caribbean. It is an area rich with azure waters, fantastic cliffs as well as magnificent coral formations. You can stay at one of the highly recommended resorts and relish the sights and sounds of Aruba beach.

Aside from the relaxing scenery, you can also participate in a myriad of fun activities such as scuba diving, windsurfing and snorkeling.

4. Bora Bora

Bora Bora is one of the most renowned vacation places in the world. It is known for its beauty as well as its majestic beaches.

Although many people know Bora Bora, there are very few who get the chance to visit this paradise primarily because it is a pricey destination.

You can frolic in its clean blue waters or you can enjoy windsurfing or shark feeding activities.

Your stay at this place would not be complete if you don’t try the water bungalows, which provide a beautiful sight of the blue horizon. You can even sprawl lazily on the sand while you read your favorite book.

3. Peter Island Resort

Peter Island resort is a tourist destination found in the British Virgin Islands.

This beach is well known for its secluded beauty. It has five private beaches that offer both privacy and serenity. This includes the Dead man’s Bay, the Little Dead man’s Bay, the Big Reef Bay, White Bay and Honeymoon Beach.

Each beach is filled with much splendor and natural beauty. You can also enjoy great activities like snorkeling, swimming or even a simple romantic sunset walk.

2. El Nido

One word that could best describe El Nido is magical!

El Nido is a sanctuary set at the edge of Palawan, Philippines. The seascape is nothing short of amazing. You will surely marvel at this place’s wide range of flora and fauna.

El Nido is a protected area complete with an exquisite marble cliff. Its emerald green waters are also a sight to see. You can relax on its white sand beaches while you behold nature’s magnificence.

1. Amanpulo

Amanpulo is a place where the sky and the sea meet and become one. It is a place where the white sand becomes velvety as it is caressed by the emerald clear water. Amanpulo is truly God’s canvass of paradise.

Located between Palawan and Panay, Amanpulo is a private island in the Philippines. It is one of the most exclusive luxury resorts in the world. Amanpulo is accessible by private plane from Manila.

Upon your first step in this island you will marvel at its powdery white sand. Be enchanted with a spectacle of colors as the bright emerald sea blends perfectly with the clear blue sky. You can enjoy watching the exquisite horizon slowly transform from blue to orange to red until it fades in deep purple.

All those hidden vacation gems make you want to pack your bags and just board the next plane to your destination of choice. Go ahead, indulge. It’s healthy and relaxing.