Atoll

An atoll is a ring-shaped coral island that wraps around a central lagoon, created when a volcano sinks beneath the ocean and corals keep building upward on its rim. For travelers, atolls matter because they shape every logistical detail of your stay. You will need a seaplane or speedboat transfer from the main airport (often 30 to 90 minutes), each atoll has its own marine character, and the one island one resort model means total privacy. The Maldives, Polynesia (Bora Bora, Rangiroa), and Seychelles outer islands are the world's main atoll destinations for luxury hospitality, with house reef snorkeling typically included.