Even for those who thrive in cities or get their thrills atop mountains, it’s nearly impossible to deny the euphoric proposition of escaping to island hotels. There’s just something about being surrounded by water on all sides that signals sublime spaciousness and sparks mental repose.

Marine biologist Dr. Wallace Nichols’s Blue Mind theory backs this up, since proximity to water is known to decrease cortisol, lower the heart rate, and increase happy hormones like serotonin and oxytocin. Of course, plop that island somewhere near the Equator and a warm, tingly feeling is almost guaranteed to follow from the radiant sun and swaying palms. The kicker on this winning combination: inspired architecture and design.

From the islands of Indonesia and the Caribbean to a lesser known sliver of sand in Mozambique and iconic isles in the Aegean and Tyrrhenian Seas are a handful of resorts that just may be the true definition of ‘paradise,’ especially for those who loathe cheesy or trite design. For as many Maldivian and Hawaiian retreats follow the time-tested tropical island hotel recipe, several stand out from the bunch for forging their own aesthetic path—in some cases with an environmental commitment that translates to ultra-attractive sustainable innovation—and maybe even going above and beyond on experience, too.

Here, lush island hotels around the world that are anything but one-note.