Sports Illustrated invented the swimsuit issue more than 50 years ago, tempting readers with images of bathing beauties vamping in some of the most scenic locations on earth. The supermodels may take center stage, but the resorts and beaches that provide the backdrop also draw oohs and aahs from readers and viewers. Here are some of the featured locations where you can indulge in an amazing beach vacation and maybe convince your mate to help recreate a few iconic poses from spots like the Pitons on St. Lucia.

Photo: Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
Vomo Island Resort, Fiji

The 2017 SI Swimsuit edition soon had readers Googling “Vomo Island.” This idyllic resort has all the elements of a South Pacific daydream, with dazzling powder-fine beaches, a coral-rimmed lagoon and luxurious villas tucked into palm groves and hillside gardens. This stunning setting garnered Fiji all three editions of the cover, and put this private island paradise on millions of traveler’s radars. But don’t worry; with just 32 villas and cottages on an island that can only be reached by the resort’s launches, there will never be crowds. Photo: Vomo Island Fiji
Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Dominican Republic

In 2016, the expansive grounds of Casa de Campo became the source for Sports Illustrated’s first ever Virtual Reality App. In addition to documenting the photo shoot, this online extension caught former swimsuit cover models Nina Agdal, Hannah Davis and Irina Shayk enjoying Casa de Campo’s Beach Club, riding polo ponies, cruising to Catalina Island and shopping for souvenirs at the Mediterranean market at Altos de Chavón. Photo: Casa de Campo
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, Maui

Afternoon light added a special glow to Irina Shayk as she vamped on the beach at the Waldorf Astoria’s Grand Wailea Resort. This two-mile stretch of golden sand is known as Maui’s best beach. In addition, the resort is home to one of the top-rated spas in Hawaii, just in case you want to freshen up before your photo shoot. Photo: Grand Wailea
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia

For the 50th anniversary of their swimsuit edition, the Sports illustrated team headed to the lush island of St. Lucia, home to the iconic Piton mountains, gorgeous beaches, and lush rainforests. Equally as sexy as the body-painted models was the setting of the host resort. Set beachside on the palm-studded grounds of a former sugar planation, and benefitting from a $100 million-plus renovation, Sugar Beach has a reputation as one of the most scenic properties in the Caribbean. Photo: Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
Kichanga Lodge, Zanzibar

The Kichanga Lodge bills itself as one of Zanzibar’s best-kept secrets. That secret got out when Erin Heatherton and Nina Agdal arrived with photo crew in tow, and made this rustic beachfront lodge their headquarters to document the raw beauty of the island. The resort is something special, with 23 traditional thatch-roofed bungalows overlooking a private beach ringed by pristine coral reefs, and an open-air restaurant perched atop a large rock, offering water views in every direction. Photo: Pixaby
Grace Bay Club, Turks & Caicos

In 2016 Sports Illustrated broke with tradition and released a trio of covers for the swimsuit issue. Shoots took place at a dozen locations around the world, but two of the three images that finally made it to the front page were shot on the spectacular sands of Grace Bay, featuring Hailey Clauson and Ashley Graham. Headquarters for the shoot was the iconic Grace Bay Club, which commands a prime stretch of beachfront real estate. Photo: Grace Bay Club
Four Seasons Resort, Bora Bora

With the iconic profile of Mount Otemanu framed by turquoise lagoon waters, the island of Bora Bora is one of the most scenic locations on earth. This fact wasn’t lost on the Sports Illustrated crew, who posed their bathing beauties at multiple locations around the Four Seasons Resort. An ideal place to stage your own shoot is from one of the resort’s signature overwater bungalows, where personal plunge pools are set on private decks above shimmering waters. Photo: Four Seasons Bora Bora
Peter Island Resort & Spa, British Virgin Islands

To reinforce their image as one of the Caribbean’s premier destinations, the staff at Peter Island gave Sports Illustrated free reign of their private island resort. The crew snapped thousands of images of Jessica Gomes, Brooklyn Decker and Hilary Rhoda reclining on balconies, frolicking on the beach and relaxing aboard a yacht. The result was an unprecedented 22-page photo spread that showcased the island’s natural attractions, and garnered the resort millions of dollars of free publicity. Photo: Peter Island Resort
Coral Sands Resort, Harbour Island, Bahamas

The pink sand beaches of this serene and postcard-perfect Bahamian Out Island became the gathering point for a blockbuster reunion of eight legendary SI supermodels. Ground zero for the shoot was the Coral Sands Resort, which has recently completed a $3 million renovation. Book a suite or cottage at this intimate British Colonial-style resort and you are just steps away from sands graced by the magazine’s superstars. Photo: Coral Sands Resort
Tulum, Mexico

Already a favorite with New York fashionistas and artists, Tulum took a turn in the magazine spotlight during the 2017 SI shoot. In addition to showcasing the stunning beaches of the Yucatan, and the region’s iconic Mayan ruins, the models took a dip in some of the clear water cenote pools hidden deep in the jungle. Making the scene even more memorable was the unique beachfront setting of the Casa Malca, a converted estate owned by New York City art gallerist Lio Malca. Photo: Joaquin Arellano/Compflight

Supermodels and Sand: 10 Top Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Locations
Published on: 3/21/17 By Pierce Hoover

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