Across the globe, once-glamorous vacation destinations lie abandoned and forgotten. These past playgrounds for the elite, designed to showcase opulence and leisure, are now nothing more than sun-bleached relics overtaken by nature and time. War, disaster, economic hardship, and political instability have turned these paradises into ghostly shells. Here are 11 former high-end resorts that reveal how quickly luxury can crumble into ruin.
11. Cocoa Palms Resort – Hawaii, USA
Located on Kauai’s eastern shore and built on sacred Hawaiian royal land, Cocoa Palms held its grand opening in 1953. It gained worldwide fame after appearing in Blue Hawaii, starring Elvis Presley. It was trendy among celebrities looking for some rest and relaxation, but substantial damage caused by Hurricane Iniki in 1992 caused it to be abandoned. Although there have been several proposed attempts to redevelop the property through the years, none has gotten off the ground.