I have a confession to make. I spend hours
and hours online daydreaming about escaping to various tranquil islands all
over the world. There is something magical to me about that turquoise water and
soft white sand. Last week I was having my usual coffee-club catch up with my
girlfriends. We got onto the topic of island getaways and it turns out that I’m
not the only island-getaway fanatic.
Based on the conversation that unfolded,
here are the top island getaways on my bucket-list and why I think you should
consider them too:
Phi-Phi Islands,
Thailand
Best for the ultimate laid-back island
escape. Limestone cliffs give way to beach-fronted jungle and sunlit crystal
water. Days are a blend of snorkelling, swimming and savouring Thai cuisine.
You can even complete your PADI
certification and
enjoy some scuba diving. Finish off your day with a sunset massage. There are
no flights to the Phi-Phi Islands so once you’re in Phuket make sure to
purchase your boat tickets – most hotels and guesthouses can assist you with
this.
Lanzarote, Canary
Islands
Best for a chic, eco-friendly island
experience. Take a coach tour and marvel at the
lava landscape inside Timanfaya National Park. Explore shipwrecks, caves and
magical marine life while taking advantage of the excellent diving
opportunities. Indulge your palate in some wine tasting at El Grifo Wine
Museum, the oldest winery in the Canaries. Make sure to book your Lanzarote flights in advance.
Green Island,
Taiwan
Best for an activity-filled weekend
getaway. This small volcanic Island is
accessible from Taiwan by boat or plane. Rent a scooter and make your way
around this unusual island with its 16.3km round-the-island highway. It boasts
impressive snorkelling and diving options. Visit one of only 3 saltwater hot
springs in the world.
Maldives
Best
for sightseeing and photography. Join an
adventure in the sky and indulge yourself in a Seaplane photo flight offering you panoramic views and
unparalleled photo opportunities. Relax and unwind in a stilted bungalow
hovering over the crystal clear waters. Pamper yourself with a spa treatment. The
Maldives is easily accessible from anywhere in South-East Asia, the Middle-East
and Europe.
Mauritius
One of the go-to wedding locations for its
luxurious tropical weather, soft sandy beaches, incredible resorts and
high-quality hotels. If weddings or sunbathing isn’t going to be a huge part of
your holiday experience, then Mauritius has a load of historical sights, hiking
trails along its lush vegetation and almost unlimited water sports in their
warm and azure waters.
Turks and Caicos
Islands
Set amongst the
Caribbean islands in the region, Turks
and Caicos offers
incredible food such as fritters and stews made from conches, the islands most
famous export. The best place to visit is Da Conch Shack that plays smooth and
relaxing music, while you eat a creamy chowder made from seafood caught that
very morning, the beer should taste so much better in paradise. The island also
has great water activities such as kite boarding on Long Bay Beach, fly fishing
as well as night fishing. The low-level snorkelling in the shallow waters of
Gibbs Bay is incredible, especially that you can swim amongst the rays.
Alright, no more day-dreaming. I need to make a plan to get
on a plane and head to all these destinations sooner than later in my office
secluded life and island getaways are the perfect places to renew your mind and
fill your heart with the sounds and smells of the summer sun.
