I don’t always agree with magazines that publish top destination lists. Sometimes they seem rather contrived, as if they’re trying to show off. But the latest one from Conde Nast Traveler hits the mark pretty well.
The magazine asked travel experts to name the top island getaway places in the world, and they listed a half-dozen of my personal faves.
Vancouver Island was cited for whale watching and other activities. “There’s far more to Vancouver Island than Victoria. One of my favorite places on the island is Tofino, a small town on the far west coast about halfway up the island that’s a great destination for outdoor adventures with fantastic food and lodging.”
The Four Seasons Sensei resort on Lana’i, Hawai’i. JIM BYERS PHOTO
The Hawaiian island of Lana’i also made the list. “Only nine miles off the coast of Maui, this quaint island was originally home to pineapple plantations but now offers the perfect mix of rugged adventure and ultra-luxe relaxation.” The author did make one omission, however, as the story mentions the Four Seasons Lana’i at Manele Bay and the Four Seasons Sensei Resort but failed to tell readers they can save a bundle by staying at the quaint but modern Hotel Lana’i in tiny Lana’i City. The story also fails to mention that Mokulele Airlines has flights between Honolulu and Lana’i.
Conde Nast also mentioned Nevis, a low-key Caribbean island I love. “It’s the Goldilocks of the Caribbean: easy to get to (see below), but still enough of a trip to keep the nonstop-flight-only masses away. It has beautiful beaches, while offering a safe environment to eat in off-property restaurants and explore the island outside of the resort. ” The Four Seasons Resort Nevis is gorgeous.
Lord Howe Island, New South Wales, Australia was singled out as a tiny gem of an island. It’s one of the coolest places I’ve ever been. “This tiny World Heritage-listed island (just over 5 miles long and less than 1 mile at its widest part) packs a real punch, offering a spectacular diversity of landscapes and activities: two towering mountains to hike and dozens of beaches to explore (from the tranquil sheltered lagoon to the uncrowded waves of Blinky’s surf beach), lush rainforests home to spectacular birdlife, and turquoise waters teeming with vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs.”
Turtle Point Beach, Dominica. Photo Courtesy Dominica Tourism.
Dominica, where I spent five days in January, was described as an undiscovered version of Saint Lucia, which is a pretty good comparison. “Incorporate a series of hikes into your trip—there are many trails from easy to strenuous with incredible views, often with the gift of a waterfall. Dominica is also a great place for snorkeling and scuba diving. If you’re not certified, you can take your classwork prior to your vacation and complete your certifications on the island. Champagne Reef is a favorite—it gets its name from the bubbling waters that come up from the underwater thermal springs.” I recommend Jungle Bay Resort and Wanderlust Caribbean Adventure Travel Boutique Hotel.
Hawai’i Big island was mentioned for its tremendous variety. “The island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island, offers a staggering amount of diversity in one destination, making it perfect for travelers that want to have a wide range of experiences. Relax on the white sands of Hapuna Bay or marvel at the jet-black hue of Punalu’u Beach. Feel the heat off the Kilauea Volcano or bundle up to summit snow-capped Mauna Kea. Go off the grid and hike the lush valleys of the Hilo coast or head to the well-known coffee plantations outside of Kona.”
Here’s the full list:
- Con Dao, Vietnam
- Lana’i, Hawaii
- Mauritius
- Mallorca, Spain
- Koh Samui, Thailand (beautiful)
- Vancouver Island, Canada
- Zanzibar
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
- Nevis
- Tikehau, French Polynesia
- Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
- Vega Island, Norway
- Big Island, Hawai’i
- Lord Howe Island, Australia
- Dominica
- Crete, Greece
I’ll add a few of my own fave islands:
- Corsica (tremendous food and amazing scenery with a French-Italian flair).
- St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. A great deal of the land is park land that’s protected from development. Great hiking and Trunk Bay, one of the world’s best beaches.
- Waiheke Island, New Zealand. Lovely wines and beautiful scenery a short ferry ride from Auckland.
- Ponza, Italy. A popular Mediterranean escape for Romans, you’ll find perfect cafes overlooking the water and azure waters lapping up against towering, craggy cliffs.
- Tahiti Iti. Most tourists only visit the northern, larger portion of Tahiti Island, which includes the capital of Papeete. But the small, rounded appendage at te bottom of the island, Tahiti Iti, is a wondrous, natural throwback kind of place. The surfing competition for the 2024 Summer Olympics will take place here.
- Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Here you’ll find one of the world’s great drives, the Cabot Trail. You’ll also find lively pubs, picture postcard villages and two of the world’s top golf courses; Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links.
DESTINATION CANADA’S “MAPLE LEAVE” CAMPAIGN AIMS AT AMERICANS
I love this new “Maple Leaves” ad from Destination Canada, which features everything from maple syrup to forest getaways and a woman in a plaid shirt driving a Zamboni.
BEST NEW US HOTELS FOR A CITY GETAWAY
I very much like this National Geographic hotel piece, which outlines cool new places to stay in San Diego, Louisville, New York, Honolulu, Indianapolis, Portland, Saint Louis and Santa Monica,
