The Best Islands You’ve Never Heard of
by Geoffrey Ravoire, Luxury Travel Advisor & Marketing Manager
Credit: Capella Lodge
Of course, we will always love Santorini, Anguilla, Capri, etc. But there are far more places we want you to discover before they change too much. Islands that have been kept secrets for years, only frequented by locals and adventurous travelers. From France to the Caribbean, and from the South Pacific to the Arctic Circle, discover unbelievably real destinations, waiting for you.
Credit: Capella Lodge
Lord Howe Island, Australia
Lord Howe Island is a small, breathtakingly beautiful island, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The island is surrounded by a reef-fringed lagoon, rolling surf, and the world’s southern-most coral reef. Lord Howe Island has around 350 permanent residents with visitors limited to 400 per night. The island has a relaxed chill vibe and Capella Lodge, one of the Luxury Lodges of Australia, delivers an intimate experience...almost like an Australian beach house. Lord Howe is a pristine natural environment with around three-quarters of the island preserved as a national and marine park boasting endemic species found nowhere else.
Madeira, Portugal
The floating garden. The island of eternal spring. The garden island. Madeira has many names, each one conferring an almost magical beauty on this little European outpost. Hidden away in the Atlantic, 300 miles from the Moroccan coast, its landscape staggers as it soothes. From mountains to wineries, cobblestone streets to crystal-clear water, there is much to do – year-round. Due to its strategic location in the Atlantic, Madeira enjoys warm breezes year-round.
Dominica, Caribbean
The island of Dominica is abounding with activities to immerse oneself in nature, both physically and spiritually. The wild terrain, including its 365 rivers, 12 waterfalls, and countless hiking trails, inspires an active lifestyle, while Dominica’s many natural sulfur hot pools and locally-sourced foods inspire a holistic way of life. Interestingly, Dominica has one of the highest number of centenarians (people over 100) in the world; three times the average of other developed countries. Perhaps it is the pure drinking water that flows down from Morne Diablotin into the Picard River that enlivens Dominicans; or, perhaps, it is the nutrient-rich juices squeezed from local exotic fruits and the island’s many healing herbal teas. The Relais & Chateaux Secret Bay is a true ambassador of this fountain of youth of an island.
Credit: Turistcasa for CNN
Ponza, Italy
Ponza is a popular summer vacation destination for Romans and Neapolitans, and travelers who want to experience summer the Italian way, basking in the beauty of the Mediterranean. During the day, rent a motorboat and circle around the island, dropping anchor in one of the windless alcoves that surround the island. Dive off the boat, enjoy fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and focaccia. At night, back on the island, life is equally simple; a sunset Aperol Spritz followed by a delicious dinner is all you need. It’s a little bit like “Capri without the tourists.”
Yakushima, Japan
Soaring, spectacular sugi (Japanese cedars dated to several thousands of years) and mountains cloaked in a lush, primeval forest - it is little wonder how Yakushima Island earned its UNESCO-protected status. The landscapes here are truly enchanting; it was in fact Yakushima that inspired Hayao Miyazaki's iconic animation Princess Mononoke. Aside from the incredibly scenic ancient rainforest and steep, 6,000-foot-plus slopes, Yakushima is an important site for loggerhead turtles, who lay their eggs on the island's beaches between May and August every year. As with many other Japanese destinations, Yakushima also offers a natural onsen experience, with some springs located by the sea.
Faroe Islands, Denmark
The Faroe Islands, an archipelago of 18 islands in the North Atlantic, maybe just a short flight from Iceland and Denmark, yet they're way off the standard traveler's radar. Tall mountains, untouched wilderness, steep cliffs, narrow fjords, little villages, birdwatcher's paradise with the magical Puffin, and a sense of remoteness beyond anything! In the Faroes, you are never more than 3 miles away from the ocean, amongst about 80,000 sheep and some 2 million pairs of resilient seabirds.
Credit: Nihi Sumba
Sumba, Indonesia
Culturally fascinating, Sumba isn’t nearly as much talked about as islands like Bali or Borneo - it's actually nicknamed the "Forgotten Island" of Indonesia. And that's lucky for those who do make the trip. In the middle of this jungle by the beach, one hotel has managed to be named the world’s best by Travel + Leisure twice: Nihi. Other highlights include limestone formations, traditional villages, and some of the best surfs around the globe. Accommodations on the island are still very limited and all stakeholders are trying to ensure the island develops a truly responsible approach to tourism, to benefit its population.
Gozo, Malta
Malta's second largest island, Gozo is an idyllic Mediterranean island of quaint fishing villages and peaceful bays. The pastoral landscape features green, rolling hills with a patchwork of small farms that lead down to sandy beaches and small coves - the perfect terrain for leisurely walks to strenuous hikes. The crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Gozo is perfect for a day trip from Malta, or for a relaxing vacation at a beautiful private villa.