Four Fabulous Island Holidays
There are millions of islands scattered all over the world; some big and some really tiny. Some are well developed, while others are very remote and relatively undeveloped; and a remarkable number are still completely deserted. Which island or islands you decide to visit when you holiday will be determined by the part of the world you are attracted by, the level of sophistication and comfort you require, and the activities that entice you. Here are four fabulous island holiday ideas, all with something completely different to offer. Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Remarkable rocks on Kangaroo Island, Photograph courtesy of Flickr - Tim Parkinson Australia is a country that boasts a large number of islands off its vast coastline. One that is considered a national icon is Kangaroo Island – or KI – about 15 km from Adelaide. The third largest Australian island, KI covers an area of about 4,500 square km and it has a coastline of some 540 km (336 miles). It’s a popular tourist attraction and if you want to explore it fully, you’re going to need at least three days. Of course, given its name, you’ve got an excellent chance of seeing kangaroos on KI, as well as the Kangaroo Island kangaroo, a sub-species that is similar but grey in color. You may also see the tammar wallaby, the smallest of this species, as well as the common brushtail possum, short-nosed Southern brown bandicoot, the short-beaked echnida (a spiny anteater that looks a bit like a hedgehog), the sourthern fur seal, Rosenberg’s sand goanna (a type of monitor lizard), and the KI dunnart, a little mouse-size marsupial that is endemic to the island. You are also likely to see other animals that have been introduced to the island, including koala bears, penguins, and sea lions. KI is also a great place to see birds, many of which are either vulnerable or threatened. One species to look out for is the endangered glossy black cockatoo. If you’re a keen diver, you’ll find there are some superb wrecks to explore. You can also visit several old lighthouses, and see remains from some of the stone tools that have been recovered from ancient Aboriginal camp sites. There are a number of hotels, bed and breakfast establishments and other rental properties that are available to holidaymakers wanting to spend time on KI, including the outstanding Southern Ocean Lodge. There are also a host of eateries, from elegant restaurants that offer fine dining experiences, to down-to-earth cafes where you can grab a bite to eat at any time of the day. Ilha de Boipeba, Bahia, Brazil
Ilha de Boipeba, Photo Courtesy of Flickr - Thowra One of three tropical islands that form the Tinharé Archipelago, the Ilha de Boipeba is an isolated paradise about 80 km south of Salvador in Bahia province. Dubbed the Brazilian Caribbean, this gorgeous island is not only picturesque, but also sunny and warm all year round. It’s not an easy place to get to as it’s accessible only by boat or plane, and once you’re on the island the only means of transportation are “tractors” – or you simply walk. The beaches on Ilha de Boipeba are incredibly beautiful and pristine. You’ll find sun-bleached sand, coconut palms, and crystal clear water all around you. Coral reefs form a protective sanctuary for colorful tropical fish and other sea life. There are also shallow pools of warm water that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling all year round. The island has a well-developed eco-system that in addition to its coral reefs also feature salt marshes and beautifully preserved mangroves. To see it for yourself, go for a tour in a riverboat; alternatively walk around the island to get a better idea of the flora, fauna and fantastic bird life. There are numerous bungalows, apartments, bed and breakfast establishments and a few hotels on the island, offering a range of facilities from basic to gorgeously luxurious. There are also some excellent restaurants, including Santa Clara that specializes in eclectic cuisine; the French inspired Casa Namoa Creperie; and a number of seafood eateries serving fresh fish and seafood right out of the sea. There aren’t many buildings on the island, but a trip to the old part of the island should not be missed: you’ll see some incredible architecture here, including a partially restored 17th century Jesuit church and an old flour mill. Koh Racha Island, Phuket, Thailand
Yachts moored alongside the Koh Racha Islands, Photo courtesy of Flickr - M Lehmkuhler The islands around Phuket are unbelievably beautiful, and there are many visitors who opt to stay at a luxury hotel on this larger island (which is one of about 40, and only 50 km long), and then travel to a number of the smaller islands for day trips while they are there. However Koh Racha (which is in fact a pair of islands) has been described as “the most spectacular destination in the Andaman Sea”, so if you’re looking for an island to make your temporary home while you’re on holiday in Thailand, this is one that you shouldn’t ignore. Like most of the islands located in the Andaman Sea near Phuket, the sea is teaming with fish and other marine life. It’s a brilliant location for easy diving, and ideal for families. Popular features include pearl farms where you can see how pearls are forced to form in oysters and are then extracted, and the coral forests where you can dive and get to see the magnificent blue staghorn coral as well as many other types. The easiest access to Racha is from Chalong Bay on the eastern side of Phuket, and there are a number of companies (including tour operators) that offer speedboat trips from Phuket. There are some excellent accommodation options on Koh Racha, including the Racha Hotel and Resort, and the Ban Raya Resort. Vanua Levu Island, Fiji
Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort, Photo courtesy of the resort. Fiji is an island country that comprises an archipelago of more than 332 islands, only about a third of which are permanently inhabited. Many of them are mountainous and covered with thick tropical forests. The climate in Fiji is tropical and warm throughout most of the year, making it a tourist paradise. There are numerous coral reefs in the ocean around the Fijian Islands, and scuba diving is one of the most popular activities. Vanua Levu is one of the two main Fijian Islands, and the second largest in the country. It is also home to one of the most incredible holiday destinations in the South Pacific: the award-winning, five-star Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Island Resort. Established on what used to be a coconut plantation, this amazing resort offers top class accommodation, and a range of recreational, cultural, environmental, and educational experiences, of which scuba diving or snorkeling in a glass-bottomed boat is just the beginning. Related links:
