The Island Escape: The laugh out loud romantic comedy you have to read this summer

Product Information

Nisyros, one of Greece’s Dodecanese Islands, is an Aegean-enveloped active volcano escape. Here, you’ll find the typical Greek island essentials: whitewashed houses, blue tile work, and tavernas dishing out staples, but you’ll also have the chance to walk inside a hulking caldera.

Best experiences:Witness the elephant migration from July to October. Hop onboard the now iconic blue train which links Kandy to Ella before visiting tea-laden hill towns. Head inside the Dambulla Caves, where ancient paintings decorate the walls and ceilings. Climb to the top of Sigiriya to admire the ruins of a 1500-year-old citadel. Relax on the south coast beaches, spot dolphins in the wild, and then delve deeper into Sri Lanka’s UNESCO attractions. This small island has plenty to keep you entertained. Taking a jeep through Arikok National Park, Aruba Aruba One of the best islands to visit in Australia, K’gari – perhaps more commonly known as Fraser Island – fascinates me. As the world’s largest island wholly made of sand – all 120 kilometres of it – it’s certainly a unique island and one of the Australia’s best experiences. Best experiences:Take a dip in the Fairy Pools, one of Scotland’s most special wild swimming spots. Hike the Quaraing or the Old Man of Storr viewpoint to witness the island’s most impressive landscapes. Spot waterfalls in all directions, both inland and tumbling off the island’s edge. Visit one of the island’s castles, such as Dunvegan Castle. And, of course, round it all off with a dram of whisky. Witness an elephant migration in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka

Find cruise reviews

The largest island in Clew Bay measuring five miles long by three miles wide, Clare Island is characterised by sandy beaches, dramatic sea cliffs and a rich archaeological past. Macalla Farm is a small, family-run yoga and meditation retreat centre and a working organic farm that offers visitors the chance to leave behind the stresses of modern life and, instead, tune into body, breath and mind. Retreats for summer include a Sati Yoga Weekend (30 July-2 August) and Mindfulness for Yoga Teachers (6-13 August) and costs include accommodation and all meals, made with organic, plant-based ingredients grown on the farm. For prices and to find out more information, visit macallafarm.ie. Contributions should be travel related. The most helpful contributions are detailed and help others make better decisions. Please don’t include personal, political, ethical, or religious commentary. Promotional content will be removed and issues concerning Booking.com’s services should be routed to our Customer Service or Accommodation Service teams.

Once a monastery, and then a convent, and now one of the most famous tourist attractions in Normandy, and indeed France, the island of Mont St Michelis undoubtedly one of the world’s most unique islands. Why visit?Firstly, to avoid any confusion, this is not the Dominican Republic. This magnificent nation is The Commonwealth of Dominica, one of the Caribbean’s best islands to visit for an adventure-ripe rugged escape. Secondly, why not? Best experiences:For the best Xochimilco experience, either skip – or do in addition – the more typical colourful boats which ply the canals serving up good vibes, cold beers and Mariachi bands. It’s not that it’s touristy as some will say, because plenty of locals are enjoying their weekends on these waterways, but it’s not going to get you to the heart of the ancient farming traditions which should be centre stage here. Go inside the protected area, meet the multi-generation farmers who keep this practice alive, and learn a little more about Mexico City’s incredible contribution to civilisation. Nisyros, one of the most unique islands to visit in Greece Nisyros Island, GreeceIn Syracuse, the remains of both Roman and Greek Amphitheaters coexist. At Villa Romana del Casale, you’ll find what UNESCO call“the finest mosaics in situ anywhere in the Roman world”. And, as you traverse atop the Valley of the Temples, ancient Greek architecture transports you to some six centuries before Christ himself. Roman mosaics in Villa Romana del Casale, Sicily No visit would be complete without learning about the Jamaican Maroons. Following the Spanish colonisation of the Caribbean and following slavery, the Maroons escaped and fled to the mountains, where they set up independent communities and became a resistance. This continued into British rule when – after the new colonists had agreed to let the Maroons live and control their land freely – they became undefeated in standing up for their rights and community. While Scotland is home to some of the best islands to visit globally, there is more than one reason why the jaw-dropping Isle of Skye has become Scotland’s star for UK outdoor adventures. Located right at the heart of the British Isles, 32 miles in length and 14 miles at its widest point, the Isle of Man is an island with and incredible landscape. It is the first entire country to be awarded the UNESCO Biosphere status raising awareness of areas, projects and activities that help to make the Island unique. With its dark skies status this gem of an island is rich with wildlife, flora and fauna, all to be found in spectacular scenery which range from the rugged cliffs of the south to the beautiful northern plains and mountainous uplands. It is a microcosm of all the best of the British Isles has to offer.

So, if you are considering a visit, really think about why. For many years, Raja Ampat was a destination for wealthy scuba divers on liveaboard boats. Then, community and local tourism started to flourish, driven by a local co-op of islanders who wanted to protect the pristine nature. In recent years, however, luxury sailings have grown substantially, international investment is seeing large resource-heavy hotels open, and even cruise ships are arriving, damaging the delicate coral reefsat extreme scales.Best experiences:Getting thatselfie with the Quokka would be many people’s answer. But don’t get too close, and don’tfeed them. If caught, you will be fined as it’s a danger to their health. With the increase in tourism numbers, it’s become even more important to protect the species, so swat up on the rules for island preservation on the way over. Taiko Drums in Sado Tub Boats on Sado Island Sado Island, Japan