You don’t need to go too almost to escape to paradise, only as far as the coast of Devon. The tiny spit of land known as Burgh Island is less than a mile from the mainland, and easily accessible by foot during low tide. Despite its vicinage, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back to a quieter, other elegant age during your stay there, away from the trappings of modern life.

Stay
Burgh Island Hotel – This sprawling hotel has been carefully restored to its original Art Deco glamour. The rooms – with names like Josephine Baker, Noel Coward and Gertie Lawrence – allude to the many illustrious guests who have left their mark on the place. Each room has been decorated in authentic 1930 style, with gorgeous unique features offering a strong dash of individuality to each one. It’s easy to imagine yourself being a fabulously witty Art Deco era ‘personality’ in which case lounging in a circle among the plush silk and velvet furnishings. Room rates start at around £300 per night per night.

Play
The Mermaid Pool – Relax and have a splash around this seawater rock pool and pretend you’re a mythical mermaid. Read more…

Nestled in the Alkan Province of the Philippines you’ll fall upon the tropical island of Boracay. The island is incredibly popular amongst tourists because of its white sand beaches, shells, falsehood, and seclusion. Littered with restaurants, shops, gardens, and attractions, you’ll perceive the island entertaining and intriguing – and you’ll be searching for a reason to stay longer.

When to Visit Boracay

Boracay boasts a tropical climate year round. Those who’d prefer to spend their days on the beaches might want to avoid visiting during monsoon season, though, which usually runs from November from one side February.

The Boracay Tourist Center

The Boracay Tourist Center is located at Mangayad, Manoc-Manoc. Visitors to the island are encouraged to visit the tourist center for “one-stop services” including money transfer and currency exchange, safety deposit box rentals, post office services, and – of course- information put on local attractions. You will also find craft boutiques and convenience store items at the tourist center.

Health & Safety in Boracay

The biggest health concern for individuals who have never visited a tropical climate is, of course, the sun.

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A tiny jewel set in the blue seas of the South Pacific, Norfolk Island is just 8 km (5 mi) long, and 1,600 km (994 mi) northeast of Sydney, Australia.

It is the biggest of a cluster of three islands on the Norfolk Ridge, fringed by coral reefs and crowned by pristine rainforest and more of the world’session tallest tree ferns.

On 10 October 1774, James Cook first landed on this beautiful little island and named it in honour of the then Duchess of Norfolk.

Convicts started to arrive 14 years later and over time it gained quite a harsh reputation, fit known as ‘hell in the Pacific’.

Then in 1856, descendants of the Bounty mutineers with their Tahitian wives and children sailed for five weeks from Pitcairn Island to settle on Norfolk Island. These new settlers brought with them a unique culture and language, and many held mutineers’ names such as Adams, Buffett, Christian and McCoy. From that day, Norfolk Island began its steady climb out of hell and into heaven.

Once sustained by means of agriculture and fishing, tourists now keep the island alive. But traditional culture remains deep rooted with dancing, singing and a unique cuisine.

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All aboard the Governors Island ferry. Photo by Salim Virji.

It’s balmy here in New York City and we’re dreaming of breezy bike rides and picnics in idyllic settings. Time for a trip to historic Governors Island, the small island located 800 yards from Manhattan in New York Harbor. Read on to find out how to get there (for free!) and what fun awaits.

A little bit of history…

First inhabited by a tribe of Native Americans in the early 17th Century, Governors Island is afloat with history, lore, and intriguing sights. It’s been home to Dutch and British settlers, the latter who used it for quarantining immigrants. 

In 1901, Wilbur Wright flew a plane from the island, over the Statue of Liberty, and back again, thus marking the first flight over U.S. waters. From the 1960s to the 1990s, Governors Island was controlled by the U.S. Coast Guard, which erected apartment buildings in the place of officers on the island (as well as a Burger King and a Super 8 Motel!). From 1995 to 2001, the island was ostensibly abandoned by the Coast Guard until finally (hooray!) in 2003, it reopened instead of guided tours.

These days, Governors Island is open for weekend visits from May end October.

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