Island Gems : From Azores to Whitsunday 5 Islands to Suit Every Taste and Desire for Luxury and Relaxation

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I have always been fascinated by islands, especially small ones, maybe because I was born on one myself. A water-surrounded piece of land simply and inexplicably has a different feel to it, created, one might say, by the open air, the sound of lapping waves and the soothing effect of a blue ocean or sea on tired eyes. In this article, I am going to share my love of islands by taking you around the world with 5 island-gems to suit every taste and desire for luxury and relaxation.

The Maltese Islands
This little group of three main islands is certainly no travel secret to the European population, but due to its diminutive size, few have heard about it beyond this continent. Blessed with mild winters and long, sunny and rain-free summers, it attracts thousands of holiday makers because of its easily-reached location at the heart of the Mediterranean, relaxed vibe, excellent alfresco dining and hotels in dramatic seaside locations. Visitors to Malta, the largest island, should not be intimidated by its small size as there is plenty to do and see. Explore the ancient, honey-coloured walls and bastions of Valletta, Mdina and Vittoriosa, be wowed by the gaudy decorations of the interior of St. John’s co-Cathedral, which also houses a magnificent Caravaggio painting, or simply go beach-hopping on the many intimate little stretches of sand, turquoise lagoons and dramatic rock formations. 

Princes’ Islands, Istanbul
After a few days immersed in hectic Istanbul, with its colourful markets, noisy streets and impressive mosques, a ferry trip to the Princes’ Islands can be a holiday within a holiday for those seeking something more peaceful. A mere hour away by boat, these 9 small islands are where affluent Turks have their summer homes and locals and tourists alike flock for some respite from traffic-clogged roads. The biggest of the islands, Buyukada, is ideal for a day of strolling along its car-free streets lined by large villas, or down by the sea, where you can enjoy a meal of fresh fish and seafood. If you want to see more of the island, rent a bicycle, or even better, a horse-drawn carriage.

The Azores
Officially a part of Portugal, the Azores have for some reason as yet escaped mass tourism. In the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, these islands of volcanic origin rely mainly on agriculture, fishing and tourism to boost their economy. The Azores are a perfect alternative to the busier and louder summer Mediterranean islands if parties and an intense nightlife is not really your thing. These islands are in fact more about getting in touch with nature and local culture, and can be easily explored using the local ferry system.

Bocas Del Toro Archipelago, Panama
Panama often gets dwarfed by its more popular neighbours when it comes to its reputation as a holiday destination. With Costa Rica on its Northern border and the famous Caribbean islands to its North and North East, its Bocas Del Toro Archipelago is effectively one of the world’s best kept island-secrets...for now. Getting there might be a little bit more complicated than getting to its neighbours, but if you do make the extra time and effort, you will be rewarded with world-class diving spots, bird watching, turtle nesting grounds, and Caribbean beaches with thinner crowds. The Whitsunday Islands, Australia When one thinks about Australia, one often forgets that it is indeed not only a country, but an entire continent so large that a trip here can take you from cosmopolitan cities to deserts and from snowy mountain chains to tropical paradises. The Whitsunday Islands, with their white beaches, palms and blue, life-filled waters, is the Caribbean alternative for this part of the world. Whether you want to splash out on luxury resorts such as those on Hamilton Island, or find your own deserted beach, making your way around the various islands is easy and convenient due to the large number of tour operators that specialise in this area.