If you are lucky enough, you may be able to jet off to sunnier climes until spring comes. Where could you go? Egypt, Mexico and Cuba never fail to attract the crowds but what if you want something different? What if you have already been to these popular sun destinations and seek something a little different, away from the crowds?
We’ve picked 4 beautiful islands for you to visit. Usually, we associate islands with beautiful turquoise lagoons, lots of sand and plenty of sun and warmth under the tropics where the length of the days don’t change much throughout the year. These islands offer just that and we’re sure they won’t disappoint, especially at this time of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
Seychelles
Seychelles is an archipelago with over 150 islands scattered around in the Indian Ocean, not far from the east coast of Africa. Only 3 islands are permanently inhabited however. The biggest island is Mahé where the capital Victoria is found. A few other islands are private while some others can be visited via a tour organised by your hotel. Environmental protection is very high on the list in Seychelles and the fauna and flora play host to many rare species.
Don’t be seduced by the beaches only and try to make a foray inland in one of the national parks. Did you know that the world’s biggest seed is found in the Seychelles? It’s the coco de mer. The island belonged to the French and then the British before becoming independent in 1976. As a result, there are 3 official languages on the islands: French, English and Creole. That should help you communicate easily with the locals.
Mauritius
After Seychelles, head further south within the Indian Ocean to reach the island of Mauritius. Strictly speaking, the Republic of Mauritius includes many small islands and groups of islands. If you were to count every single one of them, you might well have as many as Seychelles.
However, the biggest, most populous and main island is Mauritius itself; Rodrigues is the next island an hour’s flight away with a sparce population but just as beautiful. There are archipelagos such as Agalega and St Brandon scattered far away in the Indian Ocean and which have tiny populations of fishermen but you won’t be able to visit them. You may have also heard of the court case involving the Chagos island that Mauritius claims as its own.
We mention Mauritius just after the Seychelles because of a linked history and culture. Mauritius also belonged to the French and then the English before becoming independent in 1968. The official language is only English but French and Creole are more widely spoken in fact. However, don’t worry, you can still get by with English.
With plenty of beaches and luxury hotels all around the island of Mauritius, unlike Seychelles, you won’t have to do any island hopping if you want to see more.
Bora Bora
Deep in the Pacific Ocean this time, among the group of islands called French Polynesia is found a rare jewel: Bora Bora. Because it is so remote, you can be assured of avoiding the crowd.
It’s very far for Europeans, Americans have Hawaii in the Pacific, still part of the USA and the Australians, closest to Bora Bora, have plenty of beaches in their country already and plenty of sun of course! Only dedicated tourists in search of the purest sand make it to Bora Bora. Plenty of sun, limpid lagoons and luxury resorts to forget about winter.
Fiji
Another island nation in the Pacific, Fiji is located somewhat closer to Australia, rather than in the middle of this vast ocean like Bora Bora, although there is still a large distance to Australia. The archipelago is made up of an astounding 332 islands with over 100 islands permanently inhabited and 500 islets. Good luck with exploring all of them. If there is a place worth island-hopping, this is it.
The Fiji was also a former British colony. These British were all over the place, even as far as deep in the Pacific. As a result, the official languages are English, Fiji and the Fijian version of Hindi. Again, you’ll find little problem communicating. The presence of Indians and the Hindi language are the result of indentured labourers that the British brought to the country in the past after the abolition of slavery.
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