10.14.2005
Top 10: Greatest Islands By, Harry Marks
"Everyone needs a break, and where better to go for some R&R than an island, hidden somewhere in the oceans and seas of our beautiful planet? Get on board as we take you from one corner of the world to another.
10. Zanzibar
The Indian Ocean has many well-kept secrets, but perhaps none greater than Zanzibar, a tiny island in a part of Tanzania. Lucky tourists are pulled in by the historical Stone Town as well as its magnificent beaches. Zanzibar is commonly referred to as the Spice Island thanks to its cloves, cinnamon, lichee nuts, cocoa beans, and coconut.
9. Mauritius
Situated just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, the island of Mauritius is off the east coast of Madagascar and is a volcanic island of about 10 million years of age. While its official language is English, French is widely used while Creole is the local dialect. Mauritius has great weather year round, but if you do not like rain, then watch out for the rainy season that takes place from January to March -- especially on the Central Plateau.
8. Sapi Island, Sabah
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is part of heavenly Sabah, which consists of 5 beautiful islands: Mamutik, Manukan, Sulug, Sapi, and Gaya. While not the largest, Pulau Sapi has one of the nicest beaches in the Park. Its clean white sand and crystal clear water will leave you speechless. You'll be tempted to venture out and explore the nature trail to some of the islands, where you can see animals such as monkeys, squirrels, as well as bearded pigs.
7. Santorini, Greek Islands
Practically any of the Greek Islands are a must for island-seeking tourists. While Mykonos is very popular, Santorini provides a more gentle refuge with its geological morphology, the remnant of a dormant volcano. Here you will find towering cliffs overlooking the deepest levels of surrounding sea and vast beaches.
6. Jamaica
Ever since our resident pickup artist The Player spent a few days at Hedonism, we have had a soft spot for Jamaica and the lush garden of pure pleasure at Hedonism II, or the oasis of pure pleasure at Hedonism III.
5. Canary Islands
Heaven comes in the form of 7 islands situated in the Atlantic Ocean; namely Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. These islands have an almost perfect climate with fairly stable temperatures year round.
The beaches are splendid, with fine sand. The most interesting aspect is that besides the 7 large islands, the landscape of the smaller islands is radically different than the others. On a side note, some historians suppose that the legendary continent Atlantis was located here.
4. Cuba
Well, there is not much to add to one of everyone's favorite islands: Cuba. Situated off the coast of Florida, Cuba is one of the world's most beautiful islands with amazing beaches, hospitable and friendly locals, and a haven from overly Americanized destination spots in the Caribbean.
3. Tioman Island, Pahang
Located northwest off Malaysia's east coast, Pulau Tioman is the largest of 64 volcanic islands and offers miles upon miles of soft white sand, waterfalls and colorful marine life. Pulau Tioman is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful islands in a region full of breathtaking ones.
2. Fiji
Exotic, exhilarating, exciting -- these are only 3 words that can attempt to describe the 333 islands that make up beautiful Fiji. Fiji has something for all: you can swim with harmless rays (sounds like an oxymoron but it is quite true), get a tan by the shore, snorkel all day long, and scuba dive until your nose bleeds... well, you may want to stop before that happens.
1. French Polynesia
The islands of French Polynesia combine volcanic islands with atolls along the eastern South Pacific. No one ever leaves French Polynesia without wishing to return, partially due to the hospitable and friendly Polynesian people, but also, as one can imagine, thanks to the breathtaking and beautiful islands such as Tahiti and Bora Bora. The air seems to be fresher, while the engaging bouquet of tropical flowers and mesmerizing sunsets in the backdrop only add to its appeal." [Via Askmen.com]
10. Zanzibar
The Indian Ocean has many well-kept secrets, but perhaps none greater than Zanzibar, a tiny island in a part of Tanzania. Lucky tourists are pulled in by the historical Stone Town as well as its magnificent beaches. Zanzibar is commonly referred to as the Spice Island thanks to its cloves, cinnamon, lichee nuts, cocoa beans, and coconut.
9. Mauritius
Situated just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, the island of Mauritius is off the east coast of Madagascar and is a volcanic island of about 10 million years of age. While its official language is English, French is widely used while Creole is the local dialect. Mauritius has great weather year round, but if you do not like rain, then watch out for the rainy season that takes place from January to March -- especially on the Central Plateau.
8. Sapi Island, Sabah
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is part of heavenly Sabah, which consists of 5 beautiful islands: Mamutik, Manukan, Sulug, Sapi, and Gaya. While not the largest, Pulau Sapi has one of the nicest beaches in the Park. Its clean white sand and crystal clear water will leave you speechless. You'll be tempted to venture out and explore the nature trail to some of the islands, where you can see animals such as monkeys, squirrels, as well as bearded pigs.
7. Santorini, Greek Islands
Practically any of the Greek Islands are a must for island-seeking tourists. While Mykonos is very popular, Santorini provides a more gentle refuge with its geological morphology, the remnant of a dormant volcano. Here you will find towering cliffs overlooking the deepest levels of surrounding sea and vast beaches.
6. Jamaica
Ever since our resident pickup artist The Player spent a few days at Hedonism, we have had a soft spot for Jamaica and the lush garden of pure pleasure at Hedonism II, or the oasis of pure pleasure at Hedonism III.
5. Canary Islands
Heaven comes in the form of 7 islands situated in the Atlantic Ocean; namely Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro. These islands have an almost perfect climate with fairly stable temperatures year round.
The beaches are splendid, with fine sand. The most interesting aspect is that besides the 7 large islands, the landscape of the smaller islands is radically different than the others. On a side note, some historians suppose that the legendary continent Atlantis was located here.
4. Cuba
Well, there is not much to add to one of everyone's favorite islands: Cuba. Situated off the coast of Florida, Cuba is one of the world's most beautiful islands with amazing beaches, hospitable and friendly locals, and a haven from overly Americanized destination spots in the Caribbean.
3. Tioman Island, Pahang
Located northwest off Malaysia's east coast, Pulau Tioman is the largest of 64 volcanic islands and offers miles upon miles of soft white sand, waterfalls and colorful marine life. Pulau Tioman is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful islands in a region full of breathtaking ones.
2. Fiji
Exotic, exhilarating, exciting -- these are only 3 words that can attempt to describe the 333 islands that make up beautiful Fiji. Fiji has something for all: you can swim with harmless rays (sounds like an oxymoron but it is quite true), get a tan by the shore, snorkel all day long, and scuba dive until your nose bleeds... well, you may want to stop before that happens.
1. French Polynesia
The islands of French Polynesia combine volcanic islands with atolls along the eastern South Pacific. No one ever leaves French Polynesia without wishing to return, partially due to the hospitable and friendly Polynesian people, but also, as one can imagine, thanks to the breathtaking and beautiful islands such as Tahiti and Bora Bora. The air seems to be fresher, while the engaging bouquet of tropical flowers and mesmerizing sunsets in the backdrop only add to its appeal." [Via Askmen.com]
