Solo Travel: Island Holidays to Dream on
Sometimes I travel solo to connect with more people. It’s true, I tend to meet more people when I travel solo than when I travel with others. But, sometimes, what I really want is a holiday alone — to get away from it all. Here are a few island holidays that offer quiet and isolation. For now, they are islands to dream on. Eventually, I’ll get there.
Madeira
Madeira is a long way out into the Atlantic Ocean, which means that not that many people are prepared to slog their way out there – making it a superb island retreat. The island has lent its name to both the famous cake and fortified wine, and has some simply stunning rugged scenery for walkers and ramblers alike.
Easter Island
Easter Island is about as remote as you can get. Once you’ve taken a flight to the most westerly point of Chile, you’re still over 2,000 miles (3,500km) away from the island. The trip is totally worth it though, with some of the most sensational views in the world, including the world famous Moai statues.
Koh Phi Phi Leh
The island that was made famous in the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach, Koh Phi Phi Leh is part of the Krabi province in Thailand. Flights to Thailand are increasingly cheap to find these days, and Koh Phi Phi Leh is best accessed by river ferry from Phuket or Krabi. The island was severely tampered with during the filming of The Beach, but after the typhoon of 2004 much of the island’s natural beauty has returned.
Meerufenfushi
The Maldives archipelago contains some 1,200 beautiful islands, each with their own unique signature. The capital Malé is certainly worth visiting, but for an isolated relaxing holiday Meeru is one of the best resorts available to enjoy the pleasures of the beautiful Indian Ocean.
Necker Island
Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson has most things money can buy, including his own private island. Necker Island in the British Virgin Isles of the Caribbean is about as exclusive as islands come. Resplendent with luxury facilities, the island has capacity for around 30 people, so bumping into other tourists is a rare occasion indeed.
