Wanderlust Travel Magazine (UK)
ELLIE KINSELLA
♦ WEBSITE ASSISTANT ♦ Jotting down readers’ tips on your favourite remote islands
From coral reefs off the coast of Honduras to the free-roaming kiwis of Stewart Island, you really have been to the ends of the Earth with this collection of far-flung isles…
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
“It mixes everything from nature reserves to stunning scenery like the Dois Irmãos volcanic outcrop. There’s history (Portuguese colonial architecture) and lots of wildlife, too, including spinner dolphins and turtles.” William Mackay
Koh Rong, Cambodia
“Located off the southern coast of Cambodia, this was the highlight of our trip through the region. It’s about the same size as Hong Kong but is 70% pristine tropical forest, with barely any major development at all. It has a small stretch of hostels along one side, running the stretch of the beach, which is great for socialising and meeting other travellers.” Megan Fitzgerald
Roatán, Honduras
“From living in a wooden shack with a tin roof, to lazing in a hammock after a hard day’s scuba diving (better than the Great Barrier Reef) with a cocktail in hand, to dining on steak at a fine Argentinian grill – heaven!” Laurel Benninger
Tetepare Island, Solomon Islands
“An eco-reserve cut off from the rest of the world. Just you, half a dozen rangers and the last residents of the island – the monitor lizards. Enjoy turtle tagging, swimming with sharks, snorkelling coral and basketweaving and cooking with the locals.” Adele Muscat
Islay, Scotland
“Known for its impeccable taste in whisky, one of our favourite memories of Islay was its unmanned cake stand and honesty box, next to Kildalton Cross – an 8th century AD relic in an ancient church ruin. We sat eating lemon drizzle cake, staring at the rolling hills, and didn’t see a soul for another two hours.” Amy Walsh
Bird Island, Seychelles
“This island is just an hour’s flight from Mahé by small plane. Immerse yourself in the conservation of its many birds – as well as turtles and tortoises – then feast on local fruits and fish. Each morning, step across the white sands from your rustic bungalow and wade into the pristine blue water where you can snorkel or just relax.” Gwendolyn Llewellyn
Taquile Island, Peru
“This is one of the islands on Lake Titicaca. The locals there were nice enough to make us a meal containing some fish they’d caught that morning, and then performed one of their traditional dances. Unforgettable.” David Paul
Stewart Island, New Zealand
“While not being the most remote of lands, Stewart Island still feels a world away, with its tranquil, pristine setting, fascinating locals and miles of unspoilt wilderness.” Andrew Bennett
Livingstone Island, Zambia
“Visit at high-water for an adrenalin-fuelled boat trip, then admire the power of the Zambezi River as it plunges over the edge and into a 100m-high gorge. Awesome!” Robin Cormack
Cape Clear, Ireland
“This remote escape off the south-west coast of Ireland has a warm and welcoming pub, beautiful scenery and an annual storytelling festival. All that makes it a must-visit.” Paula Sullivan
Namdo, Sweden
“A small island in the Stockholm archipelago, Namdo’s horizon is dotted with hundreds of tiny islets, stretching as far as the eye can see. Characteristic Swedish cabins cling to the rugged granite boulders that make up its shores, complete with their own jetties.” Megan Windell
Arrecife Margarita, Puerto Rico
“This mangrove-covered sandbar has two channels running parallel to the mainland, so you can snorkel up one and down the other (not for weak swimmers) to spot its colourful fish. A reef protects the sandbar and mangrove from the worst weather and the island is also home to quite a few birds.” Bruce Turnbull