Editor’s Note
As we head to print, on the cusp of celebrating the Lunar New Year in South East Asia, we find the world reeling from one major incident to another. The last few weeks have witnessed massive fires in Australia that have transformed entire forested coastlines into charred sticks of charcoal. While politicians across the globe slowly recalibrate their stance on global warming after this event, it is essential that we all play our part, big or small, in cooling the climate without waiting for international government organisations who are still locked in the ‘deliberating’ mode. Be it a household, a neighbourhood, a suburb or a state; let’s get down to the basics – it is high time we all started planting some trees. Aggressively. Every inch of land, every balcony or a railing which can hold a pot – we all – individually – need to start planting. Governments need to allocate more land to national parks; all empty plots of lands in cities need to be greened’ up with trees. It is plain and simple. Now as the bushfires come to a conclusion and we hope for some respite, the world is hit with a double whammy in the form of the Wuhan coronavirus that has authorities shutting down entire cities. Scary. It is my sincere wish that we start witnessing some good news pretty soon in 2020!
This edition brings the focus of our journeys to islands. We select some of the most unique Island getaway experiences from the edges of Asia to the wild Caribbean. Summer will rock this year. Asia’s greatest island treasures hide in plain sight, within the swells of the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar, Reunion, Mafia Island and Mauritius are four jewels that are begging to be visited. Raw, away from tourists and singing their own tune; a summer escapade here is epic. Still sailing this vast ocean, we head to the north-western shores of Sri Lanka to Kappalady peninsula, a haven for kite surfing and sustainable hospitality. The community here has transformed an improvised region into an ideal example of eco-tourism – a learning experience for all.
Bali is the list topper for a no brainer getaway but what about Indonesia’s other gorgeous islands - Nusa Lembongan, Sumba, Flores and Sumbawa. Fewer crowds, more authenticity and less ‘witness Australians going wild’! Our other neighbour, Philippines, gets a bad rap for corruption. Take a peek behind this veneer and discover raw beauty. Isolated national parks, vibrant marine life, and private islands that only come to life during low tide – I dream of getting a yacht and sailing across the Indonesian and Philippines archipelago.
One look at Nukutepipi Island in the Southern
Pacific and I fell in love. A gorgeous island in the middle of nowhere with a deep blue lake in the middle; paradise has a new name. When the great writers thought of being one with nature and isolation, I believe they were dreaming of Nukutepipi.
The notion of an island getaway could very well have dawned from the Caribbean islands. Representing freedom, adventure and escape from authority, these tiny island nations are the infamous hideouts of celebrities, tycoons and royalty. We explore South Caicos, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Mustique island.
Do let us know what you think about this Islands Getaway edition! Happy Reading!