WATER BABY, THALASSOPHILE, DIEHARD ISLAND LOVER – THIS MAY VERY WELL BE THE

inscription on my grave. Growing up on one of the world’s biggest islands, the girt-by-sea Australia, it’s little wonder I’m happiest when with sand between my toes, palm trees before my eyes and scuba diving and snorkelling until sunset. It’s clear I’m not alone, for in the luxury travel sphere, islands offer the ultimate in escapism and they feature heavily throughout this issue, whether it’s a new spa in the British Virgin Islands (page 29), a private-island glamping experience in Fiji (page 27) or something more unusual, such as a stay at the Belmond Hotel

Cipriani, the luxury Venetian hotel offering guests an experiential journey to a “lost island” this summer (page 76). For isle-philes, it’s hard to beat the Indian Ocean, and as there are some 1,200 islands to choose from in the Maldives, we felt it was entirely apropos to include two travel features dedicated to the destination. The first sees deputy editor Laurel Munshower exploring the only Maldivian resort situated south of the Equator, the inimitable Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa (page 54), where she experiences eco-walks, astonishing marine life and even a strenuous “mountain” hike. Next, I travel to Coco Bodu Hithi, a family-owned resort in the North Malé Atoll that’s a postcard-perfect impression of an island paradise (page 38). In the Gulf, we review the Royal Suite at island-based hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island (page 80), while in the Caribbean, chef José Santaella shares his tips on where to dine for authentic Puerto Rican gastronomy (page 70). In Europe, writer Steven Bond travels to the island of Malta, which has not only graced the silver screen and created backdrops for television series such as Game of Thrones an inordinate amount of times, but is a nation home to ancient, enigmatic cities such as Mdina and Valletta, the 2018 European Capital of Culture (page 46). Elsewhere in the issue, travelling families can glean tips from one of Etihad’s Flying Nannies (page 78), we interview Jan Hartwig, the prestigious chef helming the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Atelier in Munich (page 68), and art director and in-house car fiend Kris Karacinski reviews the new Cadillac ATS-V (page 90). Once again, I wish you another month of inspiring travels. I hope you enjoy the issue.