Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/753864
DREAMSCAPES WINTER 2016/2017 54 T hink of an island, any island. Simply hearing the word stirs thoughts of solitude and romance. It's a dreamy vision, the notion that perhaps somewhere far away, there are still secret sultry places where no one else has trod. A total escape may seem a tall order in our connected world now, but even on dis- covered tropical islands, couples are finding private places to call their own. Relaxing seclusion is a heavenly find, mellowed even more by the feel of the sun, sea and sand, by the picnics and private conversations or by what is seen, heard, touched or tasted. Such moments are unpredictable. There's no precise formula, however when travellers are asked for their opinion on the most romantic islands, there are many common elements. For instance, a place is delightful when couples experience genuine friendli- ness, freedom and safety, undisturbed natural surroundings and accommodation comfort with the lightest carbon footprint. Tantalizing food, options for fresh-air activity, and shared moments involving nat- ural wonders, ageless cultures or history also register highly in the selection process. In Aruba, for example, head off-road in a jeep to see the preserved cave drawings by Amerindian and Arawak societies dating back 1,000 to 4,000 years. In St. Croix, cycle across the island with a lunch-hut stop to taste roti, curried goat or pot fish and fungi. On New Zealand's South Island, hike along the renowned Milford Track for several sunny days and starry nights. In Kauai, nav- igate footpaths deep into red-rock Waimea, the "grand canyon" of Hawaii. In South Korea, spend your honeymoon on the vol- canic Jeju Island, the No. 1 destination for Korean honeymooners. We all have our favourite islands; how- ever the following pop up regularly on "the world's most romantic" list: MALDIVES Where: In the Indian Ocean, 623 kilome- tres from Kanyakumari on the southwest tip of India. When: Warm, tropical weather year-round, from 25 to 29 C. Days with the most sun- shine are between January and April. Why: The Maldives are top rated because once you find yourself on any of the 1,100 sugar-sand isles here, it is so sublime you may easily feel you and your sweetie really did find a treasure island. Resorts and restaurants are known for exquisite cuisine, which artfully fuse Mediterranean with South Asian treats. visitmaldives.com SANIBEL ISLAND Where: Connected to the Florida mainland by causeway, it lies in the Gulf of Mexico just a 35-minute drive from Fort Myers. When: Sunniest months are April, May and June. Expect rain showers from June to September and the coolest (20 to 22 C) daytime temperatures are December through January. TRAVEL SLEUTH >> BY JANE STOKES DS TOP: Plan the ultimate romantic getaway in the exotic Tahitian islands. Tahiti Tourisme ABOVE: Enjoy the island life on Sanibel in Southwest Florida. FortMyers-Sanibel.com OPPOSITE TOP: Two thirds of Saint John in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a protected mountainous national park. United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism OPPOSITE CENTRE: Share a romantic meal at sunset on Harbour Island. ©Bahamas Ministry of Tourism ROMANCE IS JUST AN ISLAND AWAY