We only had generator electricity for a few hours a day; we ate repetitive locally caught communal meals with the twenty other visitors staying at this lodge on Kri Island. Our hosts were passionate locals dedicated to conservation. We slept in small wooden huts where animals roamed free and steeped out of the door into waters inhabited by baby sharks. Sunsets were perfect, even if the beer was warm, and the scuba diving was the best you’ll likely ever experience. I learned a new word. Thalassophile: a person who loves the ocean; a lover of the sea. Driven by a constant need for Vitamin Sea and the soothing sound of the waves, thalassophiles live for that warm sea breeze, salty air, sun-kissed hair and the silky sand between their toes. They constantly crave those limitless ocean views, they love being in the water and they have a curious fascination with the underwater world. Sound familiar?

In Syracuse, the remains of both Roman and Greek Amphitheaters coexist. At Villa Romana del Casale, you’ll find what UNESCO call“the finest mosaics in situ anywhere in the Roman world”. And, as you traverse atop the Valley of the Temples, ancient Greek architecture transports you to some six centuries before Christ himself. Roman mosaics in Villa Romana del Casale, Sicily Singapore is one of the most futuristic and unique island states in the world. However, with more than 60 beautiful islands forming the nation, there are still plenty of traditions and nature still to be found. Another must-visit in Dominica is the Kalinago Territory. This area of the island is reserved and owned by the Indigenous Kalinago people, who were the country’s residents prior to colonisation. Here, you’ll learn about the traditions and culture of the Kalinago people and their home – Waitukubuli – as the beautiful island was called before the European invasion. Anyone else who spots something suspicious can always report it to our Customer Service team, so our Fraud team can investigate. Easily accessed from the mainland by bridge or ferry, it’s also one of the easiest – and the largest – of the Inner Hebrides to explore. This has led to some serve overtourism issues in the peak summer months, so it’s undoubtedly better to head here for an out-of-season adventure and seek out some more unusual places to stay in Scotland. The Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye

Top coastal places to visit in 2024

Of course, it’s easy to see why so many people want to visit – the place is a unique island paradise. But I’m apprehensive the Raja Ampat I remember is being lost. Why visit?The ‘Island of the Gods’ has been captivating travellers for many years, long before ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ put it on the radar of even more visitors. This has led the island to lose some of its traditions and charm in parts, although they very much remain if you know where to look. Each June the island comes alive with the roar of motorbikes as the annual Isle of Man TT race takes place. Over 45,000 motorcycle racing enthusiasts from around the world converge on the Isle of Man and line their favourite spots on the Island’s hedgerows to secure the best vantage points to watch history being made before their eyes.

Each review score is between 1-10. To get the overall score that you see, we add up all the review scores we’ve received and divide that total by the number of review scores we’ve received. In addition, guests can give separate ‘subscores’ in crucial areas, such as location, cleanliness, staff, comfort, facilities, value for money and free Wi-Fi. Note that guests submit their subscores and their overall scores independently, so there’s no direct link between them. Why visit?Socotra is one of the most fascinating islands to visit in the whole world. The endemic fauna, flora, paradisiacal beaches, and traditional way of life make it particularly interesting. Still, this isn’t somewhere to come for photoshoots and topping up your tan. The island’s ecosystem is delicate, and Yemen’s recent history is complicated – UAE has a military base here – making it a biodiverse and unique island to visit for those with vested interests in the special offering. Why visit?What makes this hidden gem of Europe particularly impressive is Stefanos – one of the world’s largest hydrothermal craters. While there are five craters on the island, Stefanos stands out. Why visit?Chiselled and dramatic landscapes straight from a movie scene, medieval castles and bridges ranging from preserved to disrepair, tumbling waterfalls, epic hiking trails, and myths of fairies make the Isle of Skye one of the most beautiful islands in the world.So, if you are considering a visit, really think about why. For many years, Raja Ampat was a destination for wealthy scuba divers on liveaboard boats. Then, community and local tourism started to flourish, driven by a local co-op of islanders who wanted to protect the pristine nature. In recent years, however, luxury sailings have grown substantially, international investment is seeing large resource-heavy hotels open, and even cruise ships are arriving, damaging the delicate coral reefsat extreme scales. Bali may be one of the most touristy islands these days, but there are plenty of reasons this remains one of the best islands to visit in 2023. Of course, the pristine resort beaches will always be a major pull to Jamaica, as will the art and music culture. Famed as the birthplace of Bob Marley, the museum in Kingston, and the Trench Town & Culture Yard Museum, draw in the crowds.

Whatever it is you are looking for from a holiday within the British Isles, the chances are you'll find it here on the Isle of Man. A true Island EscapeWho doesn’t love the island life? Whether you want to lounge poolside with a coconut in hand, lose yourself in a book, or head inland for a rugged adventure, our oceans are occupied by a near-endless list of best islands to visit.