The Garrison Grapevine

Ten Remote Island!!!!

By Rosemary Vance and Emma Zaugg, Garrison Grapevine Staff

 

 

Gavdos

Greece

Island appeal: On Europe's southernmost border, we find Gavdos. With fewer than 50 citizens, and free camping, the island attracts all sorts of people. It's particularly popular among hikers, naturalists, and a group of Russian scientists attempting to find the secret to immortality. (So far they’ve had no luck.)

Why it's so secret: Gavdos is far away from mainland and accessible only by ferry. Most tourists opt for the more popular (and closer) Crete.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Saba

Dutch Caribbean

Island appeal: Known as the "Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean," Saba has less than 2,000 residents and only one road. There isn't any beaches or mass resorts on this tiny piece of land that is only 5 square miles long, but you will find a "potentially active" volcano (because that doesn’t sound dangerous or anything!) and some of the most amazing hiking and diving sites in the Caribbean.

Why it's so secret: Huge commercial airlines are no doubt deterred by the islands 1,312ft runway (the shortest runway at JFK is six times that length) and for added thrill, the landing strip is hidden between two cliffs that drop straight into the sea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Staniel Cay

Exuma Cays, Bahamas

 

 

Island appeal: This 2 square per mile island is so small that the only lodging option is a waterfront bungalow on stilts. This inclusive package comes with a 17ft skiff, which you'll need for exploring it’s beaches teeming with massive iguanas and even swimming pigs. In the 1960s, Sean Connery filmed Thunderball there.

Why it's so secret: The exclusive Exuma Cays are mainly rented by famous celebrities like Johnny Depp, Oprah, and Michael Jordan. Luckily, Staniel Cay is open to us little people, as long as you can pay the expensive prices.

 

 

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Palmyra Atoll

Pacific Ocean

Island appeal: Palmyra Atoll is the ultimate adventure. Buried treasure? Yep. Shipwrecks? You better believe it! Despite this it remains basically untouched, aside from the Navy dredging a canal through its lagoon during WWII (I suppose we’ll have to forgive them for that one).

Why it's so secret: The Nature Conservancy uses the island as a research center, and the only visitors aloud are volunteers, skilled workers, researchers, students, and rich donors.

 

 

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Utilă

Honduras

Island appeal: This little piece of paradise boasts 12 dive centers, a thriving backpacker scene, and it's cheap. Upon closer look you’ll see the world's largest barrier reef, bumping beach parties, and blindingly white beaches. And, for all the daredevils reading this, you can swim with whale sharks.

Why it's so secret: Unless you're an avid diver with a penchant for Latin American underwater experiences, it's likely you’ve never heard of Utila. And, honestly, you probably can't point out Honduras on a map either.

                         

 

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Lamu

Kenya

Island appeal: Approachable only by wooden sail boat, Lamu is a window into the past where donkeys are the main form of transport (there's only one car, besides an ambulance), and fishing is their main supply of food and trade. However, there are beautiful beaches,  and buildings crafted from coral and shells that make a shocking exotic getaway.

Why it's so secret: Pirate attacks made this island less than desireable for tourists, but visit between travel warnings and you'll witness an island completely free from the sunburned hordes.

 

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Palm Jumeirah

Dubai

Island appeal: The sheikhs, the locals of the island, live on this man made island styled from sand and rocks -- in the shape of a palm tree, no less. A regular member of the highly selective "eighth wonder of the world" club, this stretch of luxury villas, high-end hotels, and luxury shops is like Beverly Hills with exorbitant air conditioning bills. The builders even flew in bottlenose dolphins to add to the ambiance.

Why it's so secret: Palm Jumeirah is among the world's newest islands, and many of its hotels and attractions are still under construction.

 

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Vieques

Puerto Rico

Island appeal: For over 50 years the US Navy used about two-thirds of the island for target practice, but this 21 mile stretch is still a paradise in disguise. Currently visitors can enjoy amazing reefs, herds of semi-wild horses, and a boat ride among plankton in Mosquito Bay.

 

 

Why it's so secret: Tourists tend to avoid areas of aerial bombardment, and Vieques was no exception. Post the Navy pullout in 2003, the island had a lot catching up to do to keep up with the Cancun's, so it's still off the main vacation beat.

 

 

 

 

 

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Mustique

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

 

Island appeal:

At just over 2 square miles, this little piece of paradise is one of the most expensive in the Caribbean. Mick Jagger, Tommy Hilfiger, and Bryan Adams vacation here just proving how exclusive and high end this island is.

Why it's so secret: Historically, visitors had to be preapproved before entering. If you weren't rich, famous, or royalty, forget it. The island has since loosened the rigorous entry requirements, but the house-payment-worthy accommodation rates are very expensive.

 

 

 

 

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Fernando De Noronha\

Brazil

Island appeal: This well preserved paradise is not well know because it is a  protected marine reserve with its trick performing dolphin pods. Although there is only 420 tourist at a time it is known for spectacular snorkeling throughout the 21 island string.

 

Why it's so secret: it's expensive.