WORLD’S 9 OFFBEAT ISLANDS

[1] North Bimini & Bimini Cays – Bahamas
Known as the ‘Fishing Capital’ of Bahamas, this island is home to various exotic fishes such as bonefish, giant tuna, wahoo and marlin. The colourful fishes on the Rainbow Reef, the clear waters around the Bimini Barge wreck and outstanding marine life at the Red mangroves is the closest one can get to nature. Apart from the serene spots, the island also has a central array of restaurants, hotels, markets, shops, marinas, and way too many bars that are part of the enticing deal.
How to get there? Take a weekly boat from Nassau to Alice Town (N) or Cat Cays (S). One can also fly from Nassau or Florida to S. Bimini.
Best time to visit: All round the year.
Did you know? ‘Hemingway’s Hideaways’ are not your regular literary hideouts but a name for the heritage bar-crawls on the island.

Best hotel to stay at – www.rwbimini.com

[2] Islas de Maiz – Nicaragua
One of the most coveted untouched and exotic islands of the world, Islas de Maiz, replaces luxury hotels with homestays and shacks, lit bars with scuba diving, architectural marvels with shipwrecks, meeting new people with meeting exotic sea animals and electricity with warm hospitality. A complete detox in itself, head over to this island if lazing on a hammock, fishing, diving, walking and drinking local beers is your idea of a vacation.
How to get there? Fly from Managua to Big Corn or take a bus from Managua to El Rama and then a ferry to Big Corn.
Best time to visit: Any time during the year, barring mid-May to mid-September.
Did you know? The Corn Island is one of the only eight places in the world to have the vertices of a giant imaginary cube emerge.

Best hotel to stay at –www.tripadvisor.com

[3] The Faroe Islands – Denmark
A cluster of breath-takingly beautiful islands is what makes the entire archipelago of Faroe Islands. For the longest time and still, the islands have been overlooked by tourists, thus keeping its beauty as intact as it always was. The quaint islands are populated with gusting winds, extraordinary skies, lush green farms, a merry flock of birds, waters around the cliff, and a handful of people and sheep. Take a break from town life and take a detour to this country’s life.
How to get there? Take a car ferry from Denmark/Norway/Scotland or Shetlands.
Best time to visit: May to September.
Did you know? The islands are a member of various international sports federations UEFA, FIFA, FINA (swimming) and EHF (handball) and have their own national contingent.

Best hotel to stay at –www.booking.com

[4] Wrangel Island – Arctic Ocean
This world heritage of an island is almost uninhabitable by humans most times of the year due to the icy cold winds, but for the animals, it’s vice-versa. From polar bears to Pacific walruses to others such as the Arctic foxes, the Wrangel lemming, Siberian lemming and Grey Polar Whales, animals of the rarest species are found on the island. Take a tour during springtime to bask in the scenic view of 417 species of flora, exotic animals, glorious coastline lagoons and rocky beaches in one glance.
How to get there? Join one of the organised tours from Anchorage (Alaska) via Provideniya (Russia).
Best time to visit: Only July and August.
Did you know? The island has the world’s largest population of polar bears and Pacific walruses.

Best hotel to stay at: The ship – Spirit of Enderby.

[5] The Aeolian Islands – Sicily
A chain of seven prominent islands, this archipelago accommodates everything from serene spots of Lipari to risky, dead volcanic spots like the Stromboli. Make an elaborate itinerary and take a sojourn to each of the islands of Lipari, Salina, Filicudi, Alicudi, Stromboli, Panarea and Vulcano. Be here and get spoiled for choice as you sip on golden dessert wine with local fish, visit stone beaches, hop in the open-air pool of volcanic mud that cures skin ailments, gaze at the citadels and live a rich Italian experience – all in all.
How to get there? Take a boat from Milazzo/Palermo or Naples.
Best time to visit:May, June, or September.
Did you know? The islands have been declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site for its geology and volcanology.

Best hotel to stay at – https://www.booking.com

[6] Hateruma Island – Japan
A heady perfume of frangipani, scenic backwaters, a handful of tourists cycling on the empty roads and plenty of Awanami – a local alcoholic drink – is what welcomes you at the gorgeous Hateruma islands. Put your feet up and enjoy the vast stretches of sea and skies or dive in and go snorkeling or explore the coral reefs and rock arches for there’s plenty to do at this island. Don’t forget to visit the astronomical observatory to spot the Southern Cross and other constellations.
How to get there? Take a flight to Ishigaki island and then a ferry to Hateruma.
Best time to visit: Mid-December to June.
Did you know? 84 out of the 88 constellations are visible from the island.

Best hotel to stay at – www.tripadvisor.com

[7] The Whitsunday Islands – Australia
The islands, which comprises 74 islands, are a dream-sight of scenic mountains, beautiful coral reef, crystal blue waters and white silica sand beaches. A good chunk of the island is declared as a national park and remains uninhibited. When at the island, go sea kayaking, sail into the twilight, take a flight over the Great Barrier Reef, cuddle the koalas, bushwalk and go fishing. Still not getting enough of the blue waters? Then hop into one of the glass-bottled boats and semi-submersibles to get underwater.
How to get there? Take a flight to the Hamilton island/Proserpine or a ferry from Airlie Beach/Shutehaven to the mainland. One can also take a yacht from Australia or New Zealand for a luxurious ride.
Best time to visit: All round the year.
Did you know? The islands are a part of the Great Barrier Reef – the world’s largest coral reef.

Best hotel to stay at – https://www.booking.com

[8] Stewart Islands – New Zealand
While the world is inclined to tick off Northern Lights from their bucket list, plan the offbeat and take a trip to watch the Southern Lights or Aurora Australis. Yes, at Stewart Islands, one can view the glorious Southern Lights amidst the wilderness of tropical birds such as albatross, parakeets, kaka, tui, blue penguins and robins. The fishing village of Oban has sparse settlement options but enough to keep a traveller invested and content.
How to get there? Take a flight from Invercargill.
Best time to visit: December and January.
Did you know? One can swim with the Kiwis at the isolated Mason Bay.

Best hotel to stay at – www.tripadvisor.in

[9] Kiritimati Island – Oceania
The mind-blowing cobweb of islands is too beautiful to be true. Divided into five villages viz. London, Tabwakea, Poland, Banana, and Paris, the island has a village vibe that will slow down your vacation and let you relish in each moment. Excellent beaches, beautiful lagoons, fishing sports, and hut stays hold much for life in this old-world of an island.
How to get there? Take the weekly flight Aloha airport from Honolulu to Cassidy International Airport.
Best time to visit:All round the year.
Did you know? The world’s largest coral atoll is found here.

Best hotel to stay at – https://www.tripadvisor.in