Tropical Island Paradise | Yacht Island Design
I know this has made the rounds a bit, but I finally got around to checking out Yacht Island Design and their insane luxury yacht concepts. In reviewing their offering, I have a couple of observations:
- I enjoy that their ridiculous, never-to-be made island yacht designs are based on a “Philosophy.”
- I also like that they offer “Bespoke Yacht Island Design” — as if anyone who might fork over a few hundred million dollars to buy one of these would just purchase an “off the shelf” yacht island.
This is obviously absurd, but it’s also real. Which begs the question: Does the target market for this consist solely of the Saudi royal family and the Sultan of Brunei?
Guide to Islands You Never Want to Visit | Atlas Obscura
The folks at Atlas Obscura put a unique spin on the tried-and-true travel list with one composed entirely of islands that are best avoided. My new favorite website calls the list:
The definitive guide to the worst, most horrible islands in the world including snake ridden deathtraps, radioactive beaches, breeding grounds of disease, poisonous play lands, islands of the insane, and the island kingdom of a murderous madman.
In the words of Hannibal Lecter: “Sounds charming.”
Where to Stay in the Seychelles: The Best Luxury Resorts & Private Islands | Fodor's
In recent years, accommodation in the Seychelles has expanded tremendously, with the majority of development on Mahé. From private island resorts to five-star global hotel brands, there are plenty of choices for luxury honeymoons and post-Safari relaxation.
The Seychelles have long intrigued me like few other places. I’m not sure why. Perhaps it’s the exotic name or the cool rocks they have there or the fact that it’s basically on the exact opposite side of the earth from me.
Best Secret Islands on Earth | Travel + Leisure
I mean, who doesn’t love a secret island?
Koh Chang: The Last Cheap Thai Island | Adventurous Kate
Is Thailand still a cheap paradise where you can get “a beach hut for a dollar” and spend your time “doing nothing and spending next to nothing”? Nope — not according to Adventurous Kate. Well, unless you’re talking about Koh Chang, an island “located on the eastern Gulf coast of Thailand, not far from the Cambodia border.”
10 of the Best Beach Bars Around the World | AOL Travel
I’m having one of those days where escaping to a beach bar for a beer sounds particularly good. Okay, well, that sounds preferable on most days, but you get my drift. My favorite beach bar has always been the The Office in Cabo (not listed) — just a great divey gem.
Best Hotels in South America | National Geographic Traveler
National Geographic Traveler’s annual list of authentic, sustainable hotels ranges from Cartagena to Patagonia. These properties all exhibit an extraordinary sense of place, authenticity, a sustainability ethic, and community involvement.
Bonus points for the interactive map.
And speaking of South America, ever heard of Boipeba? I hadn’t. The New York Times recently did a little feature on the island off the coast of Brazil. According to the Times:
Boipeba may lack glamour, but it compensates with ridiculously perfect weather and the kind of vacant, palm-shrouded beaches that make you forget about the pleasures of air-conditioning. For those needing more diversions, there is a rare swath of unmolested Atlantic rain forest to be explored, acres of coral reef and picturesque colonial-era villages where the fish you glimpsed during your afternoon snorkel could very well end up on your dinner plate.
Sounds dreadful.
Best Beach Vacation Destinations for 2011 | AOL Travel
“The sun on your skin, the breeze blowing through your hair – who doesn’t love a great beach vacation? With resorts popping up left and right there are more choices than ever for couples, families and even singles looking for that perfect beach getaway. From bustling urban shores to remote islands, there’s something for everyone at these 5 best beach vacation destinations that you can’t miss in 2011.” —Annemarie Dooling, AOL Travel
Amazing Central American Islands | Frommers
“On the pages that follow, we take you to eleven islands in Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama that deliver sparsely populated beaches, one-of-a-kind reefs, and secluded sights perfect for adventuresome visitors and low-impact leisure travelers alike.” -Frommers

via condenasttraveler:
The Atlas of Remote Islands is kicking around our office and it’s absolutely magical. Each of the 50 beautiful maps faces a story about the depicted island, like this one for Rapa Iti:
In a small town in the foothills of the Vosges, a six-year-old boy is visited by dreams in which he is taught a completely unknown language. Little Marc Liblin soon speaks this language fluently without knowing where it comes from or whether it even really exists. … In a bar in Rennes, Marc Liblin gives a solo performance, holding a monologue in front of a group of Tunisians. The barkeeper, a former navy man, interrupts and says he has heard this tongue before, on one of the most remote Polynesian islands.
The ending of the story, which we won’t spoil, is even more remarkable than all this.
Source: condenasttraveler

