A Norwegian Island Tried to Abolish Time: Here’s What Remains of the Experiment

Sommarøy is an island with about 300 inhabitants located roughly fifty kilometers west of Tromsø. This small territory had made headlines in 2019 by declaring its aim to become the world’s first “time-free” zone. The proposal would apply only to the 69 summer days, from May 18 to July 26, during which the sun never sets on the island.

An Unspoiled Greek Island Free From Tourism for €4.5 Million

What if your next property lay in the heart of the Aegean Sea, far from crowded seaside resorts? In the Dodecanese archipelago, southeast Greece, the island of Stroggilo is up for sale for the “modest sum” of €4.5 million. This territory of roughly 21.9 hectares features three natural beaches, vegetation all year round, and ruins of ancient structures. Still untouched by any modern development, it offers its future owner the opportunity to imagine a real estate project in the midst of a preserved environment.

Three beaches and natural resources to envision a bespoke project

At first glance, Stroggilo stands out for its coastline and landscapes that remain largely free from construction. According to the listing published on the specialist site Private Islands Inc, the island has three natural beaches, including a 110-meter stretch of fine sand located on a sheltered section of the coast. A setting that could appeal to a buyer eager to create a private retreat or a high-end tourism establishment.

The clear waters surrounding the island also invite swimming, diving, and a range of water activities. Its geographic position could moreover make it a jumping-off point for exploring nearby islands, particularly in the Lipsi and Arki archipelagos.

But Stroggilo’s appeal goes beyond its beaches. The island has a natural water source that, according to the real estate listing, could be rendered potable through a basic filtration system. Stone ruins, remnants of an old house, and a well are also present on the site. These elements could prove valuable in future urban-planning steps, even if they do not guarantee obtaining building permits.

Electrical power access could also be considered. The neighboring island of Marathos has an electrical network to which Stroggilo could potentially be connected. The technical and administrative feasibility of such a connection would still need to be established.

The property listing presents Stroggilo as a “blank canvas” for a buyer wishing to design a project tailored to the landscape. It specifically mentions the possibility of a private residence or an eco-friendly tourist establishment, two options that would require preliminary studies and the appropriate authorizations.

An isolated island, yet accessible from nearby archipelagos

With its approximately 21.9 hectares, Stroggilo offers a substantial space for those seeking an island property in the Mediterranean. Its isolation is a defining feature, however: the island currently has no modern amenities and thus requires an assessment of access, supply, and development conditions before any project.

To reach it, a private boat or a boat-taxi connection from Patmos or Leros could be considered. The latter has an airport offering daily connections to Athens, which facilitates travel from the Greek capital. The tourist island of Kos, better known to travelers, lies about 45 nautical miles away, roughly 83 kilometers.

The regional setting constitutes another argument advanced by the seller. The proximity to Patmos is a draw for lovers of religious and historical heritage. Some sites on the island are inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, such as the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse, which adds cultural appeal to this part of the Aegean Sea.

Listed at €4.5 million, Stroggilo is thus aimed primarily at a buyer with a sizeable budget ready to consider a long-term investment. The seller highlights the possibility of developing an exclusive property in a preserved Mediterranean setting, or of keeping the island as a private natural space.

One crucial caveat remains: the island’s still-undeveloped status does not mean that all desired constructions will be permitted. Before transforming Stroggilo, its future owner will need to verify zoning rules, environmental constraints, and the practical conditions for connecting to infrastructure.

Santa Maria: The Sunny Island of the Azores Where a Red Desert Meets a Lush Forest

The first chapter of the Azores’ Portuguese history unfolded here, on Santa Maria, the first island to be discovered in 1427 and subsequently colonized. In 1493, while returning from the New World, Christopher Columbus paused there after weathering a fierce storm, and held a Mass in the chapel of Baía dos Anjos.

Tourism on Réunion Island: Visitor Numbers Shift Direction


A La Réunion, le CRT a adopté "une ligne directrice simple : chercher la valeur avant le volume" - DepositPhotos.com, isogood

CroisiEurope


Réunie sous une varangue créole de 200 m², la délégation réunionnaise est venue en force à l’IFTM 2026, du 15 au 17 septembre dernier.

Avant même l’ouverture des portes, le mardi 15 au matin, le président du tout jeune Comité réunionnais du tourisme (CRT), Patrick Lebreton, annonçait devant les acteurs de la destination et la presse, les grands projets de l’île intense pour les prochains mois.

L’occasion aussi de dresser un premier bilan. Car, après une année 2025 record en termes de fréquentation touristique, 2026 s’annonce sur la même lignée. ” Our island welcomed 269 153 external visitors in the first half of 2026, a stable figure (-1%) compared with 2025, in a context marked by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East ” a indiqué le président de CRT.

Des chiffres qui laissent augurer une année similaire à la dernière et ses quelque 580 000 visiteurs métropolitains et internationaux, bien au-delà des niveaux pré-Covid.


“La valeur avant le volume”

Pour autant, si le CRT observe de près la progression des chiffres, l’objectif des 600 000 visiteurs, brandi comme l’objectif ultime depuis plusieurs années, ne semble plus être la priorité n°1.

“Nous avons aujourd’hui une ligne directrice simple : chercher la valeur avant le volume“, a poursuivi Patrick Lebreton, prônant l’engagement du CRT dans le développement touristique durable de l’île et dans “le vivre ensemble”, entre population locale et visiteurs.

En témoigne la volonté du CRT de relancer le concept des “Villages Créoles”, qui s’est étiolé au fil des années. “Nous voulons renouer avec une démarche qui a marqué l’histoire touristique de la Réunion, tout en la réinventant pour répondre aux attentes des voyageurs d’aujourd’hui. Ces villages permettront de mieux raconter la diversité et l’âme de notre île“, a-t-il ajouté.


Mettre en avant la créolité


La Réunion a mobilisé, lors de l'IFTM, une délégation de 32 acteurs touristiques réunionnais réunis sous une varangue créole de 200 m² - Photo : AB

En février prochain, un hackathon sur 2 ou 3 jours, organisé dans chacun des 13 villages concernés – situés principalement dans les hauts de l’île – et réunissant les acteurs de chaque projet doit permettre de faire ressortir ce qui fait la singularité de ces territoires.

Ce brainstorming va “nous permettre de structurer une boîte à outils, une ingénierie et un accompagnement que nous allons pouvoir proposer aux communes, aux intercommunalités, aux offices de tourisme“, indique Caroline Pain, responsable du service de développement des produits pour le CRT.

Néanmoins, le projet ne repart pas de zéro. “Villages Créoles de l’époque nous a donné une méthode, des référentiels, des chartes, de la communication, beaucoup de supports, etc. Nous avons déjà tout ce bagage-là“.

Un à deux projets par village devrait être retenu et mis en place d’ici fin 2027. Cela pourrait prendre la forme, par exemple, de paniers pique-niques élaborés par des artisans ou restaurateurs du village. “On va pouvoir venir chercher son panier pique-nique et déguster des produits qui sont spécifiques à cet endroit-là“, illustre Caroline Pain.

“Autre idée : l’aménagement de bancs et chaises longues pour contempler les étoiles aux Makes. Car cette initiative a pour but de rendre le voyageur acteur, grâce à des parcours mis à sa disposition“, ajoute Caroline Pain.

Des petits aménagements sont prévus : signalétique, supports mobiliers légers mais identitaires, exposition des habitants, podcast, etc. Avec un objectif à terme : “proposer une formule entre le produit expérientiel et le circuit en autotour“, poursuit Caroline Pain.

Des produits qui devraient aussi intéresser les tour-opérateurs et les agences réceptives.


Attirer davantage de touristes à fort pouvoir d’achat

Bien plus proche, le Comité Réunionnais du Tourisme a profité de l’IFTM pour lever le voile sur sa nouvelle identité visuelle, accompagnée d’une campagne promotionnelle, structurée autour de trois piliers : le territoire et sa verticalité spectaculaire, la rencontre et la culture créole, et enfin l’émotion et les éléments.

“Nous lançons un nouveau spot publicitaire, des affiches et des déclinaisons digitales qui font la part belle au patrimoine exceptionnel de la Réunion. Les pitons, cirques et remparts, sa reconnaissance à l’UNESCO, son lagon, sa verticalité, mais aussi sa culture, son maloya“, a développé Patrick Lebreton.

La campagne se décline sur trois volets : un film TV porté par la Réunionnaise Fleur Lafosse, “construit comme une ascension visuelle du battant des lames aux sommets des montagnes” précise le CRT ; une série de huit visuels d’affichage et des formats digitaux portés par un message déclinable autour de la notion de “Montez en émotions”.

Des initiatives qui doivent à la fois permettre à la Réunion de se distinguer et d’attirer davantage de “touristes à fort pouvoir d’achat”, a ajouté Patrick Lebreton.

Les chiffres du 1er semestre 2026 semblent confirmer cette stratégie, avec 250,9 millions d’euros de recettes touristiques enregistrées, en hausse de 9,5%. “Cette performance est portée par une clientèle d’agrément en forte progression (+17%), tandis que la clientèle affinitaire recule (-16%)“, analyse le CRT dans un communiqué.


Une stratégie plus agressive sur les marchés européens

Si le marché hexagonal représente 83,6% des visiteurs, les marchés européens progressent (+4 %), et notamment la Belgique (+10,3%), l’Allemagne (+13,2%) et la Suisse, alors que les clientèles en provenance de l’océan Indien reculent (-18%).

A noter que le tourisme local a permis d’enregistrer plus de 2,4 millions de séjours et près de 9,9 millions d’excursions à la journée, générant 400 millions d’euros de retombées économiques.

“L’Hexagone reste un marché socle pour nous, mais plusieurs marchés européens portent beaucoup notre croissance. L’idée est donc d’avoir une stratégie un peu plus agressive sur ces marchés, comme la Belgique ou l’Allemagne. Nous serons également au WTM de Londres, étant donné que le Royaume-Uni est un marché assez porteur”, a ajouté Sarah Lhéritier, directrice marketing et communication du Comité réunionnais du tourisme.

“Nous devons continuer sur cette lancée. C’est le cœur de la stratégie que nous avons co-construite ces derniers mois avec le cabinet MKG et les acteurs de l’interprofession”, a souligné, pour sa part, Patrick Lebreton.

La destination discute notamment avec les compagnies aériennes pour transformer l’essai. Dernier exemple en date : des discussions avec la compagnie allemande Condor, afin que cette dernière puisse poser ses appareils à l’aéroport Roland Garros de Saint-Denis, avant de repartir vers Maurice. Pour l’heure, la compagnie assure des vols Francfort-Maurice, tandis que le dernier tronçon vers la Réunion est assuré par Air Austral.

D’ici là, le CRT – qui fêtera son premier anniversaire en octobre – s’attend à connaître une nouvelle année touristique record pour la Réunion. Et planche sur une nouvelle idée : proposer aux Européens, lassés des canicules à répétition, de se laisser tenter par l’hiver austral et ses 23°C…


Corvo Island, Azores: A 17 km2 Paradise for Migratory Birds

Isolated in the far northwest, here is the smallest and least populated island: 17 square kilometers for 400 inhabitants, gathered in a single village, Vila do Corvo, with basalt houses. In this micro-society, where farming is king, doors are not locked and some decisions are still taken communally. The only road crosses moorland and bogs to lead straight to the heart of this confetti-like islet, where Caldeirão sits, a sumptuous crater 2.3 kilometers in diameter, scattered with sparkling lakes.

Graciosa Island: The White Island of the Azores Where You Can Sleep in a Windmill and Explore a Volcanic Crater

For its pale rocks and limewashed façades, this eight-kilometer-long islet is nicknamed the “White Island.” Graciosa is above all the most bucolic land of the Azores. Here, there is no rugged relief (the highest point tops out at 402 meters), but lush hills and fertile valleys where cereals have long been grown, and even sugar and tobacco.

Vahine Private Island: Ultra-Luxury in French Polynesia by Pearl Resorts


© Pearl Resorts of Tahiti

CroisiEurope



It is a discreet jewel nestled on three private motus (islets), facing the pristine lagoon that separates them from the Polynesian island of Taha’a.

This serene haven, located in the Windward Islands archipelago, gazes into the distance toward Mount Otemanu watching over the islands of Bora Bora and Huahine.

Its name? Vahine Private Island.


Nine rooms in three categories

This intimate retreat offers nine accommodations in three categories, tucked within a lush coconut grove or perched above the lagoon: three Beach Bungalows; three Beach Suites; and the remaining three are Overwater Bungalows.

The place favors couples, with bungalow capacity limited to two people or three when in a suite. Children are welcome from age 10.


© Pearl Resorts of Tahiti


In addition to this offering, a Royal Villa is available, which, beyond its vast communal spaces, houses six bedrooms – including two suites – and can accommodate up to 14 guests.


© Pearl Resorts of Tahiti


This exceptional hideaway recently underwent a thorough renovation and enhancement, lifting it to ultra-luxury status. For a suite, expect rates starting from €1,900 per night in the off-season. The opening offer includes half-board (valid until 31/03/2028).


The simplicity of an authentic Polynesian experience


© Pearl Resorts of Tahiti

This sanctuary has genuinely been crafted with a devotion to comfort and meticulous detailing that borders on perfection. By night, subtle lighting adds an air of mystery and magic. By day, Polynesian authenticity stands out as a given: all accommodations are designed from traditional woods and local materials. The coconut grove, in its shade, frames an impeccably maintained lawn.



A cuisine rich in local flavors


From October 2026, guests will be able to dine at a second waterside restaurant.

Of course, room service can also be arranged.


Ideal for couples

This luxurious sanctuary, which joined the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) network, offers a unique immersion in nature, with breathtaking views of the turquoise lagoon, the reef, the ocean, and the surrounding islands.


© Pearl Resorts of Tahiti


On the beach, beachfront loungers invite guests to leisurely admire the extraordinary sunset over Bora Bora, while enjoying a cocktail. Bora Bora is also visible from every bungalow and suite, whether over water or along the lagoon.


© Pearl Resorts of Tahiti


This little paradise is ideal for a honeymoon or intimate getaways. Its ‘Vanira’ Spa, tucked away in a Fare (a traditional small house), offers massages with views of the coral platform and the ocean.


Sports, relaxation, and cultural moments


© Emmanuel Spéciale

At Vahine Private Island, guests who want to add a touch of sport to their stay can explore the lagoon by kayak or outrigger canoe, snorkel with a captain who knows the waters like the back of his hand, or treat themselves to a “fishing trip.” Or simply stay on land and try various pandanus-leaf weaving or coconut milk making workshops. The hotel concierge arranges explorations of nearby Taha’a Island.



© Emmanuel Spéciale

From now on, at Vahine Private Island, as well as in the Pearl Resorts Houses on Taha’a, Bora Bora, and Tikehau, cultural evenings are offered to guests at dusk, twice a week, centered on themes such as Polynesian migration, stargazing, and Polynesian mythology.


A Villa of Royal Proportions


© Emmanuel Spéciale

If the nine bungalows and suites offer very high standards of luxury, the Royal Villa, on the other hand, checks every box on the superlatives list.

Access is via a bridge to the private motu (islet) it occupies entirely, ensuring total privacy.

Built between a coconut grove and the beach, this villa is a true ode to Polynesian architecture and blends admirably with nature.



© Emmanuel Spéciale © Pearl Resorts of Tahiti

The very spacious living area, the bar, the lounge, and the dining room, along with an extraordinary pool, open onto an inner courtyard. Sliding panels, when opened, offer sublime views of the ocean that you can enjoy while swimming.



© Pearl Resorts of Tahiti

Upstairs, the bedrooms and suites offer privacy and comfort, making them ideal for families and groups of friends, upscale meetings, or retreats. The décor showcases beautiful carved wooden pieces.


…and tailor-made quotes

Custom, tailor-made quotes are offered for those who wish to rent this exceptional villa. The rates, of course, reflect the services included—such as a bartender, a chef, a waitress, and a butler. In the low season, expect from €12,500 per day for accommodation only.


© Emmanuel Spéciale


The villa benefits from its own arrival pontoon (separate from the hotel’s), and a clearing set in the resort’s stunning coconut grove can welcome a helicopter charter for guests arriving by air.

Possible combinations with Le Taha’a

A stay in the privacy of Vahine Private Island pairs perfectly with a stay at Taha’a by Pearl Resorts, Relais & Châteaux, also situated on the coral reef of Taha’a: their atmospheres complement each other wonderfully.

Guests who appreciate Taha’a’s elegance (and its numerous services) will readily embrace the intimacy and the flavor of old Polynesia that envelops Vahine Private Island.

The two-hotel combo remains Pearl Resorts’ flagship offer: a 25% discount year-round. Note that this offer also applies to Tahiti Pearl Beach, a partner hotel located in Tahiti, where the Signature category will appeal to the most demanding guests.

Pearl Resorts of Tahiti in Inspirations Voyages

Laurent Tapotofarerani - Pearl Resorts of Tahiti

© TourMaG

Laurent Tapotofarerani, European Business Developer, reveals Pearl Resorts of Tahiti’s offer in French Polynesia. A luxury and authentic asset to boost your sales at travel agencies.
🎦 See the program


Contact Pearl Resorts of Tahiti


Vahine Private Island, l’ultra-luxe en Polynésie française by Pearl Resorts
Reservations – French Polynesia:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (+689) 40 507 601
Commercial – France:
Laurent Tapotofarerani
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (+33) 06 88 88 40 55
Website : www.pearlresorts.com

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Sri Lanka: Must-See Sights on the Island of a Thousand Faces with Karibuni


© Unsplash - Abdulla Faiz

CroisiEurope


A journey to Sri Lanka is this remarkable succession of atmospheres and experiences: heritage, spirituality, wild nature and tropical serenity brought together in a single destination.

At Karibuni, we support Francophone tourism professionals in designing trips to Sri Lanka, alongside our receptive partners LSR and Distinct Destination. Tailor-made circuits, cultural journeys, nature discoveries or beach extensions… each program is crafted to reveal all the island’s richness and to offer a complete, authentic and immersive discovery of Sri Lanka.


Sri Lanka, an island of a thousand experiences

Positioned in the heart of the Indian Ocean, south of India, Sri Lanka concentrates an astonishing diversity within a relatively compact territory. Ancient temples, royal cities, tea plantations, misty mountains, wildlife reserves and coconut-fringed beaches follow one after another within a few hours of driving.

This is precisely the strength of the destination: in a single trip, you can combine culture, nature, encounters, safari and a seaside stay, with atmospheres that evolve almost every day.


The Cultural Triangle: traveling through time

In the center of the island, the Cultural Triangle concentrates some of the country’s most impressive historical sites. Ancient royal capitals, Buddhist temples and archaeological ruins recount more than two millennia of history.

Sri Lanka now counts eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, six of them cultural, including the sacred city of Kandy, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, and the famous Lion Rock in the ancient city of Sigiriya.


Sigiriya: Atop the Lion Rock

It is impossible to speak of Sri Lanka without mentioning Sigiriya, one of the country’s most emblematic landscapes.

This ancient royal citadel was built in the 5th century around a spectacular rock towering about 180 meters above the surrounding vegetation. The ascent gradually leads toward the famous frescoes, the gardens at the foot of the rock, and the massive lion’s paws that mark the entrance to the final part of the journey.

Once at the summit, the effort is rewarded with a spectacular panorama over the jungle and the surrounding plains.

But Sigiriya is not just about the view. The site also testifies to a remarkable know-how in urban planning, architecture and water management, with gardens and pools designed more than 1,500 years ago.


© Unsplash - Dylan Shaw


Dambulla: temples carved in rock

A few kilometers away, Dambulla reveals a completely different atmosphere.

Its famous rock temple houses several caves transformed into Buddhist sanctuaries. Inside, dozens of Buddha statues and spacious wall paintings cover the walls and ceilings.

The subdued light, colors and the silence of the places create a unique ambiance, halfway between cultural discovery and spiritual experience.


Kandy: the Spiritual Heart of Sri Lanka


From Nuwara Eliya to Ella: In the Realm of Tea

Leaving Kandy, the landscapes gradually change. The tropical warmth gives way to a cooler atmosphere, the roads wind up and the first tea plantations appear on the hills.

Welcome to the Sri Lankan Highlands.

In Nuwara Eliya, nicknamed the “Little Britain,” colonial buildings, flowering gardens and historic houses recall the British era. Around the town, plantations dress the hills in a spectrum of greens.

A visit to a factory lets you follow the different steps of making Sri Lanka’s famous tea and better understand the major role this crop has played in the country’s history and economy.

Further on, Ella charms with its peaceful atmosphere and spectacular landscapes. Hike to Little Adam’s Peak, explore the Nine Arch Bridge, or stroll among the plantations: here, nature becomes the thread that runs through the journey.

And to connect these stages, nothing beats the famous train journey through the mountains.

Between Kandy, Nanu Oya and Ella, the railway winds between tea plantations, valleys, waterfalls, villages and forests. A simple experience that has, over the years, become one of Sri Lanka’s iconic images.


© Unsplash - Matt Dany


Safari in Sri Lanka: another facet of the island

Less known than those of some African destinations, Sri Lankan wildlife still holds some wonderful surprises.

Going on a safari in Sri Lanka allows you to observe Asian elephants, buffalos, crocodiles, deer, monkeys and an incredible diversity of birds.


Yala: in the footsteps of the leopard

In the southeast of the island, Yala National Park is probably the country’s most famous.

Its landscapes alternate dry forests, lagoons, plains and rocky areas. The park is particularly renowned for its leopards, although spotting them is of course a matter of luck.

Elephants, buffalos, crocodiles, jackals, monkeys and birds complete this immersion into Sri Lanka’s wildlife.


Udawalawe: the kingdom of elephants

Further west, Udawalawe is particularly appreciated for elephant viewing.

Its open landscapes facilitate encounters and sometimes allow observing several groups during a single safari.

In the center of the country, the surroundings of Minneriya and Kaudulla are also known for their seasonal concentrations of elephants, offering a beautiful complement to the Cultural Triangle’s heritage.


Galle: colonial charm by the ocean

After the mountains and the national parks, head to the coast.

In the southwest, Galle instantly transports you to another era. Its fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves traces of Portuguese and then Dutch presence.

Inside the ramparts, former colonial houses now host cafés, galleries, shops, small hotels and restaurants.

One strolls there without a fixed plan, between tranquil lanes and old houses, before heading back to the ramparts at the end of the day to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean.


Sri Lanka’s beaches: choosing your coast by season

With around 1,600 kilometers of coastline, it is hard to talk about Sri Lanka without mentioning the sea.

Sri Lanka’s beaches offer very different atmospheres depending on the region and the time of year.

In the south, Mirissa, Unawatuna, Tangalle or Bentota easily allow you to extend a circuit with a few days of relaxation.

On the east coast, Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Pasikudah or Arugam Bay reveal another facet of the island. This coast is particularly renowned for surfing.

Thanks to the alternation of the monsoons, it is thus possible to privilege one coast or the other depending on the season and to build beach itineraries almost year-round.


Adam’s Peak: walking toward the sun

For hiking enthusiasts, Adam’s Peak, or Sri Pada, offers a distinct experience.

This sacred summit has drawn pilgrims from different faiths for centuries. At the summit there is a footprint whose origin varies according to beliefs: it is associated with the Buddha by Buddhists and with Adam in certain Muslim and Christian traditions.

The ascent usually starts in the middle of the night to reach the summit before sunrise.

When conditions are favorable, the first lights gradually reveal the surrounding mountains and create one of the most memorable moments of the journey.


When to go to Sri Lanka?

The peculiarity of Sri Lanka’s climate lies in its two monsoons, which do not affect the same regions at the same time.

From December to February, the south and the west generally experience their most favorable conditions. It’s an excellent period to combine the Cultural Triangle, the mountains, and the beaches of the south coast.

From May to September, the east coast also enjoys more favorable conditions, particularly around Trincomalee, Pasikudah and Arugam Bay.

March and April constitute a transitional period often interesting for touring the island’s interior and the Highlands.

October and November correspond to a more unsettled period, with possible rainfall across much of the country.

As always under the tropics, the weather remains variable: more than a single “best season,” Sri Lanka thus invites you to tailor the itinerary to the time of travel.


Sri Lanka, a Journey of Grand Natural Wonders

Few destinations allow you to experience so many different things in a single trip.

One morning might begin facing the ruins of an ancient royal city, continue amid elephants, and end a few days later facing the Indian Ocean. Between two stops, tea plantations, villages, temples, markets and tropical landscapes give each day a distinct character.

Sri Lanka can thus appeal to culture enthusiasts as well as families, nature lovers, hikers or travelers seeking an itinerary that blends discovery and relaxation.

An generous, accessible and incredibly varied island, which ultimately is not limited to its temples, its beaches, or its safaris: it is their combination that makes the travel so rich.


THE ANECDOTES CORNER

• Sigiriya was once crowned by a royal palace. The final approach symbolically passed through a giant lion: today only its impressive paws remain.

• One footprint, several beliefs. At the summit of Adam’s Peak, the sacred Sri Pada footprint is interpreted differently according to religious traditions, making the mountain an important place of shared pilgrimage.

• Ceylon tea travels under its old name. Although the country officially became Sri Lanka in 1972, the term “Ceylon tea” remains globally known.



Sri Lanka : les incontournables de l’île aux mille visages avec Karibuni

Jean-François Turroc

Directeur commercial

+ 33 1 47 51 04 03

+ 33 6 28 56 75 54

[email protected]

Site web : Karibuni

>> Karibuni in the DESTIMAG Directory


Flores: The Secret Azores Island Worthy of the Garden of Eden

With its endless waterfalls, crater lakes painted in fairy-tale hues, and cliffs that are as sheer as they are foamy, this island of 143 km2 (home to about 3,500 residents), the westernmost in the archipelago, epitomizes Eden on earth. The climate, very humid, has fostered a lush vegetation and a unique flora: roughly fifty plant species are endemic, including varieties of cedar, laurel, and heather. Hence Flores was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009.

Scottish Island for Sale with Two Lochs and a Private Jetty – €400,000

What if your next address was an entire island, accessible only by boat? Off the coast of the Shetland, Hildasay is offered for sale at 350,000 pounds sterling, or about 400,000 euros. This isolated tract of land spanning around one hundred hectares houses a quay, two freshwater lochs, and an old rudimentary dwelling. But behind these wild landscapes lies also a surprising history, marked by granite quarries and a small community once settled on the island.

A Wild Island Accessible Only by Sea

Located off the west coast of the Shetland Islands, Hildasay covers roughly 108 hectares. The island is not connected to any road, and access is available only by boat from the mainland or neighboring islands. It does, however, have its own quay, which serves as the main entry point to its shores.

The terrain remains relatively gentle. The highest point reaches about 32 metres, while the area hosts two freshwater lochs. A small traditional shelter, known in Scotland as a “bothy,” also provides a place to take cover on site. Simple and with little comfort, it mainly offers a privileged vantage point over the surrounding maritime landscapes.

The island also serves as a refuge for numerous bird species as well as a varied marine and coastal fauna, such as otters, eiders, guillemots, cormorants and Arctic terns.

For Kelvin Anderson, the real estate agency marketing the property, this is “an extraordinary opportunity to acquire Hildasay, a private island that is both beautiful and historic, located off the west coast of the Shetland”. The agency’s spokesperson, quoted in the listing, also describes the place as “a truly unique asset offering privacy and heritage in one of Britain’s most remarkable island landscapes”.

But behind this wild landscape and the sense of isolation lies a history far more dynamic, sharply contrasting with its current state.

Granite Exported to Australia and the Chris Lewis Adventure

By the end of the 19th century, the island was far from deserted. In 1891, around 30 people lived there and drew their incomes mainly from two activities: granite extraction and herring processing. The local stone, recognizable for its red and green hues, was exploited on a substantial scale.

A rail line specially laid allowed the blocks to be hauled to the port before shipment. According to the real estate agency, the granite quarried on Hildasay is said to have been sent as far as Australia. Even today, the remnants of this industrial activity are visible through abandoned blocks and the traces of the old railway.

This history, however, is not the only recent episode to have drawn attention to Hildasay. In 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the British adventurer Chris Lewis visited the island. Aged 39 at the time, he was roaming the coasts of the United Kingdom and sleeping in a tent in the Shetlands when the lockdown was imposed on March 23.

With his dog Jet, he obtained a special permit to settle in the island’s lone house during the restrictions. His experience on the island later gave rise to a book, “Finding Hildasay”, devoted to his journey around the British coastline.

More than a century after the era when around thirty inhabitants worked there, Hildasay no longer hosts a permanent community. It is now offered as a rare private property, with its landscapes, its industrial ruins and its maritime access. All for 400,000 euros, a price that would allow its future owner to become master of an entire Shetland island, the price of an apartment in Paris.