Island escapes

Travellers are searching for out-of-this-world island getaways to soak up the sea, sand and sun. Here are a few island destinations on our radar, writes Clinton Moodley

Zanzibar

The island of Zanzibar in Tanzania is the ultimate destination for those looking to kick back and marvel at the sea. Zanzibar, often dubbed “Spice Island”, is the perfect mix of culture, history and white-sand beaches. Travellers typically stay at luxury all-inclusive resorts, but there are also budgetfriendly options. Spend a few hours in Stone Town, Nungwi Beach or take a spice tour. Depending on your location, you can enjoy ocean experiences such as diving, marine safaris, dhow cruises, game fishing or catamaran charters.

Zanzibar’s food scene features dishes with loads of spice including Zanzibar pizza, biryani and urojo soup.

Mauritius

Postcard-perfect Mauritius boasts activities that incorporate history, culture, food and dramatic landscapes. Places like Port Louis, Grand Baie, Mahebourg, Le Morne, Chamarel and Rodrigues are worth exploring.

Mauritius offers the likes of kitesurfing, diving, nature reserves, whale watching, stand-up paddleboarding and beach yoga, so visitors have many options to keep themselves occupied.

For a more immersive experience, hit the market scene where you get to meet and chat with locals, or book a tour guide to delve into the history and culture.

Of course, spending time on the island’s blue-flag status beaches is a must.

Mauritius has Indian, French, English, Creole and Chinese cuisine influences. Items like the dholl puri, the country’s national dish, biryani, vindaye and an upsidedown bowl called bol renverse are worth trying.

Mozambique

Mozambique, famous for its striking beaches and seafood, makes the perfect road trip from South Africa. There are flights to Mozambique if road trips are not your thing. Maputo, Inhambane, Ponta do Ouro, and Vilankulos are popular destinations because of the many different activities and picturesque landscapes it offers.

In Ponta do Ouro travellers can laze on whitesand beaches, scuba dive or dabble in other watersport activities.

Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, boasts attractions like Tunduru Botanical Gardens and Catedral de Maputo.

For those wanting some privacy, Bazaruto Island, off the coast of southern Mozambique, boasts luxurious and off-the-beaten-track experiences.

Mozambique is known for its peri peri chicken, but the fresh seafood barbeques are also worth trying.

Thailand

Besides its storied history, tantalising cuisine, world-class beaches and spas, Thailand is among the most affordable destinations for travellers, offering plenty of value for money.

Wellness retreats with indulgent spa treatments, as well as watersports like snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing, are some of the activities on offer.

For those who want some privacy, rent a catamaran for a day at sea or island hopping.

Culture and history buffs can explore the temples and historical sites or learn the way of life through thought-provoking agri tours. Elephant sanctuaries (not those that promote elephant riding) are also popular.

For nature enthusiasts, places like Khao Lak, just under two hours from Phuket, and Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand tick all the right boxes.

For those travelling to Bangkok, take an excursion along the Chao Phraya River, which isn’t heavily populated by tourists.

Eat your way through Thailand with delicious food offerings like pad thai, Panang curry, fresh seafood and mango sticky rice.

Seychelles

With dramatic landscapes, unspoilt beaches and some of the most delicious food there’s plenty to see and do in this East African country.

The Seychelles archipelago includes around 115 islands. Visit Mahe for its immersive experiences or Praslin for its breathtaking scenery.

For those seeking privacy and added luxury, there are allinclusive resorts that will cater to every whim.

Visitors can also take part in a wide range of water activities, such as snorkelling and diving. The Seychelles food scene is fascinating, too.

Serving Creole cuisine, each meal tells a beautiful story. So, whether you dine in a 5-star hotel or at a night bazaar, you are bound to learn and experience something new.

Maldives

With white sandy beaches, alluring turquoise waters, luxury resorts and a string of activities, the Maldives is fast becoming the summer destination of choice for travellers.

The destination, consists of 26 ring-shaped atolls and made up of more than 1 000 coral islands, has an array of activities to suit all kinds of travellers.

Watersports are incredibly attractive for travellers, from snorkelling, paddleboarding to kayaking, jet skis and flyboarding.

The local cuisine features heavily at some resorts, with some offering cooking classes for guests.

A floating breakfast, for example, is not only perfect for Instaworthy images but includes delicious foods you can savour as you feast on the views.

The Maldives is home to many beautiful mosques, so plan a trip with a tour guide to learn about its history.

Be mindful of the prayer times and wear modest clothing.