The Island Diaries

The independent province of the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic is a succession of majestic mountains, cliffs and fjords. The inhabitants are patriotic, welcoming and patient, and live harmoniously, despite a climate that is often inhospitable.

Near Vancouver Island, Salt Spring Island is known as British Columbia's go-to place for hippies. Its 10,000 or so inhabitants, many of them retired, enjoy the self-sufficiency, solidarity and tranquillity of their tight-knit community.

Hawaii, or the Big Island, is the largest yet least touristy Hawaiian island despite its disarming beauty. Nicknamed the island of fire and ice due to its snow-capped peaks and active volcanoes, its inhabitants worship its nature and their roots.

Reunion Island is the youngest French region, nicknamed `the intense island' due to its magnificent yet inhospitable geography and ocean environment. It has a very varied but united population and life on this island is laid back and delightful.

Cuba is steeped in culture, which makes it a favourite tourist destination despite its system of rationing. But this situation has led to great creativity amongst the inhabitants who have developed eco-agriculture and a prosperous private sector.

Okinawa Okinawa is a little piece of paradise which has the highest rate of hundred-year-old inhabitants in the world. The atmosphere on the island is relaxed and the local culture seems to serenely adjust to the changing times.