Described as “the place to get away from it all”, Inis Meáin (or Inishmaan) is a small limestone archipelago off the west coast of Ireland. The rugged landscape is largely uninhabited, save for the crumbling remains of ancient sites, dry stone walls, and a pair of thatched houses.

We recommend staying on mainland Ireland, such as Ashford Castle, a regal estate in Co. Dublin once owned by the Guinness family. From here you can take a regional flight or a 20–50-minute ferry ride to Inis Meáin from Rossaveal or Doolin. The island’s top attraction is Dun Chonchuir (Dún Conor), a coastal fortress named after Conor, brother of the Celtic god Aengus. Other highlights include the Dún Fearbhaí stone ring fort, the Carrownlisheen Wedge Tomb, Teach Synge and Synge’s Chair, a 19th-century thatched cottage and lookout point named after renowned poet and playwright, Edmund John Millington Synge. There’s also a place selling traditional Aran knitwear and a handful of pubs for a Celtic sundowner.

One of the lesser-known Caribbean islands, Dominica is one of the destinations less visited by tourists, in part due to its mountainous landscape and scattered communities. Wildlife-watching and hiking take precedence over lounging on sunbeds, with three nature reserves, the 65-metre Trafalgar Falls, Titou Gorge and the second-largest volcanic-heated lake in the world, Boiling Lake.

Over on the west coast is the capital of Roseau, a colourful metropolis made up of 18th-century Creole architecture. Pair your adventures with a stay at Eden Roc Cap Cana, a luxurious 5-star property in the island’s exclusive Cap Cana community.

Pulau Mabul is a tiny island situated off the coast of Sabah, Malaysia. On arrival, you’ll notice the stilted homes of the Bajau Laut, a stateless community which spends its days in over-water sea shacks. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, making the island a hub for diving. Here you’ll find endangered sea turtles, rays, and sharks weaving through curved coral reefs and schools of pelagics. We recommend staying in Sabah resorts, such as Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, before catching a short flight to Tawau or Semporna, followed by a ferry ride to Mabul.

Bazaruto is a protected island known for its white-sand beaches, rippling seagrass and towering dunes. Dugongs seek refuge in the island’s warm waters alongside sea turtles, reef sharks and moray eels.

Hop on a traditional dhow boat to reach the nearby islands of Santa Carolina and Benguerra or make use of the luxurious amenities at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort. The property is one of just two hotels on the island and is located right on the waterfront, where the rolling sand dunes meet the ocean. 

Discover these hidden gems and more curated escapes on ASMALLWORLD Collection.