Known as the Island of Fire and Ice because of its snow-capped peaks and volcanoes, Hawaii Island, or the Big Island, is the largest of them all, yet it is the least visited by tourists.

France's youngest region, Reunion Island, is also referred to as the "Intense Island" because of its splendid and sometimes harsh geography. However, life on this island is anything but intense.

Cuba is loved by tourists despite the rationing system that still prevails. Creativity is deeply embedded in Cubans, who practice eco-agriculture and are developing a prosperous private sector.

Off the coast of Southern Japan, Okinawa is said to hold the secret to long life. With a laid-back atmosphere and very rich cultural history, it is adapting to changing times.

In 1996 the Soufriere Hills volcano erupted, burying two thirds of the island of Montserrat, known as the emerald isle of the Caribbean.

A small Hindu enclave at the heart of Indonesia, Bali's landscapes and people make for an enchanting experience.

Discover the Channel Islands in all their abundant natural glory, each with its own personality and living conditions and each inspired one way or another by British history and French culture.

The cradle of Greek mythology, Crete is said to be the birthplace of Zeus. Today, hit by an economic slowdown, many Cretans strive for self-sufficiency by turning towards community initiatives.

Located at the easternmost point of North America, Newfoundland looks like it's at the edge of the world.

A Portuguese and African melting pot off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde has a wealth of breathtaking sceneries. Despite its limited resources, locals are known for their kindness and music.

Less than 100 km from Auckland NZ, Great Barrier Island offers a spectacular setting for a simple life, far from the drama of today's consumer society and urban settings, and in harmony with nature.

Bocas del Toro, a cluster of islands with white sandy beaches off the coast of Panama. In this haven of cultural diversity, tourism is a growing industry with locals aiming for sustainable development.

The largest island of the Lesser Antilles,Guadeloupe is home to a very diverse community and despite the high cost of living, harmony reigns over the archipelago's rich array of cultures and faiths.

The Lofoten Islands stunning mountains, breathtaking fjords and spectacular northern lights have created a thriving tourism industry but the locals have stayed true to their authentic lifestyle.

Nature is a great provider in Chile's remote archipelago of Chiloe and their traditional sharing lifestyle means they want for nothing but,the rise of modernity is leaving the islands at a crossroads.

Located over 1500 km from Australia,the beautiful archipelago of New Caledonia seems cut off from the world but has a rich, multicultural history with traditions that have withstood the test of time.

Located in the Brahmaputra River in the Indian state of Assam, the isolated island of Majuli was named the world's largest river island and is the setting for a colourful, rich blend of cultures.

Located some 500 km off the coast of Argentina, the Falkland Islands are like fragments of land that drifted away from Antarctica where people enjoy a remarkable quality of life despite the isolation.

Located 1, 500 km away from Portugal, the Azores are-one of its hidden gems. Sculpted by lava flows and landslides,the nine islands seem to shoot towards the sky in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

Jeju is a little piece of paradise in South Korea. An hour away from Seoul by air, it is known as the island of wind, rocks and strong women and there is a deep sense of peace, pride and contentment.

Although part of the province of Quebec, people from the Magdalen Islands have a unique and strong cultural identity where fishing is still the beating heart of the local economy and way of life.

Sardinia delights the senses with its local products and its enchanting setting,where traditional songs are still heard. The island also has the world's highest concentration of centenarians.

On Baranof Island, just off the coast of Alaska, nature is both nurturing and unforgivingly harsh. Immersed in nature and far from urban centres, the locals wouldn't have it any other way.

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