FEATURES

The Blue List
We've done all the hard work for you. We've looked in every nook and cranny, under every palm tree, on every beach, in countless resorts, under the sea and on islands everywhere for people and places that have embraced, nurtured and protected the amazingly diverse natural and cultural heritage of our planet. What we've discovered on this journey is how incredible the world is and how it inspires us as island travelers. This issue is a celebration of the leaders and innovators in sustainable tourism, people committed to preserving everything that is unique about our island experiences. In these pages, you'll find 100 of the best of the best — our Blue List. Blue, of course, because islands are defined by water.

THE WINNERS » 54 We've also established the annual ISLANDS Global Sustainable Tourism Awards. You'll find the first five winners — Wakatobi Dive Resort (pg. 59), Seacology (pg. 62), Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort (pg. 71), Kosrae Village (pg. 81), and Nihiwatu (pg. 92) — among those on the list. But in the end, anyone who contributes to the preservation of the island dream deserves a commendation.

DISCOVER

Vive La Rhum
Taste the difference that makes Martinique's rum unique.

Australian Honey
Find honey made by Italian bees on Kangaroo Island.

Paint Jamaica
Learn to paint in an ocean-side watercolor workshop.

Secret Island
Discover the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

Holiday Foods
Nosh on these seasonal island faves.

Ocean Books
Browse the shelves for these blue-themed works of art.

Creole Music
Get schooled in creole history and culture while listening to these albums.

ADVENTURES

Ocean Life
Traverse the globe via its most encompassing mass — the ocean.
BY JON BOWERMASTER

ACCESS

The World's 20 Best Snorkel Safaris
Delve beneath the surface at the world's best island spots for underwater endeavors.

Kayak Adventures
Eight guided kayak trips help you paddle the earth's oceans to experience your favorite islands up close.

CONTEST

19TH ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST
It's that time again! Enter your best island photo to win a dream trip. Rules on page 111 or here.