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This is said to be Micronesia's most remote destination, and unlike the other three Federated States of Micronesia, Korsae has no outlying atolls. It is high volcanic island extending to some 110 sq km in the area with steep contours and dense vegetation that have prevented development. The islands is sometimes called ‘the sleeping lady’ because it appears to have the female form when viewed from the sea.
It is surrounded by coral reefs that are carefully protected against damage. More than 170 species of hard coral have been identified, plus ten soft corals, and the reefs and the lagoons are home to over 250 different types of fish and marine animal. The Utwe – Walung Marine Park preserves untouched forest and mangrove ecosystems.
The inhabitants continue to rely on traditional farming and fishing for subsistence. They used to live in family groups surrounding a communal cookhouse, but this practice is in decline. They also delight in traditional singing, chanting, weaving, woodcarving, canoe building and house construction. They welcome visitors warmly.
There are a few small resorts, but you won’t be sharing the beauties of Korsae with many others – this is the island that mass tourism has yet to discover. The visitors who do make it are inevitably captivated, and some do not more than unwind from the hectic pace of the modern world – sunbathing, snorkelling, meeting islanders and eating wholesome food. Others dive on the reefs and wrecks. Whatever their preference, not one is disappointed by this wondrous tropical island.
When to go: December to April is the best time. July to October the wettest. Population: 7,700. Getting there: It’s best to travel via Guam from whence a ‘Visit Micronesia’ pass is available.
Near by Lake Maggiore in the foothills of the Alps, Lake Orta is a tranquil, often misty vision of scenic charm. Of the villages and tiny market towns that sit comfortably on its green, wooded hillside banks, Orta town is the prettiest and one of the oldest. It lies on the end of a promontory opposite the intriguing island 400 m offshore on which much of its reputation rests.
Isola San Giulio is tiny – only 275 m long and 140 m wide, but crowded with buildings, towers and terraces. There are Benedictine monastery and seminary, the castle and Bishop’s Palace. But the largest building on the island is in fact the Basilica of St Giulio.
When you arrive on the island, San Giulio’s beauty is magnificent with unexpected quiet. The short circular lane between the monastery and the sumptuous 18th century private villas lining the shore is even called ‘The way of Silence‘ and dotted with signs admonishing you to ‘Listen to the water, the wind, your steps’, ‘If you can be yourself, you are everything’.
When to go: Year round. Come for the festival of Ancient Music at the Villa Tallone during June, or the piano recitals on Sundays in September. Population: 110. How to get there: By ferry from Orta San Giulio, Omegna, Pella or any of the other lakeside villages
Mount Nelson Hotel is located quite near to the city centre in Cape Town and 34km drive from Cape Town International Airport. The hotel is as well as near by to the fashionable Kloof Street restuarants and bars and 5 minutes walking to the lovely beaches.
The hotel has 201 elegant decorated rooms and six individual wings, separated from the main hotel. Facilities include modern communications services, a business centre, a gymnasium, a luxurious spa , two heated swimming pools and two all-weather tennis courts as well as fine dining and a more relaxed al fresco dining experience.
The Nelson is very aristocratic one by maintaining traditions such as the famous sumptuous afternoon teas, garden walks with the head gardener and by always offering friendly yet professional service. There’s also a stylish new bar Planet, providing the perfect setting for sipping champagne and cocktails under the African night sky.
