Editor’s letter I S L ANDS COL L E C T ION 20 2 6
National Geographic Traveller — The Collection team Editor: Sacha Scoging Deputy Editor: Charlotte Wigram-Evans Project Editor: Emma Monk Art Director: Becky Redman Deputy Art Director: Lauren Atkinson-Smith Lead Designer: Rosie Klein Chief Sub-Editor: Olivia McLearon Senior Sub-Editor (maternity): Hannah Doherty Acting Senior Sub-Editor: Victoria Smith Sub-Editors: Lucy Coward, Rory Goulding, Chris Horton, Ben Murray Director of Sales: Danny Pegg Campaign Managers: James Bendien, Lorna Goodings, Matthew Rickard Production Manager: Daniel Gregory Production Controllers: Vinny Bains, Natasha Ullman
Too often, the story of the world’s islands is told as an elegy: of beaches swallowed by rising tides and cultures on the brink of disappearance. In this issue, we tell a diff erent tale — one of ingenuity, adaptation and shared responsibility, showing how thoughtful tourism can be part of the solution. On Príncipe — a tiny teardrop of an island in the Atlantic — tourism has
become a tool for survival. Discover how conservation, agroforestry and low-impact hospitality are helping to protect its extraordinary biodiversity while creating long-term opportunities for local communities (p.10). Meanwhile, in the Cayman Islands, we explore a fragile yet fl ourishing food movement that’s redefi ning what it means to eat locally. Here, chefs champion homegrown fl avours, farmers coax crops from stubborn soils and islanders work to keep culinary traditions alive, no matter the storms (p.48). That same spirit underpins our report on the world’s vanishing islands (p.56), which looks beyond the headlines to highlight survival strategies, from community- led planning to nature-based solutions that work with, rather than against, rising sea levels. Closer to home, we round up Europe’s most restorative escapes: think
crater walks, thermal pools, forest saunas and lavender scrubs (p.18), before venturing to the lesser-known Essex isles, proving that island adventures don’t always have to be far-fl ung (p.54). Finally, for those of you seeking further inspiration, there’s our roundup of
resorts, lodges and hotels — brought to you by our advertisers — to aid you when planning your next unforgettable escape.
Sacha Scoging, editor NATGEOTR AVE LU K
On the cover
National Geographic Traveller (UK) team Editorial Director & Chief Operating Officer: Maria Pieri Editor: Pat Riddell Deputy Editor: Amanda Canning Executive Editor: Lorna Parkes Features Editor: Georgia Stephens Commissioning Editor: Angela Locatelli Assistant Editor: Sam Kemp Associate Editor: Farida Zeynalova Managing Editor: Glen Mutel Senior Editor: Sarah Barrell Senior Content Strategist: Berkok Yüksel Digital Content Editor: Karlina Valeiko Digital Content Assistant: Lena Müller Branded Content Manager: Flora Neighbour
Senior Branded Content Editors: Sara Crossley, Jessica Prupas Senior Project Editor: Beth Finney Project Editors: Emma Al-Mousawi, Zoe Bell Assistant Project Editors: Kira Richards, Hannah Wild Senior Art Editor: Lauren Gamp Art Editor: Kelly Markwell Senior Designers: Tully D’Souza, Dean Reynolds Picture Editor: Ben Rowe Associate Picture Editor: Aisha Nazar Operations Manager: Seamus McDermott Head of Marketing: Sophy Moyes Digital Marketing Manager: Tilly Tasker Content Marketing Producer: Sam Ford Commercial Director & Publisher: Matthew Midworth Head of Sales: Phil Castle Campaigns Team: George Clarke, Bob Jalaf, Kevin Killen, Mark Salmon, Jack Sharry, Perry Sophocleous, Oscar Williams
Chairman & Co-founder: Anthony Leyens Chief Executive Officer: Matthew Jackson Chief Revenue Officer: Alex Vignali Office Manager: Hayley Rabin Chief Financial Officer (interim): Natalie Fris Finance Director: Ryan McShaw Credit Manager: Craig Chappell Billings Manager: Ramona McShaw Head of Human Resources: Victoria Kettle
National Geographic Traveller (UK) — The Collection is published by APL Media Limited, Unit 310, Highgate Studios, 53-79 Highgate Road, London NW5 1TL.
nationalgeographic.com/collection Editorial: T: 020 7253 9906.
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National Geographic Traveller (UK) — The Collection is published by APL Media Ltd under licence from National Geographic Partners, LLC. Their entire contents are protected by copyright 2026 and all rights are reserved. Reproduction without prior permission is forbidden. The Directory is a collection of Partner Content curated by the National Geographic Traveller (UK) team. Every care is taken in compiling the contents of the magazine, but the publishers assume no responsibility in the effect arising therefrom. Readers are advised to seek professional advice before acting on any information that is contained in the magazine. Neither APL Media Ltd nor National Geographic Traveller magazine accept any liability for views expressed, pictures used or claims made by advertisers.
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Editor-in-Chief, NG Media: Nathan Lump General Manager, NG Media: David Miller
International Editions
Editorial Director: Amy Kolczak Editor: Leigh Mitnick
Editors: CHINA Sophie Huang GERMANY Werner Siefer ITALY Marco Cattaneo LATIN AMERICA Alicia Guzman NETHERLANDS Robbert Vermue POLAND Agnieszka Franus SOUTH KOREA Bo-yeon Lim SPAIN Josan Ruiz
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National Geographic Traveller (UK) is trusted for its independent and impartial advice. Our writers and photographers often receive support from the likes of tourist boards, tour operators, hotels and airlines. However, there is never any guarantee of positive coverage. Any sponsored or commercial features will always be clearly labelled.
Lying off the east coast of Africa, Zanzibar is fringed by tens of thousands of coconut palms Image: Getty
Copyright © 2026 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All Rights Reserved. National Geographic Traveller and the Yellow Border Design are registered trademarks of National Geographic Society and used under license. Printed in the UK.
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