The new paradise: Sumba, Indonesia
This Indonesian island is the paradise-esque destination on so many travel insiders’ lips right now. And for good reason — still under the radar versus the country’s well-trodden Lombok and Nusa Penida, and double the size of frenetic Bali, but with around a quarter of the population, it remains largely unspoilt. It’s a place where wild horses and buffalo roam free and you can find stretches of white sand beach to chill on without anyone else in sight. “It is an island gem that you’ll immediately fall in love with and want to keep all to yourself,” says travel writer and author Gina Jackson. “It’s long been touted as one of the best surf destinations in the world, but there’s lots more to get stuck into, from local villages to getting deep within the wilderness: the island’s ever-changing landscape is home to rugged mountains, waterfalls and dense rainforest.” Choose from Nihi, “something of a Sumbanese legend!”, or look at sleek, local art-filled Cap Karoso and the elegantly rustic The Sanubari. Hayley Spencer
