A self-governing country within the kingdom of Denmark, the Faroe Islands are a cluster of islands with impressive cliffs towering over the sea. Patriotic, welcoming and patient, the Faroese lead peaceful lives, despite harsh weather conditions.

Near Vancouver Island, Salt Spring Island is known as British Columbia's go-to place for hippies. It's 10,000 or so inhabitants, many of them retired, enjoy the self-sufficiency, solidarity and tranquility of their tight-knit community.

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

As France's youngest region, Reunion Island is also referred to as the Intense Island because of its splendid and sometimes harsh geography; with a diverse, but united population, life on this island is anything but intense.

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

A feature on Okinawa's laid-back atmosphere and rich cultural history.