SOUTH PAC I F I C | 165 FEATURED New Port of Call MYSTERY ISLAND, VANUATU For some travelers, the notion of accepting and experiencing a destination’s environment without taking advantage of every possible benefit it offers goes against the very ethos of traveling. Others, of course, arrive at a far-flung and completely undeveloped locale like Mystery Island and calmly absorb its palette of soothing colors, breathe its air, hear the gentle rustling of palm fronds high in the sky, and watch sun-made diamonds sparkle on translucent water, reveling in it the way you would when wandering the Louvre in Paris or Central Park in New York City. Yes, there’s outstanding snorkeling to be had among the thriving coral reefs of this marine sanctuary, and if you’ve never swum among playful clown fish, cheeky parrot fish or the occasional sea turtle, you should grab a mask and fins. Standup paddle board lessons and massages are available, too. For lunch, residents of nearby Aneityum travel to the island to prepare freshly cooked lobster and serve banana pie, a perfect beach feast. But the greatest gift of Mystery Island is how it produces joy — without you lifting a finger. See this new port on the voyage, Secret Isles of the South Pacific, located on page 166.