For a romantic getaway, environmentally friendly escape or back to basics experience up anchor and set sail for this land of opportunities, A yachting haven and home to one of the Uk's biggest music festivals, The Isle of Wight is much more than a seaside break, its an adrenaline destination, a culturally rich Island and a place where even the rich and famous seek solace.
Romance
If you're hoping to inject a bit of romance into your life, then take a trip across the Solent. On the Isle of Wight you can push the boat out and stay somewhere really special for a night or two - choose a luxurious self-catering apartment, a charming country house or one of the newer boutique-style hotels. The Island offers all manner of options to help you woo that special someone.
You could choose to renew your wedding vows at The Priory Bay Hotel in St Helens. Here you can enjoy mouth-watering seafood, beautiful woodlands and gardens and spectacular views across the sea. For fairytale surroundings head to the Enchanted Manor in Niton Undercliffe. Recently completely renovated, it is festooned with the romantic artwork of Josephine Walls.
Lord Alfred Tennyson, connoisseur of all things romantic and a famous Island inhabitant, wrote some of his most beautiful poetry while living at Freshwater. Today's visitors can follow in his footsteps by walking the dramatic downlands and sea-cliffs path, known as The Tennyson Trail.
If searching for something a little different, then check into The Grange, nestled in the heart of Shanklin's Old Village, the perfect retreat from the hectic pace of modern life. You can walk by the sea, relax in the sauna and book that massage you've been promising yourself. Talk a walk through Shanklin Chine, a deep gorge carved out by a stream at the end of the beach, or head next door to Rylstone Gardens and relax on the manicured lawns near the bandstand. Or for something out of this world visit the Island's Planetarium and Astronomy Centre in Yarmouth, where you can gaze at each other starry eyed.
Environmentally Friendly
With miles of countryside to protect, the Isle of Wight has a strong commitment to becoming an eco-friendly destination. While this doesn't necessarily involve tree hugging it does cover tree climbing! Good Leaf Tree Climbing gives an unforgettable experience. Clip on a harness and work your way to the top where hammocks and quality 'chill out' time await.
For stressed out urbanite couples the Isle of Wight offers the perfect refuge with over half of the Island nominated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For some of the best views of this landscape, take to two wheels. Wight Cycle Hire will deliver bikes straight to the ferry terminal and relieve you of any heavy bags so you can start exploring straight away. Alternatively, get hands on with the landscape and learn a new skill at Hobbit House in Ventnor, where they teach everything from hedge laying to charcoal burning.
For adrenaline fans, clock up some air miles that won't add to your carbon footprint. The company 'High Adventure' offer paragliding courses for all abilities and provide a unique way of viewing the Island.
For further information on these and lots of other great green ideas, visit the Island's eco-friendly tourism website www.greenislandtourism.org
Famous Faces
The Isle of Wight has long maintained a formidable appeal. When stepping off the ferry you will be re-tracing the steps of many of history's famous names. Of most note is Queen Victoria, who resided on the Island in the architectural splendour of Osborne House. The house and grounds are open for inspection and are well worth a visit. Charles Dickens was also a familiar face on the Island and wrote part of David Copperfield at the Winterbourne in Bonchurch.
More recently it has not been uncommon to catch a glimpse of famous Rock Legends such as the Rolling Stones, who descend on the Island for the annual Isle of Wight Music Festival. Or indeed see the Oscar-winning director Anthony Minghella whose family produce the award winning Minghella Ice Cream, on the Island. All this just providing further testament to the hidden gems of the Isle of Wight
Events
Managing to embrace young and old alike the events programme is both extensive and diverse, rivalling any on the mainland. Musically it aims to cover all ends of the spectrum and in 2008 hosts not only the popular Isle of Wight Music Festival but also a Jazz Festival, Midsummer Opera and the quirky and prestigious Bestival.
Get more information on the Island's events
Fact Box