Joel Beighton

Returning to the island that, just 12 months before had inspired our decision to take life a little less seriously for a while and go travelling, felt strangely nerve-racking. I needn’t have worried. If anything, I left loving Gili Meno even more.

Morning walks just after sunrise. Swimming over coral reef alongside tropical fish and turtles. Long breakfasts in the shade of the hotel bar. Reading on the beach. Freshly grilled seafood as the sun set. The best fresh coconuts I’ve still ever had.

No major attractions or big events. Just a week spent living simply in a place that seems to encourage calmness. Something I’ve come to value more.

It was hard leaving again, but I’m hoping it was just goodbye for now.