Escape to myself

The shushing of the ever present Adriatic, the screaming of peacocks, smell of orange blossoms and pine resin. Lokrum is a small island a mile offshore from Dubrovnik and a short ten minute boat trip brings you to this nature reserve. This is an idyllic place. Blue is the predominant colour; the sea and sky make a stunning backdrop to the pines of the Mediterranean forest. Once the playground of the Mexican emperor Maximilian (who was Austrian and lived on the island for a while) one can see why he built a home here. There is a beautiful ruined monastery, a botanical garden, a fort and a little chapel but the intoxicating part is the views. Glimpses of sea through trees and ruins wherever you look. It is a magical place.