The speedboat slows and it comes into sight. A tiny speck of an island surrounded by a turquoise lagoon and the whitest sand you've ever seen. It’s better than the pictures – the Maldives is where colour comes to life. We can tell you this first-hand, because we’re the original Maldives experts and have been creating luxury Maldives holidays for almost 50 years. There’s a reason why this is our most popular destination. Expect to lose all sense of time and what’s going on elsewhere as you sink into your overwater villa’s private pool and drink in the views. Here, working your way through the hand-crafted cocktail list is as strenuous as it gets. Need more? How about venturing beneath the ocean’s surface to glide alongside turtles and whale sharks; sipping Champagne on a luxury cruise as the sun sets; or escaping to an uninhabited island, Robinson Crusoe-style, for an unforgettable evening-for-two under the stars. We can tell you where you'll find the best house reefs, the sleekest water villas and the best-value all-inclusive options. From rustic beach escapes to ultra-luxury private pool retreats, we’ve hand-picked 36 of the best Maldives hotels and each of our chosen resorts sits on its own private island.
37 Hotels, 4 Experiences
For a relatively pint-sized tropical island hidden away in the southern Indian Ocean, Mauritius packs a whole lot in. Travellers first come here for the picture-postcard coastline, but scratch below the surface and you’ll discover what draws visitors back time and again. Mauritius holidays can be lazy days on the beach, but they can also be marine adventures and island explorations. The island’s diverse yet relatively short history has created a remarkably varied culture; quite something for a country that is just a bit smaller than the county of Devon. The descendants of European, African, Indian and Chinese immigrants make up the majority of the population and each group has made their mark on the island. Where else can you can take Creole language courses, visit beautiful Hindu temples and grand sugar plantation houses, and dine on cuisine inspired by a melting pot of culinary traditions? Talk to us and we’ll help create a Mauritius holiday to suit your travelling style.
26 Hotels, 1 cruise, 6 Experiences
Dramatic volcanic peaks and lush tropical wilderness, with a French identity and a rich melting pot of cultures, beautiful La Réunion – a relative geological youngster – is quite unlike its neighbours. In fact it’s more like a glorious scaled down Hawaii or an epic real-life Jurassic Park backdrop. There’s still the chance to relax in coastal hotels, but with scenery so wonderfully diverse, you’ll want to get out and explore. Since we added it to our collection of featured destinations, this tiny Indian Ocean outpost of France has quickly become a firm favourite. Perhaps this is because of those jaw-dropping natural wonders that were seemingly created for adventure, or maybe it’s due to the fact that, for the UK at least, it retains that off-the-beaten-track vibe that travellers crave. Either way, we think you’ll be as blown away by the island as we are. Whatever entices you to this exotic island, talk to us and we’ll help you plan your tailor-made La Réunion holiday.
4 Hotels, 7 Experiences
Perhaps best known for the beach resorts that line its extensive coast, Sri Lanka is also a culture lover’s paradise. There are rock temples and fortresses, ruins of ancient and sacred cities, and relics of a colonial age. And if that’s not quite enough to tempt you, Sri Lanka also has a naturally spectacular interior that’s home to rolling tea plantations, and wildlife-rich parks and reserves where elephants, leopards, crocodiles and sloth bears roam free. Sri Lanka holidays take on a slower pace. This is an island where time takes on a different meaning; it may take a little longer to get from A to B, but that only adds to its charm. It gives you more time to take in your surroundings and discover the country from a local’s perspective as your guide proudly regales you with tales of their homeland. Whether you’re seeking a beach escape or a bespoke Sri Lanka adventure, talk to us and we'll help create the right Sri Lanka holiday for you.
44 Hotels, 6 Tours, 9 Experiences
Maldives
Mauritius
La Reunion
Sri Lanka
