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
With its dazzling white shorelines and hypnotic coral reefs, the Seychelles is a picture-perfect collection of tiny islands that are home to some of the most beautiful beaches and exclusive hotels in the world. From the rare coco de mer tree and its towering granite rocks to the giant tortoises, world-famous beaches and exotic jungle-clad interiors, this sun-drenched treasure in the Indian Ocean will leave you stunned at its outstanding natural beauty. About as close to paradise perfection as you can get, offshore this is an aquatic treasure trove of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles and schools of exotic reef fish. On land, there's a charming slow-motion island vibe, and the sheer diversity of endemic birdlife and flora and fauna is just extraordinary. Made for exploration, relaxation and spectacular island-hopping adventures, holidays to the Seychelles can range from sunbathing for days on talcum-powder sands, hiking through World Heritage-listed nature reserves and even going Robinson Crusoe on your own desert island. Whether you’re dreaming of an exciting family adventure or a romantic honeymoon hideaway, on a Seychelles holiday you can take the time to explore as little or as much you like. Talk to us or pop into your local store for a chat and we’ll help you to tailor-make your perfect Seychelles holiday.
11 Hotels, 2 Cruises, 5 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
Maldives
Mauritius
Seychelles
La Reunion
