It needn’t cost a pirate’s hoard

To be clear from the outset, the two resorts I stayed in are extremely expensive (see Travel File box). It’s a super-luxe world of helicopter and speedboat transfers and private infinity pools aimed at a wealthy elite. And people who have won the Lottery, saved very, very hard, or found a cache of pirate gold. So what do you get? At Six Senses, the seafood was terrific, my villa outstanding, the sunsets stunning and I loved the pirate feel of the Lakanbiz bar. I didn’t test the enema setting of the electric toilet.

So, on to Fregate Island Private. Prepare to be astonished; I was.

A secluded villa bigger than your house with a personal PA? An electric buggy to zip around seven beaches? A private harbour? Stellar snorkelling? All that and more.

But the Seychelles can be done for less. BA has four-star seven-night deals from €1,709pp. Return flights start at €992, then book a guest house on Mahe for €40pp per night.