The other islands of the Indian Ocean – pick yours

THE MALDIVES

A flotilla of a country with over 1,000 islands. All are fringed by white sand beaches and an azure lagoon where the diving and snorkelling are second to none. There are around 100, mostly fivestar, resorts, each with an island to itself. Don’t bother with more than one island; hopping isn’t easy. Choose carefully, take lots to read and listen to, then stay put. WHEN TO GO: November to May. GO WITH: Kuoni (kuoni.co.uk)

THE SEYCHELLES

This group of islands, 1,000 miles from anywhere, is renowned for its worlds of natural beauty and incredible wildlife. The best way to enjoy the Seychelles is to island-hop, by boat, seaplane or helicopter, taking in the diversity of this picture-perfect archipelago. Choosing just one island to visit is like picking one chocolate from a box of multi-centres. WHEN TO GO: In our summer months. GO WITH: Inspiring Travel Company (inspiringtravelcompany.co.uk)

MAURITIUS

Described as a land of ‘rainbows, waterfalls and shooting stars’, Mauritius has miles of beaches, hotels with stars as abundant as the Milky Way and an interior clothed in sugar cane. Visit the highlands and valleys in the south-west corner, beautifully scarred by the Black River Gorge. WHEN TO GO: May to November, the rest of the year being warmer but wetter. GO WITH: Abercrombie & Kent (abercrombiekent.co.uk)