A beautiful string of low-lying coral islands seemingly scattered into the Indian Ocean, the Maldives used to be one of the world’s best-kept secrets; today it’s a hugely popular long-haul destination that has become a byword for paradise.

Almost a cartoon creation of what paradise should look like, Mauritius offers much more than just beauty – even though that beauty is enough to satiate pretty much anyone’s appetite.

For sheer, eye-gogglingly gorgeous natural beauty, the spectacular islands of the Seychelles take quite some beating. Jade palm trees, flourishing jungle, dazzlingly-white sands, vast boulders and ultra-marine waters: they’re all here in spades.