INDIAN OCEAN

Sail away on the Indian Ocean and find yourself in paradise. The Maldives is where barefoot luxury and overwater villas meet the warm, shallow waters of bioluminescent plankton. More than 1,200 coral islands spiral in a maze of shallow atolls ripe for snorkeling. The active should head for the private island of Velaa’s nine-hole golf course. The restful will prefer Huvafen Fushi – the world’s only underwater spa.

For wildlife-rich isles that remain wild and untamed, the Seychelles live large. In the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin Island, listen out for the high-pitched whistle of the elusive black parrot. Head to Curieuse to meet the famed Aldabra Tortoise. Drop anchor at Cousine, a sanctuary for birds and a breeding ground for hawksbill turtles, then set sail for the private island of Félicité and exile yourself to paradise at the Six Senses Zil Pasyon beach resort.