Indian Ocean

The word paradise is often overused, yet exceptions can be made for these entrancing islands. The engulfing lagoons, with water so translucent it’s like gazing into an endless emerald, beaches fresh from the pages of a luxury holiday brochure, and ever-present sunshine all harmoniously pull together to keep hopeless romantics, families and intrepid explorers under its flawlessly exuberant spell.

It’s not only the cocktails that will prove popular; activities are aplenty on land in Mauritius, whereas the coral reefs of the Seychelles and Maldives pave the way to a snorkeling jackpot. Look closely and you may spot your supper for the evening.

Elsewhere, the volcanic behemoth of Piton de la Fournaise, with its caldera still actively bubbling away, hogs much of lesser-known Réunion’s rain-forested landscape, while Buddhist sites, elephants and stilt fishermen poking out of the ocean come day or night, make up just a smidgen of Sri Lanka’s picturesque landscape.

Beyond India’s vibrant velocity, there is an everlasting historical backbone and cultural pang that pummels the senses like a Vindaloo; itineraries and opportunities are infinite, and after pampering the palate in spice maestros such as Goa and Mumbai, you’ll be on culinary cloud nine. To the south, Kerala, affectionately and aptly dubbed ‘God’s Own Country’, is a breath of fresh air; a verdant and beach-laden respite to the temples and inner city shenanigans.

Madagascar’s topography is downright astonishing. Only on earth’s fourth largest island could you expect to find desert, forest, beach, canyons and mountains all forging allegiance with the baobab trees and bouncy lemurs so cute you’ll want to sneak them back with you.

A journey to the Indian Ocean is one big life-affirming show you won’t want to end in any hurry