If beautiful palm fringed beaches, crystal clear waters and hot sunny days are what you’re looking for, the Indian Ocean Islands will not disappoint. In Mauritius, accommodation ranges from family-run guest houses to luxury beach-front resorts. The Seychelles and Maldives offer little in the way of budget accommodation: these islands are all about luxury, and are a favourite with honeymooners.

You will find world class diving spots around the Seychelles and the Maldives, with many resorts having diving schools on site. Mauritius is famous for its superb deep-sea fishing, and windsurfing and kayaking are also popular. Inland there are some fabulous walking and hiking routes if you don’t fancy getting wet.

• Search for unique birdlife and giant tortoises, or learn the natural history of the mountains and forests in the Seychelles on a guided wildlife tour, visiting four beautiful islands
• Look for sharks and Manta Rays on a live-aboard diving holiday to the fantastic and sometimes remote islands of the Maldives
• Discover the two volcanic islands of Mauritius and Reunion, hiking lush trails, wandering through exotic markets and, of course, finding those perfect beaches and coral reefs
• Explore the rolling hills and tea plantations in Sri Lanka and the Thuparama Dagoba temple and Sacred Bo-Tree in Anuradhaphura

The best time to visit the Maldives is during the dry season between December and April, although this is also the high, most expensive season, especially during the Christmas and New Year period. The waters are clearest and best for diving at the beginning and end of the dry season in November and April.  For Mauritius, October to April is their summer when the days are warm with temperatures in the high 20’s and up, with bright sunny days. May to September is dryer generally but temperatures do drop to around 23 degrees, noticeably cooler at night. During these months the East coast can also have high winds, South coast slightly less, and the West and North West coasts are more sheltered so appear a bit warmer. Madagascar is dry and warm between April and October.

The Seychelles are at their busiest, and most expensive, In December, January, July and August. A good time to visit outside the peak season is from March to May and September to November, which is also when Diving conditions are at their best. Sri Lanka is best between December and March on the west and south coasts and in the hill country and between May and September on the East coast.