Indian Ocean

The Maldives is the ultimate castaway luxury destination: tiny islands surrounded by lagoons, reefs and impossibly clear water, with many resorts occupying an island entirely of their own.

Best time: Generally December–April for drier weather.
Perfect for: Honeymoons, diving, relaxation and milestone celebrations.
Interesting fact: The Maldives consists of 26 natural atolls.
Velvet Hippo recommends: Choose the resort carefully - in the Maldives the property is effectively the destination.

Mauritius combines polished beach resorts with mountains, waterfalls, excellent golf and a multicultural food scene.

Best time: May–December is particularly popular, although Mauritius works through much of the year.
Perfect for: Families, honeymoons, golf, beaches and multi-generational travel.
Interesting fact: Mauritius was the only natural home of the now-extinct dodo.
Velvet Hippo recommends: Leave your resort occasionally; the island has considerably more to offer than its beaches.

The Seychelles deliver some of the Indian Ocean's most dramatic beaches, where granite formations meet clear water and lush tropical vegetation.

Best time: April–May and October–November are particularly attractive transitional periods.
Perfect for: Honeymoons, beaches, sailing and seclusion.
Interesting fact: The extraordinary coco de mer palm produces the world's largest seed.
Velvet Hippo recommends: Combine two islands rather than remaining on one throughout your stay.

Sri Lanka contains an extraordinary amount within a relatively compact island: ancient cities, tea country, wildlife, beaches and distinctive food and culture.

Best time: Depends on coast because different monsoons affect different parts of the island.
Perfect for: Families, culture, wildlife, food and multi-centre journeys.
Interesting fact: “Ceylon tea” retains the island's former colonial name.
Velvet Hippo recommends: Combine the Cultural Triangle and hill country with a few days on the coast.