Cerf Island Resort, Seychelles

Imagine skimming across the water in a speedboat to a remote island, ringed by a turquoise lagoon. Rustic bungalows cling to forested hillsides, swimming pools glisten invitingly through the jungle. Youre at Cerf Island, a tiny emerald speck cast adrift in the Indian Ocean, two miles east of Mah.

The drum beats to a slower pace here. Wake to leisurely breakfasts overlooking the lagoon, then snorkel among butterfly fish and starfish in the Sainte Anne Marine Park. After a traditional Creole lunch, explore the web of hiking trails that weaves among coconut groves, past giant tortoises and flying foxes, up to a viewpoint overlooking the ocean and the island-dotted horizon.

Cool off in the infinity pool and perhaps squeeze in a spa treatment before dinner, where you can feast on catch of the day overlooking the shimmering lagoon. Be sure to save enough time to have a beach day and simply sink your toes in the flour-soft swathes of dazzling white sand with nothing more pressing to think about than which cocktail to have brought direct to your towel.