The islands of the Indian Ocean are surprisingly varied, ranging from cultural melting pots to dots on the horizon - it’s important to pick the right one for you! The gorgeous islands of the Maldives are probably the most beautiful beach destination we’ve ever been to - picture postcard stuff, and then some! Each resort is an island in its own right, and as you can't really get off your island it’s important to make sure that your resort is ideal for you. The Maldives is perfect for relaxation and gentle activity - if it’s sightseeing and culture you’re after, you’re in the wrong place! Water based activities are popular - if you want decent snorkelling and diving (it’s world-class here) then look for an island with a house reef, or if you prefer to potter in the shallows with a good book and a glass of sauvignon blanc (we’re definitely the latter!) then you need an island with a lagoon. Some resorts come with hefty price tags, so it’s important to get things right! ...

The beautiful Indian Ocean island of Mauritius is a melting pot of people and cultures, and is one of the world’s most exotic destinations. Karen  loves the destination. The island of Mauritius seems like just a small dot on the map hundreds of miles off the African coast, but as soon as you arrive you’ll find out there’s a surprising amount to it, and while Mauritius may be seen to many as a place to soak up the sun and relax on the beach, there’s plenty more to see and do. Golf is hugely popular here with a range of excellent courses, the most spectacular of which is probably the Bernhard Langer course on Ile Aux Cerfs, a beautiful island just off-shore. Take a quad bike through the sugar cane plantations, go diving on the coral barrier reef that encircles most of the 200 mile coastline, learn to cook creole-style or be pampered in an award-winning spa. Mauritius offers some of the world’s best hotels, with properties such as Shangri-La's Le Touessrok and Le Saint Géran ...

The islands of the Indian Ocean are amongst the most beautiful in the world, and we’re huge fans of this region having visited most parts of it over the years. From the castaway beaches of the Maldives to the culture of India & Sri Lanka, this is a truly fascinating part of the world. Sri Lanka is a particular favourite of ours and we’ve all been several times - to our mind the best way to see this island is with your own private car & driver, to explore the interior before heading to the beach - or onwards to the Maldives . Sri Lanka is one of the friendliest destinations you’re likely to visit, with an incredible history and beautiful scenery. The nearby islands of the Maldives are just dots on the map, but their beauty really does take your breath away. Each island is individual so getting the right one is important - some have loads of facilities, some are total chill-out. Our favourites include stylish Velassaru, Kuramathi Island with is range of dining optio...

We arrived at the Heritage Le Telfair for the night and wow what a place. The reception area has a cool, colonial feel and the view out over the swimming and resort was simply stunning. I was taken and checked into my room, sorry, suite! My suite at the Heritage Le Telfair After dinner at the fine dining Gin'Jar restaurants which we had the most amazing sushi start and steak main course it was time to retire for the evening.... well actually it was time to head to the very classy Cavendish bar for a finally beer or two. The following morning we were treated to a lovely breakfast just by the beach at the stunning sister hotel, the Heritage Awaili Golf Resort & Spa , which is a great 5* all inclusive property next door to the Le Telfair and has a great African Feel, with a wide choice or bars and restaurants and a long stretch of beach. Heritage Awaili Golf Resort and Spa After inspecting both hotels we were then told that it was lunchtime.... great...

We arrive for the night at the lovely Veranda Paul and Virginie Hotel   which is a lovely boutique hotel on Mauritius North Coast by Grand Gaube. The property had a lovely, romantic feel with friendly staff and spacious rooms. We arrive just in time for a delicious buffet dinner, before a few drinks (or should I saw amazing home grown flavoured rums) at the bar. The following morning awoke to a beautiful blue sky and views of Coin De Mire. After a quick dip in one of the hotels pools headed to breakfast. One of the pools at Veranda Paul and Virginie After breakfast we checked out and headed East. The coast line and beaches on the East are stunning with crystal blue seas and white sandy beaches. Beaches on Mauritius East Coast We stopped of lunch and a spot of free time at the Veranda Palmar Beach Hotel , which is a lovely little resort set on a stunning beach. The hotel offers All Inclusive so you don't need to worry about a thing other than kicking...

Next stop Pamplemousse Garden, which were renamed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens in 1988 but still tends to be known by it's former name. The Gardens are stunning, a collection of amazing tropical planets and trees and is a haven from the heat of this tropical paradise island. I spent a couple of hours strolling around, visiting the lilly pond, with some amazingly huge water lilies and looking at the fruit bats sunning themselves in the palm trees. Amazing water liles in the garden Next....work time, I went to visit a lovely hotel call the Veranda Pointe Aux Biches , one which we use alot and try to visit whenever we are in Mauritius , just to check it is still as great as it always is. The hotel has a great, relaxed beach feel, and it works to a philosophy that, shoes off when you arrive and stay off until you leave, a real kick back and relax hotel. One of my favourite areas of the hotel is the Footloose Bar, which has a great chil...

Hi fellow travellers, another week and another set of great offers and holiday ideas from Escape Worldwide : http://www.escapeworldwide.co.uk/newsletter/offers/Sep10b2.html This week we are looking at Sri Lanka , Maldives , Mauritius  and one of our favorite places Zanzibar . The Maldives has to be on of the most stunning area of the Indian Ocean  with simply stunning beaches and great range of accommodation options. Sri Lanka  not only again has some great beach options but it also has tons of history and culture and a great place for a touring holiday. Mauritius again has simply stunning beaches with a lush green interior great for exploring. Finally probably one of my favorite places has to be the tropical island  of Zanzibar  with the most stunning beaches in the world, history, culture and friendly people. You just simply have to visit Stone Town . Where ever you decided to go Escape Worldwide  has a fantastic range of great holidays. ...