Indian Ocean

Explore our most popular destinations
  • Indonesia

    What makes Indonesia such a fascinating destination is its sheer variety. The country has the fourth-largest population on the planet and there are more than 300 different ethnicities. Some 17,000 islands extend 5,000km around the equator and they feature an incredible geographical diversity. Glorious white-sand beaches, dense jungles and volcanic landscapes scoured clean of vegetation by lava flows are just the start. With this comes the greatest levels of biodiversity to be found anywhere on Earth. So intriguing, you could spend a lifetime exploring Indonesia’s treasures and still discover something new on each visit. By far the most popular and famous destination in Indonesia is the stunning island of Bali, which attracts visitors with its unique culture, striking natural landscapes and gorgeous beaches. Those seeking an exciting metropolis should consider Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, on the island of Java. You may be surprised to learn that only Tokyo is larger and more populated than this bustling city. For a more relaxed vibe, head to the Gili Islands, where you'll find the culture is one practically devoted to maintaining a chilled-out ambience and a resistance to the overdevelopment that has begun to affect other tourist hotspots. To list all the different experiences that you could encounter across Indonesia’s islands would take a lifetime, but this means there is something to suit all tastes. While exploring Indonesia you’ll have opportunities to encounter a richness of wildlife that is almost unparalleled across the globe (only Australia has a greater number of endemic species of flora and fauna). For a real adventure, head into the great jungles of Borneo to meet our ‘cousins’, the charismatic orangutans. Or head to the Komodo National Park, where dragons gather on the shores of the namesake island. Meanwhile, the water positively teams with life, as the coral seas produce a bounty of incredible sights for divers of all levels to uncover. Across all the landscapes is a richness of culture and people that makes Indonesia stand out. Each have their own language, heritage and cuisine that will suit those seeking authentic experiences. Wonder at the technical prowess of Balinese dancers. Be amazed at the skill of the practitioners of silat, traditional Indonesian martial arts, at the schools on Java. And delight at the wealth of delicious street food to be found at almost at every turn. All this and much more awaits you.
  • Maldives

    From swaying palms and turquoise seas to gleaming, white-sand beaches, the Maldives embody every tropical island cliché you can think of. This fabled archipelago comprises nearly 1,200 islands spread among 26 coral atolls straddling the equator. No two islands are the same: some are no more than slivers of land protruding from the ocean, while others are covered in rainforest. Only about 200 are inhabited, and half as many again have been transformed into luxury resorts with over-water villas or cottages tucked into beach vegetation. Better still, many operate in their own time zone, providing the ultimate disconnect.
  • Mauritius

    With some of the best beaches on the planet – and plenty of luxe resorts to match – Mauritius is a top choice for a romantic getaway or a family holiday, relaxing against backdrops of turquoise lagoons and golden sands. But the Indian Ocean island has plenty more to offer beyond the white-sand beaches, from world-class golf to soft adventures, designer boutiques to Creole culture and a vibrant dining scene. While basking in five-star opulence is an appealing (and easy) way to while away a leisurely week, make sure to get off your beach chair to explore the rest of the island’s varied charms.
  • Seychelles

    Nowhere fits the ‘tropical island paradise’ brief quite as well as the Seychelles. Bathed in year-round sunshine, this nation of 115 islands sits adrift in the Indian Ocean almost 1,000 miles to the east of Africa. From coral atolls to jagged peaks, the archipelago is incredibly varied but remains best known for its achingly beautiful beaches. Flanked by towering forests and signature jumbles of time-worn, granite boulders, the postcard-perfect shorelines are often considered among the world’s best. Add in colourful, local culture and some truly one-of-a-kind wildlife and you’ve got all the essentials for the ultimate island escape.
  • Sri Lanka

    The beauty of an island destination is that everything is near at hand. In Sri Lanka that means beaches, cultural cities, tea-covered highlands and wildlife-rich rainforest, all gathered within the central and south-western section of the island. How you play these various cards depends on your interest, and of course on the season, because the monsoon brings rain and tricky sea conditions to this area between May and August. Fortunately, the island’s best weather coincides conveniently with Europe’s wettest, so this is a wonderful place for winter sun.Sri Lanka is an excellent destination for touring and some of the most exciting places to discover are off the beaten track. If you’ve an adventurous spirit, we suggest that you consider a minor detour to experience them fully. You won’t find the kind of globally recognised luxury hotels that we review in these areas, however, we can personally recommend charming boutique guest houses and lodges, independently owned and elegantly managed.