Warm water, beautiful beaches and countless islands, the Indian Ocean is home to some of the world’s best leisure destinations. Loved by the full spectrum of traveller – from adventure seekers to those in pursuit of optimal relaxation – these places are the picture postcard of ‘wish you were here’ fame.

An easy flight from Europe, Africa and the Middle East – and accessible from anywhere in the world without much fuss – the island nations that dot the Indian Ocean also offer a lot of variety from country to country. But while they differ in terms of food, scenery and culture, they all serve up the same level of absolute escapism.

Mauritius – a never-fail favourite
A firm fan favourite for families and honeymooners alike, the lush volcanic island of Mauritius has it all, and is considered a foolproof please-everyone island escape. Influences from India, Asia, the Middle East and Europe all converge here in a melting pot of cuisine and culture. A huge range of options – thanks to its veteran status as a holiday destination – means there is everything from luxury all-adult resorts to all-inclusive family havens and of course a plethora of self-catering villas too.

Maldives – private tropical paradise
Comprising 26 coral atolls and over 1,000 islands, most of them uninhabited, the Maldives is the quintessence of an aquatic paradise. With Malé home to a large portion of the island nation’s population, the remaining islands make up a vast archipelago of tropical luxury. Many of these islands are home to only one resort too – so this is the place to come if you’re looking for far-flung, away from it all exclusivity.

Madagascar – the path less travelled
Astonishing wildlife and varying landscapes – Madagascar is entirely unique. With 90% of its species only found here, it operates as a microcontinent of awe-inspiring diversity and beauty. One for the adventurous traveller – this island is the antithesis of a commercial holiday destination, and retains a sense of the unexplored. Its 250 islands span sacred sites and preserved national parks populated with rainforests and baobabs and surrounded by hundreds of kilometres of barrier reef.

Seychelles – nature unfiltered
Slightly smaller than its counterparts, but no less magnificent, the Seychelles comprises 100 – mostly uninhabited – islands. A a tropical wonderland of powdery beaches and forests, crystal clear and granite outcrops, it’s supremely beautiful and pristine. Within its bounds, there is a lot of variety – you can opt for rural and off the beaten track (with just a handful of inhabitants) or larger and more luxe. Depending on how high your need to escape is.

Zanzibar – colour and culture
An easy hope from Tanzania’s mainland, the archipelago of Zanzibar is a convergence of Middle Eastern, African and Asian influences. Stone Town – a well preserved bastion of ancient culture and architecture – is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in some of the destination’s history. One of the African destinations where you can also seamlessly combine safari and aquatic holiday – as simply as heading back inland – it offers the best of beach and bush.

Mozambique – adventures all round
A wonderland of tropical landscape and protected marine reserves, Mozambique’s five islands offer a premium beach and diving experience – you can see dolphins, the endangered dugong, turtles, manta rays, and more. On the more rugged end of the spectrum, Mozambique is the best of raw and unspoilt African adventure meets ldyllic coastal escape – fishing communities dot the beautiful coastline, and its wild beaches feel far from the beaten track.

Select your perfect escape

Steadfast is plugged in and clued up on the high points of all of these island paradises. Chat to one of our team to help you decide which is the ideal destination for your next breakaway.