Gili Lankanfushi
Two-storey overwater villas of wood and thatch a short speedboat ride from Malé, with no seaplane needed and no shoes expected.
Places to stay we know well
76 hotels, camps, villas and ships, each described by the specialist who recommends it, including who it does not suit.
76 places to stay.
Soneva Fushi
The original no-shoes Maldives island: big jungle villas, a long list of places to eat and a UNESCO biosphere reserve on the doorstep.
Velaa Private Island
A small Noonu Atoll island of villas, houses and four-bedroom residences that can be taken over entirely for a family milestone.
Constance Prince Maurice
A calm, low-rise resort on a sheltered lagoon, with suites on stilts over the mangroves and a floating seafood restaurant.
Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort
Plantation-house suites on the unspoilt south coast, with two golf courses, a château restaurant and an adult-only wing.
LUX* Le Morne
A breezy, good-humoured resort at the foot of Le Morne mountain, on one of the island's best beaches for sunsets.
Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury
The grand old name of Mauritian hotels: 69 sea-facing suites on a sheltered beach at the edge of Grand Baie.
Shangri-La Le Touessrok
The east coast family favourite, with the island's largest kids club, a guests-only islet and two championship golf courses.
The Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius
Thatched pavilions and pool villas in 20 acres of gardens on Turtle Bay, a protected marine park on the sunset side of the island.
Constance Ephelia
A 120-hectare resort between two beaches on Port Launay Marine National Park, 40 minutes from the airport, with a spa village and kids club.
Constance Lemuria
The only 18-hole championship golf course in the Seychelles, wrapped around beaches on the north-west tip of Praslin, 15 minutes from the airport.
Denis Private Island
A flat island on the edge of the Seychelles plateau: 23 beach cottages, a farm, an airstrip, and no mobile signal or in-room internet.