For an indulgently laid-back holiday in a tropical paradise, the Seychelles tick all the boxes.

Famous for their luxurious resorts, many with exotic spas and fine-dining restaurants, these 115 islands offer an exclusive hideaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, out in the Indian Ocean. It's a pleasure just to lie back and gaze at the calm turquoise waters, pristine white sands and picture-perfect palm trees.

Why not paddle out for a snorkel when the fancy takes you? There's diving too, and from the prehistoric rainforest of Praslin's National Park to the 70 beaches of Mahé, all is beauty and calm. You could take an excursion to Mahé's capital, Victoria, to admire its colonial mansions and meet the giant tortoises at the botanical gardens. You can visit tiny islands such as beautiful La Digue, perhaps joining local fishermen in their boat for a day's angling in the abundant waters. But mainly, you'll simply be lying back on a lounger and sighing in blissful contentment.