Paradise islands

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2 DECEMBER 2004
Cradled in the warm, azure-blue waters of the Indian ocean, these sun-drenched islands are a popular getaway of choice for celebs intent on banishing the winter blues. Share their sunshine escape with a holiday of a lifetime on one of the most world's breathtaking isles

The Seychelles
They share breathtaking beaches, lush exotic vegetation and the rarest wildlife, but the greatest selling point of this chain of 115 islands is that each has its own particular character. Each trip to a new island feels like a completely new holiday, so if you like island-hopping, then the Seychelles are made for you.

Mahe is the largest and most varied of the islands, with some semblance of nightlife. Praslin, dubbed the Garden of Eden, is the most beautiful, while on the quaint and laidback La Digue, it seems as if time has stood still. Five-star Fregate has become a firm favourite with the Hollywood set, while Denis, which was once a coconut plantation, is a favourite with escapists and honeymooners.

Bird Island draws the naturalists with more than a million sooty terns and the star turn, 150-year-old tortoise Esmeralda. Until recently, the Seychelles were described as a five-star destination with three-star accommodation. But happily that has now changed, with a clutch of hotels that can rank alongside the world's best.

Who holidays there: The Blair family fell for La Digue, Sir Paul and Heather Mills McCartney booked the whole of Fregate for their honeymoon, and Ben Kingsley recently filmed on North Island. Adventurers and naturalists will love the islands, too.

Where to stay: Hole up in one of 16 secluded Balinese-style villas on Fregate, which boasts some of the planet's rarest species, plus a first-rate watersports centre and spa. On Mahe, the Banyan Tree has stunning hillside villas with private pools, plus a Thai restaurant, alfresco spa and magnificent ocean views; all you need for a no-cares holiday.