Paradise Islands

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2 DECEMBER 2004
Mauritius
This sensational tropical paradise has attracted the very best of the world's drop-dead luxury hotel brands. Not bad for a little island the size of Surrey, which wasn't even discovered until 1580. With a harmonious mix of Indian, African, Chinese, Creole and European inhabitants (the cuisine is sensational), the island is safe and friendly with a few low-key tourist attractions such as Pamplemousses Botanic Gardens in the capital, Port Louis, as well as spice and sugar plantations and glass-bottomed boat trips.

Grand Baie is the only resort of any size, so holidays are based around hotel life. Share breakfast on the terrace with hummingbirds before strolling to the pristine white beaches through lush gardens of waxy anthuriums, their heart-shaped blooms a riot of hot reds, pinks and greens. The only decision of the day? Which wine to choose at dinner.

Who holidays there: The list of celebrity visitors is to die for; Jodie Kidd, Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, Boris Becker and Emma Bunton are all fans. It's President Chirac's favourite island and Nelson Mandela has also stayed here. It's popular with honeymooners and well-heeled families; many of the hotels run children's clubs. But if you're a wannabe explorer, budget traveller or night owl, Mauritius is not for you.

Where to stay: The beachside getaway Taj Exotica offers spectacular views from its spacious villas that come with private pools as well as a first-rate spa. Le Prince Maurice has been built around a lagoon on a beautiful secluded beach. The five-star facility features a supervised children's club, and watersports galore.

Sri Lanka
Marco Polo's favourite island has charm and culture to spare. Far from dusty relics, sites 2,000 years old are atmospheric and compelling. Don't miss the ancient capital Polonnaruwa, the beautiful city of Kandy and the brooding fortress at Sigiriya. Up in the cooler hills, visit tea plantations and spice gardens, look for leopards, wild boar and elephants in Yala National Park, get delightfully close to cubs at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, and shop for sapphires in the cultural and commerical capital Colombo. The recent opening up of the island's north-east has added yet more glittering beaches; and with a stable political situation, this value-for-money holiday success story is set to run and run.

Who holidays there: There's something for everyone; Chris Tarrant loves the mix of luxury and eco-tourism.

Where to stay: The five-star Elephant Corridor hotel near Sigiriya offers luxury suites plus nature trails, elephant rides and an ayurvedic spa. Saman Villas, on a rocky headland between unspoilt beaches, is an idyllic honeymoon hideaway.