La Digue

And then there’s our secret favourite: the tiny island of La Digue where life is somewhere between snail and tortoise-paced and the main mode of transport is bicycle. Pedal off in search of a deserted beach, you might just find one to call your own for the day, a place so quiet you can hear the occasional thud of a coconut, watch crabs scuttle and birds fishing.

Two wheels will also take you to the much-photographed Anse Source d’Argent: never out of the top tens, its flamingo-pink sand sparkles against dark granite boulders.

La Digue is an island where time stands still, ox-carts ad bicycles are a superb way of getting around the island and friendly locals create an intimate atmosphere you will never forget.