Holidays in the Indian Ocean are synonymous with palm-fringed beaches, translucent waters, coral reefs teeming with marine life and, of course, seriously luxurious hotels. But there is diversity to be found within this pocket of pure holiday hedonism. Mauritius is so much more than just a beach destination, with its fascinating conflation of cultures from across Europe, Africa and Asia. The Seychelles meanwhile is a frontrunner in sustainable tourism and the archipelago is home to amazing wildlife, from birds to centuries-old tortoises and marine marvels beneath the waves. And then there’s the Maldives, which absolutely lives up to the hype as one of the world’s most luxurious destinations with its sophisticated over-water resorts, pioneering cuisine and world-class diving.