Close your eyes and imagine a tropical paradise. No doubt it's a private island fringed with palms that rustle in a gentle breeze. The sand is white and soft. The water is warm and aquamarine and teems with brightly coloured tropical fish. Your villa has its own private pool, and a butler with perfect timing brings you cold drinks and delicious little snacks. Open your eyes. It's time you booked a luxury holiday or honeymoon to the Maldives.

Looking for turquoise waters, icing sugar sand and swaying palms, but also want to wear your Jimmy Choo's? We understand your dilemma. This relatively large island in the Indian Ocean ticks all the tropical beach boxes, but also boasts world-class luxury hotels, fabulous spas, fantastic golf, wonderful restaurants and service with a capital S. This is the quintessential luxury holiday experience and great for families, too.

Remote, pristine and staggeringly beautiful, the Seychelles are the place to come for a relaxing luxury holiday or honeymoon if you like your beaches au naturel. Here hotels are designed so as not to disturb the turtles laying eggs on golden sands and you'll have to share your island with the wild-roaming giant tortoises. Some of our favourite luxury beach hotels here are those that work in harmony with their pristine environment while offering the very best in stylish, boutique accommodation.