Maldives

This tiny islet in the Lhavinyani Atoll, 80 miles north of the international airport at Malé, is a perfect tropical hideaway. Holding a smaller number of cottages than most, and adult- rather than family-oriented, it’s outstandingly tranquil year round. Choose between stilted water villas (with or without Jacuzzis) and beach villas.

Either way, great levels of privacy are assured by their being detached and screened from each other by abundant foliage. And you’re never more than a few steps from the lagoon, whose waters are kept perennially calm by a sea wall. Komandoo is a particularly good option for passionate swimmers: a gap in the reef where turtles congregate ensures some intense snorkelling experiences, and the coral is exceptionally colourful.