secrets For socially-distanced escapes on secluded shores, look to the Indian Ocean, writes Laura French


DESTINATIONS ISOLATED ESCAPES | INDIAN OCEAN


s


ecluded escapes cut off from the rest of the world have always held their


allure – but perhaps no more so than now, when social distancing has given us a newfound appreciation for nature and all the vast, open space it offers. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most remote stays across the Indian Ocean, from exclusive eco-retreats floating above the Maldivian lagoon to Seychellois hideaways where turtles nest on the shore and palms sway above the sand.


BEST FOR… DINING Kandolhu Maldives: Sometimes good things come in small packages, and this tiny island resort proves the point. Glowing out from the lagoon in a splodge of emerald, it’s home to a smattering of overwater and beach villas nestled among the palms, with an impressive choice of restaurants for an isle of its size (five, all à la carte). Restaurants offer Peruvian, Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine and everything is included in its all-inclusive deal. One of the


restaurants only has six seats – the emphasis is on intimacy. There’s also a dive centre and spa, plus complimentary snorkelling, sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking. Book it: Kuoni offers a week’s all-inclusive in a Beach Villa from £4,179 per person, including flights from Gatwick on selected


dates in May and June 2021. kuoni.co.uk


BEST FOR… BIODIVERSITY Hilton Seychelles, Silhouette Island: Set on a beach in a national marine park on the remote Silhouette Island, Emirates Holidays recommends this secluded, all-villa retreat for its rich biodiversity. It also has some of the Seychelles’ best diving found in the surrounding waters. Six restaurants, a bar and spa hidden in the jungle mean there’s plenty to keep guests occupied, while the wider island offers quiet beaches, palm-fringed hiking trails and a trio of authentic villages – including the historic La Passe, home to a population of 135 and dedicated to the island’s conservation.


² travelweekly.co.uk 3 DECEMBER 2020 29


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