Seychelles itinerary: A guide to the perfect holiday 

Your international flight will touch down on Mahé, so it makes sense to choose a resort on this main island for a couple of nights and start your discovery of the Seychelles right here. Beau Vallon is the key beach area and is handy for visiting the capital, Victoria. Okay, you didn’t come to the Seychelles to go to a city, but how about one of the smallest capitals in the world? Vibrant and friendly, it’s worth checking out.

The best way to get the most out of Mahé is to hire a car and start exploring – the coastal roads leading from Victoria are studded with gorgeous coves and beaches to stop off at – such as Anse Soleil and Grand Anse – and artists' studios to visit. Head inland to climb up into the forest-swathed mountains: take a hike on one of the many well-marked trails in Morne Seychellois National Park or seek out viewpoints like the one at Mission Historical Ruins for stupendous views over the island.

Mahé is also the best-connected of the islands for taking day trips to the smaller or further-flung islands. Take a boat or seaplane to private islands such as Frégate, Anonyme or Bird and enjoy the castaway feeling.

Time to slow down a little. You may want to make Praslin your base for the longest chunk of time, such are its charms – there are sights to explore and some rare wildlife to spot, but the island’s also home to some of the most staggeringly beautiful beaches…well, anywhere. Seek out Anse Lazio, the Eight Bays, Anse Georgette – the list goes on. We’re talking perfect white sand, blue seas and ancient boulders, all fringed by swaying palms. Back to the beaches, though – Côte d’Or is a buzzy resort with lots to do, especially watersports, and it’s also the launch point for trips to Curieuse Island. This is one of the best places in the country to meet giant tortoises – and a hop over to St Pierre also offers some brilliant snorkelling. But you also must get yourself over to the Vallée de Mai, an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of a forest of coco de mer, where unique birdlife such as the black parrot flies overhead.