During the cold British winters why not ditch it all and make for a far-flung tropical island? As island aficionados, we have something up our sleeve for every travel whim, whether it’s adventure-seeking, family holidays, eco-forward hotels or those impossibly romantic resorts woven into surreal settings that tip you into a different dimension altogether.
We are also delighted to have Clare Leigh as a part of the F&P family, whose impressive 25 years of island experience across the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean and sailing makes her a real asset to the team.
Why we love the Seychelles
We are so excited to add the Seychelles to our Island collection. With its shimmering turquoise waters and flawless beaches backed by jungle the Seychelles have an other-worldly quality that lures in travellers from faraway lands. Several islands remain largely unspoiled due to their extreme seclusion. As such, their reefs play host to an array of thriving exotic marine life. Their jungle-coated centres and boulder-strewn beaches recall a prehistoric era.
Most of the hotels, like Constance Ephelia in Mahé, are sewn into this remarkable landscape. Occupying an ethereal coralline island, Constance Ephelia is a luxe spin on Robinson Crusoe, where days can be spent conservation-driven diving, deep sea fishing or unwinding in a top-drawer spa. 40 kilometres from Mahé and with a population of 7,000, the island of Praslin is home to unspoiled beaches and tropical landscapes. On this slice of heaven, Raffles Seychelles provides secluded luxury from its hillside villas with unobstructed views of the Indian Ocean.
Why we love the Maldives
Above and beyond the glassy lagoons and ring-fencing perfect slithers of white sand, we love the fact that the Maldives is a mere four hours ahead promising early nights and views of sunrises across the vast horizons. Atoll reefs are a playground for divers, with whale sharks, exotic fish and manta rays gliding through the balmy waters, and afternoons spent sipping cocktails and wallowing in the shallows.
Envisage two islands linked by a bridge, one with pod suites suspended among banyan trees, the other with a wow-factor infinity pool surrounded by cabanas, and you’ll mentally arrive, at Niyama Private Islands. Eco-forward Gili Lankanfushi shares this thrilling sense of isolation and has recently opened the world’s largest overwater villa.
Why we love Mauritius
What’s not to love about Mauritius? Its islands’ blend of history (courtesy of its past life as a European trading post) and staggering landscape satisfy all tribes of traveller. The Indian Ocean’s flawless contrast with the sand, its ethereal shades and bath-warm temperature lure a handful of high-calibre hotels to the shoreline.
One & Only Le Saint Géran is one of them, set along a private peninsula where Old World villas hover over lagoons and palms shift in the long, docile afternoons. Hopeless romantic, LUX Le Morne also enjoys its own peninsula with a string of Balinese-themed villas and a treasure chest of tailored classes and experiences. Shanti Maurice can be found in the unsullied south – a beloved spot by returning families and couples, who rave about the hotel’s knockout spa.
Why we love the Caribbean
Along with the Caribbean’s civilised flight time and time difference, its laid back spirit and generous sunshine make it a resounding hit for all travellers. The sheer variety of its islands’ landscapes offers up something for the whole clan – from adventurous jungle treks and diving expeditions to Creole cooking classes and undemanding stints in world-leading spas.
Not far from Barbados’ thrumming capital, all rum and sunshine, the Coral Reef Club oozes timeless glamour amid its manicured gardens and linen-and-loafers spirit. Timeless glamour is equally abundant in Antigua, where palm and bougainvillaea-smothered hotels such as Carlisle Bay and Curtain Bluff twist towards the island’s ravishing sunsets, blazing across the horizon. Lush, untamed Dominica continues to charm the nature-lovers with its tropical green, exotic wildlife and untouched coral reefs. And clinging to a steep cliff above an aquamarine cove, Secret Bay is a lesson in low-key luxury (as well as a trailblazing eco-concept) with whale watching, riding and cave diving the order of the day.
Speak to Clare, our in-house Island expert to start planning your escape. Email Clare at [email protected], call +44 (0) 1306 264005.