Goa is a great destination which caters for a vast range of holiday makers. With fantastic sunshine record from October to May, it has become a very popular choice for a winter escape. At one end of the scale, North Goa offers more simple accommodation, small tourist markets, bars and beach shacks tend to attract the free spirit travellers or those who want to see how the locals live.

Calangute and Baga have become developed in comparison to other resorts but maintain their traditional feel. Cost of living is incredibly cheap and the locally caught fish offer some fantastic meals. The South of Goa is more sophisticated and upmarket. Bogmalo Beach and Mobor is where you would find the 4, 5 and even 6 star hotels. The hotels tend to have their own stretch of beach for their guests to relax on. Beach shacks are scattered along the beaches for a snack or drink. The hospitality of the locals is very friendly and the service in the hotels and bars is excellent.

Spread over 700 miles and comprising 1200 islands the Maldives is a unique destination. Each hotel occupies its own island and islands can have different time zones to one another. The islands have been described for years as 'paradise' and it's easy to see why. The white golden sandy beaches, the turquoise clear waters filled with elaborate tropical fish and coral reefs makes for a perfect destination for a totally relaxed holiday.

Not surprisingly the islands attract experienced scuba divers and snorkelling, and inspires novices to take the plunge and experience the fantastic underwater world just off the beaches including turtles, squirrel fish, barracuda, clown fish and lionfish. Start your holiday by arriving at your hotel in style - by speedboat, seaplane or local dhoni. The capital of Male is a great place to visit the local markets and can be reached by boat from most resorts. It has been said that the Maldives is the most relaxing place in the world to escape from 'real life'.

Mauritius is blessed with miles of spectacular golden sandy coastline and unbroken coral reef. Nearly 2000 miles off the east coast of Africa, the island in the Indian Ocean is breathtakingly beautiful. The Mauritians are incredibly hospitable and welcoming, the cuisine is varied reflecting the mix of cultures within the small island. Nightlife is quiet and tends to be centred around the hotels.

In addition to the magnificent scenery and beautiful beaches, deep-sea fishing and fantastic golf courses offers the opportunity for some relaxing activity and a change from the idyllic beaches. The capital of Port Louis offers some opportunities to do some shopping at local markets but the best bargains should be sought at factory outlets across the island. Without a doubt, the island of Mauritius offers adventure and relaxation both on land and at sea.

Sri Lanka offers great variety, including culture, fantastic golden beaches, gloriously warm seas and wildlife. Most resorts are essentially made up of a hotel complex. Resorts of Mount Lavinia offer a cosmopolitan feel close to the capital Colombo. Beruwela, Waddauw and Bentota Beach are more relaxed and are focussed around the beach and beach shacks. Not surprisingly local dishes include locally caught fresh fish which should not be missed.

The fishing village of Negombo offers the chance to see the local fishermen bringing in their catch as well as the local Market adding another opportunity to see the real Sri Lankan life.