The UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is another one of the Seychelles' must-dos. Take a guided tour through the primeval forest (free tours are given at 9am and 2pm daily) and see endemic trees, the curious fruit of coco de mer palm (the trees only grow in two places in the world, and nuts grow up to 42 kilos heavy), and a plethora of rare bird species.

The now privately-owned Bird Island is the archipelago's northernmost, tellingly named after its incredible population of birds. The Bird Island Lodge provides eco-friendly accommodation and delicious meals, and further pursuits include snorkelling, dolphin-watching, and meeting the island's largest inhabitant - the 300kg tortoise Esmeralda.

With a very self-explanatory name for a diving festival, Dive Fest delivers exactly what it says on the packet. Surrounded by a crystal clear tropical ocean, Saint Lucia is the ideal place for scuba diving enthusiasts. Get your gear on and be prepared for what the Caribbean Sea has to reveal. You will see the most colourful and majestic of marine wildlife effortlessly gliding past you in the tranquil waters at one of the island's more than 22 world-class diving sites. Take part in the events organised around the theme of scuba diving and join in with the fun.

Stimulate your cultural and artistic inclinations by visiting this local museum, which features various Canadian contemporary art and innovative art by local artists. Stroll along the halls, engulfed by the visual feast, perhaps even chatting with the artists themselves. Bring your children on Family Sundays to participate in special activities related to the museum's exhibits.