PICTURE a holiday in the Seychelles, and what do you see? The beautiful archipelago in the Indian Ocean conjures up images of crystal waters, palms and coral reefs. In a word, paradise.

It's hard to sum up the Seychelles without using stereotypes that could be applied to any number of exotic locations.

But I discovered these ideals were only the start of what this place has to offer.

The first thing that struck me was the sheer variety of the islands (115 in all), each one with its own attractions, history and beauty spots.

My trip began with a few days at honeymoon haven Denis Island.

This unique privately owned island measures less than two square kilometres and contains a self-sufficient mix of staff and visitors, who mingle into one friendly community.

No mobile phone reception - something that seems to worrry us Brits - becomes a complete luxury at this resort of 23 villas, each with their own section of beach.

Denis's laid back atmosphere is proudly promoted by island manager, Alan St Ange. His outlook on life is contagious, and within hours of arriving, guests are more than content with the absence of door locks, safes, televisions, cars - in fact, anything that reminds you bad things happen in the world.

Alan said: "On arriving on the island I tell everyone that they are at home, and at home you do what you want. Just relax and be yourselves.

"Denis Island is one of the few private islands of the Seychelles and people can only land on the island with our permission - so we don't lock anything and have no keys."

Fresh, locally produced vegetables, meats, fish, fruits, spices, salads and desserts are prepared lovingly by the resort's 12 chefs. Each meal boasts a staggering variety of flavours and ideas.

"You need sugar in your blood, go and enjoy yourself," Mr St Ange can be heard urging his weight-conscious female guests. Any woman who had been putting herself through the hellish "wedding diet" in the run-up to a honeymoon here can more than compensate.

And what better way to work off the calories than enjoying activities that include tennis, diving, windsurfing, canoeing, deep-sea fishing, snorkelling and turtle spotting at sunset?

At different times in history, people of African, Asian and European origin have come to the country, bringing with them distinct traditions, cuisine, art, music, dance and architecture that are still apparent today.

But the lasting influences are undoubtedly the British and French colonisers, and these two languages are widely spoken on the islands.

Sainte Anne Resort and Spa, also on its own private island, with 87 stunning villas, is larger and more cosmopolitan than Denis Island. From here you can explore the main island of Mahe, just a short ferry ride away.

You can hire a bike to ride around the resort, or, if that's too strenuous, hail an electric buggy at any time.

There are two restaurants: the poolside L'Abondance and more secluded Mont Fleuri, a dimly lit hideaway built into the ocean on wooden stilts where visitors can quietly tuck into Mediterranean food.

Spa by Clarins offers tropical treatments - my highlights were the all-over body massage, sauna and herbal bath.

Much of tourism in the Seychelles revolves around heavenly beaches like Anse Volbert and Cote d'Or, both found on the second-largest island, Praslin.

There's a new one-hour catamaran service from Mahe, an entertaining but bumpy ride best avoided by anyone prone to seasickness.

I can recommend a walk around capital Victoria's bustling Saturday market, or a cold drink in popular local café bar The Pirates Arms.

Victoria has a population of 25,000 people - about the same as Dorchester and Sherborne combined - so manages to retain a wonderful sense of community.

The Seychelles boasts two Unesco heritage sites. One, the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, in the heart of Praslin, is a preserved natural palm forest and the only place on earth where you can find the coco de mer palm tree, the largest seed in the plant kingdom. Praslin's coral reefs also boast 800 species of brightly coloured fish.

Variety is undoubtedly what sets this place, and the Seychellois people, apart from any other exotic location.

The country saw a 10 per cent increase in tourism last year, and around 17,000 people travel annually from the UK.

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Luxury travel company Beachcomber Tours offers a range of holidays to the Seychelles. Three nights' full board in one of Denis Island's Deluxe cottages, followed by four nights at Sainte Anne Resort & Spa, starts at £5,027 for two adults. Prices include international and domestic flights. Call Beachcomber Tours on 01483 445 630 or visit beachcombertours.co.uk