Indian Ocean

Splashing around in expanses of glittery bath-warm water and being surrounded by A-grade sandcastle mortar. That sounds like childhood holiday ideals – that sounds like the Indian Ocean. The squeal of cheerful children may come as a bit of a surprise in the Maldives, a destination often doused in privacy-seeking couples. But the truth is, the cover has been blown and it turns out little travellers in training are just as transfixed by its tropical beauty. Incredible kids’ clubs are a given but it’s experiences that can be enjoyed by little (and big) kids together that are the real draw here – whether an exhilarating submarine journey to the depths or escaping to spacious villas complete with water slides for some together time.

Meanwhile, a little further south, while the lapping shallows at the beach’s edge are great for a leisurely paddle, there’s a daring side to Mauritius. Its fondness for exhilarating water sports further out to sea; spicy national cuisine that fuse a kaleidoscope of Creole, Indian, French and African cultures; forest hikes through Black River Gorges National Park; and showing off its wild and raw nature on airborne tours will lure sulky teens off their devices.