Île aux Cerfs

At first glance, this is paradise spoiled, but think again. Like Marilyn Monroe and Cleopatra, Île aux Cerfs' killer looks have triggered its demise. Once sparsely populated by cerfs (stags; imported for hunting from Java), this picturesque island is now overrun with touts and replete with tourists baking under the tropical sun or lazing in the perfect, gin-clear waters. The obtrusive crowds and general summer-camp vibe may be off-putting at first, but few people realise that the island boasts over 4km of sandy bliss. Hike a mere kilometre down the beach and you'll uncover an idyllic ocean vista that you can have all to yourself.