There’s more to the Indian Ocean than powder-white beaches and overwater villas. The latest Indian Ocean Collection by National Geographic Traveller (UK) goes in search of the wilder, more unexpected side of the region, from remote islands and ancient trade routes to the people whose lives are shaped by the sea. 

Inside, discover the castaway shores of Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, surf the world-class breaks of Indonesia’s Mentawai Islands and explore the wildlife-rich shores of little-visited Comoros. Meet the women farming seaweed by hand on Zanzibar’s east coast, head beneath the Maldivian waves with marine biologists using AI to map coral reefs and explore the ancient trade routes that connected the Indian Ocean for centuries. Elsewhere, discover what’s next in Indian Ocean wellness, from moonlit sandbank rituals and volcanic hikes to treatments tailored to your own biology, and take a spiritual road trip along Kenya’s Swahili coast to uncover its sacred heritage.

All this, plus a curated collection of the Indian Ocean’s best hotels and experiences — brought to you by our advertising partners — to inspire your next escape.