The endless hustle and bustle of modern living is enough to make most people long for a Castaway experience a la Tom Hanks. Of course, acres of white sands and transparent waters are nothing short of dreamy, but not many really envy the Oscar-winner his leaky hut and coconut diet. So imagine discovering that there are still parts of the world that lie virtually untouched and barely inhabited, but for a smattering of eco-friendly small hotels. Many bring new meaning to castaway chic, so that adventurous travellers can get the solitude they crave without having to give up the comforts from home.

As Carmen Electra was unavailable for Girl Friday duties, my husband made do with me as companion on our desert island expedition. Fortunately, our trip to North Island, the newest and most luxurious island resort in the Seychelles, didn't require any survival tools, only a good camera to capture the wonder of this environmental sanctuary. North Island is home to rare birds and giant tortoises which lumber around undisturbed by the few tourists lucky enough to share their playground. There are only 12 thatched-roof villas, each with a plunge pool and private access to the palm-fringed beach. A dive centre and spa are the luxurious finishing touches.

On the other side of the world, the islands of the South Pacific are just as magical. But you'll have to look hard to find Kia Ora Sauvage, a retreat in miniature within the Tuamotu Island group. It takes one hour to get there by boat from Rangiroa, weaving through miles of reef sheltering multi-coloured fish. There are only five beach bungalows, no electricity and no phones. Fabulous for snorkelling, swimming and dolphin sighting, the island offers an authentic Polynesian honeymoon for the adventurous.

I love Australia, but this huge and beautiful island can be overwhelming to navigate. This is when it's time to head for the hills - or in this case one of the tiny islands floating off the mainland. Poruma Island Resort is nothing short of Utopian. With its coconut thatch huts, each with a plunge pool and outdoor bathroom, this charming resort in the Torres Strait is also a fishing paradise. Regular boat trips will whisk you to nearby uninhabited islands for picnics, snorkelling and romance. And if you fancy extending your skills local fishermen will teach you how to catch marlin and coral trout that the chef will then cook for that evening's dinner.

Whizz across to the other side of the globe and you could be lucky enough to stumble across Quilalea. This undiscovered gem is a private island and nature sanctuary in the Quirimbas Archipelago off the coast of Mozambique. Boasting nine luxury villas with panoramic Indian Ocean views; diving with turtles and whale watching are just two of the unmissable activities. In the evenings, enjoy the five-star restaurant which specialises in delicious, local cuisine influenced by the flavours of Portugal and Goa, and reflect on the unadulterated romance of your surroundings.