With the grey days of January , thoughts of palm-fringed islands and sun drenched beaches are ones to cherish, and for the cream of the world's best, look no further than the new 'Islands & Beaches' collection by luxury long haul holiday specialist, Turquoise  Holidays.  

After twelve years of combing the world's coastline and archipelagos from the Caribbean to New Zealand, taking in The South Pacific, Africa, Australasia and the Indian Ocean, there can be few travel companies better qualified than Turquoise to draw upon their knowledge of the world's most beautiful tropical islands and beaches for the ultimate collection.

The Islands & Beaches collection is brought together in one 244 page brochure which is available from Monday 13 January. The new brochure incorporates over 300 islands and as many luxury beach resorts, each hand-picked by Turquoise's extensively-travelled team of product managers and consultants for their unique appeal and outstanding features.  With hundreds of early booking offers and top tips on when to go, even some of the most aspirational and far flung destinations can come with a price tag that is not beyond the pale.

The brochure also takes readers behind the scenery to discover more unusual holiday combinations such as their range of 'Boots & Bikinis' (safari beach holidays with a difference), 'Romantic Moments' (magical experiences perfect for couples and honeymooners), and small boat cruising and sailing trips around Tahiti, the Caribbean and the Mozambique archipelago for those who love to be on the water. 

Their dedication to providing local knowledge and insider information puts Turquoise's consultants head and shoulders above their peers when it comes to booking a long haul beach holiday, and the new Islands & Beaches collection is no exception with an in-depth look into the culture and lifestyle of the islands and their people, as well as guides to activities, touring and getting away from the mainstream tourist trail.

Here are a few favourite highlights in the words of some of Turquoise's expert consultants:

Suzy Higgs, South Pacific & New Zealand specialist:

“It is impossible not to fall in love with the Cook Islands. At Turquoise we go beyond the picture-perfect beaches and lagoons to discover their hidden beauty.  In Fijiwe also take you to a land less travelled and explore the enchanting northern region, and two of our favourite island escapes: Matangi & Qamea.  As the UK's leading Tahiti specialist, we'll guide you through the 118 glorious islands and create a bespoke itinerary to make any South Pacific dream holiday a reality. With so many islands to choose from, it is hard to pick a favourite but to me our winning combination is the Ultimate Island Hopping Guide showcasing the best of the Society Islands. For those who prefer to be on the water, travelling by yacht or small cruise ship shows these beguiling islands from an entirely different perspective.  The only way to experience New Zealand is to explore this varied and beautiful country on one of our tried, tested and much loved itineraries… from Campervan to Gourmet.”

Johanna Bromiley, Indian Ocean specialist:

“For 2015 we have a new boutique programme for one of the most culturally diverse islands in the world, Sri Lanka, which has wonderful new product now that the east of the island has opened up. Our two week tour covers culture, beach, elephants and tea plantations and three of the island's newest properties including the rustic but heavenly Jungle Beach located on a pristine east coast beach. However it is also hard to beat a new take on an old Turquoise favourite, Mauritius, where unusual authentic properties like the 20 room family run hotel Lakaz Chamarel in the Mauritian mountains, or 20 Degrees South, combine brilliantly with a traditional beach resort such as the Constance Prince Maurice. It is the perfect honeymoon destination.”

Rachel Gleave, Asia specialist:

“We travel beyond the enduringly popular island of Bali to Lombok and Komodo Island, and to Java to see the temples of Borobudur.  Lombok is fantastic value for money with lively beach resorts and many activities from mountain treks and snorkelling in the Gili Islands.  The Pool Villas in Thailand are now so popular that we have included Anantara Phuket Villas, The Shore at Kata Thani and Sri Panwa, all of which have fabulous private pools, some with stunning sea views. Borneo is a new addition to our brochure – it is one of our top destinations for 2015. As well as the perfect jungle beach holiday, we feature the gorgeous beach resorts off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, such as Gaya Island Resort with its  contemporary Malay style or the more rustic jungle charm of Bunga Raya.”

Sue Bell, Africa specialist:

“For over a decade we have travelled the coastlines and wildlife-rich bush of Africa in search of the best. I love the way the untouched islands and beaches of Zanzibar and Mozambique marry so naturally with a safari adventure.  The  'to-die-for' islands of Zanzibar, Fundu Lagoon and Mnemba, both two of my Spice Island favourites, blend seamlessly via a short light aircraft hop with the wilderness of southern Tanzania's Selous Game Reserve or, just slightly further, with the world famous Masai Mara.  Consider the unexplored archipelagos and coastline of Africa's rising star, Mozambique, so wonderfully easy to get to from a South Africa game lodge. Safari beach holidays have never been easier.  Even in South Africa, wave-watching coastal retreats and boutique boltholes are popping up along the coast in and around Cape Town, making a long weekend to the 'Mother City' well worth considering.  I love Birkenhead House on a clifftop just outside Hermanus. As coastal beach houses go, it is simply one of the best in the world, with food and service to match, breakfast served with humpback whales as a backdrop before surf lessons from the manager, Shane.” 

Catherine Blanks, Caribbean specialist:

Mine is a personal selection of hotels on the Caribbean's most beautiful islands – some of which are fast becoming firm Turquoise favourites. Unleash your inner pirate and take to the seas on a sail & stay holiday in the BVIs, kick off your shoes and escape from the world at wonderful Petit St Vincent, indulge in award-winning cuisine at Cobblers Cove in Barbados or simply relax in 5 star luxury at Sugar Beach in Saint Lucia.

The following price indications are per person and all include international flights from the UK, domestic flights where relevant and private transfers:

 A ten night sail and stay holiday around the BVIs costs from £2999.

• A two week tailor-made tour of Sri Lanka on a partial half and full board basis costs from £3650.

• Seven nights in the Seychelles staying at Hotel L'Archipel costs from £1603 per person

• Seven nights in the Maldives staying at Velassaru costs from £1,198 per person

• Seven nights in Mauritius staying at the Hotel 20 Degrees South costs from £1214 on a half board basis.

• A ''Boots and Bikini' safari-beach holiday in Tanzania and Zanzibar costs from £3299 per person for 11 nights on an all-inclusive basis (4 nights at Sand Rivers in the Selous with 7 nights at Fundu Lagoon) including flights, transfers, game drives, boating, fishing trips, mangrove canoe safaris and a dhow sunset cruise. 

•  A twelve night 'Heavenly Cooks' itinerary costs from £ 3735 per person

• A twelve day Tahiti 'Ultimate Island Hopping' around Moorea, Taha'a and Bora Bora costs from £4,885 per person

• A two week 'New Zealand by Campervan' journey costs from £2,865 per person. 

For a copy of the new 'Islands and Beaches' brochure by Turquoise Holidays or more information on any of the destinations it features, please visit www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk, call T: 01494678400, or visit the Turquoise Holidays shop at 147 Northcote Road,  London SW11 or The Stables, 4 Bakery Court, Beaconsfield.