HERE I am in Sri Lanka wading out through the warm sea to the tiny island of Taprobane off Weligama on the South Coast. There’s no other way to get there, it’s just 100 yards off the coast, palm fringed of course.

TRAVELLERS are forever seeking the perfect little place far from the madding crowd. For some it’s a deck chair under a huge umbrella on a palm-edged beach in the Caribbean. Others seek adventure, ancient monuments or a glimpse of endangered wildlife. I myself am in search of tranquil surroundings, cool crisp linen, freshly squeezed juices and of course good food.