Tresco is one of the five inhabited islands and the whole island is a private estate, leased from the Duchy of Cornwall in the mid-1830s by Augustus Smith, and is still run by the family. The setting is absolutely stunning. Air straight off 2,000 miles of Atlantic Ocean and crystal clear water combine to give the light a special quality whatever the weather. Scilly is known as our own little piece of the Caribbean and unlike most promotional hype, it really does feel like that. But it really does not matter when you visit, somehow Scilly manages to keep its magic in all weathers. Exploring the derelict cottages on the island of Samson in the rain or huddling up by the fire watching the Atlantic gales pummeling the rocky shoreline is as energising as flopping on the beach.

You will only see the estate vehicles, golf buggies and tractors on Tresco; it is in essence, car-free, with most people getting about on bikes from the hire shop. Sometimes even the bike is a bit quick, so walk a circuit of the island's 750 acres which will only take a couple of hours - from the rugged north coast with the opposing Cromwell's and King Charles' castles, down to the pristine white sands of Appletree Bay in the south.

It is the perfect place to just kick back and recharge the batteries. There is also plenty to do when not in the 'chill zone'. The island has a pub, The New Inn which serves great food and is entered in the Michelin Guide 'Eating out in Pubs'. The Island Hotel, on the west coast in a magnificent setting overlooking Old Grimsby Sound, has two rosettes from the AA (or just try a cream tea on the lawn).

The Tresco Stores makes eating in so much easier as it has its own bakery and a delicatessen with a wide variety of locally sourced produce. They also offer freshly made sandwiches, salads and hot snacks. Newspapers, magazines, postcards, suntan lotion and photographic film are also stocked. Groceries can be ordered in advance and delivered, free of charge, to your cottage prior to your arrival.

The Abbey Garden, next to the heliport, is testament to the unique environment; this is a perennial Kew without the glass. The garden is home to species from 80 countries ranging from Brazil to New Zealand and Burma to South Africa. Fittingly, the layout begins with the original plantings around the Priory and ends with the new, terraced Mediterranean Garden, a horticultural world tour condensed into just 17 acres. One corner of the garden houses The Valhalla Museum, a unique collection of some 30 figureheads, most from vessels wrecked around the Isles of Scilly.

Just opposite the harbour at New Grimsby is Gallery Tresco, which has established a reputation for showing some of Cornwall's leading contemporary artists. It also has a wonderful selection of sculpture, jewellery, clothing, prints, cards and gifts.

It sounds like a cliché to say that you will not want to leave the Island, as it is surprising how small your world can become. However if 'island fever' does hit, then indulge it by jumping on a boat to visit one of the other islands whether it is inhabited or, even better, not! Bryher Boats operate a boat service for Tresco. As well as trips to all the other inhabited islands, they also arrange circular trips to spot the wildlife such as puffins and seals around the Eastern Isles, Western Rocks or the Bishop Rock lighthouse. There is no need to book any of the trips, simply turn up and pay on board. The boatmen will inform you of the return times which usually give you 2 or 3 hours to explore the islands.

The Flying Boat Club, with its beachfront properties, is the perfect place to stay to enjoy all that Tresco has to offer.