THERE is a tangible excitement within an airport terminal.

Stressed parents checking their pockets to ensure that the boarding cards are where they should be, and wondering just how children ever entertained themselves before iPods; and backpackers beginning their world tours, and seeing how long they can go without shaving – especially the females.

As for me, I was anticipating an adventure to the most southerly and westerly part of Britain, the Isles of Scilly.

The Scillies are an archipelago consisting of five inhabited islands and countless rugged outcrops, renowned for their beauty, wildlife and tranquillity.

Despite reflecting the colours of the Mediterranean, and having a temperate climate throughout the year, the fact is these isles are a mere 26 miles south-west of Lands End.

There is barely any air pollution, crowds, litter or traffic, and the locals are hell bent on protecting their Eden despite the temptations of development.

On the whole, therefore, the islands have progressed into the modern age without compromising their unique nature and culture which extends back thousands of years to the mythical lost land of Lyonesse.

In the spring, Scilly plays host to the World Pilot Gig Championships, which attracts teams from all over the world.

Gigs are long, narrow rowing boats, originally used as lifeboats, but which now form the main sport on Scilly.

The rowing is fiercely competitive and makes for exciting viewing from the packed ferries which accompany the races.

During the summer there are day trips available from Penzance, which is perhaps a good way to get a feel for the place. And come October the islands are inundated by thousands of bird watchers – or ‘twitchers’ – keen to hop from island to island to capture a glimpse of a rare feathered migrant.

Having arrived at Bristol airport, I found myself making my way across the tarmac and up the steps into a Skybus – a De Havilland Twin Otter capable of carrying 19 passengers.

There is a wonderful sense of adventure flying in one of these machines, and it feels like they may ask you to parachute the last mile – Indiana Jones style.

However, for health and safety reasons, they do actually choose to land. And this we did some 75 minutes later at St Mary’s airport.

Flying to Scilly is an expensive luxury but by far the quickest and most convenient way.

For those on a budget, the most economical method is on the Scillonian ferry from Penzance.

Although the cruise exceeds three hours, and even though you may see your breakfast again, it is a memorable moment when you first catch a glimpse of the islands gradually unfolding upon the horizon.

The ferry and planes disembark on the main island of St Mary’s with onward transfers to Tresco. While a helicopter service offers direct flights to both St Mary’s and Tresco from Penzance.

It is worth mentioning at this stage that travelling is governed somewhat by the weather, so there are occasions where flights are delayed for a short while, especially if fog is involved.

For the uninitiated, Scilly is quite a departure from routine life.

The opportunity to get away from the stresses of modern living and find a beautiful, sandy beach all to oneself is why holidaymakers are drawn back time after time in an almost spiritual way.

There are no ‘World of...’ tacky attractions and only a modest range of shops, so Scilly is not for those who require manmade entertainment.

But being strategically located in the Gulf Stream, the islands benefit from relatively mild temperatures throughout the year.

This has allowed the development of a prolific flower exporting industry, and the creation of Tresco’s most acclaimed attraction, the Abbey Gardens – which was my first port of call.

Some 200 years ago the governor of the Isles, Augustus Smith, realised the potential within a sub-tropical climate for creating gardens containing rare and exotic species collected from all over the globe. And as I walked through the acres of foliage, it truly felt that Cornwall was at least a continent away.

The gardens are a Mecca for horticulturalists, and they also host a fascinating collection of figureheads salvaged from shipwrecks of the notorious seas around the islands.

The Abbey Gardens are the most memorable part of Tresco, although the island also boasts first class accommodation.

The Flying Boat Club, named after a WWII sea-plane base which originally occupied the site, is a relatively new micro-village of high quality self-catering apartments, mostly sited upon a long sandy beach.

Nearby is the New Inn pub, with accommodation. And a 15 minute stroll beyond takes you to the Island Hotel, which was to be my place of stay.

Although I chose to walk, the hotel will happily transfer you and your baggage from the quay or heliport via a tractor-pulled carriage or even a golf buggy, because cars don’t exist on this island.

On approach to the hotel’s reception, you pass through some gardens and catch your first glimpse of a well-maintained tennis court and swimming pool. However, what really captivates is the unbelievably beautiful location of this complex – just yards from a sandy beach and with truly spectacular views across some of the islands and outcrops of the northern isles.

The hotel itself is impressive and has a three-star grading. While not exactly cheap, the suite I occupied was spacious and tastefully furnished. And the higher overheads incurred from being on an island, as well as its extraordinary panoramic views, go a long way to justifying this excess.

Most of the residents were regulars (always a good sign) and could be categorised as wealthy retired. Having said that, the hotel is by no means dated, and the stylish dining area served well-prepared modern English cuisine, favouring quality over quantity.

Alongside is a bar, lounge and terrace, all sharing those wonderful views. The hotel has 48 rooms, of which 45 overlook the sea.

Additionally there is a sister hotel on the neighbouring island of Bryher, called Hell Bay Hotel, which also boasts a stunning location.

Daily transport to the other islands from Tresco is cleverly coordinated and there is an excellent deli located behind the aforementioned Flying Boat Club.

Paintings by local artist Richard Pearce adorn many walls around the islands, and his studio is idyllically located in an old gig shed on Bryher. It’s well worth a visit.

The resourceful islanders also produce and sell some tasteful crafts, and on St Mary’s there is an outlet for Isles of Scilly branded clothing, which appears to be a ‘must’ purchase for almost every tourist.

On the practical side, you are well advised to come prepared for a variety of weather. When it’s hot, it’s very hot, but gales and driving rain can also sweep the islands. I have to say that I rather like the changeable weather as I am not one to spend all day stretched out on the sand semi-naked. Although the locals will tell you that you can tan alarmingly fast just by wandering around, without even trying.

Tresco feels like a rather exclusive island and if you’re looking for the perfect honeymoon destination then you’ve just found it.

Several celebrities favour the islands for their seclusion so you just might find yourself rubbing shoulders with a Hollywood star, or, less glamourously, Bill Oddie.

With European destinations looking less attractive with the current exchange rates, this would be the perfect time to experience Scilly. The beauty of an island holiday is the feeling of escapism, and at the end of the day there can be no finer experience than watching the sun lowering into an azure sea, while the beams of the lighthouses sweep across the ocean.

All of which can be done from the privacy of your hotel balcony… fantastic!