Find a little slice of heaven in Scilly Isles Hell Bay

Imagine being transported to a much calmer place, to have the opportunity to cut yourself off from the stresses of modern life and reconnect with nature.

And imagine that transport is not governed by lengthy queues at airports, being squashed into a noisy jet like sardines and facing interminable security and passports checks.

And then imagine that you are actually still in the UK but feel as if you are in another world.

Yes, this is entirely possible with a trip to the Isles of Scilly – just 28 miles from the Cornish coast.

Your journey with travel operator Skybus can start at Exeter or Newquay and a flight down the length of the Cornish coast, with views of two of Cornwall's famous golden beaches, Perranporth and St Ives Bay.

Or you can can fly to Scilly from Skybus's dedicated airport at Land's End – there really is no better place to start your holiday, as I did. And what joy – no long walks through never ending terminals. Instead you are welcomed into an open-plan waiting area with panoramic views of the airfield and a wood-burning stove.

It makes you feel as if you're travelling on a private aircraft – there are only eight passengers per flight after all.

The views from take-off to touch down in the brief 15-minute flight are spectacular with flying height at just 1,500 feet you can see the yachts sailing below and people on the beaches as you fly over the islands on approach to St Mary's airport.

A quick whisk down to the harbour and on to a boat to take you to your final destination if you're not staying on the main island.

I was heading to Bryher, the smallest of the five inhabited islands of the Isles of Scilly just over a mile long and just over half a mile wide. It lies to the west of Tresco, and is separated from that island by the Tresco Channel, once the main anchorage for the islands.

I stepped off the boat, felt the last stress fall away and headed towards my hotel, The Hell Bay – and let me tell you there was nothing hellish about this hotel.

Award-winning, it is set in a picturesque and secluded cove facing the Atlantic Ocean and in extensive grounds. There are 25 suites, all beautifully appointed with Lloyd Loom furniture and Malabar fabrics, and real oases that you are very tempted to hole up in! Many have terraces, some small private garden areas and others balconies with sea views.

A real treat for me were works by some of Cornwall's leading artists hanging in the bar and public rooms, part of the private collection of owners the Dorrien Smith family who also own Tresco.

It was difficult to tear ourselves away from our suite but the lure of the art and a large terrace, where we enjoyed a light lunch, were enhanced by extraordinary views. And at night as the sun went down, the views were equally entrancing.

Aside from the bar menu we had lunch off, there is a superb restaurant offering a wide selection of local and seasonal food. Our dinners were simply fantastic and I must say the chef in charge of the puddings deserves an award for the intricacy, flavours and presentation of his mouth-watering delights. There's also a small spa and heated outdoor pool to enjoy.

Walking round the island there are a couple of dozen house, the Fraggle Rock bar, a small shop and deli and couple of quiet cafes. The island is virtually traffic free and criss-crossed with paths and tracks that take you up over the grassy and rocky knolls and to the deserted sandy beaches that make up much of the coastline.

We took the short boat hop over to Tresco and enjoyed a visit to the famous and tranquil Abbey Garden, a must for visitors to the island whether you enjoy gardens or not!

And a second visit was to the island of St Martin's via a fast boat (a great way to travel and a must when the tides are low) where a walk along the length of the island was peaceful with fine views from the higher ground across sandy beaches and sea.

At the far end we visited St Martin's Vineyard and a tour with owner Graham Thomas who set up growing vines when commonsense and practicalities meant he shouldn't have. But the resulting wine is fine and stocked locally in shops, bars and restaurants across the Scillies.

There are several uninhabited islands, secluded bays and winding country lanes across the islands. Work out the ferry links, governed by the high and low tides, and explore to your heart's content. Or relax on an isolated beach, Or go snorkelling. Or take a boat to watch sealife. Or even take a kayak out.

All too soon our long weekend was over and it was time to return to the hustle and bustle of our normal daily lives – but not before a pleasurable flying experience on the return.

Fact file

Hell Bay: From £120pp half-board (three course dinner and B&B) or £85pp B&B per night. www.hellbay.co.uk or call 01720 422947

Transport to Scilly can be booked at islesofscilly-travel.co.uk. One-way flights to St Mary's start at £70 from Land's End (15 mins), £95 from Newquay (30 mins) and £135 from Exeter (60 mins). Alternatively, The Scillonian III ferry sails from Penzance harbour to St Mary's from March to November, up to seven days a week, from £43 one-way (adult ticket). islesofscilly-travel.co.uk or call 01736 334220

St Martin's Vineyard www.stmartinsvineyard.co.uk 01720 423418