Mauritius, Maldives or Seychelles? Which Indian Ocean destination is best for you and why.
Your mini Indian Ocean guide
They’re commonly grouped together, but these Indian Ocean islands actually all have their own distinct and unique offering.
So let me ask you, do you really know and understand the difference between them all?
Do you know where to go to meet giant tortoises, dine underwater or see the seven-coloured earth? Do you know where to bliss out in rich nature, where to find the best All-Inclusive and where to find a unique Eco-Resort?
And do you feel confident planning the ultimate break in each, taking full advantage of all of their benefits and beauty?
If the answer to any of these questions is a no, I’d love to share with you a mini guide that I have prepared with all of my insights from years of travel planning, training and experiences. A mini guide that I have pulled together just for you and your future Indian Ocean adventures!
Mauritius
Unlike its neighbouring destinations, Mauritius is made up only of one main island (though there are some smaller islands close by). And famous for both its All-Inclusive offering, and opportunities for exploration, it’s a great choice for resort lovers with a keen sense of adventure.
From trekking the islands national park, to exploring the capital Port Louis and visiting the famous Chamarel Seven Colored Earth, though this island is known for its luxury offerings: there’s certainly plenty of adventure, culture, and beauty to discover outside of your resort.
As far as beaches are concerned, Mauritius will certainly impress with its stretches of white sand, but it’s also important to choose the right part of the island according to your preferences. From the attraction-focused (and busier) areas of the North and West, to the quieter and sometimes more isolated beaches of the South and East, picking the right spot is paramount to your experience on the island.
Mauritius is especially great for:
Families with hungry, active teenagers
Luxury resort loving Honeymooners/couples with a sense of adventure
Solo travellers keen to limit in-resort spending, but with plenty of choice for outdoor activities.
Where to stay: an option for Honeymooners
A show stopping infinity pool, waterside love nests and natural-toned decor: The perfect honeymooners choice is the Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel.
This is a property that knows its audience.
An adults-only retreat located in a secluded cove, Paradise Cove is a popular choice with honeymooners and lovers alike.
Whether cycling together through sugar cane fields, yacht cruising to smaller islands or simply snuggling up in the love nests: if you’re longing for a romantic and intimate break, Paradise Cove awaits you with all of its Mauritian beauty.
Get in touch for a personal quote with added benefits and experiences.
Maldives
Often described as pure paradise, Maldives is the epitome of barefoot luxury. And generally adhering to the concept of one resort per small, secluded island, it’s not hard to imagine why.
Those consistent white sand beaches and turquoise waters are particularly appealing to honeymooners dreaming of romantic bliss, but Maldives is also a family favourite for those looking to spend endless quality time with their loved ones, along with anybody else really needing the time and space to switch off entirely.
Though Maldives is primarily a destination to kick back and relax (there isn’t generally much else to do), depending on where you stay, unique experience lovers can also enjoy unusual resort features such as underwater dining, private island time, and Florescent Nighttime Diving.
Oh, and don’t forget those epic seaplane trips and the opportunity for a unique birds eye view over the dazzling Indian Ocean (resort dependant).
Maldives is especially great for:
Families all of ages seeking serenity
Honeymooners who appreciate impeccable service and exclusivity.
Solo travellers who are seeking a complete reset with plenty of time to slow down and reflect.
Where to stay: an option for art, design, and transformation-loving solo travellers
‘Can you feel it? A heightened awareness, a shimmering sense of awakening. As the soft ocean breeze strokes your skin and ivory sands caress your toes, you feel more alive than ever. Incredible artworks unfold across the landscape, taking you on an inspiring journey of discovery. Seemingly ordinary moments set the stage for transformation, opening the door to new perspectives and everlasting memories.’
This text is from the fabulous Joali Maldives and I couldn’t have written a better example of the very unique experience that this resort offers.
Are you looking for that next level experience of beauty and bliss in Maldives?
Contact me to book Joali Maldives with an exclusive service and additional benefits
Seychelles
Made up of over 100 islands, though not lacking in high end resorts, Seychelles is well known for its more rustic feel.
Full of natural beauty: Think hypnotic white sand beaches backed by lush palm trees, a UNESCO World heritage forest and stunning granite mountain hikes; Seychelles is a firm favourite of many from eco-conscious adventure travellers, to wildlife and nature lovers and paradise seekers. It boasts incredible wildlife (like the rare Aldabra Giant Tortoises), commonly deserted beaches, and the perfect chance for some island hopping. But which islands to pick? This will really depend on the experience that you seek.
Into culture? Visit one of the worlds smallest capitals, learn local crafts, or simply enjoy the slow-paced life of the locals in Mahe.
Eco conscious? Take a trip to La Digue, where you’ll travel around by bike and can visit one of the worlds most beautiful beaches: Anse Source D-Argent.
Nature and wildlife lover? Praslin is the place to visit a stunning UNESCO heritage nature site and take a short ferry to the land of the roaming Giant Tortoises.
And then there’s the private islands….
Seychelles is especially great for:
Families with young, curious children
Adventurous honeymooners that love to explore and move around
Equally adventurous solo travellers looking to switch up their experience
Where to stay: an option for Eco-conscious families
A conservation focused private island resort in a tropical paradise: Say hello to Denis Island.
Boasting many of its own preservation projects, close work with Green Islands foundation and even its own farm, what impressed me the most about this resort was easily their vision and effort towards sustainability.
The experience at Denis Island is both simplistic and immersive. Ideal for slow travellers, guests here are encouraged to explore and learn about the island, getting to know its inhabitants from the staff to the century-old tortoises. And whilst the focus is certainly on the laid back, phone-signal free experience the island offers, you’ll find plenty of treats to enjoy in resort from lush scenery to open air bathtubs and locally grown dinners.
Like the sound of farm-to-table food, pristine nature and spacious, comfortable accommodation with bathroom courtyards?
So which Indian Ocean destination do you desire?
And how will you spend your time?
For tailored hotel recommendations and curated itineraries, get in touch now to start planning your own unique escape.
