WHICH INDIAN OCEAN ISLAND IS FOR YOU?

Topic	Which Indian Ocean Island Is For You?
Read Time	5 Minutes
Author	Laura Radford, Travel Writer

The islands of the Indian Ocean are the stuff dreams are made of. Picturesque beaches, lush interiors, vibrant local cultures, and activities to suit every type of traveller. But which island suits you best?

Here’s our take on three of the most popular, and what’s on offer in each…

MAURITIUS

BEST FOR: Beaches & activities

Around 500 miles east of Madagascar, off the coast of Africa, lies Mauritius. It’s surrounded by one of the largest coral reefs in the world and jam-packed full of nature experiences. But aside from that, the islands biggest draw has to be its stunning beaches. Mauritius is home to some of the most beautiful seaside properties in the region. Picture yourself sipping delicious cocktails, with the flour-soft, white-sand between your toes, with sparkling seas rich in marine life as far as the eye can see. Mauritius is an extremely popular Indian Ocean holiday destination for honeymooners, families and beach lovers, offering something for everyone.

THINGS TO DO

Out of all the top Indian Ocean Holiday Destinations, Mauritius stands out as having lots to see and do. With popular golfing, an incredible buzzy capital city (Port Louis) with a vibrant dining scene, dolphin-watching excursions, helicopter tours, snorkelling, historical tours and an array of wildlife & hiking trails.

SEYCHELLES

BEST FOR: Pristine wilderness

The natural beauty and wilderness of the Seychelles is unmatched in the Indian Ocean, even the world. This extraordinary archipelago, like Mauritius, is a year-round destination, with warm temperatures throughout. The minimal development in the Seychelles means its quite easy to find a nice, secluded beach, even in the busier times of the year. Much of the flora and fauna found in the Seychelles is found nowhere else on earth, and so makes it a more unique choice for a holiday in the Indian Ocean region.

THINGS TO DO

The best way to explore the Seychelles is to island hop, but Mahe, the hub of the islands, and its tiny capital Victoria, more than deserves a little of your time. Whether it’s exploring the Botanical Gardens or perhaps discovering a spice plantation. Praslin, the next biggest island, boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Nature Reserve, and some of the archipelago’s most stunning resorts. Snorkelling is a great experience in the Seychelles with an abundance of marine life including parrotfish, stingrays and turtles.

MALDIVES

BEST FOR: Relaxation

Lying to the southwest of Sri Lanka, the Maldives always conjure up thoughts of romantic getaways for newlyweds, but there is also a lot to offer families and other types of travellers on this remote atoll.

Each of the Maldives tiny islands has a single hotel (surrounded by the most unbelievably turquoise waters you will ever see) which means you can choose from a vast array of properties, from private beach-front bungalows to over-water villas and lush spa resorts, and even hotels with their very own coral reef! From adult-only to child-friendly, the choice is endless.

THINGS TO DO

Most people treat Male just as a transport hub to and from the islands, but it’s well worth a visit to discover more about Maldivian life and visit the local markets and mosques. As the Maldives is all about relaxation, make the most of what your chosen resort has to offer, whether that’s enjoying a variety of spa treatments, delving into a good book as you soak in the sun’s rays or enjoying fabulous sunset dining experiences. There is of course lots to do if you find lounging around all day isn’t your thing, including a variety of water activities such as snorkelling, boat trips or paddleboarding.