When it comes to choosing the perfect honeymoon destination, few places can rival the stunning beauty of Mauritius and Reunion. But which island is the better honeymoon destination? The answer depends on what kind of experience you envision for your post-wedding escape. pristine beaches, luxurious accommodations, but they appeal to different honeymoon styles. We offer luxury and budget Mauritius holidays and Reunion packages tailored to your preferences, ensuring an unforgettable tropical escape.
This guide will compare Mauritius and Reunion to help you decide which island is the perfect match for your dream honeymoon.
Location and Accessibility
Both Mauritius and Reunion are located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, making them accessible destinations for honeymooners from various parts of the world.
Flights and Connectivity
Mauritius is the more accessible of the two islands, with direct flights from major hubs in Europe (Paris, London, Frankfurt), South Africa (Johannesburg, Cape Town), the Middle East (Dubai, Doha), and Asia (India, China).
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) serves as the main gateway, with frequent flights operated by Air Mauritius, Emirates, British Airways, Air France, and South African Airways, among others.
Reunion, on the other hand, is a French overseas department, meaning it has excellent connectivity with France, particularly Paris, but fewer direct international flights from other parts of the world.
Roland Garros Airport (RUN) in Saint-Denis is the primary airport, with flights mostly operated by Air France, Air Austral, and Corsair. Travelers from other regions, including South Africa and Asia, often need to transit through Mauritius or Paris, making travel slightly less convenient.
Visa Requirements
Mauritius is visa-friendly for most honeymooners. Visitors from Europe, the UK, the US, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and many other countries do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, making travel seamless.
Since Reunion is a French territory, it follows Schengen visa regulations. European Union citizens can enter freely, but travellers from other countries, may require a visa unless they hold a multi-entry Schengen visa. This can make travel to Reunion slightly more complex compared to Mauritius.
Getting Around the Islands
Once on the islands, the ease of travel depends on the type of experience you’re looking for.
- Mauritius: The island is compact and well-developed, with a good road network. Most honeymooners opt for private transfers, taxis, or rental cars to explore at their own pace.
Public buses are available but not always ideal for tourists looking for convenience. Many resorts offer guided tours, and with the relatively small size of the island, it’s easy to get from one scenic spot to another within a couple of hours.
- Reunion: Unlike Mauritius, Reunion is larger and more mountainous, making travel more challenging, particularly if you want to explore its volcanic landscapes and national parks.
Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility, especially for honeymooners eager to venture beyond the coastal towns. Public transport exists but is limited in reaching remote areas. Many visitors prefer guided tours to explore hiking trails, waterfalls, and the famous Piton de la Fournaise volcano.
Which Island is More Accessible?
If direct flights, visa-free access, and ease of travel within the island are priorities for your honeymoon, Mauritius is the better choice. It offers more international flight connections and seamless transport options for a hassle-free romantic getaway.
However, if you don’t mind a slightly longer journey and love the idea of a more rugged adventure, Reunion’s dramatic landscapes are worth the extra effort. Just keep in mind that self-driving or booking guided excursions will be necessary to fully experience the island.
Best Time to Visit
Choosing the right time for your honeymoon in Mauritius or Reunion can make a big difference in your experience.
Mauritius Offers Year-Round Honeymoon Bliss
Mauritius has a tropical maritime climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year. However, the best months for a honeymoon are May to December, during the dry, cooler season.
- Best Time for a Honeymoon: May to December has pleasant temperatures (20-28°C), little rainfall, lower humidity, and clear waters make this the perfect time for beach relaxation, snorkelling, and outdoor activities.
- Hottest and Wettest Season: January to March. These months experience high humidity, tropical storms, and occasional cyclones, which can disrupt outdoor plans.
- Peak Tourist Season: December to early January. Christmas and New Year holidays bring a surge of visitors, making resorts busier and prices higher.
- Quietest Time for a Romantic Escape: May to June and September to November. Fewer tourists, mild weather, and more affordable rates make these months ideal for an intimate honeymoon.
Reunion Has a Climate for Adventurers
Reunion’s climate is more varied due to its volcanic mountains, leading to distinct weather conditions across the island. The west coast (where the beaches and resorts are located) is drier, while the east and interior are lush and receive more rainfall.
- Best Time for a Honeymoon: May to November. This is the cool, dry season, with comfortable temperatures (18-26°C) and ideal conditions for hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures.
- Hottest and Wettest Season: December to March. The cyclone season can bring heavy rain and strong winds, especially in the interior and eastern regions, making hiking unsafe.
- Peak Tourist Season: July to August. European summer holidays bring more visitors, especially from France, making popular spots busier.
- Quietest Time for a Romantic Escape: May to June and September to November. Fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and a more intimate, tranquil experience for couples.
Which Island Has the Best Weather for a Honeymoon?
- For beach lovers and classic tropical honeymoons, Mauritius from May to December is the perfect choice, with sunshine, warm waters, and minimal rain.
- For adventurous honeymooners who love hiking and exploring, Reunion from May to November offers the best conditions for discovering its stunning mountains, waterfalls, and active volcanoes.
In both destinations, it’s best to avoid January to March due to the potential for storms and cyclones. If you want a peaceful, romantic getaway, aim for the shoulder seasons (May to June or September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are minimal.
Beaches and Scenery
When it comes to natural beauty, Mauritius and Reunion offer vastly different landscapes, each appealing to different honeymoon styles.
Mauritius is the Classic Tropical Honeymoon Destination
Mauritius is renowned for its postcard-perfect beaches, making it a dream destination for couples who want to relax in an idyllic setting.
Mauritius has some of the most stunning beaches in the world. The island is surrounded by coral reefs, creating protected lagoons that are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and paddleboarding.
The island’s coral reefs make it one of the best honeymoon destinations for snorkelling and scuba diving, with vibrant marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins.
Reunion is a Land of Wild Beauty and Volcanic Shores
In contrast to Mauritius’ tranquil lagoons, Reunion’s coastline is more rugged and dramatic, shaped by its volcanic origins.
Reunion’s beaches are shaped by past volcanic activity, with black and golden sand beaches set against a backdrop of cliffs and rainforest-covered mountains.
Unlike Mauritius, which is mostly coastal, Reunion has an untamed interior with dense tropical forests and crater lakes.
Which Island is Best for Scenery and Beaches?
- For couples dreaming of a luxurious, tranquil beach honeymoon, Mauritius is the clear winner. Its calm waters and world-class resorts offer the perfect romantic setting.
- For adventurous couples who prefer dramatic landscapes and outdoor exploration, Reunion offers unparalleled scenery, with its volcanoes and lush rainforests providing endless opportunities for adventure.
Activities and Experiences
The type of honeymoon you envision can influence whether Mauritius or Reunion is the better choice. While both islands offer a mix of romance rich culture, Mauritius leans towards luxurious leisure and water-based fun, whereas Reunion is an adventurer’s paradise with breathtaking hikes and untamed landscapes.
Mauritius is the Ultimate Luxury Honeymoon Escape
If your ideal honeymoon includes spa retreats, sunset cruises, and lazy beach days, Mauritius is the perfect choice. The island is designed for relaxation, with world-class resorts offering couple’s spa treatments and romantic dining experiences.
Reunion Offers Tranquil and Remote Nature Retreats
For couples seeking peace and privacy in nature, Reunion provides secluded mountain escapes and misty rainforest retreats.
Unlike Mauritius’ resort-centric relaxation, honeymooners in Reunion can escape to hidden waterfalls, crater lakes, and forest clearings for intimate picnics.
While its beaches are wilder, Reunion offers breathtaking coastal viewpoints for honeymooners seeking romance away from crowds.
Water Sports vs. Mountain Exploration
Mauritius is perfect for honeymooners who love the ocean, offering an array of thrilling water activities in warm, clear waters.
The island’s coral reefs are home to exotic marine life, with top dive sites around Blue Bay Marine Park, Coin de Mire, and Île aux Cerfs.
Jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular in Grand Baie and Flic en Flac.
Tamarin Bay is famous for dolphin encounters, and between July and November, humpback whales migrate past the island.
If hiking, volcano trekking, and waterfalls excite you more than beachside relaxation, Reunion is the ultimate honeymoon adventure destination.
Piton de la Fournaise, an active volcano, offers spectacular crater hikes for adventurous couples. The island’s three massive natural amphitheatres (Mafate, Salazie, and Cilaos) are filled with remote villages, dramatic peaks, and lush valleys.
Reunion is home to Takamaka and Trou de Fer waterfalls, where couples can enjoy canyoning, ziplining, and rock climbing in dramatic landscapes.
For Culture and Cuisine
Both Mauritius and Reunion boast a vibrant mix of Creole, French, and Indian influences, but their cultural flavours differ.
Mauritius’ cuisine reflects its diverse heritage, with Indian, African, and French influences creating a unique fusion of flavours.
Visit Port Louis’ Central Market or Mahébourg for fresh tropical fruit, Creole street snacks, and Mauritian rum tastings.
Explore sites like Château de Labourdonnais, Aapravasi Ghat (UNESCO site), and old sugar plantations to uncover Mauritius’ colonial past.
As an overseas department of France, Reunion’s culture leans more towards French-European traditions, with a hint of African and Creole flavours.
Unlike Mauritius, Reunion has authentic French patisseries offering fresh baguettes, croissants, and éclairs, alongside Creole food markets selling exotic island spices.
Séga music is popular on both islands, but in Reunion, Maloya (a form of traditional Creole music and dance) has deeper cultural roots.
Which Island Offers the Best Honeymoon Activities?
- For spa retreats, beach relaxation, and water sports, Mauritius is the top choice. Its luxury resorts, snorkelling spots, and romantic cruises make it the ultimate honeymoon escape.
- For adventurous couples who love volcano trekking and waterfalls, Reunion is unbeatable. It’s a paradise for nature lovers who enjoy outdoor exploration.
- For cultural and culinary experiences, both islands offer rich flavours, but Mauritius has a stronger Indo-Creole mix, while Reunion’s cuisine leans French-European with Creole twists.
Ultimately, the best island for your honeymoon depends on whether you seek relaxation by the sea or adventure in the mountains, or perhaps a mix of both!
Which Destination is Best for You?
Choosing between Mauritius and Reunion for your honeymoon depends entirely on what kind of experience you’re dreaming of.
If you’re looking for…
- Luxury and beach Relaxation, Mauritius wins with its soft white sand beaches and luxury resorts. It’s perfect for couples who want spa retreats, sunset cruises, and tranquil beach days.
- Adventure and nature exploration, Reunion is the ultimate honeymoon destination for hikers and thrill-seekers, offering volcano treks and waterfall hikes.
- Water activities and marine life, Mauritius is the better choice for snorkelling, scuba diving, dolphin watching, and clear turquoise lagoons ideal for swimming.
- Cultural and culinary immersion, both islands have rich Creole and French influences, but if you love Indian and African fusion cuisine, Mauritius is the place to be. If you prefer French-European flavours with Creole twists, Reunion is your best bet.
No matter which island you choose, both offer unforgettable honeymoon experiences that will set the stage for a lifetime of memories.
