If you are planning a tropical island holiday, you are probably thinking of one of these three gems of the Indian Ocean. All offer beautiful beaches, inviting turquoise waters and sun for days. Even though they are all sensational getaways, they each have their own special charm. Mauritius is a single island surrounded by beaches and reefs while the Maldives’ coral islets only sport one resort each. Between these two is the Seychelles Archipelago, which contains both small uninhabited islands and larger developed ones. They all appeal to different travellers for different reasons.

Mauritius

Mauritius is a diverse holiday destination that offers something for everyone. Beautiful beaches, warm waters, magnificent weather and fantastic hospitality are completely normal for the island.

This island destination is ideal for families with children. Most resorts are child friendly with professional kids clubs to amuse kids of all ages allowing mom and dad to relax and holiday too. Each resort offers an endless list of activities to keep you entertained including live entertainment, 18-hole golf courses, water sports, gyms and spas.

Non-motorised water sports and snorkelling equipment are usually complimentary, but water skiing, scuba diving, parasailing and jet skiing require payment. Guests can also enjoy several on-land adventures including hiking in the national parks, museum visits and shopping at town markets.

Mauritius offers a range of accommodations from luxury 5-star resorts to more budget-friendly ones but even 5-star resorts offer incredible value for money packages.

Mauritius is best for: Active Travellers & Adventure Seekers, Families, Couples & Honeymooners

Seychelles

Seychelles, renowned for its contrasting natural beauty, is regularly voted among the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you’re searching for exclusivity and privacy with awe-inspiring scenery, then Seychelles is for you.

This tropical destination offers never-ending beaches with the occasional cluster of palm trees and smooth granite boulders. These postcard-perfect beaches backed by lush tropical forests make it the most photographed in the world.

Seychelles is big on conservation with several marine and nature reserves that protect the island’s fauna and flora. Since motorised sports are not permitted in Seychelles, for environmental reasons, the diving and snorkelling conditions are majestic. Seychelles offers the best big game, salt-water fly-fishing and water sports like windsurfing and sailing.

Seychelles is difficult to top when it comes to exclusivity and seclusion because of its lower tourist volume dispersed over several islands. The archipelago is justly renowned for its uninhabited beaches and secluded islands; less than 200 000 people travel there each year.

Seychelles is best for: Scuba divers, Snorkellers & Nature Lovers; Honeymooners & Exclusivity Seekers

Maldives

The Maldives elicits thoughts of decadent luxury and boasts some of the world’s most luxurious hotel resorts. The one island one resort concept ensures exclusivity and its iconic blue waters, blindingly white beaches and colourful coral reefs make the Maldives the quintessential island holiday destination.

Conditions for scuba diving and snorkelling in the Maldives are perfect with plenty of exotic marine life. The calm, clear waters make visibility excellent for divers, so you’re likely to encounter manta rays, dolphins and whales up close.

Winter is practically non-existent in this little piece of heaven on earth, with the lowest temperature sitting at a pleasant 24 °C thanks to its favourable location near the equator.

The Maldives is a popular destination for out-of-this-world experiences like underwater restaurants and spas, tree-top rooms and villas standing above the ocean. Michelin star dining, private butler services and impressive wine cellars elevate that feeling of ultimate luxury.

Maldives is best for: Scuba Divers & Snorkellers; Couples & Honeymooners

No matter which one of the dreamy destinations you choose to visit, you’re guaranteed to have an incredibly memorable holiday. Honestly, there is no winner, it depends on what suits you best and we have a stellar selection of resorts, on any of these islands, for you to choose from.