Maldives vs Seychelles vs Mauritius: which one is finest?

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As we speak: Maldives, Seychelles or Mauritius: which island to decide on?

Are you dreaming of a tropical island hideaway with dazzling seashores, turquoise waters, and distinctive lodging providing an air of exclusivity and romance? Then the Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius are thé locations that it’s best to put in your bucket record. Positioned within the Indian Ocean, these island aren’t as related as you may first suppose, with every nation having its personal allure and providing vacationers a really completely different expertise. Asking your self which island to decide on for a vacation of a lifetime? Let me information you so that you could be discover out which one fits you the very best by evaluating the next traits:

1. Climate
2. Panorama
3. Seashores
4. Luxurious resorts
5. Romance
6. Household holidays
7. Wow issue
8. Tradition & faith
9. Getting round, actions & sightseeing
10. Snorkeling & diving
11. Key factors

You may share your personal opinion and favourite island within the feedback part or take my ballot under.

1. WEATHER

• The Maldives get pleasure from a tropical, typically humid local weather all year long with virtually no fluctuations in temperature, resulting from their location on the Equator. The winter monsoon – named ‘Iruvai’ in Dhivehi (Maldivian language) – is the very best time to go to the Maldives with blue, clear skies on most days and fewer frequent rain (though showery days nonetheless happen). The winter monsoon typically begins in November and lasts by means of April. The summer season monsoon – named ‘Halhangu’ in Dhivehi – runs from Could to October, peaking in June, and brings heavy rains, thunderstorms, winds and tough seas (typically for days in a row). It’s value paying increased costs and sticking to the dry season within the Maldives, as there may be not a lot to do on a wet day. It must be famous that Maldivian climate grew to become much less predictable because the 2004 tsunami. Particularly November and December, which are sometimes labelled as dry season months, have been very unsettled in recent times. Additionally take into account that the Southern Atolls – positioned south of the Equator – see extra clouds, rain and storms due the presence of the close by intertropical convergence zone.

• The Seychelles additionally get pleasure from a tropical, humid local weather with fixed excessive temperatures all year long. The climate is just like the Maldives, though it options an reverse sample. From Could to October (moist season within the Maldives) the south-east commerce winds (Southeast Monsoon) convey a comparatively dry interval to the Seychelles with largely clear skies and little or no precipitation though seas will be uneven right now of yr (with seaweed on the seashores). From December to March (dry seasons within the Maldives), the Northwest Monsoon brings very moist climate to the Seychelles, particularly in December and January, although the seas are calmer throughout this era. The transition months April and October are interspersed between the Southeast and Northwest Monsoon and are sometimes thought of the very best months for a go to to the archipelago: the winds die down as they modify course and sunny days are the norm (with a couple of passing showers).

• Mauritius enjoys a subtropical local weather with an identical sample to that of the Seychelles: the dry seasons runs from Could to October (Mauritian winter) whereas the moist seasons happens from November to April (Mauritian summer season). There are some variations although with the climate of the Maldives and the Seychelles. There may be extra fluctuation within the temperature since Mauritius is positioned additional away from the Equator: the moist summer season brings very popular and humid days, whereas the temperature is extra snug and balmy in the course of the dry winter season (chances are you’ll even want a light-weight jacket at evening). Additionally, opposite to the Seychelles and the Maldives, Mauritius is positioned within the so-called cyclone belt with a danger of tropical hurricanes within the sizzling summer season months (chances are high very low although). So typically, the very best time to go to Mauritius for cooler, drier climate is from Could to December. That stated, should you’re planning to remain on Mauritius’ east coast, I like to recommend avoiding the months of July and August as that is when the wind is at its strongest on this facet of the island.

Winner: The Seychelles (from Could to October) and the Maldives (from November to April)

2. LANDSCAPE

• The Maldives consists of 1192 tiny coral islands and sandbanks – of which round 200 are inhabited and an additional 150 are managed as vacationer resorts. These islands are grouped in 26 breathtakingly lovely atolls and encircled by white sands and extremely lovely lagoons blessed with crystal clear waters and guarded by reef constructions. The Maldivian archipelago is totally flat, with a mean ground-level elevation of 1.5 meters (4 ft 11 in) above sea stage and the best pure level being the bottom on the earth, at 2.4 meters (7 ft 10 in).

• The Seychelles consists of 115 coral and granite islands that are the peaks of an enormous underwater plateau. The three major islands – Mahe, Praslin and La Digue – are fairly giant, whereas the opposite islands are medium-sized to tiny. The island nation is a place of awe-inspiring surroundings, with granitic mountain ranges clad in virgin jungle cascading right down to hauntingly lovely, palm fringed, with sand seashores. A number of the islands – comparable to La Digue – function big granite boulders on their seashores, sculptured by the weather and time itself. An actual deal with for the attention, the Seychelles – with their prehistoric, otherworldly landscapes – are probably the most lovely islands of the Indian Ocean.

• Mauritius is a single island – about 21 instances smaller than Denmark – ringed by reefs and seashores. Its inside consists of rugged hills and mountains, which are lined in lush tropical foliage, whereas the vegetation turns into extra sparse with limitless sugar cane plains in the direction of the shores (apart from the imported palm bushes on the resorts the place you’ll spend your vacation). In all honesty, and having traveled to Mauritius a few instances, I’ve by no means been impressed by Mauritius’ panorama which doesn’t really feel very tropical (because of the truth that is positioned additional away from the Equator). The one exception is the spectacular, UNESCO protected ‘Le Morne’ space within the southwest nook of the island, the place the long-lasting Le Mont Brabant mountain (with a peak of 556 meters or 1824 ft) overlooks a deep blue lagoon fringed by a white sand, creating a very tropical idyll that comes near absolute paradise.

Winner: The Seychelles

3. BEACHES

• The Maldives are billed as a slice of heaven and one of many world’s best seaside locations and it’s laborious to search out any purpose to argue with that. The greater than 1000 islands are graced with the whitest sandy seashores and surrounded by the bluest and clearest of water. The one belongings you hear on the seaside are the palm bushes swaying within the wind and the nice and cozy Indian Ocean waters lapping the powder gentle sands. Whereas all seashores within the Maldives are marvelous, the standard of the seashores does differ from island to island, since – sadly – some resorts make use of sandbags, sea partitions and coarses sand to protect the state of their idyllic seashores.

• The Seychelles have the best and most spectacular seashores on the earth. Their magnificence is past phrases and likewise the primary purpose that increasingly individuals go to this Indian Ocean island nation (and maintain returning). The seashores on the Seychelles are so constantly wonderful that it’s laborious to not develop into blasé about them. Beautiful ribbons of powdery-soft white sand are lapped by turquoise waters and backed by jungle clad hills and big granite boulders. It isn’t tough to see why photographers and movie makers love to return right here. The Seychelles’ most lovely seashores are Anse Intendance (on Mahe Island), Anse Lazio (Praslin Island) and Anse Supply d’Argent (La Digue Island).

• Mauritius‘ blindingly white seashores are glorious in accordance with all worldwide requirements and most of the people will completely love them. Nevertheless, they are in a distinct league as in contrast to the magnificent, pristine seashores of Mauritius’ Indian Ocean siblings described above. Not solely do Mauritius’ seashores function rougher sand granules (these aren’t the powder gentle seashores you’ll have been dreaming about), they’re additionally backed by a so-so background that lacks the naturally tropical, lush and jungle-like vegetation you’ll discover within the Seychelles and the Maldives.

Winner: The Seychelles

4. LUXURY RESORTS

• The Maldives have develop into the globe’s final luxurious vacation playground. Synonymous with unequalled luxurious, the Maldives have the most luxurious resort resorts wherever on earth with room charges that matches the archipelago’s fame. These seeking to pay high greenback – typically greater than $5,000 USD per evening – for among the world’s most decadent luxurious resort experiences can be spoilt for selection right here. Each resort is constructed by itself unpopulated and pristine tropical island, guaranteeing exclusivity, serenity and complete privateness. Friends can select between villas constructed on the shore’s  blinding white sand or lodging perched on stilts above the shimmering blue lagoons. Prime-drawer spas, Michelin star eating, unequalled butler service, and spectacular wine cellars are the norm. Apart from the 5- and 6-star resorts, the Maldives additionally function some extra inexpensive inns catering to households, divers and people on a (relative) funds. I’ve printed right here a high 10 record with probably the most fabulous luxurious resorts within the Maldives, with Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani being my favourite resorts within the island nation.

• The Seychelles have lately upped their recreation in terms of pleasing the discerning traveler, and are on their technique to equal each the Maldives and Mauritius when it comes to astonishingly decadent resorts. The nation’s most unique resorts are all positioned on their very own insanely lovely granite islands, that includes palatial beachfront villas that provide the final word in tropical holidays and personal residing on the globe. North Island (the place Kate and William spent their honeymoon) and Fregate Island rank among the many most unique – in addition to costliest – resort actual property on the earth. One thing to remember is that the Seychelles’ resorts are both extremely luxurious inns or charming company homes with little or no in between, though newly opened, extra modest resorts try to lure the extra funds minded traveler.

• Mauritius has all the time been is aware of as a luxurious vacation spot, with many main and world-class resorts dotted across the island shore’s. The posh inns in Mauritius had been constructed lengthy earlier than the Seychelles and the Maldives grew to become the planet’s hotspots for luxurious journey, therefore explaining why the amenities in Mauritius are considerably older and why most inns don’t function stand-alone villas with personal plunge swimming pools (which is now the norm within the Maldives and the Seychelles). The excellent news is that the luxurious resorts in Mauritius are surprisingly inexpensive, at the least when in comparison with the typically insane room charges charged within the Maldives and the Seychelles. Mauritius’ 5 star inns have certainly among the finest worth offers to be discovered within the Indian Ocean basin. The island additionally contains a numerous vary of lodging interesting to all vacationers and budgets, raging from modest institutions to high-end glamorous inns.

Winner: The Maldives

5. ROMANCE

• The Maldives have a fame because the world’s most wanted honeymoon locations and for good purpose. What’s to not like about its iconic sunsets, sugar white seashores, ocean-edge dinners, pampering spa amenities, limitless vistas over clear lagoons, and beautiful overwater villas. It’s no marvel honeymooners flock right here in droves, together with the wealthy and well-known.

• The Seychelles supply a extra discrete and understated sort of romance as in comparison with the Maldives over-the-top and opulent venues. Whereas the Maldives are favored by newly weds due to the decadent luxurious and overwater sanctuaries, the Seychelles’ numerous pure magnificence and exclusivity are laborious to beat. A vacation right here is rather more of an journey, which can enchantment to extra lively honeymooners and {couples} who’re excited by ecology and/or island hopping between a few of its 115 islands.

• Mauritius can also be a magnet for honeymooners and {couples}, though – IMHO – it can not compete with romantic X-factor of the dazzling Maldivian resorts nor with the breathtaking pure splendor of the Seychelles. Having stated that, Mauritius is ideal for {couples} that wish to discover among the world exterior their resort (not potential on the Maldives) with out the hassles of venturing too far-off from their resort base (not potential on the Seychelles). And let’s not neglect that Mauritius presents extra inexpensive luxurious for honeymooners as in comparison with the Maldives and the Seychelles.

Winner: The Maldives

6. FAMILY HOLIDAYS

• The Maldives primarily appeal to grownup vacationers, with a mixture of honeymooners, surfers, divers, spa lovers, sunbathers and the occasional movie star. Households with younger youngsters might really feel somewhat out-of-place right here, and resorts not often cater for younger youngsters, with water actions restricted to snorkeling and diving. As well as, overwater villas are sometimes prohibited to households with youngsters underneath the age of 12. There are a couple of resorts although which are nice for households, comparable to Soneva Fushi, which options the biggest youngsters’ membership of the Indian Ocean.

• The Seychelles are primarily a vacation spot for {couples}, with a deal with refined tranquility. With a couple of exceptions, there are not any youngsters’ golf equipment to maintain the younger VIP company entertained and water snowboarding, tube rides and jet-skis are usually not allowed due to conservation causes. Having stated that, eco-conscious households with older youngsters (youngsters) will adore the island nation. And Praslin and La Digue are additionally appropriate for a household journey with youthful youngsters, since some protected lagoons there enable bathing in peace.

• Mauritius is the Indian Ocean’s best vacation spot for household journey and one of the child-friendly locations on the globe. Most inns and resorts supply skilled youngsters’ golf equipment to handle and entertain youngsters of all ages so their dad and mom can have a vacation too. Water sports activities, gentle leisure, and a variety of excursions additionally maintain the older youngsters and youngsters entertained.

Winner: Mauritius

7. WOW FACTOR

• The Maldives have an infinite WOW issue, resulting from its distinctive geography, the idyllic and tiny tropical islands, the unimaginable underwater world beneath the crystal-clear waters, and the over-the-top inns with the world’s most wonderful overwater villas.

• The Seychelles‘ may simply be the final word Indian Ocean seaside vacation spot, though its wow issue is much less apparent at first sight when in comparison with the Maldives. Whereas the Maldives instantly impress their guests upon arrival, the Seychelles’ distinctive pure magnificence will go away an amazing impression provided that you embrace some sightseeing and island-hopping in your itinerary.

• Mauritius is a really lovely island however – IMHO – lacks a wow issue.

Winner: the Maldives

8. RELIGION & CULTURE

• The Maldives – a predominant Muslim nation – presents a lot greater than sand, solar and sea because the islands are blessed with a wealthy tradition and heritage. A vacation within the Maldives is an opportunity to achieve an perception into this distinctive nation, by exploring island villages, sourcing native handicrafts, visiting heritage websites and the Nationwide Museum within the capital Male, tasting native delicacies, and watching cultural performances. Nevertheless, most vacationers will go on that since they like to spend all their time on their personal island resorts.

• The Seychelles is a colourful and cosmopolitan mix of individuals of various races and cultures. The inhabitants is 82% Roman Catholic and 6% Anglican. At completely different instances in its historical past, individuals of African, European and Asian origin have come to Seychelles, bringing with them their distinct traditions and customs and contributing to the lifestyle and to the colourful Seychellois tradition. Although there isn’t a tradition indigenous to the Seychelles, many influences from African origins have remained for hundreds of years now. You may partake of the fantastic Seychellois tradition just by visiting the islands, eating, dancing, and having a good time.

• Mauritius‘ tradition includes the mixing of a number of cultures from its historical past, in addition to particular person tradition arising indigenously. The nation is a religiously numerous nation with Hinduism being the faith of about half the inhabitants. Going to its discovery generally is a journey into among the most fascinating and refined hundreds yr outdated ancestral traditions. This wealthy variety is present in each facet of the Mauritian life. Church buildings will be discovered subsequent to a mosque, Indian temples subsequent to Chinese language pagodas. Varied non secular festivals are celebrated with a lot fervour and devotion all yr spherical by the completely different communities. A few of these celebrations will be fairly spectacular just like the fire-walking ceremony that’s carried out on the Cavadee day.

Winner: Mauritius

9. GETTING AROUND, ACTIVITIES & SIGHTSEEING

• The Maldives are unfold out and getting across the islands (all the time by boat or seaplane) is dear and time-consuming (many of the instances, you need to backtrack by way of Male). That’s why most individuals want to remain on their personal island resort whereas visiting the archipelago. Actions are restricted to what’s supplied by the resort and these are largely targeted on exploring the ocean. Days are stuffed with sunbathing, swimming, advantageous eating, snorkeling, diving, visits to the spa, and a few excursions (e.g. go to to an area island, dolphin cruise, picnic on a abandoned island, and so on …). One island, one resort – that’s the primary enchantment.

• The Seychelles consists of 115 island that are lined by magical landscapes ready be explored. Getting round and do some island hopping is a should and simply finished, with an everyday community of high-speed ferries, small plane and helicopters working out of the principal island of Mahé and catering for many itineraries. So long as you stick with the general public ferries and restrict your itinerary to the three major islands (Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue), it’s additionally fairly low cost to go from one island to a different. The Seychelles supply world-class sightseeing.  Mahé is residence to the small capital and the attractive Morne Seychellois Nationwide Park (which presents distinctive climbing). On Praslin Island, guests can discover the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, whereas sleepy La Digue shelters among the world’s most breathtaking seashores. The outer islands are primarily uninhabited low-lying sand cays and small coralline islands and atolls. The resorts themselves supply loads of actions, however take into account that all motorised sports activities are banned for conservation causes (which is nice information for snorkelers and divers).

• Mauritius is 45 km (28 mi) in width and 65 km (40 mi) in size. Getting round and exploring the island could be very simple with a rental automobile or by taxis. Mauritius presents a myriad of actions and points of interest, comparable to world-class golf programs, thrilling water sports activities (e.g. jetski, windsurfing, waterski), parasailing, mountain trekking, looking, birdwatching, exploring the outdated colonial capital, one of many world’s finest botanical gardens, a few UNESCO World Heritage Websites, driving an underwater scooter to be eye-to-eye with the native marine life, and strolling with a few of Africa’s large cats. In case you are searching for a enjoyable and action-packed vacation, then Mauritius is the place to go.

Winner: Mauritius

10. SNORKELING & DIVING

• The Maldives stand head and shoulders above some other vacation spot on earth in terms of diving and snorkeling. Deep channels focus nutrient-rich ocean currents into and out of the atolls, which helps an abundance of marine life, together with big whale sharks and manta rays. Most resorts function their very own licensed dive heart, and have entry to a various vary of dive websites appropriate for divers of all expertise ranges. All resorts additionally function a so-called ‘home reef’ near their shores, the place snorkeling can convey you nose to nose with every part from surgeon fish, tuna, and parrot fish, to eagle rays, turtles and even hammerhead sharks. I’ve printed right here a high 10 record with the very best resorts for snorkeling within the Maldives, with Soneva Fushi being my favourite.

• The Seychelles‘ beautiful topography of expansive reefs, partitions, pinnacles, drop offs, wrecks and canyons make for one of many world’s most numerous marine environments round, teeming with each fish and coral life. The vacation spot is rated world-class by divers and likewise snorkelers will benefit from the waters, though the reefs are usually not as spectacular as these within the Maldives. The Internal Islands relaxation on an easy-to-access shallow plateau and the pristine Outer Islands supply skilled divers barely explored reefs the place chances are you’ll even be capable to spot the occasional hammerhead shark should you’re fortunate! Opposite to the Maldives, the Seychelles’ high resorts typically supply complimentary diving excursions.

• Mauritius is sort of solely encircled by a coral reef, making it a superb vacation spot for lovers of marine life, though the snorkeling and diving is a far cry from the expertise you get within the Maldives or Seychelles. Nevertheless, in contrast to its Indian Ocean siblings the place the rise within the sea temperature brought on by international warming results in gradual destruction and whitening of the coral reefs, the marine fauna and flora of Mauritius remains to be well-preserved.

Winner: The Maldives

11. KEY POINTS

• The Maldives is all about luxurious escapism. It primarily appeal to rich vacationers, honeymooners, celebrities, divers, and  snorkeling lovers, who’re in quest of the tranquility, decadent luxurious and wonderful oceanic wildlife supplied by the nation’s small, super-de-luxe and mind-blowing island resorts.

• The Seychelles are the one Indian Ocean island which have escaped mass tourism up to now, though its off-the-beaten-track fame might change within the close to future as increasingly airways are opening routes to the fabulous archipelago. For the time being, the islands primarily appeal to eco-conscious company and prosperous {couples} who fancy wild seashores, like to be surrounded by unspoilt and tough nature, put some island-hopping on their itinerary, and benefit from the exclusivity supplied by the Seychelles’ string of uberluxurious resorts.

• Mauritius is the most well-liked island within the Indian Ocean. Vacationers flock to the island due to its inexpensive luxurious resorts, unique stay leisure, world-class golf programs, and household pleasant picture.

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