This is located in the southern side of Sri Lanka. "@type": "Question", With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, Seychelles cuisine is a fusion of African, Indian, and Creole influences, with fresh seafood and tropical fruits taking center stage. "text": "Yes, Maldives is a safe destination for couples since it is a very tourist friendly place. If sugar white sand, warm waters, and castaway scenery are the defining characteristics of your perfect beach, then the Maldives is calling your name. Yes, one needs to have a passport to visit both these countries. Local islands, on the other hand, may have just a few hundred residents and offers a unique glimpse into what life is like for locals in the country. Its no wonder so many guests refer to this private island resort as paradise.. Maldives is a destination preferred by Asians and Indians as it is much closer to our peninsula. This is excluding flights. Other countries would require more time, so if you are exploring for a brief period, Mauritius could be a great option as well. Yes, Mauritius is a bigger country than the Maldives and even has more clear land area ie. Bali consists of amazing coral reefs and crystal clear waters making it a mecca for all diving activities. Tropical showdowns are interesting but sometimes the contest becomes too tight to even declare the winner. Explore Where to go: Mauritius, Seychelles or Maldives? ", That being said, we thought driving on Praslin was a fair bit easier than driving around on Mahe despite having the same concerns overall. Maldives being a collection of islands and atolls, the ferry is a popular transport service used to access the different destinations. More than a thousand small islands make up the Maldives and they are located in the Indian Ocean. Sunset Dolphin Cruise at the Soneva Jani, Maldives/Oyster. Classes in yoga, surfing, Creole cooking, art, hiking, sailing, and more keep guests busy. With weekly direct flights from Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai, as well as daily direct flights from Colombo, Sri Lanka, its easy to see why the Maldives is often paired with its neighbors. Welcome to The Honeymoon Guide! Read on for this short guide to these three wonders. Mauritius and Maldives both are also very famous for having a wide collection of sea life and corals that tourists can explore while on their holiday. Best luxury island escape: Aruba, Antigua, Fiji, Maldives or Mauritius? 4). When choosing between Mauritius or Maldives or Seychelles, timing is everything! Seychelles on the cheap! | Mauritius, Seychelles, Reunion: Holidays Swimming with sharks and stingrays is a popular thing here as the creatures tend to thrive in the waters of the archipelago. Smaller hotels and guesthouses like Bliss Hotel and Villas De Jardin are popular with budget-conscious travelers or those making multiple stops across the Seychelles. However, if youre not comfortable driving, there are also plenty of excursions available to take you to the best spots. Further Read: 13 Festivals In Mauritius To Experience Its Vibrant Culture And Heritage. Both the islands are winners when it comes to offering a range of activities for tourists, along with clean beaches that have blue crystal clear waters. After reading, you'll have a better idea of which country is best for your needs and interests! , { The 86 airy villas have lovely amenities, like wine coolers and terraces with plunge pools, but some are in a garden on the beach, while others are above the water. In the Seychelles, many travelers will arrive at their hotel, unpack their bags, lounge by the pool, and then head out to explore the island, whether to dine at local restaurants, browse boutique shops and art galleries, or discover the hundreds of plant and animal species endemic to the Seychelles. Best for spas? If you have time, you might add a third island like La Digue to your itinerary, where the primary mode of transportation is bicycle. In the Maldives, its quite the opposite. The remoteness of the Maldives atolls and the expense of visiting different islands mean most travelers will remain on the resort grounds for the duration of their stay. During this long low season, travelers can expect discounted hotel rates and intense short-lived rainstorms. People are often required to cover up entirely. "acceptedAnswer": { FromAsia, you can fly directly from the Bangkok to the Maldives for one of our all-time favourite multi destination honeymoons. "@type": "Answer", For convenience sake, this is calculated at approximately USD 100 to USD 150 per day. The joy of Antigua is you can be as relaxed as you like, and totally guilt-free. The countrys tiny atolls are home to some of the worlds most beautiful beaches, where shorelines stretch undisturbed for miles and the only sign of civilization is your cocktail attendant asking if youd like another round. No matter which destination you choose, Mauritius or Maldives or Seychelles, getting there is easier than you might think. We want to assure you our recommendations are completely impartial and 100% independent; we only recommend what we love and we think you might too! Its illegal to be gay in the Maldives so unfortunately not a choice for me and my partner . Goodlands In Mauritius: All About The Famous Shopping District! When it comes to paradise, both Mauritius and the Maldives spring to mind. It is no secret that visiting these islands can get quite expensive, and out of the three our average daily spending in Mauritius was far lower than in the Seychelles which was much lower than the Maldives- the most expensive country we've ever been to due to the resort costs. You can get this experience on other islands in both Mauritius and the Seychelles, and may require more planning accordingly, but it comes as your default choice when visiting the Maldives. Listed prices and attraction details may have changed since our visit and initial publication. , are packed with amenities like multiple pools, tennis courts, football fields, climbing walls, art studios, and tricked-out kids clubs. Mauritius or Seychelles - Which To Pick For Your Next Holiday? Mauritius is a small island nation, and most couples will stay at a resort on the coast and base themselves there. None of these islands experience regular extreme weather events, although there can be occasional cyclones, thunderstorms, and heavy downpours during their respective rainy seasons. Suggested Read: Maldives In Monsoon: A Guide On How To Make The Most Of Your Island Trip! If you dont mind scattered showers, April and May and October and November are sweet shoulder seasons, with comfortable temperatures and thinner tourist crowds. but luxurious digs arent the only defining characteristic of the properties here, which have over-the-top amenities like, While most travelers shell out some serious cash for their Maldives vacation, there are more budget-friendly options, like. }, Mahabaleshwar Vs Lonavala Thailand Vs Kerala Goa Vs Thailand. Snorkel, swim, dive, and take a glass-bottom canoe. However, reef life isnt as abundant as May through October, when reefs teem with fish. Both these beautiful islands are easily accessible and are also a very popular destination spot for many Indians. Please check out our Terms and Conditions for more information. When it comes to Robinson Crusoe seclusion, Maldives and Seychelles have the edge. Both the Seychelles and Maldives are known for beautiful beaches, but their glorious stretches of sand are incredible in different ways. Since Mauritius has more land space as compared to Maldives, one can also experience more natural and manmade attractions in its cities. The Seychelles: Dramatic coastal scenery is one of the Seychelles many attractive qualities. The hotels attention to detail and service is also top-notch guests can expect small touches, like single roses that accompany 24-hour room service. However, each destination has a few seasonal caveats that are worth noting. Family fun in Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives and Madagascar While both Maldives and Mauritius are equally good to visit, both have their share of attractions and activity options. Maldives Vs. Mauritius Vs. Seychelles - Maldives Forum The Seychelles: If you are traveling to the Seychelles after visiting the African mainland, Nairobi and Johannesburg are your best bets for daily direct flights. Next: Barbados Vs. Bahamas Vs. Aruba: A Three-Way Face-Off, Joshua is a writer, researcher, adventurer, and traveler. From fresh seafood to exotic fruits and spices, the Indian Ocean islands offer a feast for the senses. The island is considered part of Africa and is located east of Madagascar. An additional domestic flight or ferry may be required if travelers are staying on Grand Anse, La Digue, Flicit, or Silhouette Island. In Seychelles, visitors typically land on the main island of Mah and then travel to neighboring islands by plane, ferry, or helicopter. All rights reserved. "acceptedAnswer": { For travelers who prefer to stay put after a long international flight, Mahe is home to some of the Seychelles best hotels, including the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, the Banyan Tree Seychelles, and MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa. The capital, Port Louis, is a small city with a smidgen of cultural activities. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Living the Dream is a travel blog sharing once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences from around the world. In case you are planning to explore these islands on your own, then Mauritius is a cheaper option since it caters to more tourists from around the world, making it a tourist friendly destination. This is often the case at the higher end five-start plus resorts in the Maldives. ", In the Maldives, resorts reign supreme. While you may have to spend some time thinking about whether to visit a local island or resort island (or both), odds are good your idealized picture of the Maldives is a resort island. 10 Things Not To Do In Maldives In 2023 As Told By Locals. Some European hubs such asParisand London have direct flights too. The island of Mauritius is one of the most favourite romantic destinations for couples, especially for a honeymoon. With weekly direct flights from Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai, as well as daily direct flights from Colombo, Sri Lanka, its easy to see why the Maldives is often paired with its neighbors. Wake up early at least a few times, so you get to the beaches before the crowds. These Indian Ocean gems boast endless views of cerulean waters, powder-white sands and pure tranquillity for hours on end. Antigua Welcome to Antigua, one half of Antigua and Barbuda, where beautiful beaches are in abundance, and all-inclusive resort hug prime positions along the stunning coastline. Most couples choose to base themselves on Mah or Praslin and explore the surrounding islands from there. Despite the rain, the Seychelles is a popular winter holiday destination for Europeans. That country is, without a doubt, Mauritius. Discover the best Maldives honeymoon resorts. Please read our full disclaimer on ourpolicies page. The Seychelles is home to some of the worlds most exclusive resorts, where you can indulge in the finer things in life in a heavenly honeymoon hotel. No matter what you pick, guests are more or less isolated to the island(s) they choose to visit so you would do well to pick some based on the amenities and beach views you would like to sit down and enjoy for hours on end. Maldives vs Mauritius: The Honest Comparison [2023] You Need! The people are devoted Hindus and Yoga is an essential part of the lifestyle here. However, most people don't realize that this tropical paradise actually consists of over 300 islands. Maafushi: The Water Breeze Guesthouse cost $61.71 per night. The Seychelles 3. } Local dishes feature influences from India, France, Creole, and China, and fresh seafood is abundant. While there are several islands that make up the country itself, visitors to Mauritius tend to stick to the main island to explore the nearly 800 square mile landmass (about 20-25 miles in width and length). To hit it all, we'd recommend a minimum of one week and splitting your stay in half between the north and south of the island in order to optimize your ability to explore and minimize drive times each day. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. ? The remoteness of the Maldives atolls and the expense of visiting different islands mean most travelers will remain on the resort grounds for the duration of their stay. , have outdoor movie theaters and overwater spas. About the Author: Jeremy is a full-time travel writer based in Pittsburgh and primary author of this site. If you wish to visit Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue, we recommend a minimum of ten days between the three. Planning a holiday is not easy considering the many options that one has; right from adventure based holidays to religious circuits. To combine Maldives with Africa, you will need to fly via the Middle East, sometimes adding a considerable expense. Huge congratulations on your engagement / upcoming wedding. From November through April, the archipelago is sun-seekers paradise, sunny days and little rainfall. Image SourceThe biggest cost factor in your holiday to either of these destinations would be the airfares. } We strongly recommend hiring a car. Another common question is Is the Maldives boring? or Is theMaldivestoo quiet? Flying to the Seychelles from North America will require at least one pit stop Kenya Airways, Air France, Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways all offer great connectivity through Nairobi, Paris, and the Middle East. Lets take you to the gorgeous Indian Ocean and help you decide between Mauritius or Maldives or Seychelles for your honeymoon! Source 3. Air France, Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Cathay Pacific offer great connectivity through their hubs in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Theres little in the immediate area, but the resort is jam-packed with top-notch amenities, including a spa with a massive menu, a golf driving range, a fitness center with personal trainers, and a dive shop. The seclusion and tranquility are part of what makes these honeymoon destinations so special. Image SourceWhile Maldives is located close to Sri Lanka and just around 1000 km from the Asian subcontinent, Mauritius is closer to the African continent and around 5000 km from India. Overall, the Maldives can be an expensive vacation, with a minimum budget of roughly INR 200,000 to 350,000 per person for a week-long stay. The ideal time to visit Maldives is from November to April, with the period between December and March being the peak season. It remains a favourite amongst visitors. From November through April, the archipelago is sun-seekers paradise, sunny days and little rainfall. The islands, in particular, Bali and the Maldives, are some of the favorite spots for luxury holiday lovers. The island features a huge list of amazing beaches, mountains, and forests for an enjoyable tropical vacation. During this long low season, travelers can expect discounted hotel rates and intense short-lived rainstorms. Which is better: Seychelles vs Mauritius If you want that small island feel then either the Seychelles or the Maldives would be a better bet - with islands like La Digue, Frigate and Desroches in the Seychelles and of course every island in the Maldives. Many even offer fishing and whale-watching excursions or trips on a traditional dhoni boat. While the larger islands had a great cross-section of things to see, the highlight of a visit to the Seychelles is the beaches. Just double your budget when visiting this one as it does not come cheap. How would your day go when youre in a typicalMaldivesresort? If you dont want humid weather, then this is a pleasant time to travel as weather is breezy but dry. Budget Travel: Seychelles | Mauritius, Seychelles, Reunion: Holidays Astha Maheshwari Planning a holiday is not easy considering the many options that one has; right from adventure based holidays to religious circuits. Flying to the Seychelles from North America will require at least one pit stop Kenya Airways, Air France, Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways all offer great connectivity through Nairobi, Paris, and the Middle East. The boulder lined beaches (especially on La Digue) are as stunning as you'd imagine, and the beaches in Mauritius and the Maldives are not comparable even if beautiful in their own right. Whether you choose to go all-inclusive or pay as you go, the dining options in the Maldives or Mauritius or and Seychelles are a delight. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cheap Seychelles flights. To call the islands here a remote paradise is an understatement, and you can get a pretty amazing experience on both the high-end (resorts) and low-end (local islands) of spending- but be prepared to do a fair bit of research as well. No matter which destination you choose, we highly recommend trying the local cuisine. So, it is not surprising to know that Bali has the most affordable accommodation of all these destinations. The island just has too much worth exploring in-land, and visitors here who don't get a car to explore will be missing out on a lot. But while Mauritius is one of the biggest islands featured in this article, don't let its size fool you- you'll spend most of each day driving around the country due to making frequent stops every mile or so to check out a beach, waterfall, parks, mountains, distilleries, and more. In terms of activities and sightseeing opportunities, Mauritius has the upper hand mainly due to its size and more land area. This was the first time we ever sat on a beach to read a book, and by the end of our two week trip I had personally read nine books- so suffice to say you'll have a lot of relaxing time even with taking in excursions and other activities. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. As such, while worth it, we can also see why visitors often pick just one resort and spend their time there exclusively. Maldives enjoys an average temperature throughout the year. Mauritius v Zanzibar- Honeymoon - Zanzibar Island Forum Seychelles, Mauritius, or Maldives? - Cape Town Central Forum Seychelles Massages in an open-sided pavilion overlooking the ocean and pampering sessions on a beach at sunset with local herb-infused oils are the norm in the Seychelles. Blue Penny Museum: An All-Inclusive Guide For The Renowned Museum In Mauritius! South Africa & Mauritius in March 2005, Seychelles in September 2005 and Maldives in March 2003. First up, the Maldives! It might also be suitable for couples who dont drink alcohol. Like the Seychelles, traveling to the Maldives from North America will require at least one stop. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via Email Share with a friend Table of Contents 1. One highlight of staying in the Maldives is the opportunity to stay in a villa, either a beach villa or an overwater villa. Each island has its own unique weather patterns and peak travel times. , { Bali Vs. Maldives Vs. Mauritius: A Three-Way Vacation Face-Off Apart from the different destinations, the availability of good staying facilities at those destinations, the local cuisine available and the overall budget for the trip are also major influencers in the decision on which is the best place for a holiday. Mauritius was my least favourite of the destinations, although we were unfortunate enough to experience a cyclone! Lobby at the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles/Oyster. Flights from Nairobi to Mahe, the Seychelles largest island and commercial hub, clock in at around three hours. "text": "The island of Mauritius is one of the most favourite romantic destinations for couples, especially for a honeymoon. The capital, Mal, is a bustling island city. 4). Everyday I just kept comparing and wishing I had booked a Maldivian resort. Where to go: Mauritius, Seychelles or Maldives? Every major island we visited in the country had these; however, Anse Source d'Argent in La Digue is known for being the most stunning- and we'd agree. While they both are almost identical, where they certainly differ is in their sightseeing attractions, culture, traditions and also cuisine. Suggested Read: Mauritius In June: Some Gorgeous Places To Visit To Enjoy The Best Of This Month. The Seychelles is prettier and more developed but it's fairly expensive to do or buy anything! There are numerous reasons why we have Mauritius as our go-to recommendation when you can decide, and it comes down to a balance of accessibility and price. } Choosing Your Idyllic Island Vacation: Mauritius vs Seychelles Our budget is a total of 3000 GBP for the 2 of us - ideal price would be 2500 GBP. The capital, Victoria, is one of the smallest in the world. Next, we have Seychelles, a group of 100 islands situated off the coast of Tanzania and Kenya in East Africa. 25,000/- per person. } Mauritius Vs Maldives: A Handy Guide To Know Which One Will Perfect! However personally we think Tahiti is more beautiful when it comes to the landscape, while the Maldives is more breathtaking when it comes to the sea. marries elegant interiors with the sweeping grandeur of its natural surroundings. Have you been to the above islands? Nestled among the Takamaka trees, it offers uninterrupted Indian Ocean Views. Accessible only by seaplane or speedboat, the resort is secluded and serene. However, for a true Maldivian experience, accept nothing less than a villa! Beach at Castaway Island Fiji With rugged jungle landscapes, turquoise waters, and white-sand beaches, Fiji certainly seems like the picture-perfect place to unwind. What are the pros and cons of visiting each during that period. One would need to convert their Indian currency into the local currency of that country." "name": "Do I need a passport and visa to enter Maldives and Mauritius? The Maldives: If sugar white sand, warm waters, and castaway scenery are the defining characteristics of your perfect beach, then the Maldives is calling your name. The Maldives is one of the most sought-after tropical destinationsin the world. His curiosity is his ultimate drive and most of the things he is particularly curious about include - the earth, archaeology, history, myths, and the unseen world. Strict dressing culture. Whether youre looking for a chic, adults-only retreat or a resort with plenty of activities, youll find something to suit your tastes in Mauritius. Hopefully this one helped shed a bit more insight into some of the main differences between the islands that tourists will encounter, and help you get a better idea to help in your decision-making process!