Maldives vs Seychelles vs Mauritius: which one is finest?

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In the present day: 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. Situated within the Indian Ocean, these island aren’t as related as you may first assume, with every nation having its personal allure and providing vacationers a really totally 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 one of the 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’ll be able to share your individual 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, as a result of their location on the Equator. The winter monsoon – named ‘Iruvai’ in Dhivehi (Maldivian language) – is one of the 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 way of April. The summer time monsoon – named ‘Halhangu’ in Dhivehi – runs from Might to October, peaking in June, and brings heavy rains, thunderstorms, winds and tough seas (generally for days in a row). It’s value paying larger costs and sticking to the dry season within the Maldives, as there’s not a lot to do on a wet day. It must be famous that Maldivian climate grew to become much less predictable for the reason that 2004 tsunami. Particularly November and December, which are sometimes labelled as dry season months, have been very unsettled lately. Additionally understand that the Southern Atolls – situated 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 much like the Maldives, though it options an reverse sample. From Might 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 might be uneven at the moment of 12 months (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 one of the best months for a go to to the archipelago: the winds die down as they modify path and sunny days are the norm (with a number of passing showers).

• Mauritius enjoys a subtropical local weather with the same sample to that of the Seychelles: the dry seasons runs from Might to October (Mauritian winter) whereas the moist seasons happens from November to April (Mauritian summer time). There are some variations although with the climate of the Maldives and the Seychelles. There’s extra fluctuation within the temperature since Mauritius is situated additional away from the Equator: the moist summer time brings extremely popular and humid days, whereas the temperature is extra comfy and balmy through the dry winter season (it’s possible you’ll even want a lightweight jacket at evening). Additionally, opposite to the Seychelles and the Maldives, Mauritius is situated within the so-called cyclone belt with a danger of tropical hurricanes within the scorching summer time months (likelihood is very low although). So generally, one of the best time to go to Mauritius for cooler, drier climate is from Might to December. That mentioned, when 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 aspect of the island.

Winner: The Seychelles (from Might 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 stunning atolls and encircled by white sands and extremely stunning 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 degree and the best pure level being the bottom on the planet, at 2.4 meters (7 ft 10 in).

• The Seychelles consists of 115 coral and granite islands that are the peaks of a large underwater plateau. The three principal islands – Mahe, Praslin and La Digue – are fairly massive, 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 stunning, palm fringed, with sand seashores. A number of the islands – corresponding to La Digue – characteristic 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 stunning 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 might be lined in lush tropical foliage, whereas the vegetation turns into extra sparse with countless sugar cane plains in the direction of the shores (aside from the imported palm timber 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 reality that is situated 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 enduring Le Mont Brabant mountain (with a top of 556 meters or 1824 ft) overlooks a deep blue lagoon fringed by a white sand, creating a really 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 arduous to seek 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 stuff you hear on the seaside are the palm timber swaying within the wind and the nice and cozy Indian Ocean waters lapping the powder mushy 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 planet. Their magnificence is past phrases and in addition the primary purpose that an increasing number of folks go to this Indian Ocean island nation (and hold returning). The seashores on the Seychelles are so constantly superb that it’s arduous to not grow to be 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’s not troublesome to see why photographers and movie makers love to come back right here. The Seychelles’ most stunning 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 based on 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 characteristic rougher sand granules (these aren’t the powder mushy seashores you could 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 grow to be 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 trying to pay high greenback – usually greater than $5,000 USD per evening – for a few of the world’s most decadent luxurious resort experiences might be spoilt for alternative right here. Each resort is constructed by itself unpopulated and pristine tropical island, making certain 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. In addition to the 5- and 6-star resorts, the Maldives additionally characteristic some extra inexpensive lodges catering to households, divers and people on a (relative) price range. 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 sport in the case of pleasing the discerning traveler, and are on their option to equal each the Maldives and Mauritius when it comes to astonishingly decadent resorts. The nation’s most unique resorts are all situated on their very own insanely stunning granite islands, that includes palatial beachfront villas that supply the last word in tropical holidays and personal dwelling 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 most costly – resort actual property on the planet. One thing to bear in mind is that the Seychelles’ resorts are both extremely luxurious lodges or charming friends homes with little or no in between, though newly opened, extra modest resorts try to lure the extra price range minded traveler.

• Mauritius has at all times been is aware of as a luxurious vacation spot, with many main and world-class resorts dotted across the island shore’s. The luxurious lodges in Mauritius have been constructed lengthy earlier than the Seychelles and the Maldives grew to become the planet’s hotspots for luxurious journey, therefore explaining why the services in Mauritius are considerably older and why most lodges don’t characteristic stand-alone villas with non-public 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, no less than when in comparison with the generally insane room charges charged within the Maldives and the Seychelles. Mauritius’ 5 star lodges have certainly a few of the finest worth offers to be discovered within the Indian Ocean basin. The island additionally incorporates a various vary of lodging interesting to all vacationers and budgets, raging from modest institutions to high-end glamorous lodges.

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 services, countless vistas over clear lagoons, and beautiful overwater villas. It’s no surprise honeymooners flock right here in droves, together with the wealthy and well-known.

• The Seychelles provide a extra discrete and understated kind 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’ various pure magnificence and exclusivity are arduous to beat. A vacation right here is way more of an journey, which is able to attraction to extra lively honeymooners and {couples} who’re fascinated with 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 mentioned that, Mauritius is ideal for {couples} that need to discover a few of the world exterior their resort (not doable on the Maldives) with out the hassles of venturing too far-off from their resort base (not doable on the Seychelles). And let’s not overlook that Mauritius gives 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 fanatics, sunbathers and the occasional superstar. Households with younger youngsters might really feel a bit of out-of-place right here, and resorts hardly ever cater for younger youngsters, with water actions restricted to snorkeling and diving. As well as, overwater villas are sometimes prohibited to households with youngsters below the age of 12. There are a number of resorts although which might be nice for households, corresponding to Soneva Fushi, which options the biggest youngsters’ membership of the Indian Ocean.

• The Seychelles are primarily a vacation spot for {couples}, with a give attention to refined tranquility. With a number of exceptions, there aren’t any youngsters’ golf equipment to maintain the younger VIP friends entertained and water snowboarding, tube rides and jet-skis usually are not allowed due to conservation causes. Having mentioned 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 permit bathing in peace.

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

Winner: Mauritius

7. WOW FACTOR

• The Maldives have an infinite WOW issue, as a result of its distinctive geography, the idyllic and tiny tropical islands, the unimaginable underwater world beneath the crystal-clear waters, and the over-the-top lodges with the world’s most superb overwater villas.

• The Seychelles‘ may simply be the last 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 stunning island however – IMHO – lacks a wow issue.

Winner: the Maldives

8. RELIGION & CULTURE

• The Maldives – a predominant Muslim nation – gives 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 move on that since they like to spend all their time on their non-public 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 totally different instances in its historical past, folks 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 is no such thing as a tradition indigenous to the Seychelles, many influences from African origins have remained for hundreds of years now. You’ll be able to partake of the great 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 various nation with Hinduism being the faith of about half the inhabitants. Going to its discovery is usually a journey into a few of the most fascinating and refined 1000’s 12 months outdated ancestral traditions. This wealthy range is present in each side of the Mauritian life. Church buildings might be discovered subsequent to a mosque, Indian temples subsequent to Chinese language pagodas. Numerous non secular festivals are celebrated with a lot fervour and devotion all 12 months spherical by the totally different communities. A few of these celebrations might 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 (at all times by boat or seaplane) is pricey and time-consuming (a lot of the instances, you must backtrack by way of Male). That’s why most individuals favor to remain on their non-public island resort whereas visiting the archipelago. Actions are restricted to what’s provided by the resort and these are largely centered on exploring the ocean. Days are stuffed with sunbathing, swimming, effective eating, snorkeling, diving, visits to the spa, and a few excursions (e.g. go to to a neighborhood island, dolphin cruise, picnic on a abandoned island, and many others …). One island, one resort – that’s the primary attraction.

• 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 executed, with a daily 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 follow the general public ferries and restrict your itinerary to the three principal islands (Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue), it’s additionally fairly low-cost to go from one island to a different. The Seychelles provide world-class sightseeing.  Mahé is residence to the small capital and the attractive Morne Seychellois Nationwide Park (which gives distinctive mountaineering). On Praslin Island, guests can discover the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, whereas sleepy La Digue shelters a few of 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 provide loads of actions, however understand 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 straightforward with a rental automotive or by taxis. Mauritius gives a myriad of actions and sights, corresponding to world-class golf programs, thrilling water sports activities (e.g. jetski, windsurfing, waterski), parasailing, mountain trekking, searching, 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 huge cats. In case you are on the lookout 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 another vacation spot on earth in the case 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 large whale sharks and manta rays. Most resorts characteristic their very own licensed dive middle, and have entry to a various vary of dive websites appropriate for divers of all expertise ranges. All resorts additionally characteristic a so-called ‘home reef’ near their shores, the place snorkeling can convey you head to head with every little thing 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 one of the 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 various marine environments round, teeming with each fish and coral life. The vacation spot is rated world-class by divers and in addition snorkelers will benefit from the waters, though the reefs usually are not as spectacular as these within the Maldives. The Internal Islands relaxation on an easy-to-access shallow plateau and the pristine Outer Islands provide skilled divers barely explored reefs the place it’s possible you’ll even be capable of spot the occasional hammerhead shark when you’re fortunate! Opposite to the Maldives, the Seychelles’ high resorts usually provide complimentary diving excursions.

• Mauritius is sort of solely encircled by a coral reef, making it a wonderful 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 attributable to world warming results in sluggish destruction and whitening of the coral reefs, the marine fauna and flora of Mauritius continues 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 fanatics, who’re in the hunt for the tranquility, decadent luxurious and superb oceanic wildlife provided 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 to date, though its off-the-beaten-track fame might change within the close to future as an increasing number of airways are opening routes to the fabulous archipelago. In the meanwhile, the islands primarily appeal to eco-conscious friends 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 provided by the Seychelles’ string of uberluxurious resorts.

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

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