which one is finest for a vacation?

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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 is best to put in your bucket listing. Though these island nations are all positioned within the Indian Ocean, they provide vastly totally different journey experiences, with every nation having its personal appeal. Asking your self which island to decide on for a vacation of a lifetime? Let me information you by evaluating the Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius for 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

Which one is your favourite Indian Ocean vacation vacation spot? Go away a remark.

1. WEATHER

• The Maldives get pleasure from a tropical, typically humid local weather all year long with nearly no fluctuations in temperature, as a result of its location on the Equator. The winter monsoon – named ‘Iruvai’ in Dhivehi (Maldivian language) – is the most effective 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 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 greater 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 turned much less predictable within the final decade. Particularly November and December, which are sometimes labelled as dry season months, have been very unsettled in recent times. Additionally needless to say 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 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) deliver a comparatively dry interval to the Seychelles with largely clear skies and little or no precipitation though seas could be uneven at the moment of 12 months (with seaweed on the seashores). From December to March (dry season 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 most effective months for a go to to the archipelago: the winds die down as they alter path 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 season runs from Might to October (Mauritian winter) whereas the moist season 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 positioned additional away from the Equator: the moist summer time brings highly regarded and humid days, whereas the temperature is extra comfy and balmy in the course of the dry winter season (you could even want a lightweight 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 time months (chances are high very low although). So typically, the most effective time to go to Mauritius for cooler, drier climate is from Might to December. That mentioned, 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 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 buildings. The Maldivian archipelago is totally flat, with a median ground-level elevation of 1.5 meters (4 ft 11 in) above sea stage 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 fundamental 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 all the way down to hauntingly stunning, palm fringed, with sand seashores. A few of the islands – corresponding 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 essentially 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 coated in lush tropical foliage, whereas the vegetation turns into extra sparse with countless sugar cane plains in 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 (as a result of 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 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 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 biggest seashore locations and it’s exhausting 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 water. The one belongings you hear on the seashore are the palm bushes swaying within the wind and the nice and cozy Indian Ocean waters lapping the powder smooth 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 increasingly individuals go to this Indian Ocean island nation (and preserve returning). The seashores on the Seychelles are so constantly wonderful that it’s exhausting to not change into blasé about them. Beautiful ribbons of powdery-soft white sand are lapped by turquoise waters and backed by jungle clad hills and large granite boulders. It’s not troublesome to see why photographers and movie makers love to return 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‘ white seashores are wonderful in line with all worldwide requirements and most of the people will completely love them. Nevertheless, they’re in a unique league as in comparison with the magnificent, pristine seashores of Mauritius’ Indian Ocean siblings, the Seychelles and the Maldives. Not solely do Mauritius’ seashores function rougher sand granules (these aren’t the powder smooth seashores you could have been dreaming about), they’re additionally backed by a so-so panorama 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 change into the globe’s final luxurious vacation playground. Synonymous with unequalled luxurious, the Maldives have the most luxurious resorts anyplace on earth with room charges that matches the archipelago’s fame. These trying to pay prime greenback – typically greater than $2,000 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 pristine tropical island, guaranteeing exclusivity, serenity and complete privateness. Visitors 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. Moreover 5- star resorts, the Maldives additionally function some extra inexpensive motels catering to households, divers and people on a (relative) price range.

• The final decade, the Seychelles have upped their recreation in the case of pleasing the discerning traveler, and are on their technique to equal each the Maldives and Mauritius by way of astonishingly decadent resorts. The nation’s most unique resorts are all positioned on their very own insanely stunning granite islands, that includes palatial beachfront villas that provide 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 costliest – lodge actual property on the planet. One thing to remember is that the Seychelles’ resorts are both extremely luxurious motels or charming company homes with little or no in between, though newly opened, extra modest resorts are attempting 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 motels in Mauritius had been constructed lengthy earlier than the Seychelles and the Maldives turned the planet’s hotspots for luxurious journey, therefore explaining why the amenities in Mauritius are considerably older and why most motels 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 posh resorts in Mauritius are surprisingly inexpensive, at the very least when in comparison with the generally insane room charges charged within the Maldives and the Seychelles. Mauritius’ 5 star motels have certainly among the finest worth offers to be discovered within the Indian Ocean basin. The island additionally includes a numerous vary of lodging interesting to all vacationers and budgets, raging from modest institutions to high-end glamorous motels.

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, countless 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 exhausting to beat. A vacation right here is way more of an journey and exploration, which can attraction to extra energetic honeymooners and {couples} who’re concerned with ecology and/or island hopping between a few of its 115 islands.

• Mauritius can be a magnet for honeymooners and {couples}, though – IMHO – it can’t 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 among the world exterior their resort (not attainable on the Maldives) with out the hassles of venturing too distant from their lodge base (not attainable on the Seychelles). And let’s not neglect that Mauritius affords 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 movie star. Households with younger kids could really feel a bit of out-of-place right here, and resorts not often cater for younger kids, with water actions restricted to snorkeling and diving. As well as, overwater villas are sometimes prohibited to households with kids underneath the age of 12. There are some resorts although which might be nice for households, corresponding to Soneva Fushi, which options the most important 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 should not allowed due to conservation causes. Having mentioned that, eco-conscious households with older kids (youngsters) will adore the island nation. And Praslin and La Digue are additionally appropriate for a household journey with youthful kids, since some protected lagoons on these islands permit bathing in peace.

• Mauritius is the Indian Ocean’s biggest vacation spot for household journey and one of the vital child-friendly locations on the globe. Most motels and resorts supply skilled youngsters’ golf equipment to handle and entertain kids of all ages so their mother and father can have a vacation too. Water sports activities, gentle leisure, and a variety of excursions additionally preserve the older kids 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 motels with the world’s most wonderful overwater villas.

• The Seychelles‘ would possibly simply be the last word Indian Ocean seashore 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 given 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 – affords 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 realize 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 the 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 totally 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 possibly can 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 numerous nation with Hinduism being the faith of about half the inhabitants. Going to its discovery could be a journey into among the most fascinating and refined 1000’s 12 months previous ancestral traditions. This wealthy range is present in each facet of the Mauritian life. Church buildings could 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 12 months spherical by the totally different communities. A few of these celebrations could 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 dear and time-consuming (many of the instances, you must backtrack by way of Male). That’s why most individuals choose to remain on their personal 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 full of sunbathing, swimming, fantastic 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 so forth …). One island, one resort – that’s the primary attraction.

• The Seychelles consists of 115 island that are coated by magical landscapes ready be explored. Getting round and do some island hopping is a should and simply completed, 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 keep on with the general public ferries and restrict your itinerary to the three fundamental islands (Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue), it’s additionally fairly low cost to go from one island to a different. Mahé is dwelling to the small capital and the attractive Morne Seychellois Nationwide Park (which affords 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 needless to say 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 may be very straightforward with a rental automobile or by taxis. Mauritius affords 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 previous 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 in search of 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 every other 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 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 deliver you nose to nose with every thing from surgeon fish, tuna, and parrot fish, to eagle rays, turtles and even hammerhead sharks. I’ve revealed right here a prime 10 listing with the most effective 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 in addition snorkelers will benefit from the waters, though the reefs should not as spectacular as these within the Maldives. The Inside Islands relaxation on an easy-to-access shallow plateau and the pristine Outer Islands supply skilled divers barely explored reefs the place you could even be capable of spot the occasional hammerhead shark should you’re fortunate! Opposite to the Maldives, the Seychelles’ prime resorts typically supply complimentary diving excursions.

• Mauritius is nearly completely 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 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 fanatics, who’re in quest of the tranquility, decadent luxurious and wonderful 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 this point, though its off-the-beaten-track fame could change within the close to future as increasingly airways are opening routes to the fabulous archipelago. In the intervening time, 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 provided 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 dwell leisure, world-class golf programs, and household pleasant picture.

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