which one is greatest for a vacation?

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Right now: 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 record. Though these island nations are all positioned within the Indian Ocean, they provide vastly totally different journey experiences, with every nation having its personal allure. 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? Depart a remark.

1. WEATHER

• The Maldives get pleasure from a tropical, usually 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 usually 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 (generally for days in a row). It’s value paying increased 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 within the final decade. Particularly November and December, which are sometimes labelled as dry season months, have been very unsettled lately. 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 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 could be uneven presently of yr (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-about the most effective 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 an identical sample to that of the Seychelles: the dry season runs from Could to October (Mauritian winter) whereas the moist season 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 extremely popular and humid days, whereas the temperature is extra comfy and balmy throughout the dry winter season (you could even want a lightweight jacket at night time). Additionally, opposite to the Seychelles and the Maldives, Mauritius is positioned within the so-called cyclone belt with a threat of tropical hurricanes within the sizzling summer season months (chances are high very low although). So generally, the most effective time to go to Mauritius for cooler, drier climate is from Could to December. That mentioned, if you happen to’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 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 buildings. 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 very 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 lovely, palm fringed, with sand seashores. A number of the islands – comparable 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 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 infinite 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 (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 long-lasting 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 biggest seashore locations and it’s exhausting to seek out any motive 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 timber swaying within the wind and the nice and cozy Indian Ocean waters lapping the powder tender 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 likewise the principle motive that increasingly more folks go to this Indian Ocean island nation (and preserve returning). The seashores on the Seychelles are so constantly superb that it’s exhausting to not turn out to be 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 isn’t tough to see why photographers and movie makers love to come back 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‘ white seashores are glorious in accordance with all worldwide requirements and most of the people will completely love them. Nonetheless, 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 characteristic rougher sand granules (these aren’t the powder tender seashores you will 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 turn out to be the globe’s final luxurious vacation playground. Synonymous with unmatched luxurious, the Maldives have the most luxurious resorts anyplace on earth with room charges that matches the archipelago’s repute. These trying to pay prime greenback – typically greater than $2,000 USD per night time – for a number of the world’s most decadent luxurious resort experiences might be spoilt for alternative right here. Each resort is constructed by itself pristine tropical island, making certain exclusivity, serenity and whole privateness. Visitors can select between villas constructed on the shore’s  blinding white sand or lodging perched on stilts above the shimmering blue lagoons. High-drawer spas, Michelin star eating, unmatched butler service, and spectacular wine cellars are the norm. Apart from 5- star resorts, the Maldives additionally characteristic some extra reasonably priced motels catering to households, divers and people on a (relative) finances.

• The final decade, the Seychelles have upped their sport in relation to pleasing the discerning traveler, and are on their approach 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 lovely 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 – resort 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 try to lure the extra finances 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 motels 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 services in Mauritius are considerably older and why most motels 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 posh resorts in Mauritius are surprisingly reasonably priced, at the least when in comparison with the generally insane room charges charged within the Maldives and the Seychelles. Mauritius’ 5 star motels have certainly a number of the greatest worth offers to be discovered within the Indian Ocean basin. The island additionally contains a various 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 repute because the world’s most wanted honeymoon locations and for good motive. What’s to not like about its iconic sunsets, sugar white seashores, ocean-edge dinners, pampering spa services, infinite 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 provide 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’ various pure magnificence and exclusivity are exhausting to beat. A vacation right here is way more of an journey and exploration, which is able to attraction to extra energetic honeymooners and {couples} who’re all in favour of 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 wish to discover a number of the world outdoors 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 affords extra reasonably priced luxurious for honeymooners as in comparison with the Maldives and the Seychelles.

Winner: The Maldives

6. FAMILY HOLIDAYS

• The Maldives primarily entice grownup vacationers, with a mixture of honeymooners, surfers, divers, spa lovers, sunbathers and the occasional celeb. 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 some resorts although which are nice for households, comparable to Soneva Fushi, which options the biggest children’ membership of the Indian Ocean.

• The Seychelles are primarily a vacation spot for {couples}, with a concentrate on refined tranquility. With a number of exceptions, there are not any children’ golf equipment to maintain the younger VIP company entertained and water snowboarding, tube rides and jet-skis aren’t 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 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 provide skilled children’ golf equipment to maintain 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 preserve 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 unbelievable underwater world beneath the crystal-clear waters, and the over-the-top motels with the world’s most superb 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 embody 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 – 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 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. Nonetheless, most vacationers will go on that since they like to spend all their time on the 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 isn’t any tradition indigenous to the Seychelles, many influences from African origins have remained for hundreds of years now. You may partake of the great Seychellois tradition just by visiting the islands, eating, dancing, and having a good time.

• Mauritius‘ tradition entails 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 number of the most fascinating and refined hundreds yr previous ancestral traditions. This wealthy range is present in each side of the Mauritian life. Church buildings could 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 yr 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 (all the time by boat or seaplane) is dear 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, wonderful 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 on …). One island, one resort – that’s the principle 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 accomplished, 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 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. Mahé is residence to the small capital and the gorgeous Morne Seychellois Nationwide Park (which affords distinctive mountaineering). On Praslin Island, guests can discover the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, whereas sleepy La Digue shelters a number 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 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 simple with a rental automobile or by taxis. Mauritius affords 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 previous colonial capital, one of many world’s greatest 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. If you’re 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 relation to 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 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 nose to nose with all the pieces from surgeon fish, tuna, and parrot fish, to eagle rays, turtles and even hammerhead sharks. I’ve revealed right here a prime 10 record 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 various 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 aren’t as spectacular as these within the Maldives. The Interior Islands relaxation on an easy-to-access shallow plateau and the pristine Outer Islands provide skilled divers barely explored reefs the place you could even have the ability to spot the occasional hammerhead shark if you happen to’re fortunate! Opposite to the Maldives, the Seychelles’ prime resorts typically provide complimentary diving excursions.

• Mauritius is sort of totally 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. Nonetheless, not like its Indian Ocean siblings the place the rise within the sea temperature attributable to international warming results in sluggish 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 entice rich vacationers, honeymooners, celebrities, divers, and  snorkeling lovers, who’re searching 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 up to now, though its off-the-beaten-track repute might change within the close to future as increasingly more airways are opening routes to the fabulous archipelago. In the meanwhile, the islands primarily entice 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 reasonably priced luxurious resorts, unique dwell leisure, world-class golf programs, and household pleasant picture.

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