Maldives Vs Mauritius Vs Seychelles – Island Destination for a Honeymoon

The shimmering waters of the Indian Ocean are home to some of the most spectacular islands that make for the most magical honeymoon destinations. And the Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles figure right on top. Think luxurious bungalows that open out to aquamarine waters, out-of-the-world underwater explorations, and fine wining and dining. If you are debating Mauritius vs. Maldives vs. Seychelles for your honeymoon, we are here to help you choose the right island for an enchanting getaway with your special someone.

Seychelles vs. Maldives vs. Mauritius – The islands 

Mauritius is the largest of the three islands, sitting off the southeast coast of Africa and east of Madagascar. Mauritius caters to a wide range of travellers, from couples to families and everyone in between. You will find accommodations of all types here, from children-friendly resorts to adults-only properties.

The Maldives is a group of 1192 tiny islands comprising 26 atolls located in Southern Asia, close to India and Sri Lanka. Around 200 of these islands are home to the local population, and about 150 are resort islands. The Maldives follows a one island, one resort policy with all facilities run by the resort. 

Seychelles is a group of 115 islands located closer to the African continent and north of Mauritius. Only a few of the islands are inhabited. Seychelles found its place in the sun much later than the Maldives and Mauritius, and though it is gaining popularity, it still retains much of its raw, natural beauty and rustic charm. 

Mauritius vs. Maldives vs. Seychelles for honeymoon – Picking the right island for you and your partner

All three islands have plenty of things working for them, and picking one over the other depends on your preferences and wishlists. We spoke to our destination experts and travel consultants about what makes each of these islands special, and we have distilled all the information to help you make the right decision.  

Mauritius vs. Maldives vs. Seychelles for honeymoon – Stay options

One of the biggest ‘WOW’ factors of the Maldives is its opulent over-water bungalows. With many of the resorts having their own house reef, all it takes is a dive from your room to experience the island’s crystal clear waters and discover an astounding underwater world. With just one resort spread over each island, it’s all about privacy and exclusivity in the Maldives.

Seychelles has smaller properties, often set amid lush greenery. Many of these resorts offer spacious and plush suites and villas with a rustic design aesthetic without compromising on any luxuries or amenities. 

A lot more well-established than the other two islands, Mauritius offers a range of accommodation options. Many luxury hotels here offer a wide range of facilities and amenities such as golf courses, watersports, a variety of dining options, spas and more.  

The winner – The Maldives

Mauritius vs. Maldives vs. Seychelles for honeymoon – Beaches

Soft, powdery white sand beaches with mesmerizing blue waters sit punctuated with magnificent granite boulders and against a backdrop of thick, lush greenery in Seychelles. Little wonder the island’s beaches have been voted among some of the world’s most beautiful. Anse Source d’Argent, Anse Lazio, and Anse Georgette are just a few of Seychelles’ many gorgeous strips of sand.

With sparkling white sands, inviting blue-green waters and gracefully swaying palm trees, the beaches of the Maldives are as picture postcard perfect as they get. 

While Mauritius has some beautiful beaches, they don’t quite compare to the raw beauty of Seychelles or to the quality of sand of Maldives’ beaches. 

The winner – Seychelles 

Mauritius vs. Maldives vs. Seychelles for honeymoon – Water activities

With some of the clearest waters, vast coral gardens and diverse sea life, Maldives provides the best conditions for snorkelling and diving adventures. And with many resorts boasting marine life-rich house reefs, unforgettable underwater adventures are just a hop, skip and jump from your bungalow. For an adrenaline high, you can try out kitesurfing, wakeboarding and even flyboarding!

Mauritius offers fabulous options for fun and adventure. From going on underwater sea walks to parasailing to jet skiing and windsurfing, the island provides plenty of opportunities for thrills and spills (in the water, of course).

To maintain the delicate ecosystem, motorized water sports are prohibited in areas surrounding most islands in Seychelles. Still, you can explore the waters surrounding the islands on thrilling dives in historical wreck sites, snorkelling, paddling, kayaking and more.

The winner – The Maldives 

Mauritius vs. Maldives vs. Seychelles for honeymoon – Land adventures

Those looking for a mix of water and land adventures will find that Mauritius has plenty to offer. From hiking up Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to marvelling at the multicoloured hues of Chamarel’s sands and exploring the many trails and sights of Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius is as beautiful inland as it is beachside.

Blessed with a spectacular topography, Seychelles is home to unique flora and fauna. The island is the only place where you can get your hands on the ‘forbidden fruit’ – the coco de Mer which is the largest and heaviest fruit in the world. Explore the Valle de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its healthy population of coco de Mer trees. Seychelles is also one of very few destinations where you can get up close to wild, giant tortoises. 

The Maldives, in contrast, is an all-out island getaway with a greater focus on luxury and water adventures. 

The winner – Mauritius

Mauritius vs. Maldives vs. Seychelles for honeymoon – Cuisine and culture

A former British colony, Mauritius has many attractions that serve as reminders of an era that once was. Visit the Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ‘immigration depot’ for indentured labourers from India. Take a guided hike to the caves of Le Morne Brabant, which served as a hideaway for runaway slaves in the 19th century. Witness a Sega music and dance performance, explore local markets and tour some of the island’s fascinating museums. Mauritian cuisine consists of plenty of fresh seafood  and is a mix of Asian, European and African flavours. Try out the popular Dholl Puri flatbread, dig into flavourful biryanis, and relish finger-licking Indian sweets and French pastries.

The culture and cuisine of Seychelles are an amalgamation of Chinese, Indian, French and African influences. Savour grilled fish, fresh from the sea, coconut-based curries and banana-based desserts. La Digue, one of the main islands of Seychelles, is a charming island that gives you a peek into the life of the locals. In Mahe, you can visit the Creole Institute and the Craft Village to appreciate the local culture better. 

The resort islands of the Maldives exist in a little bubble of their own. The best way to get a feel for the island’s native culture is to take a trip to one of the local islands, sign up for a cooking class at your resort or to enjoy Maldivian cuisine, which is rich in seafood and infused with flavours from India and Sri Lanka.

The winner – Mauritius

Mauritius vs. Maldives vs. Seychelles for honeymoon – Island hopping

The islands of Seychelles are perfectly spaced from one another, allowing you to hop your way easily. Mahe, Praslin and La Digue are less than an hour away by ferry ride, and travellers can avail of the Inter-Island Ferry Service. Flights take around 15 minutes. You can also visit Cousin, Curieuse, Bird and the St. Pierre Islands by signing up for private boat trips. Explore secluded beaches, go bird watching, swim around spectacular reefs and say hello to giant tortoises; the range of activities you can try out is excellent. 

Mauritius also offers ample island hopping opportunities, such as trips to Île aux Cerfs, Ilot Gabriel, and Île Plate. 

Public ferries are available from Male, but there is no public transport network between private islands, and you will have to hire a private boat or travel by seaplane. Many resorts offer day trips to nearby islands for snorkelling or sunset cruises, and that is one way you can explore the waters beyond your resort island. 

The winner – Seychelles 

Conclusion

If you are looking for an uber luxurious honeymoon experience, nothing quite beats the romantic over-water villas, fine dining options and breathtaking waters of the Maldives. 

Seychelles is the perfect pick for couples looking for a honeymoon experience full of natural beauty – Stay in plush bungalows amid lush greenery, laze at some of the most picturesque beaches and discover the island’s rich flora and fauna.

To make action and adventure part of your honeymoon, pick Mauritius, which offers plenty of land and water-based experiences. 

There’s no question – With splendid accommodation options, unforgettable experiences, and stunning seascapes, the Maldives, Seychelles, and Mauritius take the concept of a honeymoon destination up by several notches. Contact our travel experts and let’s get started on creating a journey through some of the most breathtaking islands in the world.