Atoll seclusion or volcanic island variety: comparing two Indian Ocean holiday destinations
Choose the Maldives if seclusion, the lagoon and the water are to be the focus of your stay: a resort island usually has just one hotel. Choose Mauritius if, alongside the beach, you are looking for excursions, hiking, golf and a lively island culture.
Both destinations lie in the Indian Ocean and are well suited to a high-end beach holiday, yet they work in completely different ways. The Maldives are a chain of low-lying coral islands, and you usually spend your holiday on a single island. Mauritius is a green volcanic island with mountains, villages and a capital city, offering something new to discover every day. Below we compare character, travel, best time to travel and who each destination suits. You will find further key facts on our pages on luxury holidays in the Maldives and luxury holidays in Mauritius.
The Maldives consist of around 1,190 coral islands in 26 natural atolls, barely rising above sea level. A resort usually occupies an island of its own. This shapes your stay: you live in an overwater villa or a beach villa, snorkel on the house reef and leave the island mainly for excursions out to sea.
From the airport in Malé, you reach your resort by speedboat, domestic flight or seaplane, depending on its location. The Maldives are particularly suited to couples, honeymoons and anyone who truly wants to switch off. Families are welcome too: many resorts offer kids' clubs and family villas. If you are looking for plenty of variety on land, however, you will find little here. Your holiday revolves around villa, beach, spa and lagoon, and for many guests that is precisely the appeal.
Mauritius is a volcanic island east of Madagascar, almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs that shelter calm lagoons. In the south-west lies Black River Gorges National Park, with hiking trails through gorges and forest, and at the far south-west tip stands Le Morne Brabant, whose cultural landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Add to this Chamarel with its seven-coloured earth, the market in Port Louis and tea plantations.
The population has Indian, African, European and Chinese roots. You notice this in the cuisine and in the temples, mosques, churches and pagodas. The main languages spoken are Creole, French and English. Mauritius suits guests who want to combine beach and discovery, golfers and families who appreciate variety.
The key differences at a glance:
Bear in mind that Mauritius lies in the southern hemisphere. The European summer is winter there, mild and fairly dry, while November to April brings the warm, more humid summer.
You do not necessarily have to choose. The Maldives and Mauritius can be combined in one trip, for instance with a few active days on Mauritius followed by a relaxing finale in a Maldivian lagoon. We plan the connection between the two islands to fit your flights.
Three questions help you decide. How much do you want to do? If you want to see something new every day, Mauritius is the right choice. When are you travelling? Between November and April, the season favours the Maldives, while Mauritius can be visited all year round. Who is travelling with you? Couples find time for two in the Maldives, families find more variety on Mauritius. At our office in Basel, we will gladly match the choice to your wishes.
For the Maldives, pay attention to your flight's arrival time. Many of the more remote resorts are reached by seaplane, and seaplanes only fly in daylight. We choose your connection so that the onward transfer works on the same day, or we plan a first night near the airport. On Mauritius, we recommend choosing your hotel's location according to your plans: if you want to hike and experience Le Morne, stay in the south-west; if golf is your priority, stay close to your favourite course.
Are you ready for paradise? As your specialist for tailor-made luxury holidays in Switzerland, we support you in planning your dream journey.
