Mauritius, Seychelles, and the Maldives are each known for idyllic beaches, luxurious resorts, and turquoise waters – but choosing between them isn’t always simple. Here, Kirsty reveals insider details, useful tips, and surprises she’s learned first-hand, to help match you with your ideal Indian Ocean island escape.
- 01. Q: Which island is easiest to get to?
- 02. Q: Which island is best for families?
- 03. Q: Which is best for honeymooners?
- 04. Q: How do the islands compare culturally?
- 05. Q: Which island is best for foodies?
- 06. Q: Which island has the best marine life and diving?
- 07. Q: How do the islands differ for land-based activities?
- 08. Q: What surprised you most on your recent trip?
- 9. Q: What misconceptions do travellers commonly have?
Mauritius is often the simplest option for travellers flying from Europe and the Middle East, thanks to direct overnight routes and quick, easy transfers on arrival. From other parts of the world – such as Asia, or Australia – the Maldives may offer smoother flight connections overall. Seychelles typically requires a stopover, but once you're on Mahé, top resorts like Cheval Blanc and Four Seasons Seychelles are close by. In the Maldives, seaplane or boat transfers can add hours, so total journey times often end up similar to Seychelles.
Q: Which island is easiest to get to?
Q: Which island is best for families?
Mauritius is fantastic for families. It's packed with resorts designed specifically with children in mind, so you can expect great kids’ clubs, plenty of activities, easy logistics and varied dining options. I recently stayed at all five LUX* properties, which really showcase the island’s versatility. Aside from the boutique, adults-only SALT, they’re all ideal for families – from the excellent kids’ and teens’ club at LUX* Belle Mare, to the all bells-and-whistles of the LUX* Grand Gaube. The Maldives can be amazing for families too, but resort choice is critical since some islands cater better to children than others. Seychelles generally suits older kids better due to its hilly terrain, but there are a few good options for younger families too. Constance Ephelia, for instance, has a more accessible layout, a relaxed feel, and a great range of family-friendly activities.
For honeymoons, the Maldives is hard to beat. Private overwater villas, romantic dinners, and breathtaking ocean views create a truly intimate experience. Seychelles offers an exciting alternative – dramatic landscapes, hidden beaches, and a sense of secluded adventure perfect for couples seeking something different but also luxurious. Mauritius is also a very romantic honeymoon destination, but couples looking for absolute privacy usually prefer the Maldives or Seychelles.
Q: Which is best for honeymooners?
Q: How do the islands compare culturally?
Mauritius offers the richest cultural experience. You really feel the island’s vibrant Indo-Creole heritage, with bustling local markets, colourful temples and diverse communities everywhere you go. In Seychelles, culture is more accessible when staying on larger islands like Mahé or Praslin, where there’s a stronger sense of daily island life. Island-hopping by ferry also adds depth. Even on more remote private islands, I found the staff genuinely passionate and they loved sharing stories about their culture. In the Maldives, cultural exposure is less immediate when staying on resort islands, but arranging a local island tour is a great way to experience authentic Maldivian life and traditions beyond the postcard-perfect beaches.
While hotel-led dining is the norm across these islands, the variety and atmosphere can differ quite a bit. In Mauritius, the broad mix of hotel offerings provides plenty of choice, and guests often enjoy dining at neighbouring resorts or Lightfoot-recommended local restaurants. In Seychelles, there’s also room for culinary exploration if you’re staying on the main island of Mahé. Even from outer-island resorts like Six Senses Zil Pasyon, you can take a short boat ride to La Digue, known for its cool, laid-back vibe and emerging food scene. It’s also home to giant tortoises and best explored by bike or mini moke. At Six Senses itself, the cuisine was a real highlight – thoughtful, inventive, and far beyond expectations. In the Maldives, guests typically stay on their resort island, and dining can be expensive. That said, standout properties like Patina, Niyama, and Soneva elevate it into an incredible experience with treetop dining, beachfront barbecues, and sandbank picnics under the stars.
Q: Which island is best for foodies?
Q: Which island has the best marine life and diving?
Seychelles really blew me away with marine life. Within minutes of snorkelling off the beach, we encountered vibrant reefs, turtles, sharks, and incredibly colourful fish. The Maldives is also spectacular, known for larger marine wildlife such as mantas and whale sharks. However, quality varies depending on resort location, season, and atoll, making planning important. Mauritius, while pleasant and beautiful, doesn’t quite match the underwater spectacle of Seychelles or the Maldives, especially if snorkelling and diving are priorities.
Mauritius is great for active travellers. There’s fantastic hiking, waterfalls, markets, and plenty of local culture to explore beyond the beaches. Seychelles also offers brilliant adventures – hidden trails, jungle walks, and secret beaches that feel genuinely exciting. The Maldives is less active, with land-based activities mostly limited to resort options like yoga or tennis. So, if exploring beyond the beach is important, Mauritius or Seychelles offer a much richer experience.
Q: How do the islands differ for land-based activities?
Q: What surprised you most on your recent trip?
I was amazed at how lush Seychelles is. I expected beautiful beaches, but the dramatic hillsides, dense jungle, and vivid greenery everywhere really stunned me. Mauritius continues to surprise me too, consistently delivering beyond expectations in quality, diversity, and ease. The Maldives remains reliably beautiful, but I'm always reminded how dramatically each resort can differ – something crucial for travellers to consider. These unexpected details keep these islands exciting, even for seasoned visitors.
Many assume Seychelles is hard to reach, but depending where you originate, it’s often comparable to the Maldives once you factor in seaplane or boat transfers required there. If you’re staying on Mahé, some of Seychelles’ best resorts are just a short drive from the airport. People sometimes think the Maldives might feel limiting, but for travellers who love resort-based relaxation, it’s absolutely ideal. Mauritius can be underestimated as less ‘exotic,’ but its cultural depth, incredible food, and activities are hugely rewarding, providing much more than simply beautiful beaches.
Q: What misconceptions do travellers commonly have?
Q: Which island is your personal favourite now?
I surprised myself by falling completely in love with Seychelles. I’ve always adored the Maldives, but Seychelles’ stunning landscapes, adventurous feel, lush greenery, dramatic beach boulders and wonderful marine life have completely won me over. It feels genuinely special and refreshingly different, yet still luxurious and beautiful. Many Maldives regulars might find Seychelles a fantastic change, offering something uniquely memorable. For me, it perfectly balances relaxation, exploration, and adventure – exactly what I look for in an island escape.
Whether you're seeking easy luxury in Mauritius, romantic seclusion in the Maldives, or dramatic adventure in Seychelles, choosing the right island makes all the difference. At Lightfoot, we craft personalised holidays to match your dreams perfectly. Contact our experts today to create your ideal Indian Ocean experience.
Photography credits: Unsplash, Canva, and hotels and resorts own
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