Choosing between a honeymoon in Seychelles or Mauritius is a delightful dilemma to be in.
Both islands offer unique experiences. Seychelles, with its pristine, secluded beaches and lush tropical landscapes, exudes romance and seclusion – perfect for couples seeking an intimate, tranquil escape. On the other hand, Mauritius boasts a vibrant blend of cultures, offering a dynamic fusion of adventure and relaxation. Whether you prefer the serene intimacy of Seychelles or the diverse activities of Mauritius, both islands promise a magical start to your life as a married couple.
Read on to discover your perfect match.
The countries at a glance: secluded archipelago or multicultural melting pot
Enter the name of either of these island nations into a search engine and the results will seem quite similar (and enticing): stunning white-sand beaches and lush rainforest foliage. A closer look, however, reveals just how different they are.
Seychelles consists of 155 islands, the overwater peaks of an underwater plateau. It’s renowned for jaw-dropping scenery, with tropical rainforest sloping down to palm-fringed beaches and granite boulders that contrast with crystalline water. The archipelago was uninhabited until the 18th century, when French and British colonists finally arrived with slaves from Africa and India. The smallest country in Africa, 90% of its 100-thousand-strong population live on the main island of Mahé.
Mauritius is one large island, around 800 kilometres east of Madagascar. Less tropical than Seychelles, the country’s interior is covered in dense forest and sugar-cane fields. Head to the UNESCO-listed area of Le Morne in the country’s southwest and you’ll find the impressive monolith of Mont Brabant towering over an incredible blue lagoon. Having gone through waves of settlement by the Portuguese, Dutch, French and British from the 16th century onward, Mauritius’ population today is incredibly multicultural.
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The resorts: ultra lux private-island havens or laidback beachfront bed-and-breakfasts
Choosing where you’ll sleep is perhaps the most crucial step of honeymoon planning – luckily these two islands have accommodation options fit for every kind of marital bliss.
Will and Kate honeymooned in Seychelles – need we say more? Ultra luxurious resorts abound in the archipelago, with palatial villas overlooking private pools and endless blue sea as the norm. Thanks to the islands’ focus on sustainability and conservation, many options also tout eco-conscious design and operations. More low-key but equally alluring are the many charming guesthouses and bed-and-breakfasts scattered like gems across the three bigger islands.
With its longer history of tourism, Mauritius offers a wider range of accommodation options than Seychelles, with some of the best-value packaged stays in the Indian Ocean. The island is host to both renowned world-class hotel brands and boutique luxury offerings, and in addition to the plethora of beachfront resorts with infinity pools melting into ocean horizons, there’s a smattering of accommodation set in the lushly forested mountains.
The activities: world-class snorkelling or vibrant festivals
As you might expect, pastimes in Seychelles mainly involve exploring its natural endowments. The three main islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue offer incredible landscapes for hiking, while the smaller outlying islands serve as a base for world-class snorkelling and diving. Motorised sports are banned in the islands for conservation reasons, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. But don’t worry, it’s relatively easy to get around with a network of ferries, light aircraft and helicopters.
The gentle waves and blue lagoon of Mauritius play host to all of the same thrilling water sports on offer in Seychelles, but its larger area and population mean an increased range of land-based activities. Active honeymooners will enjoy the nature reserves and national parks where you can explore ziplining, animal encounters and diverse hiking routes. Lush golf courses beckon, and rum distilleries and tea plantations avail themselves to slake your thirst. A roster of colourful festivals also pepper the calendar, reflecting the melting pot of cultures that make up this island.
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Why not both?
There you have it – if you’re seeking romantic seclusion with pristine beaches, Seychelles might just be your perfect honeymoon destination, while Mauritius offers a blend of relaxation and adventure for those who like to discover local culture. On the other hand, why not try both? With nothing but a 2.5-hour flight between them, this is one time you can have your (wedding) cake and eat it too.
Ready to escape? Let us help you find the perfect Seychelles stay or Mauritian escapes.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out Under-the-Radar Islands for 2024 Honeymoons.
