Discover the best of the Indian Ocean
IMAGINE postcard-perfect white sands, fringed by palms and impossibly blue seas. Jet off to the Indian Ocean and you’ll discover an abundance of such dazzling beaches.
You’ll also find a fabulous holiday experience for every impulse – from skimming over jewel-like waters in a catamaran, to snorkelling amid coral reefs or relaxing in a giant hammock strung between gently swaying trees.
The idyllic isles of the Indian Ocean rank as some of the world’s top destinations for honeymooners, yet offer so much more than blissed-out, sun-drenched romantic escapes.
There’s a tropical castaway lifestyle here to suit couples and families alike, whether you’re looking for adventure, wildlife and culture, or the quintessential relaxing stay in an over-water suite with a private infinity pool.
From romantic retreats in the Seychelles and Maldives to family-friendly, all-inclusive getaways in Mauritius, and cultural tours of Sri Lanka, read on to discover why the Indian Ocean has something for everyone.
MALDIVES
Everyday life feels gloriously far away in the Maldives, where postcard-worthy scenes come alive. These 1,200 islands are as close to heaven on Earth as you’re likely to get. Fringes of coconut palms form the backdrops to soft, white beaches, while the sea is warm and an incredible lapis lazuli blue.
But life is not all about barefoot escapism in this Insta-perfect holiday destination.
While the hotel resorts – some with palm-roofed villas and suites set on stilts over the water – are luxuriously indulgent, they also provide experiences from underwater dining and thrilling snorkelling to open-air cinemas on the sands, nine-hole golf courses and lively beach clubs.
Good To Know: All Maldives holidays with Best At Travel include island transfers.
MAURITIUS
This emerald-clad isle is a firm favourite with families, with fantastic kids’ and teens’ clubs, golf courses, spas, stunning beaches and more. Discover a kaleidoscopic world under the azure waters, sail on top of the waves as you flit between the mainland and its tiny islets, swim with dolphins or try a glassbottom boat or submarine ride. Guided half-day hikes, quadbiking, kayaking and Segway expeditions reveal much more. And there are exquisite birds, tropical plants and giant tortoises to admire in nature parks and botanical gardens.
Good To Know: Some resorts have separate kids’ and teens’ clubs, with exciting activities such as cooking classes, zip-lining, Zumba classes and outdoor cinemas.
SEYCHELLES
The 115 sun-drenched islands of the Seychelles have a slow-motion vibe – heavenly for couples seeking some serious R&R.
Picture-perfect beaches edged by dramatic granite boulders offer a true castaway experience.
Add in extraordinary snorkelling and dramatic hikes through mahogany forests and tea plantations for a destination of a lifetime.
Foodies will relish the fresh, Creole-influenced seafood feasts and the chance to sip fresh juice from coconuts while lazing on the beach.
Good To Know: British Airways flies there direct twice weekly from Heathrow – paradise has never been so accessible!
SRI LANKA
Perfect for adventure-seekers and culture vultures, beautiful Sri Lanka was named Lonely Planet’s ‘top country to travel to in 2019’.
It’s no wonder. With eight world heritage sites, magnificent temples, national parks where you can spot elephants and leopards, and lush tea plantations, this gorgeous isle offers so much.
Want some serious R&R after exploring the sites? Many hotels have fantastic spas and wellness centres offering many treatments, including Ayurvedic.
Good To Know: It’s easy to combine a few days touring with a beach stay. Talk to Best At Travel’s Sri Lanka experts about options.