Idyllic romantic isles for Valentines
So you’re thinking of a once-in-a-lifetime romantic escape and three jewels – wrapped in sapphire seas – come to mind: the Maldives, Seychelles and Bora Bora. The travel gods have blessed me with a visit to each, and I am often asked which one is the best for a honeymoon or romantic getaway. This Indian Ocean archipelago is hands down the most beautiful place I’ve been to – if you do it right.
What do I mean? Well, there are a few things you should bear in mind.
The tiny nation, sitting off the coast of
Sri Lanka, is made up of about 1200 coral atolls that started with just two resorts. It now has well over 120 – with at least a dozen new openings flagged for the year ahead.
Some resort islands are very close to the dirty, bustling capital Male. These resorts generally don’t have great marine life, with many boats passing, and may even sit under the busy airport’s flight path. These resorts can be cheaper – but avoid them.
The vast majority of hotels sit on outer atolls and are reached by seaplane. These retreats generally offer exceptional marine life, heavenly food and perfect white sandy lagoons.
❤ Plus: With new resorts popping up all the time, competition is fierce – with great deals to be had, especially during the shoulder seasons.
❤ Minus: Do not stay in Male or take a tour to the island. Avoid at all costs.
❤ Tip: Make sure your resort has a good ‘‘house reef’’ – essentially a reef you can swim to. Some resorts don’t have a reef at all, meaning very little to see underwater. Food is expensive, it works out much cheaper to get an all-inclusive package. French Polynesia’s towering island of Bora Bora, encased in a perfectly turquoise lagoon, comes a very close second for ‘‘the world’s most beautiful’’ title.
Skip Tahiti: it’s dirty, busy and frankly lacking when it comes to beauty. Bora Bora is a 50-minute domestic flight north.
There are about a dozen resorts scattered in the lagoon, most with overwater villas.
The underwater life in Bora Bora is sensational, you can easily find coral gardens, sharks and stingrays to snorkel with.
❤ Plus: Easiest to get to from New Zealand.
❤ Minus: The attention to detail at the hotels isn’t up to the Maldives’ standard, and the relatively small number of rooms means they are always full – so prices skyrocket.
❤ Tip: You’ll want to grab a seat on the left side of the plane heading to Bora Bora. There is no allocated seating on the domestic flights, so board early to take your pick.