{"id":168001,"date":"2017-03-17T15:00:54","date_gmt":"2017-03-17T14:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/?p=168001"},"modified":"2018-09-07T15:04:39","modified_gmt":"2018-09-07T14:04:39","slug":"maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/","title":{"rendered":"Maldives vs Seychelles vs Mauritius: which one is best?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/2018\/08\/10\/free-upgrade-resort-credit-personalized-experience-at-any-soneva-resort\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"208241\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/best-resorts-maldives-for-couples\/soneva-upgrade-credit-experience\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SONEVA-UPGRADE-CREDIT-EXPERIENCE.jpg?fit=1000%2C123&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1000,123\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"SONEVA UPGRADE CREDIT EXPERIENCE\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SONEVA-UPGRADE-CREDIT-EXPERIENCE.jpg?fit=300%2C37&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SONEVA-UPGRADE-CREDIT-EXPERIENCE.jpg?fit=1000%2C123&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-208241 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SONEVA-UPGRADE-CREDIT-EXPERIENCE.jpg?resize=678%2C83&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"678\" height=\"83\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SONEVA-UPGRADE-CREDIT-EXPERIENCE.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SONEVA-UPGRADE-CREDIT-EXPERIENCE.jpg?resize=200%2C25&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SONEVA-UPGRADE-CREDIT-EXPERIENCE.jpg?resize=300%2C37&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SONEVA-UPGRADE-CREDIT-EXPERIENCE.jpg?resize=768%2C94&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/SONEVA-UPGRADE-CREDIT-EXPERIENCE.jpg?resize=600%2C74&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 678px) 100vw, 678px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Friday <a href=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/follow-me\/\">newsletters<\/a>\u00a0always feature luxury travel <a href=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/contests\/\">contests<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/tips\/\">tips<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/category\/travel-series\/\">series<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/category\/travel-news\/\">news<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>Today (March 17, 2017): Travel tip: Maldives, Seychelles or Mauritius: which island to choose?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Are you dreaming of a tropical island hideaway with dazzling\u00a0beaches, turquoise waters, and exceptional accommodations offering an air of exclusivity and romance? Then the Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius are th\u00e9 destinations that you should put on your bucket list. At the heart of\u00a0the\u00a0Indian Ocean, these island aren\u2019t as similar as you might first think, with each nation having its own charm and offering\u00a0travelers\u00a0a somewhat different experience. Asking yourself which island to choose one? Let me guide you so that you may find out which one\u00a0suits you the best by comparing the following characteristics:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Weather<\/li>\n<li>Landscapes<\/li>\n<li>Beaches<\/li>\n<li>Luxury resorts<\/li>\n<li>Romance<\/li>\n<li>Family holidays<\/li>\n<li>Wow factor<\/li>\n<li>Culture &amp; religion<\/li>\n<li>Getting around, activities &amp; sightseeing<\/li>\n<li>Snorkeling &amp; diving<\/li>\n<li>Key points<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>You can share your own opinion and favorite in the <strong>comments section<\/strong> or take my <strong>poll\u00a0<\/strong>below.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h5><strong>1. WEATHER<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Maldives<\/strong>\u00a0enjoy a tropical, generally\u00a0humid climate throughout the year with almost no fluctuations\u00a0in temperature, due to their location on the Equator. The winter monsoon &#8211; named &#8216;Iruvai&#8217; in Dhivehi (Maldivian language) &#8211;\u00a0is the best time to visit the Maldives with blue, clear skies on most days and less frequent rain (although showery days still occur). The winter monsoon generally starts in November and lasts through April.\u00a0The summer monsoon &#8211;\u00a0named &#8216;Halhangu&#8217; in Dhivehi &#8211;\u00a0runs from May to October, peaking in June, and\u00a0brings heavy rains, thunderstorms, winds and rough seas (sometimes for days in a row). It is worth paying higher prices and sticking to the dry season in the Maldives, as there is not much\u00a0to do on a rainy day. It has to be noted that\u00a0Maldivian weather became less\u00a0predictable since the 2004 tsunami.\u00a0Especially November and December, which are often labelled as dry season months, have been very unsettled in recent years. Also keep in mind that the Southern Atolls &#8211; located south of the Equator &#8211; see more clouds, rain and storms due the presence of the nearby intertropical convergence zone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Seychelles<\/strong> also enjoy a tropical, humid climate with constant high temperatures throughout the year. The weather is similar to the Maldives, although it features an inverse pattern.\u00a0From\u00a0May to October\u00a0(wet season in the Maldives)\u00a0the south-east trade winds (Southeast Monsoon) bring a relatively dry period with mostly clear skies and\u00a0very\u00a0little precipitation although\u00a0seas can be choppy at this time of year (with seaweed on the beaches). From\u00a0December to March (dry seasons in the Maldives), the\u00a0Northwest Monsoon brings\u00a0very\u00a0wet weather to the Seychelles, especially in\u00a0December and January, though the seas are calmer during this period. The transition months April and October are interspersed between the Southeast and Northwest Monsoon and are often considered the best months for a visit to the archipelago: the winds die down as they change direction and sunny days are the norm (with a few passing showers).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mauritius<\/strong> enjoys a subtropical climate with a similar pattern\u00a0to that of the Seychelles: the dry seasons runs from May to October (Mauritian winter) while the wet seasons occurs from November to April (Mauritian summer). There are some differences though with the weather of the Maldives and the Seychelles. There is more fluctuation in the temperature since Mauritius is located further away from the Equator: the wet summer brings very hot and humid days, while the temperature is more comfortable and balmy during the dry winter season (you may need a light jacket at night). Also, contrary to the Seychelles and the Maldives, Mauritius is located in the so-called cyclone belt with a risk of tropical\u00a0hurricanes in the hot summer months (chances are very low though).\u00a0So in general, the\u00a0best time to visit Mauritius for cooler, drier weather is from May to December. That said, if you\u2019re planning to stay on Mauritius&#8217; east coast, I recommend avoiding the months of July and August as this is when the wind is at its strongest on this side of the island.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Winner: The Seychelles (from May to October) and the Maldives (from November to April)<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_168025\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-168025\" style=\"width: 620px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-seychelles-weather-felicite-island.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"168025\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/dcim100mediadji_0240-jpg\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-seychelles-weather-felicite-island.jpg?fit=970%2C545&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"970,545\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;FC300S&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;DCIM100MEDIADJI_0240.JPG&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1458138850&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;3.61&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0030940001913815&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;DCIM100MEDIADJI_0240.JPG&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"THE SEYCHELLES &#8211; WEATHER\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;THE SEYCHELLES &#8211; WEATHER&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-seychelles-weather-felicite-island.jpg?fit=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-seychelles-weather-felicite-island.jpg?fit=970%2C545&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-168025\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-seychelles-weather-felicite-island.jpg?resize=620%2C348&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"620\" height=\"348\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-168025\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">THE SEYCHELLES &#8211; EXCELLENT WEATHER<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr \/>\n<h5><strong>2. LANDSCAPES<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Maldives<\/strong> consists of\u00a01192 tiny\u00a0coral\u00a0islands and sandbanks &#8211; of which around\u00a0200 are inhabited and a further\u00a0100 are managed as\u00a0tourist resorts. These islands are grouped in 26 breathtakingly beautiful atolls\u00a0and encircled by white sands and incredibly beautiful lagoons blessed with crystal clear waters and protected by reef structures. The Maldivian archipelago is completely flat, with an average ground-level elevation of 1.5 meters (4\u00a0ft 11\u00a0in) above sea level and the\u00a0highest natural point\u00a0being the lowest in the world, at 2.4 meters (7\u00a0ft 10\u00a0in).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The<\/strong> <strong>Seychelles<\/strong> consists of\u00a0115 coral and granite islands which are the peaks of a massive\u00a0underwater plateau. The 3 main islands &#8211; Mahe, Praslin and La Digue &#8211; are quite large, while the other islands are medium-sized to tiny. The island nation is a\u00a0place of awe-inspiring scenery,\u00a0with\u00a0granitic mountain ranges clad in\u00a0virgin jungle\u00a0cascading down to hauntingly beautiful, palm fringed, with sand\u00a0beaches. Some of the islands &#8211; such as La Digue &#8211; feature\u00a0huge granite boulders on their beaches, sculptured by the elements and time itself. A real treat for the eye, the Seychelles &#8211; with their prehistoric, otherworldly landscapes &#8211;\u00a0are the most beautiful islands of the Indian Ocean.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mauritius<\/strong> is a single island &#8211;\u00a0about 21 times smaller than Denmark &#8211;\u00a0ringed by reefs and beaches. Its interior consists\u00a0of rugged hills and mountains, that are covered in lush tropical foliage, while the vegetation becomes more sparse with endless\u00a0sugar cane plains towards the shores (except for the imported palm trees at the resorts where you will spend your holiday). In all honesty, and having traveled to Mauritius a couple of times, I have never been\u00a0impressed by Mauritius&#8217; landscape which does not feel very tropical (due to the fact this is located further away from the Equator).\u00a0The only exception is\u00a0the spectacular, UNESCO protected &#8216;Le Morne&#8217; area\u00a0in the southwest corner of the island, where the iconic\u00a0Le Mont Brabant mountain (with a height of 556 meters or 1824 feet) overlooks\u00a0a\u00a0deep blue lagoon fringed by a white sand, creating a truly\u00a0tropical idyll that\u00a0comes close to absolute paradise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Winner: The Seychelles<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_168024\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-168024\" style=\"width: 620px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-seychelles-landscapes.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"168024\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/the-seychelles-landscapes\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-seychelles-landscapes.jpg?fit=1920%2C1200&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1920,1200\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"THE SEYCHELLES &#8211; LANDSCAPES\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;THE SEYCHELLES &#8211; LANDSCAPES&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-seychelles-landscapes.jpg?fit=300%2C188&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-seychelles-landscapes.jpg?fit=1024%2C640&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-168024\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-seychelles-landscapes.jpg?resize=620%2C388&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"620\" height=\"388\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-168024\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">THE SEYCHELLES &#8211; GRANDIOSE LANDSCAPES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr \/>\n<h5><strong>3. BEACHES<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The\u00a0Maldives<\/strong> are billed as a slice of heaven and\u00a0one of the world\u2019s greatest beach destinations and it\u2019s hard to find any reason to argue with that. The more than 1000 islands are graced with the whitest sandy beaches and surrounded by the bluest and clearest\u00a0of water. The only things you hear on the beach are the palm trees swaying in the wind and the warm Indian Ocean waters lapping the powder soft sands.\u00a0While all beaches in the Maldives are marvelous, the quality of the beaches does differ from island to island, since \u2013 unfortunately \u2013\u00a0some resorts make use of sandbags, sea walls and coarses sand to preserve the state of their idyllic beaches.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Seychelles<\/strong>\u00a0have the finest and most spectacular beaches in the world. Their beauty is beyond words and also the main reason that more and more people visit this Indian Ocean island nation (and keep returning). The beaches at the Seychelles are so consistently amazing that it&#8217;s hard not to become blas\u00e9 about them.\u00a0Exquisite ribbons of powdery-soft white sand are lapped by turquoise waters and backed by jungle clad\u00a0hills and huge granite boulders.\u00a0It is not difficult to see why photographers and film makers love to come here.\u00a0The Seychelles\u2019 most beautiful beaches are Anse Intendance (on Mahe Island), Anse Lazio (Praslin Island) and Anse Source d\u2019Argent (La Digue Island).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mauritius<\/strong>&#8216; blindingly white\u00a0beaches are excellent according to all international standards and most people will absolutely\u00a0love them. However, they\u00a0are in a different league as compared\u00a0to the magnificent, pristine beaches of Mauritius&#8217; Indian\u00a0Ocean siblings described above. Not only do Mauritius&#8217; beaches feature rougher sand granules (these aren&#8217;t the powder soft beaches you may have been dreaming about), they are also backed by a so-so\u00a0background that lacks the naturally\u00a0tropical, lush and jungle-like\u00a0vegetation you&#8217;ll find in the Seychelles and the Maldives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Winner: The Seychelles<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_168019\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-168019\" style=\"width: 620px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/seychelles-beaches.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"168019\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/seychelles-beaches\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/seychelles-beaches.jpg?fit=970%2C546&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"970,546\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"SEYCHELLES &#8211; BEACHES\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;SEYCHELLES &#8211; BEACHES&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/seychelles-beaches.jpg?fit=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/seychelles-beaches.jpg?fit=970%2C546&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-168019\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/seychelles-beaches.jpg?resize=620%2C349&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"620\" height=\"349\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-168019\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">THE SEYCHELLES &#8211; MAGNIFICENT BEACHES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr \/>\n<h5><strong>4. LUXURY RESORTS<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Maldives<\/strong> have become the globe\u2019s ultimate luxury holiday playground. Synonymous with unrivaled luxury, the Maldives have the <a href=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/2016\/10\/03\/top-10-best-resorts-maldives\/\">most luxurious hotel resorts<\/a> anywhere on earth\u00a0with room rates that matches the archipelago&#8217;s\u00a0reputation.\u00a0Those looking to pay top dollar \u2013 often more than $5,000 USD per night \u2013 for some of the world\u2019s most decadent luxury resort experiences will be spoilt for choice here. Every resort is constructed\u00a0on its own unpopulated and pristine tropical island,\u00a0ensuring exclusivity, serenity and total privacy. Guests can choose between villas built on the shore\u2019s \u00a0blinding white sand or accommodations perched on stilts above the shimmering blue lagoons.\u00a0Top-drawer spas, Michelin star dining, unrivaled butler service, and impressive wine cellars are the norm. Besides the 5- and 6-star resorts, the Maldives also feature some more affordable hotels catering to families, divers and those on a (relative) budget.\u00a0I have published <a href=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/2016\/10\/03\/top-10-best-resorts-maldives\/\">here<\/a> a top 10 list with the\u00a0most fabulous luxury resorts in the Maldives, with <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soneva.com\/soneva-jani\/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=ext_link&amp;utm_campaign=lux_trvl_xprt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Soneva Jani<\/a>\u00a0being my favorite hotel in the island nation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Seychelles<\/strong> have recently moved up a gear when it comes to pleasing the discerning traveler, and are\u00a0on their way to overshoot both the Maldives and Mauritius in terms of <a href=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/2016\/12\/12\/top-10-most-spectacular-beaches-in-the-world\/\">astonishingly decadent resorts<\/a>.\u00a0The nation&#8217;s most exclusive resorts are all located on their own insanely beautiful granite islands, featuring palatial beachfront villas that offer the ultimate in tropical holidays\u00a0and private living\u00a0on the globe. North Island (where Kate and William spent their honeymoon), Fregate Island and Six Senses Zil Pasyon\u00a0rank among the most exclusive &#8211; as well as most expensive &#8211; hotel real estate\u00a0in the world. Something to keep in mind is that the Seychelles&#8217; resorts are either ultra luxurious hotels\u00a0or charming guests houses with very little in between, although newly opened, more modest resorts are trying to lure the more budget minded traveler.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mauritius<\/strong> has always been knows as a luxury destination, with <a href=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/2016\/04\/18\/top-10-most-exclusive-resorts-in-mauritius\/\">many leading and world-class resorts<\/a>\u00a0dotted around the island shore&#8217;s. The luxury hotels in Mauritius were built long\u00a0before the Seychelles and the Maldives became the planet&#8217;s\u00a0hotspots for luxury travel, hence explaining why the facilities in Mauritius are somewhat older and why most\u00a0hotels don&#8217;t feature stand-alone villas with private plunge pools (which is now the norm in the Maldives and the Seychelles).\u00a0The good news is that the luxury resorts in Mauritius are\u00a0surprisingly affordable, at least when compared to the sometimes insane room\u00a0rates charged in the Maldives and the Seychelles. Mauritius&#8217; five star hotels have indeed some of the best value deals\u00a0to be found in the Indian Ocean basin. The island also features a diverse range of accommodations appealing to all travelers and budgets, raging from modest establishments to high-end glamorous hotels.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Winner: The Maldives<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"SONEVA JANI: BEST LUXURY RESORT IN THE MALDIVES (AMAZING!)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/P6jvmZafAIo?start=1113&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h5><strong>5. ROMANCE<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Maldives<\/strong> have a reputation as the\u00a0world\u2019s most sought after honeymoon destinations and for good reason. What\u2019s not to like about its iconic sunsets, sugar white beaches, ocean-edge dinners, pampering\u00a0spa facilities, endless vistas over\u00a0clear\u00a0lagoons, and stunning overwater\u00a0villas. It\u2019s no wonder honeymooners flock here in droves, including the rich and famous.\u00a0Katy Perry and Russell Brand and Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are just two of the high-profile (former) couples who spent their honeymoons in the Maldives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Seychelles<\/strong> offer a more discrete and understated type of romance as compared to the Maldives over-the-top and opulent venues. While the Maldives are favored\u00a0by\u00a0newly weds because of the decadent luxury and overwater sanctuaries, the Seychelles&#8217; diverse natural beauty and exclusivity are hard to beat. A holiday here is much more of an adventure, which will appeal to more active honeymooners and couples who are interested in ecology and\/or island hopping between some of its\u00a0115 islands.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mauritius<\/strong> is also a magnet for honeymooners and couples, although &#8211; IMHO &#8211; it cannot compete with romantic X-factor of the dazzling Maldivian resorts nor with the breathtaking natural splendor of the Seychelles. Having said that, Mauritius is perfect for couples that want to explore some of the world outside their resort (not possible at the Maldives) without the hassles of venturing\u00a0too far away from their hotel base (not possible at the Seychelles). And let&#8217;s not forget that Mauritius offers more affordable luxury for honeymooners as compared to the Maldives and the Seychelles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Winner: The Maldives<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_168022\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-168022\" style=\"width: 620px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-maldives-romance.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"168022\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/the-maldives-romance\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-maldives-romance.jpg?fit=970%2C546&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"970,546\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"THE MALDIVES &#8211; ROMANCE\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;THE MALDIVES &#8211; ROMANCE&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-maldives-romance.jpg?fit=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-maldives-romance.jpg?fit=970%2C546&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-168022\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-maldives-romance.jpg?resize=620%2C349&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"620\" height=\"349\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-168022\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">THE MALDIVES &#8211; PURE ROMANCE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr \/>\n<h5><strong>6. FAMILY HOLIDAYS<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Maldives<\/strong> mainly attract adult travelers, with a mix of honeymooners, surfers, divers, spa enthusiasts, sunbathers and the occasional celebrity. Families with young children may feel a little out-of-place here, and resorts rarely cater for young children, with water\u00a0activities limited to snorkeling and diving. In addition, overwater villas are often prohibited to families with children under the age of 12. There are\u00a0a few resorts though that are great for families, such as Soneva Fushi, which features the largest kids&#8217; club of the Indian Ocean.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Seychelles<\/strong> are mainly a destination for couples, with a\u00a0focus on refined tranquility. With a few exceptions, there are no kids&#8217; clubs to keep the young VIP guests entertained and water skiing, tube rides and jet-skis are not allowed because of conservation reasons. Having said that, eco-conscious families with older children (teenagers) will adore the island nation. And Praslin and La Digue are also suitable for a family trip with younger children, since some protected lagoons there allow bathing in peace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mauritius<\/strong> is the Indian Ocean&#8217;s greatest\u00a0destination for family travel and one of the most child-friendly destinations on the globe. Most hotels and resorts offer professional kids&#8217; clubs to take care of and entertain children of all ages so their parents can have a holiday too. Water sports, light entertainment, and a wide range of excursions also keep the older children and teenagers entertained.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Winner: Mauritius<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_168017\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-168017\" style=\"width: 620px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/mauritius-family-holidays.jpeg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"168017\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/mauritius-family-holidays\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/mauritius-family-holidays.jpeg?fit=970%2C546&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"970,546\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"MAURITIUS &#8211; FAMILY HOLIDAYS\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;MAURITIUS &#8211; FAMILY HOLIDAYS&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/mauritius-family-holidays.jpeg?fit=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/mauritius-family-holidays.jpeg?fit=970%2C546&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-168017\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/mauritius-family-holidays.jpeg?resize=620%2C349&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"620\" height=\"349\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-168017\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">MAURITIUS &#8211; WONDERFUL\u00a0FAMILY HOLIDAYS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr \/>\n<h5><strong>7. WOW FACTOR<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Maldives<\/strong> have an enormous WOW factor, due to its exceptional geography, the idyllic and tiny tropical islands, the incredible underwater world beneath the\u00a0crystal-clear waters, and the over-the-top hotels with the world&#8217;s most amazing overwater villas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Seychelles<\/strong>&#8216;\u00a0might just be the ultimate Indian Ocean beach destination, although its\u00a0wow factor is less obvious at first sight when compared to the Maldives. While the Maldives immediately impress their visitors upon arrival, the Seychelles&#8217; exceptional natural beauty will leave an overwhelming impression on condition that you include some sightseeing and island-hopping in your itinerary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mauritius<\/strong> is a very beautiful island but &#8211; IMHO &#8211; lacks a wow factor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Winner: the Maldives<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_168023\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-168023\" style=\"width: 620px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-maldives-wow-factor.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"168023\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/the-maldives-wow-factor\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-maldives-wow-factor.jpg?fit=970%2C545&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"970,545\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"THE MALDIVES &#8211; ENORMOUS WOW FACTOR\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;THE MALDIVES &#8211; ENORMOUS WOW FACTOR&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-maldives-wow-factor.jpg?fit=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-maldives-wow-factor.jpg?fit=970%2C545&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-168023\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-maldives-wow-factor.jpg?resize=620%2C348&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"620\" height=\"348\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-168023\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">THE MALDIVES &#8211; ENORMOUS WOW FACTOR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr \/>\n<h5><strong>8. RELIGION\u00a0&amp; CULTURE<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Maldives<\/strong> &#8211; a predominant Muslim nation &#8211;\u00a0offers so much more than sand, sun and sea as the islands are blessed with a rich culture and heritage. A holiday in the Maldives is a chance to gain an insight into this unique country, by exploring island villages, sourcing local handicrafts, visiting heritage sites and the National Museum in the capital Male, tasting local cuisine, and watching cultural performances. However, most tourists will pass on that since they prefer to spend all their time on their private island resorts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Seychelles<\/strong>\u00a0is a colorful and cosmopolitan\u00a0blend of people of different races and cultures. The population\u00a0is 82% Roman Catholic and 6% Anglican. At different times in its history, people of African, European and Asian origin have come to Seychelles, bringing with them their distinct traditions and customs and contributing to the way of life and to the vibrant Seychellois culture.\u00a0Though there is no culture indigenous to the Seychelles, many influences from African origins have remained for centuries now. You can partake of the wonderful Seychellois culture simply by visiting the islands, dining, dancing, and having a great time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mauritius<\/strong>&#8216; culture\u00a0involves the blending of several cultures\u00a0from its history, as well as individual culture\u00a0arising indigenously. The country is a religiously diverse nation with Hinduism being the religion of about half the population. Going to its discovery can be a journey into some of the most fascinating and refined thousands year old ancestral traditions.\u00a0This rich diversity is found in every aspect of the Mauritian life. Churches can be found next to a mosque, Indian temples next to Chinese pagodas. Various religious\u00a0festivals are celebrated with much fervour and devotion all year round by the different communities. Some of these celebrations can be quite spectacular like the fire-walking ceremony that is performed on the Cavadee day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Winner: Mauritius<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_168016\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-168016\" style=\"width: 620px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/mauritius-culture.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"168016\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/mauritius-culture\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/mauritius-culture.jpg?fit=970%2C546&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"970,546\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"MAURITIUS &#8211; GREAT CULTURE\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/mauritius-culture.jpg?fit=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/mauritius-culture.jpg?fit=970%2C546&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-168016 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/mauritius-culture.jpg?resize=620%2C349&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"MAURITIUS - GREAT CULTURE\" width=\"620\" height=\"349\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-168016\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">MAURITIUS &#8211; GREAT CULTURE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr \/>\n<h5><strong>9. GETTING AROUND, ACTIVITIES &amp; SIGHTSEEING<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Maldives<\/strong> are spread out and getting around the islands (always by boat or waterplane) is expensive and time-consuming (you always\u00a0have to backtrack via Male). That&#8217;s why most people prefer to stay on their private island resort while visiting the archipelago. Activities are limited to what is offered by the resort and these are largely focused on exploring the ocean.\u00a0Days are filled with\u00a0sunbathing, swimming, fine dining, snorkeling, diving, visits to the spa, and some excursions\u00a0(e.g. visit to a local island, dolphin cruise, picnic on a deserted island, etc &#8230;). One island, one resort \u2013 that\u2019s the main appeal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Seychelles <\/strong>consists of 115 island that\u00a0are covered by\u00a0magical landscapes waiting\u00a0be explored.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Getting around and do some island hopping\u00a0is a must and easily done, with a regular network of high-speed ferries, small aircraft and helicopters operating out of the principal island of Mah\u00e9 and\u00a0catering for most itineraries. As long as you stick to the public ferries and limit your itinerary to the 3 main islands (Mah\u00e9, Praslin, and La Digue), it&#8217;s also quite cheap to go from one island to another. The Seychelles offer world-class sightseeing.\u00a0 Mah\u00e9 is home to the small capital and the beautiful Morne Seychellois National Park (which offers exceptional hiking). On Praslin Island, visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Vall\u00e9e de Mai, while sleepy La Digue shelters some of the world&#8217;s most breathtaking beaches. The outer islands are mainly uninhabited low-lying sand cays and small coralline islands and atolls. The resorts themselves offer plenty of activities, but keep in mind that\u00a0all motorised sports are banned for conservation reasons (which is great news for snorkelers and divers).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mauritius<\/strong>\u00a0is 45 km (28 mi) in width and 65 km (40 mi) in length. Getting around and exploring the island is very easy with a rental car or by taxis. Mauritius offers a myriad\u00a0of activities and attractions, such as world-class golf courses, exciting water sports (e.g. jetski, windsurfing, waterski), parasailing, mountain trekking, hunting, birdwatching, exploring the old colonial capital, one of the world&#8217;s best botanical gardens, a couple of UNESCO World Heritage Sites,\u00a0driving an underwater scooter to be eye-to-eye with the local marine life, and walking with some of Africa&#8217;s big cats. If you are looking for a fun and action-packed holiday, then Mauritius is\u00a0the place to go.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Winner: Mauritius<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_168018\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-168018\" style=\"width: 620px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/mauritius-sightseeing.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"168018\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/mauritius-sightseeing\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/mauritius-sightseeing.jpg?fit=970%2C546&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"970,546\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"MAURITIUS &#8211; SUPERB SIGHTSEEING\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;MAURITIUS &#8211; SUPERB SIGHTSEEING&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/mauritius-sightseeing.jpg?fit=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/mauritius-sightseeing.jpg?fit=970%2C546&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-168018\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/mauritius-sightseeing.jpg?resize=620%2C349&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"620\" height=\"349\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-168018\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">MAURITIUS &#8211; SUPERB SIGHTSEEING<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr \/>\n<h5><strong>10. SNORKELING &amp; DIVING<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The\u00a0Maldives<\/strong> stand head and shoulders above any other destination on earth when it comes to diving and snorkeling.\u00a0Deep channels concentrate nutrient-rich ocean currents into and out of the atolls, which supports an\u00a0abundance of marine life, including giant whale sharks and manta rays. Most resorts feature their own certified dive center, and have access to a diverse range of\u00a0dive sites\u00a0suitable for divers of all experience levels.\u00a0All resorts also feature a so-called \u2018house reef\u2019 close to their shores, where snorkeling can bring you face to face with everything from\u00a0surgeon fish, tuna, and parrot fish, to eagle rays, turtles and even hammerhead sharks. I have published <a href=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/2017\/05\/08\/top-10-best-resorts-in-the-maldives-for-snorkeling\/\">here<\/a> a top 10 list with the best resorts for snorkeling in the Maldives, with <a href=\"http:\/\/www.soneva.com\/soneva-fushi\/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=ext_link&amp;utm_campaign=lux_trvl_xprt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Soneva Fushi<\/a> being my favorite.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Seychelles<\/strong>&#8216; stunning topography of expansive reefs, walls, pinnacles, drop offs, wrecks and canyons make for one of the world&#8217;s most diverse marine environments around, teeming with both fish and coral life. The destination is rated world-class by divers and also snorkelers will enjoy the waters, although the reefs are not as impressive\u00a0as those in the Maldives. The Inner Islands rest on an easy-to-access shallow plateau and the pristine Outer Islands offer experienced divers barely explored reefs where you may even be able to spot the occasional hammerhead shark if you\u2019re lucky! Contrary to the Maldives, the Seychelles&#8217; top resorts often offer complimentary diving excursions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mauritius<\/strong> is almost entirely encircled by a coral reef, making it an excellent destination for lovers of marine life, although\u00a0the snorkeling and diving is a far cry from the experience you get in the Maldives or Seychelles. However, unlike its Indian Ocean siblings\u00a0where the rise in the sea temperature caused by global warming leads to slow destruction and\u00a0whitening of the coral reefs, the marine fauna and flora of Mauritius is still well-preserved.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Winner: The Maldives<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_168020\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-168020\" style=\"width: 620px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-maldives-diving.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"168020\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/ryan-murray-photo-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-maldives-diving.jpg?fit=970%2C546&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"970,546\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;3.5&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Ryan Murray&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 5D Mark II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;www.ryanmurrayphoto.com&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1411670586&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;\\u00a9 RyanMurrayPhoto&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;15&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.003125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Ryan Murray Photo&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"THE MALDIVES &#8211; PHENOMENAL DIVING\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;THE MALDIVES &#8211; PHENOMENAL DIVING&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-maldives-diving.jpg?fit=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-maldives-diving.jpg?fit=970%2C546&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-full wp-image-168020\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/the-maldives-diving.jpg?resize=620%2C349&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"620\" height=\"349\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-168020\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">THE MALDIVES &#8211; PHENOMENAL DIVING<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<hr \/>\n<h5><strong>11. KEY POINTS<\/strong><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Maldives<\/strong> is all about luxurious escapism. It mainly attract wealthy tourists, honeymooners, celebrities, and dive and snorkeling enthusiasts, who are in search of the tranquility, decadent luxury and amazing oceanic wildlife offered by the nation&#8217;s small, super-de-luxe and mind-blowing island resorts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Seychelles<\/strong>\u00a0are the only Indian Ocean island that have escaped mass tourism\u00a0so far, although its off-the-beaten-track reputation may change in the near future as more and more airlines are opening routes to the fabulous archipelago. At the moment, the islands mainly attract ecoconscious guests and affluent couples who fancy wild beaches, love to be surrounded by unspoilt and rough nature, put\u00a0some island-hopping on their itinerary, and enjoy the exclusivity\u00a0offered by the Seychelles&#8217; string of uberluxurious resorts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mauritius<\/strong> is the most popular island in the Indian Ocean. Tourists flock to the island because of its affordable luxury\u00a0resorts, exotic live entertainment, world-class golf courses, and family friendly image.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<a id=\"pd_a_9697823\"><\/a><div class=\"CSS_Poll PDS_Poll\" id=\"PDI_container9697823\" style=\"\"><\/div><div id=\"PD_superContainer\"><\/div><noscript><a href=\"https:\/\/polldaddy.com\/p\/9697823\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Take Our Poll<\/a><\/noscript>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em>*** Follow me on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/LuxTravelExpert\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/luxurytravelexpert\/\">Instagram<\/a>\u00a0and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LuxuryTravelExpert\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Facebook<\/a>\u00a0for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***<\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\"><p>Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/\" title=\"Maldives vs Seychelles vs Mauritius: which one is best?\">[&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":168010,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[63706],"tags":[17092,20453,690757,106159,596069341,77623,7390,111500,162309,6039,200,596069339,550122171,4494],"class_list":{"0":"post-168001","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-travel-tips","8":"tag-diving","9":"tag-honeymoon","10":"tag-indian-ocean","11":"tag-luxury","12":"tag-luxury-travel","13":"tag-maldives","14":"tag-mauritius","15":"tag-paradise","16":"tag-seychelles","17":"tag-snorkeling","18":"tag-travel","19":"tag-travel-tips","20":"tag-travel-tips-2017","21":"tag-weather"},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"yoast_head":"\n<title>Maldives vs Seychelles vs Mauritius: which one is best? - the Luxury Travel Expert<\/title>\n\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/\" \/>\n\n\n\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news [...]\" \/>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Maldives vs Seychelles vs Mauritius: which one is best? - the Luxury Travel Expert","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Maldives vs Seychelles vs Mauritius: which one is best?","og_description":"Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news [...]","og_url":"http:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/","og_site_name":"the Luxury Travel Expert","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LuxuryTravelExpert","article_published_time":"2017-03-17T14:00:54+00:00","article_modified_time":"2018-09-07T14:04:39+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1300,"height":731,"url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/header-mms.jpg?fit=1300%2C731&ssl=1","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"The Luxury Travel Expert","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@luxtravelexpert","twitter_site":"@luxtravelexpert","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"The Luxury Travel Expert","Est. reading time":"19 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/"},"author":{"name":"The Luxury Travel Expert","@id":"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/#\/schema\/person\/494d9c3537b3a0bfc66ce2eb995f95ac"},"headline":"Maldives vs Seychelles vs Mauritius: which one is best?","datePublished":"2017-03-17T14:00:54+00:00","dateModified":"2018-09-07T14:04:39+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/"},"wordCount":3778,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/turkeyalwan.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/header-mms.jpg?fit=1300%2C731&ssl=1","keywords":["diving","honeymoon","Indian Ocean","Luxury","Luxury travel","Maldives","Mauritius","paradise","Seychelles","snorkeling","Travel","Travel tips","travel tips 2017","weather"],"articleSection":["Travel tips"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/","url":"https:\/\/turkeyalwan.net\/maldives-vs-seychelles-vs-mauritius-which-one-is-the-best\/","name":"Maldives vs Seychelles vs Mauritius: which one is best? 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