Whisk yourself away to the Maldives, Mauritius or the Seychelles for a truly exotic escape. Your next dream destination is located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, a picturesque paradise of tranquillity. Envisage warm, crystal clear waters decorated with bright-coloured marine life, untouched white sand and palm-fringed beaches.
The pristine landscape and underwater oasis that make up these breathtakingly beautiful islands will leave you in awe. Paired with the melting pot of culture and rich history, whether you choose to visit the Maldives, Mauritius or the Seychelles, you will forever relish in this once in a lifetime experience.
Discover the opulence of each destination in an all-inclusive stay in remarkable 4 or 5 star accommodation. Think about nothing other than which part of the idyllic sun drenched island you’ll explore each day with all meals, drinks and entertainment included. Soak up the lavish atmosphere and make unforgettable memories at each of these stunning retreats.
For a getaway like no other, cruise the Indian Ocean and discover a tropical wonderland of unmatched coves and beaches. Enjoy brilliant blue sea views from the ship deck, walk through mangrove forests that house giant tortoises, explore World Heritage nature reserves, and relax on some of the finest beaches in the world.
The Maldives is famous for its underwater activities. The coral islands offer sensational diving locations, although you’ll experience the abundance of incredible marine life snorkelling the shallow warm waters or simply from the view of your villa deck. The Maldives rank as one of the top five places on earth for watching whales and dolphins. More than 20 different species of these majestic mammals regularly visit the peaceful Maldivian waters. In 2010 the Maldives also became a shark sanctuary when it banned all shark fishing.
Enjoy a meal at Ithaa, the world’s first underwater restaurant. The 14-seater glass dome sits five metres under the sea, with the wine cellar dug two metres down into the island’s depths. Complete your holiday by visiting Male, the pint-sized Maldivian capital that offers an enchanting contrast to typical island life. Expect a hive of activity, amongst tall, brightly coloured buildings, quirky restaurants, shops and lively local markets. Make sure you try the Golden Roughs, coconut and palm sugar rolled up in dried leaves like cigars – a real Maldivian favourite. After a day in the city, you’ll leave with a true feel for the Maldives and what makes its high-spirited population tick.
Known as the ‘Pearl of the Ocean’, Mauritius is an idyllic volcanic island with rugged mountain peaks. Encircled by azure lagoons formed by coral reefs, and endless pearly white beaches, you’ll be captivated by the island’s natural beauty. The moderate tropical sea temperature is ideal for the flourishing of fauna and flora. Swim with turtles in the blue crystalline waters of Pointe aux Piments or go deep-sea fishing at some of the world’s best spots, teeming with Tunas, Marlins and sea breams. For a break from the beautiful beaches, head to a sugar cane plantation. Sugar cane production is a strong part of Mauritius’ history and the plantations go on for miles, providing a splendid back drop to scenic drives on the island. As you wander through the fields, satisfy your sweet tooth with a glass of fresh sugarcane juice.
For a truly out of this world experience Chamarel is a must-visit. Head to the Seven Coloured Earths, a geological oddity, created by volcanic rock, and the only place in the world with clay earth dunes of seven colours. Even when mixed together in your hands, the vibrant red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow sand will eventually separate into a layered spectrum. En route to this magical attraction, be sure to stop at the many waterfalls and gorges along theway. Walk to the viewpoints for stunning panoramas of the mountainous vistas of Mauritius. While in Chamarel, Rhumerie de Chamarel is also worth the visit. Set amongst the vast hillside plantations, the rhumerie is a working distillery that doubles as a museum showcasing the rum-making process. With influences from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, the exotic French-Creole cultural blend is dominant in Mauritius and will add to your eclectic experience. Get a feel for the culture by trying the street food. The spices, colours and busts of intricate flavours come together to create unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Pick up a Chana Puri from vendors along the beach or try Roti Chaud.
Exclusive, pristine and secluded, your dreamy getaway awaits in the Seychelles. This awe-inspiring hidden treasure is set apart from the rest by its diverse beaches, some desert-like and sprawling, others dramatic with enormous granite boulders and palm forests. Discover deserted coves, foot-print free beaches and over flowing tropical reefs. Diving in the Seychelles is often described as the world’s best and the snorkelling is just as good. Explore one of the world’s largest coral atolls, Aldabra Atoll, with more than 900 species of fish and 100 species of coral. For a limitless number of activities, the kilometres of spectacular coastline call for sailing, kayaking, water skiing, paragliding and game fishing to name a few. The Seychelles’ isolation makes it a wonderful destination for nature lovers, with many hiking trails showcasing the 11 species of endemic land bird. Head to the World Heritage-listed Vallée de Mai, a real slice of Eden, and walk through the emerald-tinged forest. You’ll be enchanted by the eerie atmosphere created by the rare coco de mer palms’ monstrous leaves soaring 30m to a sombre canopy of huge fronds. The rich blend of cultures that populate the Seychelles is also echoed in the Creole cuisine. Based on traditional French cooking, blended with the spices of Indian dishes and the robust flavours of Asia, you’ll savour every meal. As can be expected, seafood features predominantly - be sure to try some grilled fish or octopus basted in garlic, chilli and ginger or sample some delicious curries made with coconut milk. It’s safe to say, your Seychelles holiday will ignite all of your senses.