| Just
the facts...
Best
suited for:
Honeymoon couples seeking tropical luxury and exclusivity
in a lesser known destination. Those who desire
beautiful beaches but still want access to a
variety of activities. Those wanting to create
a more diverse experience by mixing island relaxation
with a visit to Africa, India, Southeast Asia,
or Europe.
When
to go:
The best time to visit the Maldives
is between December and April, during the dry
season. Temperatures are consistently warm year
round, with daytime highs in middle 80sF (30C).
Mauritius
sees more temperature variability, with the
summer season from December through April being
the warmest (lower 80sF / 28C), and the winter
season from May to October being a little cooler
(middle-to-upper 70sF / 24-26C). The summer
tends to be wetter, plus there is a risk of
cyclones. The best time to visit will depend
on your temperature and precipitation preferences,
with May, October and November offering a nice
balance. The Seychelles
lie outside the main cyclone belt. Although
tropical with daytime temps in the middle 80sF/
27-30C, there are still two distinct seasons,
the dry and the wet. The dry season, from May
through October, is usually the best time to
visit, although it can get quite windy with
rough seas. The rest of the year is considered
the rainy season, with frequent showers and
higher humidity.
Accommodations:
Many resorts incorporate the "wow" factor at
first sight, not surprising considering they
are among the world's most renowned! While the
best of the best are very pricey, there also
exist a smaller number of middle tier properties.
The Maldives are home to incredible private
island resorts, many with overwater bungalows.
The top resorts in Mauritius are known for high
levels of personal service - butlers are standard
at many properties. The Seychelles offer a nice
range of accommodations, from exclusive private
islands to traditional, full-service resorts.
Most use local materials and are designed in
harmony with the natural surroundings.
Dining:
Food options will vary by destination and often
times from resort to resort. Cuisine in the
Maldives is influenced by its neighbors, Sri
Lanka and India. You'll find spicy curries,
fresh seafood, and a wide variety of international
fare. Dining in Mauritius is a bit eclectic,
with dishes reflecting the ethnic diversity
of its people (French, Chinese, Creole, and
Indian). No matter where you decide to dine,
you'll likely finish off the meal with a savory
cake known as gajak. The Seychelles shares
many of the same foreign cuisine influences
as Mauritius, complemented with locally abundant
coconut milk, breadfruit, and seafood.
Special
Activities:
Every imaginable water sport, luxury cruising
in the Maldives, adventurous mountain and land
activities in Mauritius, and a ecotourism in
the Seychelles.
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