The Maldives is an archipelago of about 1200 islands and atolls stretching over 575 miles in the Indian Ocean just southwest of India. Of these islands, only 202 are inhabited and 90 have been turned into private island resorts. Most of the atolls are extremely flat with the highest natural point rising a mere 10 feet above sea level. The capital of Male is where most Maldivians live and all international flights arrive. From there visitors are transferred to their resorts via either sea plane or speed boat.

The Maldives are not a great island-hopping destination since traveling between resorts often requires transiting through Male. However, for resort connoisseurs, visiting a few islands can be done and is a worthwhile endeavor. The Maldives is really a destination for those wanting to get away from it all: here you can stay on a tiny island with soft white sand and a lovely lagoon that only has one luxury resort. If you decide to venture out beyond the lagoon, you will be greeted by an incredibly diverse and colorful underwater community among the lovely reefs. Some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world can be found here.

Since the islands are so flat and small (you can often walk the perimeter in under and hour) there is not very much to do in the way of land activities. Additionally, cultural attractions are quite limited. Male, the largest city in the Maldives, is worth a leisurely visit in order to see its many mosques, colorful markets, and windy streets. If you desire a more diverse experience, the Maldives can be combined with a number of interesting destinations, including Dubai, Thailand, Singapore, London, Switzerland, and Paris. The Maldives itself is more about escaping from everyday life and being completely secluded and pampered in serene and calm surroundings.

 

Mauritius, a volcanic and mountainous island, is regarded by many as an earthly paradise. Located 1,200 miles off the east coast of Africa and surrounded by a ring of coral, the island boasts a spectacular coastline of white sandy beaches and full-service luxury resorts fit for the celebrity and royal clientele that frequent it. At 36 miles long and 25 miles wide, Mauritius is large enough to offer an appealing range of sights and sounds, from bustling port towns to lush national parks.

In vibrant Port Louis, a town with historical architecture and graceful charm, stop by the lively open air Central Market for bargains on everything from knock-off designer handbags to exotic cooking spices. From there take a stroll through China town. Thirsty minutes outside of Port Louis on the central plateau is Curepipe, a city that has the look of an English village but is home to many of the island's French decedents. It's also the base of operations for two major industries, tea and model-ship building.

If beauty and tranquility is more the speed of the day, take time for a horse drawn carriage ride within the 3,000 acres of the Domaine Les Pailles nature park. If being more active is what you desire, why not hike through the indigenous forests among the mango, lychee and breadfruit trees in search of macaque monkey's within the Black River Gorges National Park. The island is tropical and lush, mountainous and culturally diverse.

For a truly unique experience, consider combining a stay in Mauritius with some time on safari in South Africa, a visit to beautiful Cape Town, or even a few nights in Paris.

 

The Seychelles were once thought to be the site of the original Garden of Eden. This archipelago of 115 islands is best known for its incredible natural beauty. Dazzling beaches, crystal-clear waters, striking boulder formations and lush vegetation make this a true paradise for lovers of the great outdoors. Maintaining this untouched, natural environment is made possible by the fact that almost 50% of the Seychelles' total area has been designated as Nature Reserves.

Mahé is the largest island in the Seychelles and is home to the capital, Victoria, a good place for crafts shopping and dining. With beautiful locations like Beau Vallon Bay, it may be tempting to stay put and simply relax on the beach. However, there's much to see here, including the Botanical Gardens and old plantations. Exploring the national parks is an unforgettable experience, particularly coming face to face with the Seychelles' famous giant tortoises. And of course every imaginable water sport - from diving to windsailing to sport fishing - is available.

Praslin is a slightly smaller and quieter island than Mahé. It offers world class beaches and is home to the fabulous virgin forest Vallée de Mai, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the only place in the world where the Coco-de-Mer palm can be found, along with a number of very rare birds, including the black parrot. The nut of the palm can weigh up to 50 lbs. and was once believed to be the fruit of the tree of knowledge - thus the beginnings of the Garden of Eden legend.

La Digue, an extremely scenic island, is home to one the most photographed beaches in the world - Anse Source d'Argent. Pockets of fine sand are scattered amongst giant boulders and backed by wispy palm trees. The pace here is slow, slow, slow - the primary means of transportation is the ox cart (or your feet). As you circle the island, you'll come across numerous untouched beaches, vanilla plantations, and rare birds.

There are, of course, many other islands to choose from - each one unique. Bird Island is known not only for its avian diversity but also the giant land tortoise, Esmeralda, said to be between 150 and 200 years old. Fregate and North Islands cater to an exclusive clientele that truly want to get away from it all - and are willing to pay a great deal to do so in luxury and style.

Wherever you look in the Seychelles, you are sure to find beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, friendly people, and fantastic Creole cuisine. Arabs, Phoenicians, Indonesians, Portuguese, English and French all played a part in creating this unique island nation and today their influences shape the local cuisine, music, dance, and architecture that together make up the diverse local culture that is the Seychelles.

 

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