Deciding where to go on your next holiday is tough enough, but choosing between the Seychelles and Mauritius is an almost impossible task.

If you’re lucky enough to have this dilemma, help is at hand, as we compare the two paradise destinations to allow you to decide which is best for your dream luxury holiday. Both Indian Ocean island havens are blessed with outstanding natural beauty, pristine palm-fringed beaches, glistening waters, fabulous cuisine and impeccable hospitality. Each has its own unique charm and personality, along with spellbinding attractions that will take your breath away. Whichever enchanting tropical realm you choose, you’ll find an exceptional choice of lavish hotels and resorts, with options for holidays with family, friends, as a couple, or solo. The opportunity to go all-inclusive is also available, while the Seychelles and Mauritius are also ideal places to include as part of an unforgettable multicentre escape.

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Best For Beach Holidays

The beaches of the Indian Ocean are some of the best in the world. In the Seychelles, stunning Sunset Beach, on the west coast of Mahé island, is perfect for relaxation. Grand Anse Beach, also on Mahé, is ideal for families, as well as surfing, kayaking and paddleboarding. La Digue, the smallest of the Seychelles’ inhabited islands, will wow you with virgin sands, while Anse Georgette is an untouched beach on Praslin island. Mauritius also has its fair share of paradise beaches. Grand Baie offers water sports, such as parasailing, windsurfing and water skiing, while snorkelling and scuba diving can be enjoyed at Blue Bay, and surfing at Tamarin Bay. Alternatively, Belle Mare Plage, on the east coast, and Flic-en-Flac, to the west both offer serene white sandy beaches. For scenic beauty, the Seychelles probably shades it. However, if you’re seeking water sports, Mauritius is possibly the best place for your beach holiday.

Best For Family Holidays

The Seychelles and Mauritius are both sensational destinations for a family holiday. In the Seychelles, a great day out can be had at Curieuse Island, where you’ll find mangrove forests and giant Aldabra tortoises. Mahé also has plenty of attractions for families including Paradis des Enfants fun park and semi-submarine trips to spot green turtles. Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, on Praslin island, is another must-visit destination, with wild wonders including chameleons, skinks and black parrots. Attractions galore also await in Mauritius. Embrace safari-style adventures at Casela Nature Parks, where you’ll find lions, tigers, rhinos and zebras, as well as quad biking and zip lining. Giant Aldabra tortoises and crocodiles can be discovered at La Vanille Nature Park, or search out pink pigeons and monkeys in Black Rivers Gorges National Park. With all this and more to enjoy, the best place for your family holiday depends on your preference for the activities and attractions on offer.

Best For Couples’ Holidays

An Indian Ocean holiday is a dream come true for couples, honeymooners, those wishing to renew their vows in captivating surroundings or tie the knot in a romantic beachfront wedding. The Seychelles and Mauritius both ooze beauty, and offer endless opportunities for romantic moments. Embrace tropical bliss and castaway vibes on Fregate Island, in the Seychelles, or enjoy blissful moments of seclusion on the palm-fringed shores of Silhouette island. In Mauritius, you can discover cultural delights in the capital Port Louis, share underwater adventures, spot dolphins on a catamaran cruise or enjoy a sensual couple’s massage in the elegant spa at your luxury adults-only hotel. With both offering candlelit dinners on white sands, cocktails under the stars and dreamy sunsets over the sea, there’s no splitting the Seychelles and Mauritius when it comes to choosing the best place for your couples’ holiday.

Best For Adventure

The islands of Mauritius and the Seychelles are perfect destinations for adventure holidays, with exciting land activities and energising water sports in abundance. In Mauritius you can kite surf amidst the captivating scenery at Pointe du Morne, cycle on the South Coast Cliffs Trail, experience underwater sea walking with a transparent helmet and kayak on the Grande Rivière Sud Est. Other awe-inspiring activities include windsurfing, ziplining, swimming, snorkelling, catamaran cruises, horseback riding, canyoning, skydiving, paddle boarding and golf. In the Seychelles, you can zip line at Port Launa, scuba dive with whale sharks, hike the Mare Aux Cochons Nature Trail, trek in the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, enjoy beach buggy tours, jeep safaris and helicopter sightseeing. Rock climbing, bouldering, horse-riding, surfing and fishing are among other active ventures to enjoy. The only decision you have to make is which exhilarating experiences you prefer on your dream activity holiday.

Best For A Multicentre Holiday

The only thing better than an Indian Ocean holiday is an Indian Ocean multicentre holiday, allowing you to immerse yourself in two or more scintillating destinations. The Seychelles and Mauritius are sublime places to visit as part of such an escape. You can pair a stay in either with big city thrills, cultural enrichment or exotic adventures in a choice of other sensational spots. Indeed, the world is your absolute oyster. Both offer idyllic tropical havens for relaxation and restoration after exploring pulsating urban environments, embracing enriching traditions and discovering iconic landmarks. Deciding between the Seychelles or Mauritius for your multicentre itinerary is a tough choice, but it needn’t be. Whichever of these incredible destinations you choose, you will enjoy a magical escape, where you’ll be left spellbound by the phenomenal beauty, sensational wildlife, spectacular activities and wonderful attractions.

“Holidays amidst the islands of the Indian Ocean are what dreams are made of and the tropical sanctuaries of the Seychelles and Mauritius are no exception.

“Both destinations offer a kaleidoscope of inspiring and enriching experiences that can be shared with family, friends or the love of your life.

“You’ll be left breathless by mesmerising natural wonders, discover beguiling cultures and enjoy unbelievable adventures in whichever you choose to visit.

“Memories that will last forever will be made and you’ll wish your holiday would never end.

“Now, all you have to do is decide whether the Seychelles or Mauritius is best for you. I know which one I’m choosing.”

Fisherman’s Cove Resort

Seychelles

Let your cares drift away across the Indian Ocean during a heavenly stay at this devine oasis of tropical serenity. Nestled beside the pristine white sands of Beau Vallon Beach, on Mahé island, this alluring holiday hideaway is an ideal choice for adventure, romance and family fun. You’ll feel right at home in your delightful room or suite and be able to enjoy sensational cuisine in the resort’s exquisite restaurants. Other features that await include a wonderful infinity pool, spa, gym and water sports.

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Constance Ephelia

Seychelles

Embrace pure relaxation amidst swaying palms and sublime natural scenery at this luxurious beachfront haven on the island of Mahé. Amenities such as swimming pools, a spa, gym, tennis courts, a kids club and water sports are sure to make your stay at this 5-star resort an absolute pleasure. You’ll also be able to savour mouthwatering cuisine in a choice of excellent restaurants and rest and revive your senses in your sumptuous living space.

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Jalsa Beach Hotel & Spa

Mauritius

Discover your own piece of paradise next to inviting turquoise waters at this sensational Indian Ocean sanctuary. Situated in Post Lafayette, on the north east coast of Mauritius, this splendid hotel offers elegant rooms and suites filled with superb amenities, and delicious culinary choices sure to please all. Leisure facilities that await include a swimming pool, spa, health and fitness centre, water sports and a children’s play area.

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Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort

Mauritius

Set amidst the natural beauty of Bel Ombre nature reserve, this enchanting resort provides a relaxing haven where the opportunity for adventure is never far away. With a beachfront to rival any on the island, you can spend your days lazing on golden sand, swimming in glistening waters, or exploring the surrounding tropical gardens. Guest rooms are exquisitely decorated and offer captivating Indian Ocean views, while the dining options are exactly what you’d expect from a world-class resort.

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