The Seychelles
With its Coco-de-Mer palms, white sand beaches and the world’s oldest tortoises, Seychelles is the epitome of the romantic and exclusive island getaway, a true barefoot paradise.
Nevertheless, it is much more than just a pretty face. It is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. Its three main islands are Mahe’, Praslin, and La Digue, with a few magical escapes, such as Saint Anne and Desroches. The capital city, Victoria, is located on the main island of Mahé. Forty one of its islands are the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth, while the remaining 74 are coral, making them appealing to nature lovers and divers alike. They are also one of the few places on earth where giant tortoises roam freely.
Close your eyes and imagine you are lazing on a talcum-powder beach lapped by topaz waters and backed by lush hills and big glacis boulders. With such a dreamlike setting, the Seychelles is unsurprisingly a choice place for newlyweds. But for those looking for more than a suntan or romance, this archipelago offers a number of high-energy distractions. There are jungle and coastal walks, boat excursions, and diving and snorkeling to keep you busy.
The islands share long white beaches, palm trees, a crystal- clear blue sea, and a unique and precious natural heritage, consisting of virgin forests, coconut palms, granite mountains, giant turtles, and flowers, creating a kaleidoscope of colors. The coast is a succession of breathtaking bays and beaches that are among the best in the world. It is the perfect place to take a holiday, whether you plan to do nothing or much more.
Throughout the Seychelles, you will enjoy Creole and international cuisine that reflects its melting pot of culture. A tropical paradise in every way.
Mauritius
Mauritius is the island of jade colors, a real Garden of Eden, offering breathtaking views and heavenly visions. Uncontaminated white beaches plunge into the turquoise sea, lush bougainvillea blooming, palms, hibiscus, frangipani, banana trees, forests of ebony, tropical fruits, high peaks from which descend thundering waterfalls of crystal water and depths of the ocean with thousands colors coral reefs—all this is a vacation in Mauritius. The island is and endless source of emotions, of opportunities for fun and surprises that involve and passionate, is the charm of outstanding natural beauty, all enriched by the hospitality of the people of the Indian Ocean.
Our Mauritius selected resorts have pure white sands, swaying palm trees and aquamarine waters. If the delights offered by Mauritius are not enough to make you feel like you are in paradise, then you will also find a spectacular array of extra-curricular activities on offer including golf, world-class diving and snorkeling, unlimited water sports, deep-sea fishing, spa treatments and numerous nightlife options. Add to this the joy of Chinese, Indian, French, and African cuisine, the rousing beat séga music and the infectious party spirit of the locals, and you soon understand why Mauritius is so many people’s idea of paradise on earth.
Maldives
The Maldives is the place for relaxation. Expect to lose all sense of time, what day it is and what’s going on elsewhere. After all, this is the home of “no news, no shoes”.
Savour gourmet dining and the most beautiful ocean sunsets. And if the stunning views aren’t enough, the activities and experiences offered range from Robinson Crusoe-style desert island escapes to a whole host of watersports.
The underwater world here has been the subject of countless documentaries—the highlight perhaps being the chance to drift alongside manta rays (best seen between June and October). Many of the islands are surrounded by wonderful coral reefs, often with fantastic marine life just moments from the shore. If an all-day diving trip isn’t for you, look for hotels which have a house reef accessible directly from the beach. And if it’s man-made and underwater, then chances are that it’s a “world first”: there’s an underwater SPA, underwater music club, and underwater restaurant, all found on different islands.
The choice of accommodation in the Maldives is impressively diverse, from tiny boutique hideaways to larger, all-inclusive resorts and simple beachfront bungalows to the most exclusive overwater pool villas. But all of the resorts sit on their very own island. And boarding a speedboat or seaplane to transfer to your resort is far more exciting than the everyday taxi ride.
There’s a reason why the Maldives rank highly on honeymoon wish lists: romantic candlelit dinners under starry skies, secluded hideaway accommodations, and palm-fringed beaches make a honeymoon “The Special”.