Decisions, decisions… From the serene topaz atolls of the Maldives and the wildy romantic ribbons of sugar-white sand in the Seychelles, to the raw, other-worldly island of Madagascar, the Indian Ocean presents an irresistible array of choice. Our writer breaks it down, so you can select the longed-for, sunny Indian Ocean break that is just right for you. You’re welcome.
Maldives
These scattered discs of sand are usually associated with honeymooners – their uniqueness coupled with supremely glossy hotels is a winner – but they are also popular with families. Whatever your age, there’s no doubting just how special it is. Paddle ankle deep with tango-coloured clown fish and sleek reef sharks, spot the leopard print fins of oriental sweetlips through your snorkel or take a short speedboat ride and find vast manta rays gliding underfoot like shadows. And at night? The stars look as if they’ve been cut out of glittery cloth and pasted on to the inky sky. Yes, it’s essentially a super-shiny resort holiday, but that marooned-in-the-ocean feeling is special.
The crowd
Fly-and-flop honeymooners, rich families and celebrities looking to disappear. Men are in Orlebar Brown, women in Isabel Marant. And if they have them, so are the kids.
Classic hotel pick
Back in 1973, Baros was one of the first three hotels to open here. It’s spruced itself up over the decades, but whatever they’re doing it’s still working – it’s been named “World’s Most Romantic Resort” seven times in eight years at the World Travel Awards.
Read the full review: Baros
Wildcard
It’s always been about the overwater villas – now underwater is the latest trend (and an ideal “we-did-it-first” dinner party story). Try the new underwater villas at Pullman Maldives.
Seychelles
A thousand miles off the east coast of Africa, the Seychelles has 115 outposts in total. Some islands are rugged, some postcard-perfect; some are home to resident giant tortoises, others have the coco de mer tree with its emerald palms that are the size of canoes. Nearly all are surrounded by infinite topaz waters and ribbons of sugar-white sand. Unlike the Maldives, where the islands are minuscule and flat, the topography here is oversized and almost prehistoric in some areas, like La Digue, where the gargantuan granite boulders that punctuate the beaches look like slumbering dinosaurs.
The crowd
On the exclusive private islands; the type of people who don’t like to flash their (serious) cash. Plus eco-warriors.
Classic hotel pick
You’re likely to spend a night or two in Mahé before moving to a private island; the Four Seasons has been welcoming guests for more than a decade and doesn’t disappoint.
Read the full review: Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
Wildcard
Travellers don’t tend to choose self-catering here, but there are little gems to find beside the flash resorts. The bungalows at Cabanes Des Anges on La Digue are a great option, complete with kitchenettes and a dinky shared pool.
Read the full review: Cabanes des Anges
Madagascar
It’s hard, and expensive, to get to (use a tour operator) and there’s not a huge tourism infrastructure – but for the travellers who choose this raw, other-worldly island, that’s half the point. In some parts it’s craggy and robust; terracotta desert with spookily sparse baobab trees or harsh volcanic mountains criss-crossed with underground rivers. In others, it’s palpably lush; like the thick rainforest home to lemurs or the central highlands where terraced rice paddies and vivid green patchwork hills are more reminiscent of Asia. The national parks are packed with wildlife, the beaches (if not empty) are dotted with diehard kitesurfers, rarely sunbathers, and once actually there the food, drink and mid-range hotels are astonishingly cheap.
The crowd
Clued-up Europeans with real sea salt in their hair, not product.
Classic hotel pick
The very definition of rustic, family-run Sakatia Lodge on Nosy Sakatia has 11 beachside rooms styled with an effortless ocean-shack look.
Read the full review: Sakatia Lodge
Wildcard
More “wildly expensive”, but Miavana changed the country’s high-end tourism market. Yes, it’s the sort of place where you can only arrive by helicopter, but your money goes very far in the community here. From £2,300 per person per night (timeandtideafrica.com)
Sri Lanka
With its misty, tea plantation cloaked hills, striking temples, dense jungle, wild beaches and numerous cultural and historical sights, Sri Lanka may be small compared to India, but it packs a mighty punch. This is a country that truly wriggles under the skin, where boarding a train crammed with locals sipping chai from central Kandy to Galle in the south coast is all part of the adventure. You could fly-and-flop here, but there is so much to see and do that moving around is the best choice.
The crowd
Affluent Westerners whose backpacking days are behind them: more yoga-loving, works-for-an-NGO rather than corporate CEO.
Classic hotel pick
Teardrop hotels have taken centuries-old heritage buildings and vintage tea bungalows and injected their clean, contemporary style. Nine Skies in Ella is a favourite.
Read the full review: Nine Skies
Wildcard
Sri Lanka isn’t the first destination that comes to mind for a safari, but Wild Coast Tented Lodge is a high-end camp located on the edges of Yala National Park that really delivers. Leopard spotting and thick canvas (albeit luxurious) tents come as standard.
Read the full review: Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Mauritius
Out of the “big three” (Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius), Mauritius is by far the largest. It’s a singular island with a range of accommodation, plenty to do and a wonderful mix of cultural influences including French, Chinese, African and Indian. It’s easy to travel to and around, making it a big hit for young families. Hire a car and weave through villages with turquoise and sunshine-yellow houses, hike one of the five mountain ranges or visit the Port Louis market for fresh Chinese dumplings. Relative to the Maldives? It can be up to half the price. Relative to Sri Lanka? It can be up to half the price, but in the other direction.
The crowd
Couples who are as serious about climbing mountains as they are about spa treatments. Parents who are kidding themselves they’re on a “family” holiday when the children are in the kids’ club from 9am-9pm.
Classic hotel pick
A breezy, boutique option, 20 Degrees Sud is the type of place where you dress for dinner. Old-school, but still sparklingly brilliant.
Read the full review: 20 Degrees Sud
Wildcard
Salt opened two years ago and offered a new take on design in the area (bold monochrome walls, swathes of powder purple and royal blue), inspired activities like skill-swapping with locals, mind-blowing thali and accessible rates.
Read the full review: SALT of Palmar
