The Maldives vs. Seychelles: The Honeymoon Edition
For years, the Maldives and Seychelles have both been considered upscale, honeymoon destinations similar to Bora Bora and Tahiti. At first glance, both islands may appear to offer the same experience: pristine beaches, fruity cocktails, and endless snorkeling. However, both sun-drenched tropical islands nestled in the Indian Ocean are quite different. As more efforts are being made to attract more tourists, there's far more to the Maldives and Seychelles than meets the eye.
Dive deeper and explore which island destination is calling for your next vacation! The deciding factor should be choosing the island that suits you the best.
MALDIVES
Appealing to visitors as "one island, one resort," Maldives is the world's most geographically dispersed country with over 1,000 islands. Visitors arrive on the island of Male before transferring to their final destination by seaplane, speedboat or ferry.
Appearance
Made up of coral, the Maldives are surrounded by house reefs that protect the island from waves. That's why most of the world's overwater villas are found here.
Weather
Maldives boasts a humid, tropical climate year round and rarely sees any fluctuations in temperature due to its position on the Equator. January to March is the best time to visit with clear, blue skies and limited rainfall on most days.
Tourist Attractions
Break away from the beach to tour the National Art Gallery or make a stop at Tsunami Monument. A visit to the National Museum in Male is a great way to see its collection of artifacts on display. Local markets offer fresh produce, fish and small artisan shops where you're bound to find a treasure to take home.
Activities
Nearly all activities found here include water as sightseeing underwater and dive sites are everywhere. Lagoons and house reefs offer great diving opportunities and a way to see the abundant marine life of whale sharks and manta rays. Snorkeling from the beach or right from your water villa is what this place is famous for! Surfers can also catch some of the best waves at Coke's Beach or Cinnamon Island Dhonveli. Tourist can even visit Subsix, the world's first underwater nightclub, or enjoy many of the resort bars for a more low-key experience.
Things to See or Do for Families with Kids
Soneva Fushi is great for kids as it is the perfect family-friendly destination with its big treehouse, fantasy den, outdoor entertainment area and private swimming pool villas. This resort is parent-approved offering conservation activities, an ice cream parlor and chocolate room. At Six Senses Laamu, children can take part in the children's club, yoga classes, spa treatments and cooking classes.
Accommodations
Water villas are built on stilts that hover over the water and are connected to jetties. Some resorts can only be accessed by boat, while others offer direct access to private swimming pools and waterslides that lead to the ocean. Overnight stays in wooden dhow boats are also another option. The island of Maafushi is a popular location offering many new and affordable inns, guesthouses, and boutique-styled hotels.
Hospitality
There is 24/7 access to butler services in the Maldives - from midnight snacks to emergencies and even hot chocolate for the kids. The locals are very friendly and eager to please with their top notch service.
Food and Dining
A mix between salsa and salad, Boshi Mashuni is found in more traditional Male-like restaurants. Similar to chapati bread, Huni Roshi is usually ordered to accompany most meals. Garudhiya is a fish soup that may not be suited for all tourists, but definitely worth a try. And Bis Kamiya is a delicious, deep-fried, vegetable snack similar to a spring roll.
SEYCHELLES
On the other hand, Seychelles is an island-hopping destination. Visitors begin their vacation on one of the main islands exploring towns like Mahe, La Digue, or Praline before arriving at their private island.
Appearance
Made from granite, the islands of Seychelles are rocky with boulders and pearly-white beaches along its shorelines. The outer islands are coral, small and flat similar to Maldives.
Weather
Seychelles is a year-round haven for tourists to lap up the sunshine and enjoy the humid, tropical climate with its high temperatures. April to May and October to November is the best time to visit with other seasons witnessing cyclone activity.
Tourist Attractions
From the markets in Victoria to the Little Ben Clock Tower, there are plenty of must visit attractions. Even enjoy a day trip to the Seychelles Natural History Museum or the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vallee de Mai National Park. Other noteworthy spots are Aldabra Island, home to many giant tortoises, and Cousine Island - a bird and turtle reserve.
Activities
Seychelles is great for active travelers that like to do both land and water-based sports such as rock climbing, hiking and mangrove hiking. The remote islands offer sailing, world-class fly fishing as well as deep water game fishing. Diving and snorkeling is a favorite pastime where you can sot barracudas, moray eels and eagle rays to name a few. Nightlife is much more relaxed with bars and entertainment found in larger hotels as tourists won't find many clubs or casinos here.
Things to See or Do for Families with Kids
Seychelles is a family friendly environment with many resorts and places for kids. Fregate Island has a kiddie club for those aged 3 to 12. Kids can also explore the Castaway Trail with giant tortoises, small animals and endemic plants. At Six Senses Zil Pasyon, the Trouloulou Club offers kite making, sand castle building as well as cupcake decorating. Ice cream can even be delivered right to you from a bicycle!
Accommodations
Resorts are built on a hillside or into granite outcrops with views over the water. Many luxury villas are hidden in the tropical landscape - ranging from luxury villas with 3 to 4 bedrooms to beautiful one-bedroom villas with sunken baths and private infinity pools.
Hospitality
With a more relaxed and laid back style, Seychelles have a charm of their own. Locals are very passionate about their service and have no issue persuading visitors that their country is the best.
Food and Dining
Ladob is a simple, yet delicious desert featuring bananas or potato cooked in coconut milk. Octopus curry is an island favorite dish with unique seasoning of local spices that you must try. Grilled fish cooked over an open fire is another firm favorite of the island life.
Whether it's for an adventure, a romantic getaway, a sailing cruise or a solo escape, both island destinations tick all of the boxes as the diverse vibrance of a trip to either island is hard to beat and a choice for travelers to enjoy! While the decision may feel difficult, there are considerations that may make it easier for you!
If your dream trip includes an itinerary of diving and snorkeling while enjoying a little luxury, the Maldives may be the best choice for you. However, if you are looking to relax and kick back on a pristine, secluded beach with exclusivity and privacy, then Seychelles may be calling your name! It's important to carefully consider each destination and what they offer before making a decision!
Comments