A Glimpse of Paradise
Beaches that defy all superlatives, wild landscapes that will forever be etched into your memory, loads of adventure options, captivating festivals and a glimpse of history – it's impossible to be bored in Mauritius, Réunion and the Seychelles. Paradise found? You be the judge.
Outdoor Adventures
Sure, these divine islands strewn across the peacock-blue Indian Ocean were designed for lounging on a beach or luxuriating in sensuous nature. But when you've finished sipping your cocktail, you may want to get the blood flowing a little more. Plenty of adventure options are readily available.
Underwater Activities
Mauritius, Réunion and the Seychelles are a divers' mecca thanks to a combination of unique features. Healthy reefs, canyon-like terrain, shallow shelves, exciting shipwrecks, seamounts and quick shoreline drop-offs give snorkellers and divers almost instant access to a variety of environments. The water is warm and clear, and teeming with life from the tiniest juvenile tropical fish to the largest pelagic creature.
Canyoning
There's no better way to immerse yourself in grandiose scenery than by exploring the atmospheric canyons in the Cirque de Cilaos or Cirque de Salazie in Réunion; expect various jumps, leaps in crystal-clear natural pools and rappelling. In Mauritius, adventurers abseil down the seven chutes at Tamarin.
Hiking
Criss-crossed with a network of paths ranging from simple nature trails to more challenging itineraries, Réunion has all the flavours of superlative hiking. Mauritius and Rodrigues also boast excellent walking options. The biggest surprise? The Seychelles. On top of world-renowned beaches, this archipelago offers divine coastal ambles and lovely jungle walks.
White-Water Rafting
The wealth of scenic rivers that decorates eastern Réunion make it a water lover's dream destination. Rivière des Marsouins, Rivière des Roches and Rivière Langevin offer top-class runs to get the blood racing.
History & Culture
Although many come to Réunion, Mauritius and the Seychelles for the incredible beaches and nature, these islands have rich and diverse cultures, influenced by the waves of migrants who gradually populated the islands. Culture buffs with a penchant for architecture and festivals will be in seventh heaven.
Multiculturalism
You'll see almost every shade of skin and hair imaginable, arising from a mixture of African, Indian, Chinese, Arab and French genes. So don't be surprised to see a cathedral, a Tamil temple, a mosque and a pagoda lying almost side by side in larger cities.
Creole Architecture
Some wonderfully preserved colonial buildings can be found in Réunion, Mauritius and the Seychelles. From splendid plantation houses and captivating mansions to humble cases créoles and grand colonial buildings harking back to the French East India Company, you're sure to be awed.
Cultural & Religious Festivals
Fabulous festivals provide visitors with a peek into local culture. Divali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated in the three countries in October or November. In Mauritius and Réunion, impressive fire-walking ceremonies take place in December or January. The Seychelles prides itself on its exuberant carnival.
Music & Dance
In this region of the Indian Ocean, music and dance are part of daily life, from the smallest village to the largest cities. In June, top-name maloya, séga, salsa, reggae and electro performers from throughout the Indian Ocean and beyond gather in St-Pierre during the three-day Sakifo festival.
Idyllic Beaches
Believe the hype: the Seychelles and Mauritius have some of the most dreamy and dramatic beaches you'll find this side of Bora Bora. Take your pick!
Anse Cocos (La Digue)
Anse Cocos is a died-and-gone-to-heaven vision of a beach – a frost-white strip of sand fringed by turquoise waters. It can only be reached by foot, meaning that it always feels secluded.
Anse Georgette (Praslin)
It's like an apparition: the water is so scintillating and the sand so dazzlingly white that you'll rub your eyes. Despite having been engulfed by a resort, Anse Georgette is public property, so you are entitled to plop your towel down on the sand.
Anse Source d'Argent (La Digue)
OK, we thought the brochure spiel about Anse Source d'Argent being the most photogenic beach in the world was hype until we clapped eyes on its crystalline emerald waters and powder-soft sands. It's even more astounding when seen from the summit of the granite hills that loom above the coast.
Pointe d'Esny (Mauritius)
This is it – the celebrity of all of the beaches of southern Mauritius is Pointe d'Esny. Immense, crystalline and glossy, it doesn't disappoint the bevy of swimmers and snorkellers who dabble in its gorgeous, lucent depths.
Rodrigues' East Coast
Between Graviers and St François in the island's east, the jagged coastline is regularly punctuated by appealing coves and stretches of gorgeous beach. The beauty of these stunning swaths of sand lies in the fact that they're totally secluded and there's no road here.
The Ultimate Honeymoon
White-sand beaches. Secluded coves. Coral-coloured sunsets. Swish hotels. Hushed spas. It's not surprising that honeymooners and those seeking a glamorous tropical getaway have long had the Seychelles and Mauritius at the top of their wish lists.
Le Saint Géran (Mauritius)
Le Saint Géran is a sumptuous, impressive place that manages to get it right on so many levels – it's classy and stylish without being too formal, it's romantic without being too quiet and it's welcoming to families without allowing kids to run riot.
Desroches Island (Seychelles)
For couples in search of an intimate paradise, Château de Feuilles on Praslin is an extraordinary place to stay. Perched on a beautiful headland with stupendous vistas, this sweet hideaway has nine stone-walled villas dotted around manicured tropical gardens. The uber-romantic poolside restaurant and hilltop Jacuzzi add to the experience.
Silhouette (Seychelles)
If you want to combine romance, outdoors and affordable luxury, Silhouette is your answer. Here, stylish bungalows complement an already stunning island. Diving, snorkelling, fishing and walking are available.
Frégate (Seychelles)
If you want to live out that stranded-on-a-deserted-island fantasy, you've come to the right place. The 16 opulent villas at Frégate are so delicious you might not want to leave, except for a beauty treatment in the serene spa.
