Maldives or Mauritius
Discussion
Planning to spend xmas away from home this year with the family just to get away from the usual turkey and stuffing here - and the weather of course 
For something entirely diffrent, we were planning the Kenyan coast/Short safari but the recent murder of an elderly English couple in the Mombasa area earlier this month has given myself and wife some real fears for our safety there. It hasn't been widely reported in the press which gives us even more of a concern that the officials there have been keeping it quiet.
I dont want to loose our desposit and our travel agent has offered to switch us to either Maldives or Mauritius - we need to make up our mind by mid next week.
Has any one on here been to either of these alternates specifically over Xmas? I know both places are well known for beach and sun - which is fine for a few days to chill out , but is there much else to do beyond that ?
Thx
For something entirely diffrent, we were planning the Kenyan coast/Short safari but the recent murder of an elderly English couple in the Mombasa area earlier this month has given myself and wife some real fears for our safety there. It hasn't been widely reported in the press which gives us even more of a concern that the officials there have been keeping it quiet.
I dont want to loose our desposit and our travel agent has offered to switch us to either Maldives or Mauritius - we need to make up our mind by mid next week.
Has any one on here been to either of these alternates specifically over Xmas? I know both places are well known for beach and sun - which is fine for a few days to chill out , but is there much else to do beyond that ?
Thx
Edited by toby tucker on Friday 30th October 13:28
Agreed, we have been to The Maldives six times now but purely for the peace and quiet, lovely beaches and the sea life. None of the islands we have visited offer much more in entertainment other than good food and a bar. Suits us but Mauritius may be a little more lively for you.
Having said that we have always met up with others in the eves and had a great time.
Having said that we have always met up with others in the eves and had a great time.
The main difference between the 2 places is basically in the Maldives you are Robinson Crusoe -even if upmarket resorts its no news no shoes! OH loves only wearing shorts and polo shirts for dinner. Mauritius has beautiful scenery and more to go and do and see in and is more 'posh' in the evenings. There are stunning hotels; beaches fab good plus pretty cool excursions. The Maldives though romance and peace - the most turquoise blue waters and finest sand. The biggest plus point for us is the underwater life whether diving or snorkeling - one of the best places for coral reefs and its inhabitants!
The water bungalows are about double the money and personally for us worth every penny but you can wait until you arrive on an island and if space available they will often do you a deal on the upgrade - usually half the brochured supplement price. The other consideration is that all inclusive is great value for money as booze is very expensive there ($12 a drink approx and $50 upwards for wine) but the compramise is that it would likely be buffet meals - nice though but not such a dining experience as islands that offer BB or HB. Then if you snorkel and dont dive (like us) you want a good house reef. Flights would either be a direct charter until BA start or scheduled via wherever - we did Emirates and stopover in Dubai -that's the way to offer a bit more to do!!
Our favourite AI islands were Olhuveli then Vilu Reef and this year we loved Baros (member of Small Luxury Hotel of the World). Yes- travel was my profession until recently and still my love and passion!
Di
The water bungalows are about double the money and personally for us worth every penny but you can wait until you arrive on an island and if space available they will often do you a deal on the upgrade - usually half the brochured supplement price. The other consideration is that all inclusive is great value for money as booze is very expensive there ($12 a drink approx and $50 upwards for wine) but the compramise is that it would likely be buffet meals - nice though but not such a dining experience as islands that offer BB or HB. Then if you snorkel and dont dive (like us) you want a good house reef. Flights would either be a direct charter until BA start or scheduled via wherever - we did Emirates and stopover in Dubai -that's the way to offer a bit more to do!!
Our favourite AI islands were Olhuveli then Vilu Reef and this year we loved Baros (member of Small Luxury Hotel of the World). Yes- travel was my profession until recently and still my love and passion!
Di
Edited by lady topaz on Monday 2nd November 06:58
Fidgits said:
where would you reccomend staying in the Maldives?
oh, and one of those water huts would be ace... so if you have any reccomendations of who to use
ta!
Avoid Diva resort.oh, and one of those water huts would be ace... so if you have any reccomendations of who to use
ta!
We enjoyed Banyan Tree and Angsana. You can use the facilities of both Islands and although Angsana is more basic it is very relaxed and has everything you need. Drinks prices need not be quite so high as mentioned but it all depends on the resort. You can get anything from very cheap resorts to an Island to yourself with Butler service and personal yacht. We spent three nights on a Turkish Ketch as part of out last stay and there were only two couples on it and it sleeps 12. We are keen divers so did 3-4 dives a day off the boat and snorkelling in between.
Also bear in mind when looking at reviews that resorts are being refurbished all the time and new ones are appearing. I would suggest consulting Trip Advisor and Simonseeks for reviews. If you like snorkelling then try and find a resort where the reef is close (the ring around the island is close to the island on the photos). Also bear in mind some resorts allow kids and some don't.
I've been to both a lot. The Maldives offers the perfect desert island experience, but if I didn't dive I think I'd get bored. There's more to do in Mauritius and if you play gold, it has to be Mauritius.
I dive, so I prefer the Maldives.
In Mauritius, i'd recommend the Prince Maurice.
In the Maldives, the One & Only Reethi Rah.
I dive, so I prefer the Maldives.
In Mauritius, i'd recommend the Prince Maurice.
In the Maldives, the One & Only Reethi Rah.
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