Paradise Found

MALDIVES OR SEYCHELLES?

It's the age old question for those in search of a dream holiday. Les Bons Viveurs discovers different takes on Island life.

Maldives

 

Go to Maldives if....

1.  You like snorkeling (coral reefs, buzzing with life, are world famous)
2.  You're good at relaxing (focus is on chilling out in peace and quiet)
3.  You're holidaying with your partner (most of activities are designed for couples)

After a long flight with a short stop in Abu Dhabi, we arrived in the Maldives capital, Male. The Maldives are a string of islands formed of coral in the Indian Ocean, situated south-west of India. A mecca for divers  thanks to coral reefs and abundant marine life, and honeymooners owing to pristine beaches and turquoise lagoons, they are home to many luxury resorts, including our final destination Baros island.

 

 

As we approached Baros 20 minutes later with a speedboat the view of the gleaming white beach and swaying palm trees just made our day! As soon as we arrived there was a man in a perfectly pressed uniform that already knew our name to help us with the luggage and check us in the resort. The palm fronds casted pretty shadows on the ground, and the bright tropical flowers that lined the paths were so perfect, it looked like someone had spent hours carefully putting them in place.

As we walked into our cool villa and flopped onto the huge comfy bed a smile was stuck on our faces. The interior was modern and chic in a palette of white and stony greys, with the odd splash of color. Sliding Glass doors lead onto a beautiful wooden decking area. There's an inviting private plunge pool. Everything was geared towards romance in a magical way, from the his' n hers sinks in the bathroom to the pair of sun loungers nestling on the beach, even the pool is the perfect size for a dip a deux.

 

 

After an afternoon napping in the sun, I head to the Lighthouse Lounge for a pre-dinner cocktail. Elevated over the sea, there's a panoramic view of the island and ocean.

Despite being open to the elements, it has  a cosy atmosphere, with a candle lit lanterns and jazz playing gently.

Headed to the island's Cayenne restaurant for a light dinner of fresh sushi and salad.  The menus at the three restaurants are extensive: from delicate pasta dishes to Japanese platters, there's something for everyone. The Cognac flamed lobster bisque at the island's signature Lighthouse restaurant is exceptional.

Maldives have some of the best snorkeling in the world. Baros is surrounded by a reef where you can spend hours investigating the colorful underwater world.

If you're after total escapism, one of the most romantic experiences is sunrise yoga followed by breakfast on Baro's private sand spit.

We left the island feeling totally rested....

 

 

SEYCHELLES

Go to Seychelles if...

1. You want more than white beaches (mountainous Mahe to lush green Desroches)
2. You're adventurous (focus is less on romance, more on activity)
3. You're into Eco-tourism ( visitors are encouraged to join in with hands on conservation)

 

 

As we touched  down on Mahe, the Seychelles largest island, about 900 miles east of mainland Africa, the first thing we noticed was the three covered mountain towering behind the airport.

We anticipated swathes of sand and sea, not lush,Tolkien-esque landscape from Lord of the Rings..

Upon arrival we boarded a tiny eight seat plane to our final destination, Desroches. A privately owned island 140 miles south west of Mahe. As we approached the palm fringed landing strip 40minutes later we spited a group of at least 10 staff waving at us and waiting to greet us with cold towels and big grins. What a Welcome..

 

 Tourism became the Seychelles main industry after the international airport opened in 1971. Thanks to major investment over the last few decades, it truly moved on with five star service and accommodation to rival the best.

While we checked in our luggage seamlessly disappeared from our hands, coconut water was offered and whisked away on a buggy to our room.

There was a Dibwa Retreat waiting for us just 100m away from the sea. There was a huge kitchen and entertaining area and a private infinity pool while the bedroom wrapped in floor to ceiling windows.

 

       

The decor was luxurious but in an understated way. 

Beautiful furniture made in the island's workshop from the casuarina tree scattered with linen cushions in a palette of cool greens and blues. Outside the garden leading to the beach isn't perfectly manicured, rather a little wild dotted with tropical plant and pretty flowers.

In the next 4 hours we only saw two passers by...

There are 50 villas and suites on the four mile long island, but they're so discreetly nestled in the surroundings, you feel as though you're a Robinson Crusoe castaway on your very own tropical island.

 

At dinner there was a relaxed laid back vibe with a distinct luck of couples. Out of 40 guests, there was only one pair of honeymooners. The rest were families and groups of friends.

Soon we realized after that short socializing dinner that Desroches is a lot more than just the sea and the sun. There was fishing, cycling, exploring. Next morning we decided to give it a shot in the world class Fishing they offered. A few hours later and lots of agony we ve hauled a 35kg yellofin tuna and two wahoo (huge tropical fish).

Desroches is so remote that became incredibly self sufficient. Solar panels are used as the main source of energy, and the fresh water comes from the on island  desalination plant.

Another must visit spot is the Escape Spa on the island's  eastern tip. Book for a late afternoon ayurvedic massage  them try sunset yoga in the pagoda overlooking the sea, it has to be one of the most calming experiences of our life's.

 

 

As we got ready to board the plane back to Mahe we realised the only sunbathing we did all week was on the afternoon we arrived. Yes, Desroches is a tropical paradise perfect for romance, but with so many experiences on offer, it's much more than a honeymoon destination.