The Maldives have long been considered the ultimate beachside bliss destination, with mirror-clear waters, sun-soaked beaches and diving dreamscapes. Yet Mauritius, with its lyrical landscapes, bluer-than-blue sea and colourful coral reefs, has thrown a curve ball for holiday makers deciding on which far flung slice of paradise to discover. The battle between these Indian Ocean pearls promises to be a close one; Port Louis or Male, blissful beachside hotels or overwater bungalows, 'boulettes' (Mauritian Dim Sum) or 'gulha' (Maldivian dumplings). Although these mesmerising islands are incredibly different, many find themselves at loggerheads when deciding which serene sanctuary to visit but luckily for you, our travel experts are well-versed in both. So which island is right for you - Maldives or Mauritius?
Landscape
Deciding whether the Maldives or Mauritius has a more impressive landscape is nearly impossible. From above, the Maldives archipelago looks like a patchwork of oyster-white islands intertwined with gin-clear waters, turquoise-tinted reefs and luxurious villas on stilts. It oozes with Robinson Crusoe-esque seclusion and is a true island paradise. The pearl-like string of 1,200 tiny islands boasts sand as soft as flour and hotel vistas like no other, making it the ultimate destination for a serene escape. Hop on a bike to the explore the islands from top to toe and discover world-class beaches and pristine coastlines that are the very definition of perfection.
Mauritius rises from the Indian Ocean like a mirage on the horizon, surrounded by calm lagoons teeming with colourful fish. When discovered by the Dutch in 1598, they proclaimed they had found ‘The Garden of Eden on Earth’, hinting at just how beautiful this Indian Ocean gem really is. Of course the coastlines are sublime, but if you head inland, you’ll also be met with verdant forest, tropical birdlife and pulse-raising vistas. Black River Gorges National Park is a must when you want a break from the beach and a hike to the top of the country’s highest peak will make you feel as though you’ve fallen headfirst into a postcard.
With such contrasting landscapes, this was a tough round, but the Maldives unique puzzle piece-like islands pip Mauritius to the post here, making the score 1-0.
Food
Mauritius boasts a mélange (creole for blend) of different cultures – India, China, Madagascar, France, West Africa and Britain have all influenced the culinary creations and lifestyle of this beautiful island. The smell of creole curries drifts by on the warm breeze as you sit under swaying palm trees, watching as waves gently break over the reef. Make sure you chow down on some gateaux piment (chili fritters) and pineapple and chili salt, washed down with some traditional Mauritian tea made at the Bois Cheri Tea Plantation. Your tastebuds are sure to be tantalised.
Although the Maldives are known more for their beaches than their gastronomy, this waterlocked wonderland has some treats you really must try. Fresh fish is a staple within many Maldivians’ diets, so ensuring a taste of the catch of the day (lobster is our favourite) is definitely a good place to start. Those with a sweet tooth are in luck as coconut is in abundance across the palm-hemmed islands, so make sure you try gabulhi boakiba (baked coconut desert) and bondibai (sweet coconut rice). We recommend a cooking lesson with a pro to get a really good taste of Maldivian cuisine.
But who wins this round, the Maldives or Mauritius? Both islands boast an abundance of fresh foodie treats, but for us, the culture blend that can be tasted in Mauritius’ gastronomy is the winner. That takes the score to 1-1.
Diving
As our team at Original Diving will tell you, The Maldives is one of the best places in the world for an underwater adventure. Whether you’re a diving maestro or are exploring the ocean floor for the first time, swimming through the seemingly endless coral clusters that surround this spellbinding archipelago really should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list. Head out with a PADI instructor and hang in the currents with majestic manta rays, wandering whale sharks and kind-eyed sea turtles. It is a diving experience like no other.
Although Mauritius isn’t as well-known as the Maldives for its world-class diving, its underwater kingdom can’t be ignored. Swim past staghorn and cabbage corals and even have a heart stopping moment as you come face to face with a bull shark or a bold barracuda. Explore shipwrecks and all of the marine marvels that the warm waters have to offer.
Although Mauritius has plenty of incredible dive spots and marine life to offer, there is something almost otherworldly about diving in the Maldives. The Maldives takes this one, making it 2-1.
Unmissable Experiences
The south-western tip of Mauritius is home to one of the most phenomenal natural wonders in the world. The Denmark Strait Cataract is the world’s highest underwater waterfall where water plummets a whopping 2.2 miles into the ocean. Hop in a helicopter and swoop over Mauritius’ verdant coastline and glassy waters before you witness the incredible submarine cascade in the ocean below.
Simply arriving to the Maldives is an unmissable experience. Float down from the sky in a seaplane before landing among bungalows suspended on stilts above the crystal-clear waters – it’s undoubtedly one of the most magical ways to arrivals at any destination. Explore the island by bike before spending the evening dining on mouth-watering food in an underwater restaurant, keeping your eyes peeled for rays and turtles swimming by.
With such contrasting unmissable experiences, we can’t choose a winner, so this round is a tie. We aren’t sure whether this makes your decision of the Maldives or Mauritius any easier because to be honest, we love them both. After four very close rounds, the Maldives have come out on top with a final score of 3-2. If you’re still not sure whether to go to the Maldives or Mauritius, our experts are on hand to ensure that you embark on the trip of a lifetime.
Written by Immy Kelly