A warm ocean, sunny weather and a beach with white sand surrounded by palm trees is the first picture that arises when we represent the southern resort islands in the Indian Ocean. When choosing a direction for a beach holiday in winter, the question arises, are there any differences between the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius and Zanzibar for tourists? At first glance, it may seem that these resorts are the same, the difference is only in the cost of vacation. Is it really so?
For some, a high level of service is important, someone does not present a vacation without a cool diving, while others want solitude and smaller people around. They prepared a comparison of the islands in the Indian Ocean and focused on their main differences so that it was easier for you to choose the right direction for the long -awaited vacation.
Maldives
The unconditional leader in the island exotic invariably remains the Maldives. The state is located south-west of India, and it includes an elongated chain of 26 atolls and more than 1,000 coral islands. Of these, only 20% were populated by local residents or built by hotels. Previously, this direction was affordable, but every year there are more new hotels and guesthouses on the islands, increasing competition and reducing the cost of tourists for accommodation.
But still, the concept of “one island – one resort hotel” occupies most of the island Maldives. In this regard, vacationers are very limited in the movements and variety of entertainment. There is only one resort on the island, and tourists are completely dependent on its services and capabilities. There are no shops, entertainment and other infrastructure in the district. As a rule, the cost of living in five-star spa hotels includes a visit to the gym, spa, spa, yoga and tennis, using bicycles and snorkeling equipment. For an additional fee, tourists are taught diving, surfing, skiing and flights on a seaplane.
Those who do not like excessive privacy and want to look at the Maldives at different angles, go to the capital island in the Great Mal area. It is here that a larger number of local residents live and there are even places for walking among architectural monuments.
In addition to the capital, you can go to local islands with a developed tourist infrastructure, for example, the rash on the North Ari atoll and Ukulas on the Alif Alif atoll. It is easy to save on accommodation here, having settled in a small hotel or guesthouse with all amenities, dinner in local cafes and buy products in stores. And outside the hotel, study the rich natural and underwater world of the Maldives: to do a snorkeling spari on home reefs surrounded by sea turtles and huge fish, daytime or night fishing and various sports. Near the island of Rasdu there are about 20 sparing spots, where they are immersed next to reef sharks and giant slopes.
The cost of living in the Maldives is more expensive than in other island resorts of the Indian Ocean. In the high season, there are practically no free numbers in budget hotels and guesthies. But the direction has significant advantages: direct flights from Russia, a high level of service, options for placing in private bungalows on the water and huge territories of resort, as well as organized excursions with Russian -speaking guides.
Climate features: The Maldives always heat, the air temperature does not drop below +25 ° C. But the monsoons, blowing from the ocean, determine the two seasons of the year, and the most suitable of them for a beach holiday is from November to April. In these months on the islands, Sunny calm weather, rains are extremely rare and mainly at night, and the next morning there is not a trace of them.
Where to stop: In the five -star spa hotels Veligandu Island Resort & Spa and Ja Manafaru Maldives, in the three -star Embudu Village Resort or guest houses Cerulean View Residence and Sala Boutique Hotel.
Seychelles
Seychelle includes about 115 islands, of which only 33 are populated by people or organized for tourists living. The largest island and the tourist center is MaE, there is the capital of the state, the city of Victoria. A beach vacation is also possible on three other small islands: La Dig, Praslin and silhouette. They organize transfers from the airport on ferries or boats, but the number of hotels and guest houses is very inferior to the number of offers on the main island of MaE.
There are no historical and cultural attractions in the Seychelles, and all recreation and entertainment options are associated with nature, local landscape and ocean. Like other islands of the Indian Ocean, they come here for excellent diving, the best time for which from March to May and from September to November. Windsurfing and yachtsmen prefer Seychelles in the offseason (May and October), when there are no strong heat, winds and rains on the islands.
The region is famous for the unique endemic nature and the animal world, which is associated with the majority of excursions to the islands. For example, observation of rare species of birds or giant ground turtles in island reserves, an excursion to the National Marine Park by boat with a glass bottom, snorkeling and visiting a tea plantation.
There are no options for placing on water and hotels with vast territory, as in the Maldives and Mauritius. This is due to the peculiarities of the landscape: the islands are not coral origin, but granite, so the relief here is mountainous and cut by the hips. But this is simultaneously considered the main feature of Seychelles, when a panoramic view of the ocean opens from the hotel room on the rock.
Accommodation in hotels in the Seychelles will cost a little cheaper than in the Maldives and Mauritius. But outside the hotel it will not be possible to save, since there are very high prices for products, gasoline, rental of cars and food in local restaurants. For example, a liter of gasoline costs about 200 rubles, lunch in an ordinary restaurant for two – from 8,000 rubles, and a pack of cigarettes – from 700 rubles and above. So the government is trying to reduce the tourist flow to the islands in order to maintain a natural nature.
Climate features: Seychelles – a year -round direction for a beach holiday. Thanks to the close location to the equator, there are no pronounced seasons of the year with heavy rains, and due to the lack of cold currents, the ocean always remains warm. But from November to April on the street it becomes very hot and humid. The air temperature rarely drops below +35 ° C, and the humidity indicator exceeds 80%.
Where to stop: в пятизвёздочном отеле Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, в четырёхзвёздочных отелях Le Repaire – Boutique Hotel & Restaurant и Coral Strand Smart Choice, в гостевом доме Agnes Cottage – Emerald или Sunbird Bungalow chalet.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is one large island that belongs to the African state of Tanzania. They go here for exotic beach holidays and acquaintance with African culture.
The main difference between Zanzibar is that rest is not limited only to natural beauties and water sports, even though diving is considered one of the visiting cards of the island resort. In the metropolitan city of Zanzibar there is Stone-Town-the territory of the Old City, which is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List for a unique mixture of various architectural directions. Here you can visit the Sultan residence, visit the Square of the slave trade, in the cave of slaves and see the English fort.
The island of Zanzibar is more focused on European tourists, it is difficult to find excursions with the Russian -speaking guide. If this is not a hindrance for you, then you can go on a trip to spices plantations, tast the local cuisine and steam in Persian baths. In addition to cultural rest, Zanzibar offers trips to the tropical forest of Josani with exotic plants, monkeys and leopards, one -day tours to the picturesque island of Prizon with giant turtles or visiting one of dozens of fishing villages.
In Zanzibar, the main spa areas are tied to local beaches. The most popular of them is the beach of Kendva with luxurious hotels, perfect cleanliness and excellent calling into the water without an abundance of sea residents. This place is suitable for lovers of European comfort and families with children. In the east of the islands there is a Paja beach with a less developed tourist infrastructure, but more suitable conditions for water sports, for example, kitsurfing. Nunwowi beach in the north of the island is chosen by lovers of snorkeling and diving. Coral reefs are located here, and a soft sandy bottom and minimum ebbs allow you to enjoy the underwater world. For classes with high -quality diving, they also go to the beaches of UROA, MATMU, Kivengva and Mapenzie.
The cost of living in hotels in Zanzibar is approximately equal to the seals and lower than in the Maldives and Mauritius. But unlike Seychelles, the prices outside the hotel are not so high here, and you can easily organize a budget vacation by settling in a hostel. The level of service on Zanzibar is significantly inferior to all other areas of resort island in the Indian Ocean. In hotel rooms, Wi-Fi often does not catch, not the newest furniture and meager choice of dishes on the Swedish table. There is no direct air traffic between Russia and Tanzania, so you will have to get to Zanzibar with at least one transplant through Istanbul or Dochu.
Climate features: You can relax on Zanzibar all year round, but it is better to choose the winter and summer months. The island is located below the equator line, and during the off -season, heavy rain -in -law with strong winds occur here. In winter and summer, there is little precipitation, and there is no exhausting heat on the street – the air temperature is about +28 ° C, and the water in the ocean is warmed up to +26 ° C.
Where to stop: In five -star hotels Tikitam Palms Hotel, Zanzibar Serena Hotel and Zanzibella Hotel & Spa, in the four -star MVUVI Boutique Resort or three -star FORODHANI Park Hotel.
Mauritius
One large island, located east of the south of Africa and 900 km from Madagascar. In the past, Mauritius was one of the favorite places of the pirates who rested here after long wanderings in the ocean. Here you can not only sunbathe on white sand and swim in the warm ocean, but also engage in cognitive tourism. On the island, an amazing colonial architecture and ancient temples have been preserved. Fans of exotic nature and the animal world will appreciate Mauritius, going for a walk in botanical gardens, to the park with lions or on the coast.
Most hotels and resort entertainment are concentrated in the northeast of the island, in the city of Grand Bay. There are affordable prices for accommodation and a decent level of service, while on the western coast of Mauritius, mainly expensive and fashionable hotels are located, living in which will cost a decent amount. The south of the island is wild and not intended for long leave. It is better to go here with an excursion to see the untouched jungle and the monuments of ancient civilizations.
The southwestern coast of Mauritius is suitable for connoisseurs of outdoor activities. There are all the conditions for water sports- Winds and Caitsurfing. In this part of the island is the Paradise Hotel Resort, which annually hosts the Kite Jam Festival International Festival. Professional athletes and lovers of water sports from around the world come here. The hotel guests can use the inventory for Windsurfing on the beach, masks and tubes for snorkeling for free, and take a couple of lessons from surfing and kaitboard instructors for an additional fee.
Rest on Mauritius will cost more than in the Maldives or Seychelles, due to a more expensive flight and a small number of hotels. But there are more opportunities for a variety of relaxation (for example, tracking, fishing and kaitesurfing) without a mandatory purchase of excursions to neighboring islands. On Mauritius there is no binding to a specific small atoll, as in the Maldives, and at any time you can rent a car and go on your own to study the region. You will have to get to Mauritius with one or even two transfers, and the travel time will take about a day.
Climate features: Mauritius is located close to the equator, and all year round here is the best weather for a beach holiday. There are no strong protracted rains, as in the Maldives in the non -season, or strong soaring humidity, which is felt when leaving the plane in the Seychelles.
Where to stop: In five -star hotels with Mauritius – All Inclusive, Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel and Shanti Maurice Resort & SPA, in the four -stroke hotel La Pirogue a Sun Resort or in a three -star hotel Coin de Mire Attitude.
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