Whether it ’ s picture-perfect Mauritius ; a dazzling Maldivian island idyll ; or the granite and coral islands of the Seychelles , these Indian Ocean gems are pure holiday paradise . While each has its own personality , they all deliver powdery sands , impossibly clear water , vivid coral reefs , aquatic adventure aplenty and mouthwatering cuisine . Whether you ’ re seeking a hideaway resort tailored towards couples or activities to keep all the family entertained , there ’ s a perfect Indian Ocean island for everybody . A hypnotic fusion of Indian , African and European influences , Mauritius is a heavenly spot for a far-flung getaway with seductive palm-fringed beaches that shelve gently into aquamarine seas , incredible coral reefs , some of the world ’ s finest hotels and year-round sunshine . Beyond the beach , Mauritius bursts with a rich culture , historic sights , first class golf courses , watersports galore and hiking opportunities within the impressive landscape of lush national parks .
Mauritius
For many , the string of almost 1,200 verdant islands that comprise the Maldives are the epitome of paradise and a prominent destination on many a travel bucket list . Imagine unblemished beaches , luminous lagoons teeming with exotic marine life and every resort , of which there around 100 , occupying its own sensational private island . Each patch of paradise varies in style , from rustic beach escapes and resorts catering to families and fun-seekers , to ultraluxury private pool retreats , indulgent overwater villas and honeymoon hideaways . The idyllic theme continues with the Seychelles , an archipelago of 115 islands with their jawdroppingly gorgeous beaches , jungle-clad interiors and charming laidback vibe . Whether you stick to the three main islands of Mahé , Praslin and La Digue or take in an outlying outcrop or two , you ’ ll be spoilt for choice . Apart from soaking up the sun , or snorkelling within the crystal-clear waters , you can trek into the lush mountainous interior , explore UNESCO World Heritage sites and feast on Creole cuisine .
Maldives
INDIAN OCEAN WITH PREMIER HOLIDAYS
Here ’ s just a few ideas to consider : -
BEACH ESCAPES
If beaches are your thing , then the Indian Ocean has some of the best in the world . Spend a week or more in paradise , taking advantage of our great FREE night and early booking discounts .
ISLAND HOPPING
To enhance your Seychelles holiday , factor in some island hopping . See pages 222-229 .
MIX & MATCH
If you ’ re not content to fly and flop , perhaps stopover for a few nights in the Middle East or , maybe take in the culture , wildlife and scenic splendours of Sri Lanka . See pages 188-209 .
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AFRICA
MADAGASCAR
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Indian Ocean |
SEYCHELLES |
MALDIVES
SRI LANKA
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PREMIER ’ S HOTSPOTS
It goes without saying that the stars of the show for this region are its beaches and surrounding waters , but consider also : -
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden , Mauritius : Also known as Pamplemousses Botanical Garden , this is one of the finest gardens in the world .
Black River Gorges National Park , Mauritius : Your go to place for jungle adventures . Here you can follow riverside trails , explore canyons and rest weary limbs beside cascading waterfalls .
Vallée de Mai , Praslin , Seychelles : This impressive nature reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of only two places in the world where the famous Coco de Mer grows wild .
Ste Anne Marine National Park , Seychelles : A picturesque marine park close to Mahé , and the perfect place to snorkel .
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MAURITIUS |
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INDIAN OCEAN CLIMATE ° C Average daily maximum centigrade temperature R Average daily sunshine hours SAverage monthly rainfall in cm J F M A M J J A S O N D
Maldives |
30 |
9 |
9 |
31 |
10 |
6 |
31 |
9 |
8 |
32 |
9 |
12 |
31 |
8 |
21 |
30 |
7 |
18 |
30 |
7 |
16 |
30 |
7 |
18 |
30 |
7 |
24 |
30 |
8 |
21 |
30 |
6 |
19 |
30 |
7 |
19 |
Mauritius |
30 |
8 |
23 |
30 |
8 |
24 |
30 |
7 |
19 |
29 |
7 |
17 |
27 |
7 |
9 |
25 |
7 |
8 |
25 |
7 |
8 |
25 |
7 |
7 |
26 |
8 |
5 |
27 |
8 |
5 |
29 |
8 |
6 |
29 |
8 |
16 |
Seychelles 29 5 38 29 6 27 30 7 18 30 8 17 29 8 13 28 8 6 27 7 8 27 8 11 28 8 13 29 7 20 29 7 22 29 6 27 ° C R S ° C R S ° C R S ° C R S ° C R S ° C R S ° C R S ° C R S ° C R S ° C R S ° C R S ° C R S
www . premierholidays . co . uk THE INDIAN OCEAN 211