The Indian Ocean conjures up images of palm trees and white sandy beaches shelving into clear turquoise waters. It is an exotic, enticing ocean littered with coral and sand islands – and we can say from experience that it doesn’t disappoint.
There are thousands of islands strung out across the Indian Ocean. Some, such as Mauritius, Zanzibar and the Maldives are well known. Others however, remain below the radar of most travellers and this is where you find the real gems.
The Seychelles
Starting just 7° below the equator the Seychelles have some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Islands such as Desroches, Denis and North have soft white sand where turtles nest. Fairy terns perch in badamier trees and frigate birds soar overhead.
Lamu
Following the African coastline south the first archipelago you encounter is Lamu. With its ancient Swahili Town and no cars this island is ideal for exploring on foot. At Kenya’s southern tip the Funzi Keys is a tiny hideaway, tucked away in the mangrove and with access to idyllic sandbanks, perfect for a picnic.
Zanzibar and Mafia Islands
Tanzania’s Zanzibar is famous for its beaches and rightly so as they don’t disappoint. Not far away the Mafia Islands have evaded publicity. Here you find beaches behind which the continents most revered dhow builders ply their trade. Offshore, rich coral reefs support a myriad of reef fish.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a truly remarkable country. Tiny in size when compared to its near neighbour, India, it contains a diverse landscape of idyllic beaches which stretch from the undeveloped eastern coast all the way around to the west near Colombo, rolling hills, forests, verdant tea plantations and rugged heathland.
Mozambique
Northern Mozambique is littered with the islands of the Quirimba Archipelago. Inhabited islands are home to ancient Swahili cities now covered in strangler figs whilst others are deserted, home only to nesting turtles and birds. Further south, the Bazaruto Archipelago is formed from sand dunes out of the sea. With offshore reefs alive with corals and sponges and miles of deserted sand these could not be more idyllic.
Madagascar
The ocean’s largest island Madagascar has its own set of archipelagos surrounding it, Nosy Komba, Ile Ste Marie and the Radama Islands are known by few and visited by only a handful of people. Rainbow coloured houses are found under papaya and mango trees and the forests are alive with lemurs, chameleons, frogs and more.
Mauritius
Mauritius is well known and if you are looking for luxurious international style resorts with every facility then look no further. For something a little different we often recommend spending time at a mountain retreat before heading for the coast to enjoy the spas, golf courses, watersports and more that the beach hotels have to offer.
The Maldives
Finally, the Maldives are on many people’s wish list. Whilst some of the islands are well known we prefer the smaller islands such as Cocoa, Ihuru and Velassaru. Here you will be able to enjoy the best of what the Maldives have to offer, but far from any crowds.
Fregate Island is a perfect island paradise with its warm turquoise waters and pristine white sand beaches. The island is also home to giant tortoises and hawksbill turtles.
Stronghold of the Sinhala Kings and capital of Sri Lanka’s hill regions, Kandy is perhaps the most beautiful and romantic city in the island. Surrounded by green hills and with a large lake in the town centre, Kandy combines the sophistication of a modern city with the timeless appeal of ancient temples.
Small, chic and minimalist in concept, Cocoa is a stylish yet relaxed resort.
The spacious, airy suites re all set above the...
- The Maldives
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- The Maldives are an idyllic place to escape from the stresses of modern life without having to forego any creature comforts. Robinson Crusoe would never have wanted to leave.
- The Seychelles
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- The beaches of the Seychelles are superb, immortalised in countless films and commercials. However, as well as a perfect honeymoon destination, you can also see interesting wildlife, such as turtles.
- Madagascar
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- Madagascar is surrounded by a halo of small islands. The beaches are long and sandy with pirogues moored in the shallows. Isolated from the rest of the world, there were no large predators: here wildlife evolved on its own distinct path. Of Madagascar’s 200,000 species, more than 80% are endemic.
- Mauritius
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- Mauritius is ideal for holidays and in particular honymoons: idyllic beaches, marine life and calm waters for swimming, snorkelling and boat trips.
- Sri Lanka
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- Though tiny compared to neighbouring India, Sri Lanka still packs plenty in. Vibrant cities, intriguing traditions, beautiful landscapes, perfect beaches and incredibly friendly people combine to make a destination that our specialists love to visit and don’t hesitate to recommend.
- Zanzibar Archipelago
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- The Zanzibar Archipelago is made up of over fifty islands. The main island inlcudes the capital, Stone Town, with its labyrinth of alleys. Zanzibar is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy after a safari.