Honeymoons are supposed to be romantic, private, comfortable, and luxurious. They are the time when you celebrate your love and start your married life together. Therefore, choosing the right destination for your honeymoon is very important, as it can make or break your experience.
Maldives and Mauritius are two of the most popular destinations for honeymooners from all over the world. They are both located in the Indian Ocean, and they both have stunning beaches, turquoise waters, coral reefs, and tropical climates. They are both ideal for relaxing, enjoying nature, and having fun with your partner.
They have different cultures, landscapes, attractions, and prices. Depending on your preferences, expectations, and budget, you may find one of them more suitable for your honeymoon than the other.
So, how do you decide which one is better for your honeymoon: Maldives or Mauritius? This question by comparing and contrasting them based on the following criteria:
- Weather and best time to visit
- Visa formalities
- Accommodation
- Activities
- Cost
Maldives
Maldives is a beautiful country that is located in the Indian Ocean. It is composed of 1,192 coral islands that are grouped into 26 atolls. Maldives is known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, coral reefs, and tropical climate. It is a popular destination for honeymooners, divers, surfers, and nature lovers.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
The first factor that you should consider when choosing between Maldives and Mauritius is the weather and the best time to visit. Both destinations have a tropical climate that is warm and sunny throughout the year. They also have different weather patterns that affect their seasons and peak periods.
The best time of the year to visit the Maldives is from December to April when the weather is dry, sunny, and pleasant. This is also the high season in the Maldives when the demand and prices are higher. You can expect clear skies, calm seas, and excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving.
The Maldives experiences two rainy seasons: a more intense southwest monsoon (May to September) and a milder northeast monsoon (October to December). During these times, you can expect frequent downpours, gusty winds, and choppy seas. Some people like to visit the Maldives during the rainy seasons, as they can benefit from lower rates, fewer crowds, and clearer visibility for diving.
Visa Formalities
To get a visa on arrival in Maldives, you need to have a valid passport with at least six months of validity, a confirmed return ticket, a confirmed hotel reservation or invitation letter from a local sponsor, and enough funds for your stay (at least USD 30 per day). You also need to fill out an immigration form and pay a USD 30 departure tax when leaving the country.
The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 60 days at the immigration office in Male. You need to have a valid reason and proof of funds for the extension. The extension fee is USD 50.
Accommodation
Maldives is famous for its luxurious resorts that are located on private islands or overwater villas that offer stunning views of the ocean. These resorts provide all-inclusive packages that include meals, drinks, activities, spa treatments, and transfers. Some of the best resorts for honeymooners in the Maldives are [Taj Exotica Resort & Spa], [Adaaran Prestige Vadoo], and [Meeru Island Resort & Spa]. However, these resorts are also very expensive and can cost anywhere from USD 500 to USD 2000 per night.
If you are looking for more affordable options, you can also stay in guesthouses or hotels that are located on local islands or near the airport. These accommodations are cheaper and offer more opportunities to interact with the local culture and people. Some of the best guesthouses and hotels for honeymooners in the Maldives are [Maafushi Inn], [Hulhumale Inn], and [Arena Beach Hotel]. These accommodations can cost anywhere from USD 50 to USD 200 per night.
Activities
Maldives is one of the best places in the world for snorkeling and diving, as it has some of the most diverse and colorful marine life in the world. You can explore the amazing coral reefs, swim with dolphins, sharks, turtles, rays, and more.
You can also visit the Coralarium at Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, which is the world’s first semi-submerged art gallery. It features underwater sculptures that create a unique habitat for fish and corals. Some of the best snorkeling and diving spots for honeymooners in Maldives are [Banana Reef], [Manta Point], and [Bodu Mora].
If you are looking for more relaxing activities, you can also enjoy the spa treatments, yoga sessions, sunset cruises, or candlelight dinners that are offered by your resort. You can also try some water sports, such as kayaking, jet skiing, surfing, or parasailing.
Cost
Maldives is one of the most expensive destinations in the world, as it has high taxes, fees, and charges. The average cost of a honeymoon package for two people in Maldives for 5 nights is around USD 5000 to USD 10000. This includes flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, activities, and taxes.
The flights to Maldives from India can cost anywhere from USD 300 to USD 600 per person for a round trip. The transfers from the airport to your resort can cost anywhere from USD 100 to USD 500 per person for a round trip. The transfers can be by speedboat or seaplane depending on the distance and availability.
The accommodation in Maldives can cost anywhere from USD 500 to USD 2000 per night for a resort, or USD 50 to USD 200 per night for a guesthouse or hotel. The resorts usually offer all-inclusive packages that include meals.
Mauritius
Mauritius is a beautiful country that is located in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa. It is part of the Mascarene Islands, along with Réunion and Rodrigues. It has a diverse and rich culture, influenced by various civilizations that have interacted with the island over the centuries. It has a tropical climate that is warm and sunny throughout the year, but also has different seasons and weather patterns that affect its attractions and activities.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Mauritius has a tropical climate that is warm and sunny throughout the year. The best time of the year to visit Mauritius is from May to December when the weather is cooler, drier, and less humid. This is also the peak season in Mauritius when the demand and prices are higher. You can enjoy the beaches, lagoons, and water sports without much discomfort.
The summer months (January to April) are hot, humid, and rainy in Mauritius. They also coincide with the cyclone season (November to April). During this time, you may encounter storms, floods, and strong winds that can disrupt your travel plans. Some people like to visit Mauritius during the summer months, as they can enjoy the lush greenery, the waterfalls, and the festivals.
Visa Formalities
To get a visa on arrival in Mauritius, you need to have a valid passport with at least six months of validity, a confirmed return ticket, a confirmed hotel reservation or invitation letter from a local sponsor, and enough funds for your stay (at least USD 100 per day). You also need to fill out an immigration form and pay a USD 40 departure tax when leaving the country.
The visa on arrival is valid for 60 days and can be extended for another 90 days at the passport and immigration office in Port Louis. You need to have a valid reason and proof of funds for the extension. The extension fee is USD 20.
Accommodation
Mauritius is known for its diverse accommodation options that range from budget-friendly hotels to lavish resorts. You can choose from beachfront properties that offer access to the pristine beaches and lagoons or mountainous properties that offer views of the volcanic peaks and forests. You can also opt for self-catering apartments or villas that give you more privacy and flexibility. Some of the best hotels and resorts for honeymooners in Mauritius are [The Residence Mauritius], [Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa], and [LUX* Grand Gaube]. These properties can cost anywhere from USD 200 to USD 800 per night.
Some of the best apartments and villas for honeymooners in Mauritius are [Be Cosy Apart Hotel], [Villa Anakao], and [Villa Salines Mauritius]. These properties can cost anywhere from USD 50 to USD 300 per night.
Activities
Mauritius is also a great place for snorkeling and diving, as it has some of the most extensive and beautiful coral reefs in the world. You can see a variety of fish, corals, and even shipwrecks. You can also visit the Blue Bay Marine Park, which is a protected area that hosts a rich biodiversity of marine life. Some of the best snorkeling and diving spots for honeymooners in Mauritius are [Trou aux Biches], [Flic en Flac], and [Le Morne].
If you are looking for more adventurous activities, you can also go hiking, zip-lining, quad biking, or horse riding in the scenic landscapes of Mauritius. You can also visit the Black River Gorges National Park, which is home to many endemic plants and animals.
Cost
For tourists who want to visit Mauritius for a honeymoon, the average cost of a honeymoon package for two people in Mauritius for 5 nights is around $3000 to $6000. This includes flights, transfers, accommodation, meals, activities, and taxes. This can also vary depending on the season, the location, the quality, and the availability of the services.
Comparison of Maldives and Mauritius
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Maldives and Mauritius have different weather conditions throughout the year that you should consider before planning your visit.
| Factor | Maldives | Mauritius |
| Best time to visit | December to April | May to December |
| High season | December to April | May to December |
| Low season | May to November | January to April |
| Dry season | December to April | May to December |
| Rainy season | May to November | January to April |
| Cyclone season | None | November to April |
| Average temperature | 28°C (82°F) | 24°C (75°F) |
| Average rainfall | 1700 mm (67 inches) | 2100 mm (83 inches) |
As you can see, Maldives has a shorter and drier high season than Mauritius, but it also has a longer and wetter low season. Mauritius has a longer and cooler high season than Maldives, but it also has a shorter and hotter low season. Mauritius also has a cyclone season that can pose some risks for travelers.
Therefore, depending on your preferences and availability, you may find one of them more suitable for your honeymoon than the other. If you want to avoid the rain and enjoy the sun, you may prefer the Maldives. If you want to avoid the heat and enjoy nature, you may prefer Mauritius.
Visa Formalities
Both Maldives and Mauritius offer visa-on-arrival facilities for Indian citizens. However, they have different requirements for a passport, return ticket, hotel reservation, and funds. Maldives requires at least USD 30 per day, while Mauritius requires at least USD 100 per day.
| Factor | Maldives | Mauritius |
| Visa type | Visa on arrival | Visa on arrival |
| Visa validity | 30 days (extendable up to 90 days) | 60 days (extendable up to 150 days) |
| Passport validity | At least six months | At least six months |
| Return ticket | Required | Required |
| Hotel reservation or invitation letter | Required | Required |
| Funds per day | At least USD 30 | At least USD 100 |
| Immigration form | Required | Required |
| Departure tax | USD 30 | USD 40 |
| Extension fee | USD 50 | USD 20 |
Maldives has a lower requirement for funds per day than Mauritius, but it also has a higher departure tax and extension fee. Mauritius has a higher requirement for funds per day than Maldives, but it also has a lower departure tax and extension fee.
Therefore, depending on your budget and duration of stay, you may find one of them more affordable and convenient for your honeymoon than the other. If you want to save money and stay longer, you may prefer the Maldives. If you want to spend more and stay shorter, you may prefer Mauritius.
Accommodation
Maldives and Mauritius have different accommodation options that you should consider before booking your stay.
| Factor | Maldives | Mauritius |
| Types of accommodation | Resorts, guesthouses, hotels | Hotels, resorts, apartments, villas |
| Location of accommodation | Private islands, overwater villas, local islands, near airport | Beachfront, mountainous, inland |
| Meal plans | All-inclusive, half-board, bed-and-breakfast | All-inclusive, half-board, bed-and-breakfast, self-catering |
| Average price per night | USD 500 to USD 2000 (resorts), USD 50 to USD 200 (guesthouses/hotels) | USD 200 to USD 800 (hotels/resorts), USD 50 to USD 300 (apartments/villas) |
Maldives is famous for its luxurious resorts that are located on private islands or overwater villas. These resorts are very expensive and offer all-inclusive packages. Mauritius has a diverse range of accommodation options that range from budget-friendly hotels to lavish resorts. These properties are cheaper and offer more flexibility and variety.
Activities
| Factor | Maldives | Mauritius |
| Snorkeling and diving | Excellent | Excellent |
| Spa treatments | Excellent | Excellent |
| Sunset cruises | Excellent | Excellent |
| Candlelight dinners | Excellent | Excellent |
| Water sports | Good | Good |
| Zip-lining | Poor | Good |
| Quad biking | Poor | Good |
| Horse riding | Poor | Good |
| Markets | Poor | Good |
| Temples | Poor | Good |
As you can see, Maldives and Mauritius are both excellent for snorkeling and diving, as they have some of the most diverse and colorful marine life in the world. They are also excellent for spa treatments, sunset cruises, and candlelight dinners, as they offer romantic and relaxing experiences.
Maldives and Mauritius are both amazing destinations for honeymooners who want to have a romantic and memorable time with their partners. They also have some differences that you should consider before making your choice.
The answer depends on your personal preferences, expectations, and budget. Both destinations have their own pros and cons that you should weigh carefully before making your decision.
