Overview
Below are our top picks for Indian Ocean island honeymoons. Choose from Mauritius, the Seychelles or the islands off Mozambique. And even Madagascar for a more adventurous option as it has some stunning beaches and diving...
Mauritius Honeymoon Ideas
The stage-set elegance of the Mauritius beach hotels is perfect for long-lingering gazes into each others’ eyes over cocktails. The dazzling sand demands a lazy stroll hand-in-hand. And, when they've has gone to such lengths to make your suite such a haven of tranquillity and indulgence, it would be perverse not to spend a considerable amount of time with 'do not disturb' hung on the door handle.
But it is the people of Mauritius that make this such a great honeymoon destination. Nowhere but Mauritius combines the sensuality of a tropical island with effortless hospitality quite so effortlessly.
The quality of the hotels means that there are rarely any nasty surprises to take the gloss off your honeymoon. Plus we steer clear of hotels that focus heavily on honeymoons. After all, most of us like to be treated as ‘special’. This illusion is rather compromised if you are one among 50 newly-weds!
Honeymoon in the Seychelles
The first Western eyes to see the Seychelles sealed its reputation as the islands of love. The suggestive fruit of the Coco de Mer added to this reputation, And not without reason. There is no aphrodisiac so potent as warm sun on your skin. Plus the pervasive scent of wild-growing vanilla adds to the allure. And with so many islands and so few people it’s incredibly easy to find a little spot of paradise on your honeymoon.
The Seychelles is innately romantic, with its unparalleled natural beauty. It’s more developed for honeymoon couples (rather than families or the nightlife seekers) than other Indian Ocean islands. Indeed, it particularly excels when it comes to the small and extremely exclusive private island resorts, such as North Island and Fregate.
Check out our Indian Ocean island blog on Mauritius versus the Seychelles for more comparisons.
Mozambique honeymoon ideas
A Mozambique honeymoon is an idyllic option if you value perfect unbleached coral, flawless white powder beaches and barefoot luxury. Time and budget are the only limits to your choice. But these island hideaways amply repay your investment. Plus there are few better places to explore the marine environment with world class diving and snorkelling on offer.
Being small and intimate, Mozambique beach resorts are chilled and peaceful. They are ideal for honeymoon couples looking for 'me time'. This could be a real 'need' after the exhausting excitement of your wedding.
However, Mozambique is not right for those whose idea of heaven is a a five star resort with all the trimmings, an extensive array of water sports and interesting shops to explore. It's neither a replacement for Mauritius nor the over-water villas of the Maldives. But it does offer classic 'barefoot luxury' with a Swahili, Portuguese and African tempo.
TIP: This is the only destination where you can seamlessly combine a safari with Indian Ocean beaches without needing an overnight stay en route, as there are direct flights from the Kruger to Vilanculos.
Madagascar honeymoon ideas
Here's one from the left field. Would a more active, adventurous honeymoon option appeal to you? If so, check out our Madagascar pages. On the huge island of Madagascar you can still enjoy white powdery sand, a great climate year round, world-class snorkelling & diving. Plus the unique endemic wildlife, from the world's tiniest primate to half the world population of the endlessly fascinating chameleon.
Have a look at our sample trip ideas below. Or better yet, contact us and we will tailor make your perfect Indian Ocean Honeymoon for you.
Kate Bergh
AFRICAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST