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The islands of the Indian Ocean top many a holiday wish list, and the Maldives and the Seychelles both pack a punch with their eye-candy beaches, sparkling seas and swanky places to stay. But a closer look might reveal which one is right for you. Our travel experts have experienced these island idylls first hand, so we've called in their help to provide recommendations and tips. Let’s find out which paradise ticks all your boxes.
Islands and beaches
Maldives
The Maldives is a Robinson Crusoe-style archipelago where tiny atolls are sprinkled across the ocean like glittering jewels. With just one resort on each island, you’ll be in your own exclusive island bubble – one of the main reasons the Maldives is a favourite with honeymooners. The islands are flat, surrounded by pristine white sand beaches, and vary in size, but even the largest resort island can be walked end-to-end in under an hour. Many have a house reef, with mesmerising marine life just moments from the shore. Most holidaymakers see the capital, Malé, only briefly as they fly in and out, although day trips are an option.
"My favourite beach in the Maldives is at Kandolhu Maldives. For such a small island, the beach is impressively wide, giving you plenty of space and privacy. The real star is the house reef – a dramatic coral cliff teeming with reef sharks, turtles and all kinds of marine life.” - Harry Chitty, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni Cheltenham
Kandolhu Maldives
Seychelles
Larger than the one-resort islands of the Maldives, the Seychelles offers more to explore. The beaches are diverse – some desert-like and sprawling; others framed by palm forests and the iconic rock formations that the Seychelles are famous for. Mahé is the main island, home to the Seychelles’ charming colonial capital, Victoria. Beau Vallon on the north coast is one of the biggest and best beaches – a sweeping white sand bay fringed with palm trees. North of Mahé, Praslin is an island of creeks, coves and forest, with a particularly impressive underwater world. The Seychelles' other main islands include romantic La Digue – walkable in around an hour and characterized by unruly heaps of boulders tumbling into the sea and the mountainous Silhouette island – great for hiking.
"Anse Georgette on Praslin is the best beach I’ve ever seen. It's completely unspoilt and naturally beautiful, with those signature black granite rocks in the sea. I have plenty of pictures for proof!" - Aaron Carnell, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni Meadowhall
The Seychelles
Stylish sleeps
Maldives
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the variety of resorts in the Maldives, from family-friendly options and sociable dive resorts to larger all-inclusive offerings and tiny boutique hideaways. You’ll find everything from rustic bungalows to sleek contemporary villas. Expect impeccable service, sand-floor bars, open-air bathrooms, and at the luxury end, private Jacuzzis or plunge pools. The iconic overwater villas are deservedly popular, offering direct ocean access and uninterrupted views.
"My most memorable stay was at Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort. Enjoying Champagne in a sunset-facing overwater villa hot tub is pretty special, but the whole resort has an understated luxury I've never seen anywhere else. The combination of delicious food, beautiful villas and stunning service was top-notch – it’s on my bucket list to go back someday." - Harry Chitty, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni Cheltenham
Sunset Over Water Villa with Hot Tub, Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort
Seychelles
Hotels in the Seychelles range from one-resort island retreats to large family-friendly options, all enjoying stunning natural settings. Even the larger resorts manage to exude seclusion and privacy thanks to their expansive grounds, like Raffles Seychelles, where 86 opulent pool villas are thoughtfully scattered over 40 acres of hillside. Décor styles vary from Creole to colonial and contemporary, and accommodations include hillside chalets, villas on stilts over the ocean, beachfront suites and pool villas.
"I loved so many hotels we visited, but my go-to recommendation is Constance Ephélia Seychelles. The hotel is spread out with a few beaches to choose from – some more secluded, others with a lively vibe. The food here was incredible and the evenings had a great atmosphere. Another favourite was Le Repaire Boutique Hotel in La Digue, a simple but charming property in a great location within walking distance to the town." - Vicky Bignell, Assistant Manager, Kuoni Milton Keynes
Tastes of the tropics
Maldives
Dining in the Maldives is an international affair, with all types of cuisine covered. Since you can't just pop down to a local restaurant, it’s important to consider your resort's dining options. Starlit dinners with your toes in the sand are the Maldives' pièce de résistance, but there are some real showstopping restaurants too. Edge at Niyama Private Islands Maldives is cast out in the lagoon, only accessible by boat. The Maldives is also home to extraordinary underwater restaurants like 5.8 Undersea at Hurawalhi Island Resort. Many resorts offer all-inclusive packages, which promise excellent value. Kuramathi Maldives stands out with its Select All Inclusive Package, offering nine à la carte restaurants serving up everything from sizzling steaks to sushi rolls.
"My favourite meal was at Velassaru Maldives. We were treated to an amazing five-course feast at Sand Restaurant, featuring delights like lobster bisque and beautifully cooked grass-fed tenderloin. Even the bread came with a trio of infused salts to go with the butter. Everything we ate was included in the regular all-inclusive package with no additional supplements, which is fantastic value." - Harry Chitty, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni Cheltenham
5.8 Undersea, Hurawalhi Island Resort
Seychelles
The Seychelles offer an eclectic mix of cooking styles left behind by various colonies over the years. From French know-how to African spices, Chinese flavours and Indian heat, it’s created something uniquely Seychellois. Local specialities such as barracuda are found on most menus. While the food is outstanding within the hotels – including at STORY Seychelles' floating Japanese restaurant, Seyshima – you must get out and eat locally.
"The setting of The Nest at Constance Lemuria Seychelles was amazing, perched on stilts at the water’s edge – there's an exclusive spot by the rocks for romantic dinners . Each dish was a taste sensation – the Seychelles red snapper cooked in banana leaves will forever be one of my favourite dishes. Be sure to end the evening with a homemade ginger beer cocktail; the Gin Buck has a spicy kick." - Aaron Carnell, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni Meadowhall
The Nest, Constance Lemuria Seychelles
Spa serenity
Maldives
The Maldives is home to some of the world's most luxurious spas, where couples massages and personalised programmes are standard, often enjoyed overwater. One of the most unique spa locations is Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa, which has treehouse-inspired treatment rooms.
“My favourite spa was at Kuramathi Maldives. There were a staggering array of treatments on the menu ranging from traditional Maldivian to Thai, Balinese and Indian techniques.” - Harry Chitty, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni Cheltenham
Treetop spa suite, Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa
Seychelles
The Seychelles are renowned for their stunning spas, offering a mix of traditional Seychellois and Asian-influenced treatments across its beautiful islands. The village-style Constance Spa at Constance Lémuria Seychelles features a modern gym and state-of-the-art treatments, while the petite spa at Cerf Island Resort has a rustic charm, hidden on a hillside surrounded by palms.
"I had a blissful hot stone massage at Constance Ephélia Seychelles. It’s the largest spa village in the Indian Ocean, with each treatment room nestled in stunning tropical gardens. Don't miss the complimentary morning yoga sessions on the outdoor pavilion." - Vicky Bignell, Assistant Manager, Kuoni Milton Keynes
Spa Village, Constance Ephelia Seychelles
Island adventures
Maldives
The Maldives is the home of ‘no news, no shoes’; you could easily spend your time here doing not very much at all. Most activities are water-based, and the best place to be is underwater. Dive into the aquatic world and you might find yourself drifting alongside turtles, reef sharks, whale sharks and manta rays. Sunset cruises provide the chance to spot dolphins, while visits to local islands offer insights into everyday Maldivian life. At Constance Moofushi Maldives, you can hop on a boat to the tiny fishing village of Himandoo to mingle with the friendly locals and pick up trinkets to take home.
"The best snorkelling was at Baros Maldives. On their guided reef tour, they made sure our equipment fit perfectly and filmed the whole experience so we could relive it later. And you can't miss the sunset cruise – there's nothing like the peaceful beauty of a Maldivian sunset." - Melissa Hayward, Store Manager, Kuoni at John Lewis Cribbs Causeway
The “Nooma” traditional sailing dhoni, Baros Maldives
Seychelles
Walking through nature reserves, exploring local villages, hiking, diving, watersports, sampling Creole food or being cast away on desert islands – in the Seychelles, you can have as much or as little adventure as you wish. Popular excursions include scenic island-hopping cruises and a trip to the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, where you can explore a prehistoric forest filled with rare Coco de Mer palms, exotic wildlife, and vibrant orchids.
“Our Cycle La Digue trip is a fantastic way to get a taste of local life. With barely any cars, you'll feel like a local – it's a real 'when in Rome' adventure. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views and stop at a former coconut and vanilla plantation, where you might meet a few giant tortoises. The highlight? Relaxing on the Instagram-famous Source d'Argent beach." - Vicky Bignell, Assistant Manager, Kuoni Milton Keynes.
Your perfect match
“Choosing between the Maldives and Seychelles really comes down to what kind of holiday you’re after. The Maldives offers one-resort islands, ideal for romantic escapes and underwater adventures. On the flip side, the Seychelles has larger islands with a variety of landscapes and a rich Creole culture. Each destination has its own magic quality – chat with our experts, and we’ll find the getaway that’s meant for you.
This article features expert advice from:
• Aaron Carnell, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni Meadowhall
• Vicky Bignell, Assistant Manager, Kuoni Milton Keynes
• Melissa Hayward, Store Manager, Kuoni at John Lewis Cribbs Causeway
• Harry Chitty, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni Cheltenham
Inspired?
Finding the right holiday for you is what we’re all about.
Whether you’ve chosen between the Maldives and the Seychelles or need a little more help deciding, our knowledgeable Personal Travel Experts are here to help.
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