Indian Ocean Holidays

Probably the most iconic Indian Ocean holiday hotspot, the Maldives is made up of around 1,200 tiny islands. Famous for their unspoiled beauty, these isles are incredibly popular for honeymoons and romantic getaways – but, increasingly, hotels are also catering to families. Many of the islands are home to just one resort, so you’ll be surrounded on all sides by beautiful reefs.

Why not grab a snorkel or hop in a glass-bottomed kayak and go exploring? Or simply take a lazy stroll along the white sands, and curl up with a good book. You’ll also find that many Maldives’ resorts offer a huge range of activities, from relaxing spa treatments, to island-hopping boat trips, to scuba diving lessons. However you want to spend your time, you can expect your Maldives holiday to be laidback and peaceful.

Not sure when to go? The Maldives’ dry season runs from December to April, when temperatures hover in the high twenties. It’s less humid at this time of year, too.

Lying 1,200 miles off the coast of southeast Africa, pint-sized Mauritius is famous for its postcard-worthy beaches and luxury resorts. The island is surrounded by warm, shallow waters perfect for snorkelling and swimming. You can also take a boat trip in search of wild dolphins playing in the Indian Ocean. But a holiday to Mauritius also offers up plenty of opportunities for adventure back on dry land. The island’s rich interior is filled with jungles and rushing waterfalls. You can go zip-lining through the trees, visit wildlife sanctuaries – where you’ll find giant tortoises – and go hiking in Black River Gorges National Park. 

To top it off, Mauritius has the longest sunny days out of all the islands in the Indian Ocean. It’s best to visit between May and December, when you can look forward to balmy temperatures and lower humidity. The wet season runs from January to March, so expect tropical downpours at this time of year.

If you’re looking for an Indian Ocean holiday with plenty of culture, consider the Seychelles. This archipelago is best known for its beaches, but the islands also boast a rich cultural heritage. With strong African, British and French influences, the Seychelles is vibrant and fascinating. British colonial buildings and French patisseries rub shoulders on elegant boulevards, while African markets sell everything from handcrafted trinkets to musical instruments.

Away from the eclectic towns, you’ll find sleepy white-sand beaches and turquoise seas, where colourful fishing boats bob in the water. A huge range of watersports are on offer, too. You can go diving and snorkelling, or go turtle-watching in a glass-bottomed boat. So it’s easy to see why these secluded islands are popular with the A-list crowd. Celebrity visitors include the Beckhams, George and Amal Clooney, and Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Unlike other islands in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles’ best weather occurs between May and October. So, if you’d prefer to go away during the British summer, a holiday to the Seychelles ticks all the boxes.

Lapped by the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka lies about 800 miles south of India. This tropical island has everything you’d expect from its enormous neighbour – cultural treasures, delicious food and stunning natural beauty – but life here runs at a much slower pace. Affectionately named ‘India Lite’, Sri Lanka offers all the experiences and flavours of mainland Asia, without any of the hassle.

With culture, wildlife and powdery beaches, Sri Lanka has something for everyone. In the heart of the island, you can soak up panoramic views over the lush tea plantations, and enjoy a scenic train ride through the hills. The national parks are filled with all kinds of animals, including elephants, sloth bears and the world’s densest population of leopards. And you can discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla Cave Temple, and the Sacred City of Kandy.

After a busy few days, retreat to the coast and unwind on Sri Lanka’s caramel-coloured beaches, or go whale-watching. Humpback, minke and sperm whales visit these waters between November and April, and even the elusive blue whale can be seen in February and March.