6 of the best Indian Ocean honeymoon destinations

Dreamlike beaches, secluded sandbanks, spectacular sunsets and turquoise waters that stretch as far as the eye can see – it’s little wonder the Indian Ocean is known for being a top honeymoon destination.

Home to some of the world’s most stunning and diverse natural landscapes, the islands have an impressive collection of luxury resorts. But with so many to choose from, it can be hard to pick just one tropical honeymoon destination to explore. Read our expert guide to discover which paradise spot is right for you.

Which islands are best for a luxury Indian Ocean honeymoon?

Each island in the Indian Ocean has its own distinct personality. The Maldives promises starlit strolls along the beach and up-close encounters with marine life, while Mauritius offers luxury resorts with a side order of adventure and Sri Lanka combines epic wildlife with rich culture. Twin centres let you mix and match, so you can discover the delights of more than one island and have double the fun.

Ocean Pool Villa, Kandolhu Maldives

How to choose the right accommodation for an Indian Ocean honeymoon

Indian Ocean resorts are known for their opulence and being beachfront is almost a given. But many locations also offer extra honeymoon perks, like secluded dinners in remote locations, indulgent couple’s spa treatments and Instagram-worthy private pools.

Top honeymoon activities in the Indian Ocean

There are so many things to see and do in the Indian Ocean, the hard part is deciding what to leave out. Whether you’re looking to get your adrenaline fix or simply fancy flopping on the beach, here’s our pick of the best activities in the region:

Baros Maldives

Romantic dinner for two on a secluded sandbank

Where: Baros Maldives

Best time of year: November to April

Swimming with dolphins and whale sharks

Where: RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort, Perth, Western Australia

Best time of year: March to August

An epic helicopter ride

Where: Ness by D-Ocean, La Reunion

Best time of year: August to October

Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort

Movie under the stars

Where: Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort

Best time of year: November to April

Couple’s massage and romantic rose petal bath

Where: Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa, Mauritius

Best time of year: May to December

Raffles Seychelles

Sunset cruise on a private boat

Where: Raffles Seychelles

Best time of year: April to May or October to November

When’s the best time to visit the Indian Ocean islands?

Peak tourist season in the Indian Ocean runs from December to April when the weather is warmer, sunnier and drier. However, travelling off-peak can have its perks. May, October and November are great times to visit, as they fall outside the main monsoon season and peak tourist rush. During these months, you might enjoy benefits like complimentary upgrades or discounts. These can also be the best times to tick exclusive experiences off your bucket list, like seeing whale sharks or catching the last of the surf.

Six of the best Indian Ocean honeymoon destinations

So, you’ve decided on a honeymoon in the Indian Ocean, but which island should you choose? You could combine them in a twin-island or island-hopping experience or there could be one that stands out as your dream destination.

Kuramathi Maldives

The Maldives

Scattered like jewels across the Indian Ocean, the islands of the Maldives live up to their reputation as mini paradises. Snorkel in turquoise lagoons and come face to face with whale sharks, manta rays and turtles.

The best way to sample traditional Maldivian cuisine – slightly spicy, with plenty of seafood and creamy coconut – is with a private chef-cooked dinner on the beach under the stars. Maldives honeymoon ideas include twinning your trip with stays at Kuramathi Maldives and Kandolhu Maldives – start with a larger and more vibrant island then swap to a more intimate, exclusive island, just a short boat ride away.

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Seychelles

With pearlescent beaches, opal-hued waters and granite boulders that look almost prehistoric, the Seychelles is home to an ecologically complex and intriguing landscape. From lush tropical jungles with carnivorous plants to tortoises that roam freely across the islands, expect encounters of the wildest kind.

Top picks for your Seychelles honeymoon itinerary include feasting on Creole cuisine at Victoria Market, hiking the Copolia Trail for panoramic views across azure waters and snorkelling with hawksbill turtles off the coast of St. Pierre. Kick back in the lap of luxury at CaranaBeach Hotel or book an island-hopping trip – Mahé and Praslin or Mahé and Silhouette are popular combinations.

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 Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel, Mauritius

Mauritius

A Mauritius honeymoon delivers lush landscapes, stunning white sand beaches and supreme luxury. The island is a melting pot of diverse cultures and landscapes, with sapphire lagoons brimming with aquatic life and volcanic mountain terrain.

Indulge in some “you and me” time under swaying palms at Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel, a secluded retreat nestled within tropical gardens. Or sit back and relax in a luxury pool villa at Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa, before heading off on a swish Rolls Royce tour of the island. Top it all off with a romantic dinner on the jetty, overlooking the pristine private beach.

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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a rich history and, of all the Indian Ocean islands, offers the most eclectic range of things to see and do. Visit ancient pilgrimage sites in the morning and learn to surf in the afternoon. Spot elephants and leopards on safari by day and browse floating markets at night. Visit a tea plantation at noon, then hop on a starlit evening river cruise. Itineraries here are always jam-packed, so make sure to factor in plenty of R&R too.

Book a boutique tour of Sri Lanka and take in sights like the ancient fortress of Sigiriya Rock and the Royal Botanical Gardens, before unwinding in a chic suite and relaxing with signature spa treatments. For the ultimate luxury combo, pair up Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

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La Réunion

Thrill-seekers and action-lovers should make a beeline for La Réunion. It’s a mecca for adrenaline junkies – think canyoning in the roiling Sainte-Suzanne River, potholing in lava caves in Piton des Neiges and tackling epic mountain biking trails through the cirques de Cilaos.

Stay at the beachfront LUX* Saint Gilles and spend your evenings sipping cocktails under the stars. Or pair your trip with a stay in Mauritius to add some downtime surrounded by spectacular natural landscapes.

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Fundu Lagoon

Zanzibar

Postcard-worthy beaches and safari magic come together in Zanzibar. Take a tour of Tanzania with a stay that combines the dreaminess of a tropical beach holiday with the opportunity to see nature’s finest beasts in their natural habitats. Bush, beach and culture in one fell swoop.

Fundu Lagoon on Pemba Island has just 18 tented-style rooms and suites, making it ideal for an off-radar romantic getaway in the Indian Ocean. Expect unspoilt landscapes surrounded by aquamarine waters, clove plantations and verdant hills, all admired from your own rustic villa on the water.

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This feature was created on 26th November 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print.