This is the real jewel of the Indian Ocean

Priced out of the Maldives? This affordable alternative has everything you are after and more – for a fraction of the price, says Nicki Grihault

The Maldives and Mauritius have sometimes been compared respectively to the bride and bridesmaid at a wedding – and though overwater villas on tiny atolls in a cerulean sea might have the wow factor, it has to be said that the average Maldives holiday is... pretty homogenous.

Mauritius, meanwhile, with its warm, authentic welcome, diverse experiences and commitment to sustainable tourism, came third in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel list this year, reflecting a trend that is seeing travellers slowly discover that this Indian Ocean idyll might have more to offer than they expected – plus all the charm of the Maldives, at a fraction of the price.

Like the teams in the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, the Maldives and Mauritius have long been rivals. This year, it is Mauritius’s turn to win. Why? Perhaps because of the pent-up demand for postponed weddings (you can’t get married in the Maldives), and multigenerational family reunions at private villas (in the Maldives, villas are only found in hotels). It is worth noting, too, that Mauritius only fully lifted its Covid restrictions this July, taking the time to polish its product, to refurbish and reinvigorate its luxury hotels, bringing in international DJs, wellness gurus and celebrity chefs.

Mauritius hotels have a warmer, more authentic service, not to mention complimentary watersports (many hotels in the Maldives charge extra) and golf courses. And don’t forget, here there is a whole island to explore – in the Maldives, it is usually just a sandbank and your hotel. Mauritius has everything from hiking in nature reserves, electric bike rides and whale-watching to visiting plantation homes and going on street-food tours.

But the main reason Mauritius outstrips the Maldives? Price. A trip to the Maldives is, on average, two to three times more expensive than an equivalent holiday in Mauritius. A week in a five-star hotel in Mauritius costs roughly £5,000 per couple – less than a stay in a three-star hotel in the Maldives – while an average five-star Maldives holiday costs £13,000. Factor in return seaplane transfers at £400 per person – versus £180 for a private road transfer anywhere in Mauritius – and it’s a no-brainer. Mauritius comes out firmly on top.

Fit for a royal

On a sheltered north-east coast peninsula, the Constance Prince Maurice is the only hotel on the island with overwater suites on stilts. They are as big as houses, but with just 89 of them, this place is small enough to take good care of you; plus, golfers have free access to two Championship courses, and premium all-inclusive packages include champagne and candlelit suppers at the island’s only floating restaurant.

Luxury north to south twin-centre

Fashionistas will love the floating lunches in the rooftop infinity pool at the Bisou restaurant, the Miami-style beach club and the underground spa at the Lux Grand Baie. After the buzz of the Mauritius riviera, recharge – and go kitesurfing – at the romantic Lux Le Morne.

Luxury Holidays Direct (020 8774

7299; luxuryholidaysdirect.com) offers a 10-night, five-star twin-centre break from £9,369 per couple for travel from May to Sept. The price includes a five-night stay in a junior suite at Lux Grand Baie, with a catamaran cruise to spot dolphins, followed by five nights in a superior room at Lux Le Morne, with a private sunset apéritif on Le Morne mountain. It includes flights with Air Mauritius and entry to the VIP arrival lounge, and private transfers with sightseeing between hotels

Ultimate Mauritius

Snorkelling with dolphins during a catamaran cruise is a highlight of this luxury escape at the five-star Four Seasons