The Indian Ocean is one of the planet’s most expansive bodies of the wet stuff, comprising nearly a fifth of the world’s water and touched by four of its continents, geographically, culturally and politically.
Naturally, narrowing down the destinations within its 27,240,000 square miles into one succinct story sounds silly, but there’s a narrative thread that connects the Indian Ocean’s premier holiday destinations, disparate though they may be, that deserves exploring.
For one, the Indian Ocean is the warmest in the world, with its coral reefs abundant and sea life rich and varied. This makes the ocean’s island getaways ideal for those family members who love to swim, snorkel and scuba dive, or simply paddle in the shallow, turquoise waters.
What’s more, the ocean’s sea lanes are some of the most strategically important on the planet, connecting East Asia with the Middle East, East Africa and Europe. One of the most influential, culturally and culinarily, is the Maritime Silk Roads (also known as the Spice Routes) which link east with west and lead to a thrilling, fascinating diversity of cuisine on the islands in between. For the foodies in the family, there’s no chance of going hungry here.
Finally, because of their unique position, the Indian Ocean’s islands boast ecosystems and biodiversity unrivalled anywhere else in the world. For wildlife lovers, there’s just so much to see and do.
So, without further ado, let’s narrow down this unfathomably vast and varied place into these 4 Indian Ocean island getaways, IDEAL for a luxury family holiday.
THE MALDIVES: IDEAL FOR SCUBA DIVING & SNORKELLING
We realise we said island getaways. Well, how do 1190 islands sound? This archipelagic state, an hour and a half’s flight from Kochi on India’s Malabar Coast, is as idyllic as it comes. Boasting private island resorts, ultra shallow, crystal clear waters and powdery white sand beaches, the Maldives is as dreamy a location for a luxury family holiday in the Indian Ocean as you’ll find anywhere on the planet.
Many visit the Maldives specifically for the scuba diving opportunities, with the waters offering incredible visibility and a wide variety of sea life. If you’re travelling with teenagers, there are plenty of PADI certified diving schools ready to facilitate both discovery dives and proper reef explorations.
The best are found within the Maldives’ famous atolls – naturally formed, ring shaped coral reefs – which play host to several luxury resorts with their own on-site diving instructors. Ari Atoll, a half hour’s seaplane flight from the capital Malé, is the most famous; 20 islands within it are designated for tourist resorts. From May through November, you’ll see manta rays, whale and hammerhead sharks, sea turtles and whole host of other amazing sea creatures.
If you’re travelling with family too young for scuba diving, Ari Atoll’s resorts also have plenty of snorkelling opportunities, as well as loads to keep the kids entertained on dry land, including tennis courts, volleyball, cycling and even boat trips to go dolphin spotting.
SRI LANKA: IDEAL FOR FOODIE FAMILIES
The ‘pearl of the Indian Ocean’ is having a foodie moment on these shores right now, make no mistake, with Londoners conversant in the right way to eat a hopper, the correct sound of slapping roti, and which sambol packs the most potent punch.
But rather than simply heading to Central London to try the finest Sri Lankan food, why not instead go all out, and go all the way out there, to the source, for your next foodie fix?
Sri Lanka’s ecosystem is varied and diverse, and combined with a rich amalgamation of regional and past-colonial influences (Indians, Arabs, Malays, Portuguese, Dutch and English tastes all play a part), this makes for a heady, intoxicating cuisine best enjoyed where it was born.
And though there’s certainly spice and funk in the country’s cooking, it’s refined and approachable enough for all the family to enjoy.
Some of our favourite spots in Sri Lanka that you should visit on your family’s foodie tour include the iconic seafood restaurant Ministry of Crab in the capital city Colombo, Negombo’s fish market (just 15 minutes from Colombo, on the country’s west coast), and the Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantation, where the famous Ceylon tea is cultivated.
Why not finish up your foodie tour of Sri Lanka with a cooking class? Fun for all the family and guaranteed to improve those midweek meals when you’re back in Blighty!
Read: 12 IDEAL dishes to try in Sri Lanka
MAURITIUS: IDEAL FOR THOSE WITH A SWEET TOOTH
Sri Lanka has seen us right for shellfish, curries and even a cup of tea. But if you’ve a family whose sweet tooth is never satisfied, then it’s to Mauritius you should head for dessert.
1’200 miles east of the south eastern coast of Africa, Mauritius is famed for its beaches, rainforests, waterfalls and sugar cane plantations. We’re here for the latter today, with 85% of the arable land on the island dedicated to the crop. In fact, sugar is one of Mauritius’ biggest exports, with the sweet stuff accounting for nearly $200 million in global shipments.
Make the most of it and indulge your sweet tooth. At the central market in the capital Port Louis, you can pick up a bag of Napolitaines; melt-in-your-mouth buttery shortbread biscuits filled with strawberry jam and covered with a layer of sweet pink sugar icing – a little taste of paradise, we reckon.
Gateau Patate Douce, made with sweet potato, coconut, cardamom and lots of sugar is another local sweet treat that you can’t miss. Wash them both down with a glass of refreshing Alouda, the nation’s favourite non-alcoholic drink which contains vanilla, basil seeds, agar jelly and milk served over ice.
If you want to learn more about the sugar industry, visit L’Aventure du Sucre in Pamplemousse, just a 20 minute drive inland from Port Louis. This former factory is a sugar museum where you can learn everything about the island’s industry. There’s also an on-site restaurant serving up sugary sensations…the perfect holiday souvenir, don’t you think?
Just don’t blame us if your kids are climbing the walls after a trip here!
THE SEYCHELLES: IDEAL FOR HIKING THROUGH PARADISE & RECLINING ON BLISSFUL BEACHES
With 115 breathtaking islands 1000 miles off the coast of East Africa, Seychelles boasts pristine white-sand beaches, imposing granite rocks, rare animals and birds, and giant palm and coconut trees so evocative of paradise.
For somewhere so blessed with beaches, it feels almost perverse to recommend heading inland, but Seychelles has some incredible national parks, jungles and hiking trails that just have to be experienced (you can cool off in the sea afterwards!).
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vallée de Mai, on the island of Praslin, is a must visit, home to the legendary coco de mer palms that can only be seen here or on Curieuse island. Known as the ‘Garden of Eden’, you can choose from three hiking trails that have remained untouched since the 1930s and stop for a break to admire the waterfall along the way.
Alternatively (or, even better, additionally), on Seychelles’ largest island Mahe, you’ll find Morne Seychellois National Park. Covering 20% of land on the island, this dense mixture of mangroves, lush jungles and the country’s tallest peak, Morne Seychellois, are only accessible on foot. The kids will just love putting on their walking boots and spotting the unique flora and fauna of the park. And the adults, too, of course.
We couldn’t check out without mentioning the amazing beaches of the Seychelles, which many consider to be the world’s finest. On Mahé, Beau Vallon and Anse Royale are perennially popular but never overcrowded, but even better is Petite Anse, often voted among the most beautiful on earth.
Since we’ve no greater superlative to top that, we’ll bid you adieu here. Have a great trip!