The most romantic hotels in the Indian Ocean
An insider's guide to the most romantic hotels in the Indian Ocean, including the best for overwater villas, spectacular beaches, private-dining, dramatic views, clifftop infinity pools and a plethora of watersports, in locations including the Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius.
Maldives
These are the most beautiful small islands on Earth. They are safe; there are no hawkers selling sarongs and taxi tours and, unless you seek them out, no distractions. Its turquoise lagoons are crystal clear. The Maldives are made up of 26 coral atolls in a chain reaching down to cross the equator. No two islands are quite the same. One might be an elongated rectangle on the horizon, covered with palm trees. Another might be low and bushy, without a single tree. And then there are those the shape of a fried egg, an upturned saucer, a scraggy hairdo...
Where to stay
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Maldives
9Telegraph expert rating
This far-flung tropical island resort offers a daringly designed environment in a deliciously secluded location. Sea bob around its pale blue and purple reefs, unravel with an acupressure massage at the over-water spa, dine in sunken wine cellars, and pop champagne corks in a bar that looks like a whale shark. Read expert review From £1,608per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
COMO Cocoa Island
Maafushi, Maldives
9Telegraph expert rating
This little slice of tropical heaven offers a total escape from everyday life - relax in minimalist style, lose yourself in a yoga class and, of course, dive among the parrot fish, rays and sharks swimming close by. Read expert review From £819per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Maldives
8Telegraph expert rating
An idyllic tropical resort, spread over two islands connected by a bridge. Expect white sands and turquoise-blue sea, elegant villas and a world-class spa – plus excellent food. There is a wide range of activities on offer, from pedalo excursions to honeymooners’ favourite 'The Sandbar Picnic' – a day-trip on a yacht, with a drop-off on a deserted island where you can enjoy a romantic meal on the beach. Read expert review From £623per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
The most romantic hotels in the Maldives
Seychelles
Scattered across the Indian Ocean like a trail of crumbs, the 115 islands of the Seychelles are not paradise – they are far more interesting. The Seychelles can deliver the tropical romantic ideal, often to a stupendous degree, but it is not a destination where you should expect to fly in and find heaven waiting in the arrivals hall. It comes only to those who find the right hotel at the right time, depending whether you want to dive, fish, sail or watch birds or turtles – or just walk along the beach holding hands.
Where to stay
North Island Seychelles
Seychelles
9Telegraph expert rating
A luxury resort with just 11 large villas on a privately run island a short helicopter ride from the main island of Mahé. Designed to make the most of the stunning natural environment North offers the ultimate in romance, superb beaches, watersports and immaculate service. Read expert review From £6,138per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Six Senses Zil Pasyon
Félicité, Seychelles
9Telegraph expert rating
The hippest kid on the Seychelles block, Zil Pasyon, or 'Passion Island', is the Six Senses first foray into Africa – and they’re off to flying start. This private-island resort offers 30 gorgeous villas and a spectacular spa wedged between granite boulders at the ocean’s edge. Read expert review From £1,392per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Denis Private Island
Seychelles
9Telegraph expert rating
This is as close to living on our own desert island as most of us will get. Surrounded by nature and the shining depths of the Indian Ocean, time passes as it should, exploring barefoot and scanning the water for a passing turtle. Read expert review From £668per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
The most romantic Seychelles hotels
Mauritius
Mauritius, with its miles of beautiful white-sand beaches, backed by lush forests and dramatic volcanic peaks, is made for romance, with some of the best luxury hotels in the Indian Ocean. Private plunge pools, butlers and helicopter transfers are on offer, along with some of the best gourmet restaurants in the region and top-notch spas. It’s no wonder that Mauritius frequently tops lists of the world’s most romantic holiday islands.
Where to stay
Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel
Cap Malheureux, Mauritius
8Telegraph expert rating
This romantic adults-only boutique hotel attracts couples of all ages. One of the main draws is the cliff-top infinity pool. There's also a Cinq Mondes spa, four-poster beds, and a choice of three restaurants. Read expert review From £204per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Shangri-La's Le Touessrok Resort & Spa
Trou d'Eau Douce, Mauritius
8Telegraph expert rating
Shangri-La's Le Touessrok delivers Asian-style elegance in a divine tropical setting, to a largely British following. It was voted 'Best Hotel in Africa and the Indian Ocean' three years running in The Telegraph's Ultratravel Awards. Read expert review From £383per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Shanti Maurice
Chemin Grenier, Mauritius
8Telegraph expert rating
A Mauritian family-run romantic but informal boutique retreat in mature tropical gardens in the unspoiled 'wild' south, with an award-winning spa and heritage experiences. Popular with couples and families, and it's also safe and friendly for spa-going singles. Read expert review From £420per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
The most romantic Mauritius hotels
