Equally idyllic in nature, romantic in character and dreamy in destination — the Maldives and Seychelles are bucket-list holiday havens. Each offer elegant accommodation; differing in design and location yet equal in luxury.
Being experts in both, we have created a guide to help decide between the two — matching travellers with their ultimate island escape. Our luxury collections in each destination are comprised of hand-selected, high-end properties; the quality and service consistent throughout.
Maldives
Intimate island living, luxury amenities and bespoke events welcome guests to the Maldives. Five-star in service, gastronomy and exclusive-use villa options — each private island resort is a small world unto its own. Modern and magical, guests can expect a luxurious escape, paired with wellness offerings, Michelin Star chefs, overwater villas, complete with local Maldivian elements.
The major international airport in Malé connects the Maldives to many global cities. Guests will then take a seaplane, private yacht or speedboat transfer to their respective resort — an extraordinary experience in itself.
Accommodation options are dominated by high-end resorts with private villas, both on the beach and above the water. This overwater villa option adds a unique dimension to one’s holiday; elevating Indian Ocean luxury living.
The Maldives is a collection of flat, small coral islands boasting iconic palm trees and powdered sands, adjacent to an underwater world filled with diverse marine life. Vibrant house reefs are home to manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks and more.
Local culture has been shaped by the islands and oceans, with traditional dhoni boats, boduberu drums and fresh seafood all part of daily life. Guests will be exposed to Maldivian language, dancing, food and activities during their stay.
Waterslides, in-door cinemas and private butlers provide options for exclusive family fun, with private pools and fully equipped kitchens to satisfy all appetites. Kids clubs offer endless entertainment with pirate ships, camping, craft classes and treasure hunts.
Seychelles
An escape to the Seychelles evokes feelings of time travel — a mixture of rustic romance and laid-back luxury. With large, colourful and character-filled islands, guests can immerse in the local culture, connecting to people and place through cuisine and activity. Nature encourages outdoor exploration of both land and sea, with large granite boulders and deep-sea fishing, offering interests for all types of active travellers.
The International Airport on Mahé welcomes direct flights from various parts of the world. Inter-island travel provides options of private helicopters, domestic flights, and charter boats, making island hopping convenient and easy.
Accommodation is nestled in nature with hillside chalets, villas on stilts and all with panoramic views. More exclusive options are available; smaller boutique hotels with distinct characters. Eco-luxury, private residences ensure constant connection to nature, paired with exceptional service.
Larger islands boast huge granite boulders and lush vegetation for nature enthusiasts to explore. With its highest peak at 905 metres, the Seychelles invites outdoor exploration. Nature reserves and UNESCO sites bustle with birds, tortoises and unique plant species.
There is more opportunity to interact with locals in the Seychelles, especially on the main islands where residents live and work. This adds an incredible connection to the local Creole culture — a mix of African, Colonial French, English and Asian; a melting pot of diverse flavours and cultural activities.
Diving and fishing are popular options on the ocean, while hiking and local experiences lure land-based travellers. The fishing on Desroches Island is known to be some of the best in the world — each catch brought back to the lodge and prepared by the chef for dinner.
Which To Choose
Both destinations are exquisite in their own right — the Maldives for a private, overwater immersion in Indian Ocean luxury with minimal exposure to local streets and residents; the Seychelles for a richer sense of place, granite-rimmed beaches and the freedom to move between islands and cultures. The right choice depends on what the traveller wants to feel: intentional stillness in a private-island world, or the richer texture of an inhabited archipelago.