For travellers in search of turquoise waters, endless sunshine and a blend of culture and indulgence, the Indian Ocean’s most celebrated islands—Mauritius, Seychelles and the Maldives—offer idyllic sanctuaries just a short flight away from Dubai. Each destination combines its own rhythm of life with world-class hospitality, creating escapes that are as restorative as they are unforgettable.
In Mauritius, Shangri-La Le Touessrok welcomes guests to the tranquil shores of Trou d’Eau Douce with a month-long culinary celebration, Taste of Shangri-La. Gastronomes can embark on a culinary journey across the resort’s signature venues—from refined Japanese delicacies at Kushi and South Indian-inspired creations at Safran, to contemporary island dining at Coco’s. Guests seeking a more exclusive setting can retreat to Ilot Mangénie, the resort’s private island, where octopus carpaccio and roasted Victoria pineapple become part of a private island feast. Beyond the table, adventure abounds with snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking and explorations of Mauritius’s natural wonders, including lush botanical gardens and dormant volcanic peaks.
On the untouched shores of Anse Intendance, Cheval Blanc Seychelles blends the elegance of Creole design with the serenity of island life. Architect Jean-Michel Gathy’s 52 villas honour local tradition with sharply sloping roofs, breezy open spaces and interiors adorned with sand-finished murals and mother-of-pearl inlays. Guests are invited to unwind at five exceptional restaurants, or at the Guerlain spa where Orchidée Salons, hammam rituals and oceanfront yoga create moments of profound tranquillity. Younger travellers, meanwhile, step into the imaginative world of Le Carrousel, where tales of mermaids and pirates come alive through creative adventures.
For those seeking the art of slow living, Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Maldives offers a retreat of indulgence and intimacy amidst the white sands and turquoise waters of Noonu Atoll. The resort’s Summer Escape package, available until October 5th, 2025, includes a four-night stay with benefits such as reduced room rates, complimentary seaplane transfers, dining for children, a family surf simulator session and an Indian Ocean dinner at the White Restaurant. Between Michelin-starred dining, private spa rituals and yacht excursions, every detail evokes serenity and sophistication.
From sunrise yoga in Seychelles to farm-to-table island dining in Mauritius and private seaplane journeys across the Maldives, these escapes are designed not only to immerse guests in nature’s beauty but also to restore balance in both body and spirit.
Whether travelling as a couple, with family or simply seeking solitude, the islands of the Indian Ocean offer three distinct visions of paradise—each echoing with the rhythm of waves, the warmth of island hospitality and the promise of unforgettable memories.
