Which Indian Ocean twin centre should you take?

The Indian Ocean isn’t short on showstoppers – so why stop at one? A twin-centre is your chance to pack in more unforgettable experiences in one holiday, shifting from emerald valleys to coral reefs or city sparkle to starlit sands. Ready to meet your match?

Castaway combo: Seychelles island hopping

The Seychelles is the epitome of beach perfection. Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa on Mahé, a laid-back retreat backed by jungle and fringed by jade-coloured waters. Kayak in glass-clear water, wander from Victoria’s markets to the Botanical Gardens and wind down in the eforea spa before seafood feasts and sunset views across Beau Vallon Bay.

Next stop: Silhouette Island is just a 45-minute sail from Mahé and home to Niva Labriz Seychelles – the only hotel on this Jurassic-green national park of an island. Spot turtles as you laze on white sands, dive technicolour reefs with PADI pros then trade fins for frying pans in a Creole cookery class (or join a local dance session if you’ve got moves to spare). All the villas here are impressive but our top pick? The Beach Sanctuary Pool Villa – complete with a waterfall pool, hammock and a bathtub of dreams.

Peaks & paradise: Mauritius and La Réunion

La Réunion Island, known as L’isle Intense due to its volcanic peaks and rugged coastline, is the chef’s kiss for a wild start to your holiday. Imagine Hawaii and you wouldn’t be far off. Book an early morning helicopter flight for a bird’s-eye view of the island or head out for crater treks among lunar landscapes. Round off action-packed days with a swim in one of the island’s best lagoons at LUX* Saint Gilles.

Then swap adrenaline for exhale on Mauritius, a beach-swathed island shaped by African, Indian, Oriental and European influences. Travel from coast to coast, exploring the capital of Port Louis and Mauritius’ colourful natural wonders, including Tamarind Falls and the vibrant Seven Coloured Sands. But if it’s the powder-soft sands you want to recline on here, they don’t come with a more spectacular backdrop than at LUX* Le Morne. Head out to swim with dolphins, ramp up the romance with a 500-candle dinner if you’re up for it, or conquer the heights of Le Morne mountain, the sentinel of this stunning stretch of coast.

Coco palms & citadels: Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Touch down in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, where elephants roam and ancient citadels crown the hills. Stay at Amba Yaalu, a serene women-led retreat perched by Kandalama Lake, surrounded by mango trees and mountain mist. Rise early for a hot-air balloon flight, visit Sigiriya Rock or spot wildlife in Minneriya before unwinding in the infinity pool.

After a quick overnight in Negombo, trade jungle greens for lagoon blues at Kurumba Maldives. Just ten minutes by speedboat from Malé, this original Maldivian resort still sets the bar for service – many of the team have been welcoming guests here for decades. Go all-in with the Dine Around All Inclusive to sample every restaurant, from teppanyaki theatrics at Hamakaze to seafood suppers on Thila’s wooden platform where fish dart beneath your table. Snorkelling here is surprisingly impressive for an island this close to the capital; explore at your own pace or join a guided reef tour with the resident marine biologist.

Sky to sea: Mauritius twin centre

You don’t have to hop islands for a memorable twin-centre trip. In Mauritius, you can pair two resorts to see two sides of this island beauty. Your first stop? A secret retreat in the mountains where you’ll start on a high. Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge is tucked away in the Black River Gorges National Park, an emerald wonderland of waterfalls, peaks and valleys. For the ultimate wow factor, upgrade to a Seaview Pool Suite, where you can soak up the panorama from your private pool.

Then head to Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel, a chic adults-only hideaway on the north coast that’s made for just-for-two moments. Bask on twin ‘love nest’ sunbeds, raise a Champagne toast on a sunset cruise and end the day stargazing on the lantern-lit pier with an astronomer by your side.

Burj to beach: Dubai and Maldives

This dynamic duo goes from rooftop bars to reef swims. Kick off your holiday among the skyscrapers of Dubai, the Arabian kingpin of glamour. Stay in style at the iconic Atlantis The Palm, the city’s playground of slides, sea views and fine dining. Swim with sharks in The Lost Chambers Aquarium, sip cocktails at Nobu and plunge down record-breaking slides at Aquaventure – the world’s largest waterpark.

Then fly south to the Maldives for a masterclass in laid-back luxury. Stay at Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort, where cool design meets island soul and romance comes as standard. Dining’s a highlight too, whether it’s seafood by the surf at Moodhu Grill, sushi nights at Koto or candlelit dinners at Art-I-San. Spend lazy days on snow-white sands or head out into the blue to spot whale sharks, manta rays and other marine megastars.

Seconds, please: Maldives twin centre

Make lively Kuramathi Maldives your starting point – a long-time favourite thanks to its size and sensational dining – there are nine à la carte restaurants to graze your way through. Being one of the larger islands means there’s always a new mood to tap into: bop to DJ beats at vibey Laguna Bar, grab a smoothie by the spa pool or stroll along the island’s winding sandbank at sunset. And the villas? Take your pick, from garden hideaways and Two Bedroom Beach Houses for families to water villas with a pool or jacuzzi on deck. 

Then slip into serenity at Ananea Madivaru, a sleek newcomer to the Maldives. The resort spans two small islands linked by an overwater walkway, easy to zip between by buggy or bike. Each villa has its own pool, but when you fancy a change of scene (and a cocktail), the huge infinity pool’s right by the bar. Foodies are in for a treat, with nine restaurants from Asian street food to Nikkei cuisine, giving Kuramathi a serious run for its money.