Luxury holidays in the Indian Ocean with a little adventure thrown in – the perfect holiday combination.

Barefoot luxury in the Indian Ocean is about as good as it gets when it comes to dream holidays, but sometimes it is good to combine a little adventure with beach time. Experience an action packed few days in Cape Town or Dubai before arriving by seaplane to your water villa. Think island hopping in the Caribbean sounds pretty good? Try Island hopping in the Seychelles instead! These are just some of the bespoke luxury holidays in the Indian Ocean that Hayes and Jarvis offer – there are so much more. They offer a staggering 36 different holiday styles in 60 destinations around the world. Read my blog post about Hayes and Jarvis luxury long haul holidays from Ireland, and here are four of their luxury holidays in the Indian Ocean to whet your appetite!

3 Nights Dubai & 7 Nights Sri Lanka, Including Flights & 5 Star Hotels,  from €1829!

Combine the glitz and glamour of Dubai with one of the Indian Ocean’s best kept secrets, Sri Lanka. This is the perfect multi-centre holiday! Visit the tallest building in the world, shop in the world’s largest shopping mall and spend a day in the Arabian desert. Adrenaline junkies could try dune bashing or sand skiing while romantics will love star gazing. Whatever you choose, a visit to the Dubai desert is a must! Of course no trip to Dubai would be complete without visiting some of it’s stunning beaches.

You will be staying at the 5* Taj Dubai hotel. Considered one of the best hotels to stay in Dubai by tripadvisor, it is situated in one of Dubai’s prime locations. With jaw dropping views of the Burj Khalifa and the dancing fountain, this sophisticated hotel is just minutes from the Dubai Mall and the glamorous nightlife Dubai has to offer.

After three action packed days in Dubai you will fly onwards to Sri Lanka for seven nights. I went to Sri Lanka last year and fell in love with it. I climbed Sigiriya, a 660 foot tall rock fortress, visited the tea plantations, went on an elephant safari and still had plenty of beach time – and this was all over six days! Voted the best place to visit in 2019 by Lonely Planet, once you go you will see why.

In true Hayes and Jarvis style, you will be staying in another 5* luxury hotel, the Taj Bentota Resort & Spa. This contemporary hotel offers fine dining, an authentic Jiva Spa and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. You can organise excursions to some of Sri Lanka’s highlights from here or choose to relax and enjoy this lavish hotel.

View offer here

South Africa and Mauritius: 3 Nights Cape Town & 7 Nights, All Inclusive in Mauritius, Including Flights, Transfers & 5 Star Hotels, from €3049

South Africa and Mauritius, what a superb combination! Spend three nights in one of the world’s best cities before relaxing in a luxury five star all-inclusive resort for seven days in Mauritius. Cape Town is one of my favourite cities, I have been twice and would go back again in a heart beat. Climb Table Mountain, drive the Cape Peninsula and visit Robben Island – these are just three of the ‘top things to do in Cape Town’. You will be staying in the legendary 5* Cape Grace Hotel. Located just minutes from the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, this is perfectly located to explore Cape Town’s tourist marina and the cultural hot spot of Bo Kaap.

Cape Town is a hard place to follow but a week in the luxurious all inclusive Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort might do the trick! They boast ‘the best all-inclusive resort in Mauritius’ and who am I to argue with that? Recently renovated, this five-star resort is located in the unspoilt south of the island. Facilities include an 18 hole golf course overlooking the Indian Ocean, a luxury spa and fitness centre and three swimming pools. You will be staying in a deluxe beachfront room and with all meals and drinks included in the cost of your stay, you can sit back, relax and enjoy your stay without thinking of the cost!

Overwater bungalows, tropical paradises and barefoot luxury – are these holidays you have dreamed of? Check out my top picks for luxurious but affordable resorts in the Indian Ocean.

I have teamed up with Tropical Sky who offer a wide selection of holidays to the Indian Ocean. Their expert staff have visited many of the hotels and they will be able to recommend the right hotel to suit you. I have listed some of their four and five star affordable resorts in the Indian Ocean below, but Tropical Sky have many more options available, which you can see HERE. Whether you want B&B or All Inclusive, an organised tour of Sri Lanka’s cultural centre or pure relaxation in your own water bungalow, Tropical Sky can arrange it for you.

** Mauritius **

Mauritius, one of the Indian Ocean’s most idyllic islands offers year round sunshine, white sandy beaches, but surprisingly so much more! Explore the hidden waterfalls at the heart of the jungle and go in search of some of its extraordinary wildlife. You will be spoilt for choice with the many watersports available, you can even go whale watching! The lush green interior provides some championship golf courses and the mix of Asian and African cultures help to provide some mouthwatering creole cuisine. See all Mauritius holidays here.

4* Veranda Pointe Aux Biches Hotel, All Inclusive, Flights & Transfers from €1339pp

Veranda Pointe aux Biches is a hotel that epitomises laidback luxury –  guests are encouraged to go barefoot during their stay ❤️. Feel relaxed in the wellness lounge, enjoy some spa treatments or try the host of watersports available. If you fancy a change of scene, you can pop into the nearby village of Grand Baie, which has a wide selection of restaurants, shops and bars. Highly rated on tripadvisor, with all meals and drinks included in the price, this is excellent value for a great hotel.

Click here for more details:

5* Dinarobin Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, B&B, Flights & Transfers, €1579

Five star luxury on the most scenic shoreline in Mauritius – need I say more? With a stunning setting, combining the backdrop of Le Morne mountains with stunning seaviews, this is the sophisticated choice. Cascading pools, tropical gardens and all-suite accommodation – this resort oozes elegance and style. Try out the opulent Clarins Spa or take in one of the many excursions available. With words like ‘paradise’ used continuously on tripadvisor, this hotel is surely one of Mauritius’ best.

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** Maldives **

A destination on every bucket list, you only have to mention the Maldives and people start to daydream!  Expect over water bungalows and an underwater paradise to match. Some resorts even have underwater restaurants and some bungalows have their own personal slide into the sea! When it comes to luxury paradise islands, the Maldives ticks all boxes, and then some! One might think that all of these resorts come with a hefty price tag. Not so….  See all Maldives holidays here.

4* Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, All Inclusive, Flights & Speedboat Transfers from €1949

If a trip to the Maldives is on your bucket list but your bank balance is telling you not to go – then this is the place to go! The Cinnamon Dhonveli is one of the best value ALL INCLUSIVE resorts in the Maldives. With all meals and drinks included in the price of your stay, you will need very little spending money. Located just 25 minutes by speedboat from Male airport and surrounded by stunning views of the Indian Ocean, this tropical island is highly rated on tripadvisor and is extraordinary value for a week in the Maldives!

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5* The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, B&B, Flights, Sea Plane Transfers & Beach Villa from €1899!

A tropical paradise, the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi resort has thatched roofs, an adult-only infinity pool and according to the International Hotel Awards, has the best Spa in the Maldives. Your cool beach villa has stunning views with a comfy day bed. There is a fitness centre on site as well as mini-golf and tennis courts. Non motorised watersports are included in the price of your stay so you can snorkel away to your hearts content! There is a wide choice of dining options and you can choose to upgrade to an all-inclusive package if required. Privacy is paramount at this hotel, it even has a no drone policy. This paradise island receives excellent reviews on tripadvisor, so you can expect to have a holiday of a lifetime!

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** Sri Lanka **

Sri Lanka is one of those islands that thankfully has not yet been discovered by the masses. With a coastline of white sandy beaches and an interior full of rolling hills and tea plantations, it is the perfect island of contrasts. For those who fancy some culture mixed with beach time, the eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, fascinating temples and elephant safaris should tick all boxes. See all Sri Lanka holidays here.

4* Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon, All Inclusive, Flights, Transfers from €1449 

If you are looking for a lively holiday in one of Sri Lanka’s party resorts, then this is for you. Located in Hikkaduwa, this musical town combines fun, sun with lots of activities. Expect party vibes and beach views and with all meals and drinks included in the price of your stay, this must be one of the best value resorts in the Indian Ocean.

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5* Anantara Kalutara Resort & Spa, Flights, Transfers & Hotel Half Board from €1459!

Anantara are renowned for offering deluxe hotels and the Kalutara Resort & Spa is no exception. Overlooking the Kalu River this luxurious hotel offers everything you need for a relaxing holiday, but within reach of Sri Lanka’s highlights. There are three restaurants and three bars on site, as well as a Spa, two swimming pools, yoga, gym and numerous watersports. This amazing deal includes a free upgrade to Half Board and is valid up to 31st October 2019! Rated number 1 on tripadvisor, just read the reviews if you still need convincing!

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Prices are correct at the time of issue but are subject to change. This post was sponsored by Tropical Sky but all views, as always, are my own.

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Sarah

The Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Zanzibar.  Some of the world’s most stunning destinations are all so close together. Check out my top 10 Indian Ocean holidays and tick one off your bucket list!

Expect breath-taking beaches, underwater paradises and year round shine. All of the islands are competing for the luxury market, honeymoons and special occasion holidays. The result is deluxe hotels, supreme service and unforgettable experiences available throughout. The islands of the Indian Ocean don’t only offer sun and sand, there are also cultural experiences waiting to be discovered. And for those who want a little more adventure, why not combine with South Africa, Tanzania or Dubai. But which islands to choose and where to stay? Here are my top 10 Indian Ocean holidays…

Maldives

Maldives are the islands associated with barefoot luxury, over water bungalows and incredible diving and snorkeling. There are almost  twelve hundred islands but only 200 are inhabited and of those 200, only 105 are island resorts. Hotels in the Maldives are breaking the boundaries here with underwater restaurants, outdoor showers, and water villas with glass floors so you can see the tropical fish at any time. Some resorts offer private islands for honeymooners so you can literally have an island all to yourself.  These luxuries can come with a hefty price tag but more and more hotels are offering all-inclusive packages so once you arrive, you will need no spending money. If you are looking for some action at the beginning or end of your trip, combine this with a few days in Dubai.

Where to stay:

Best value: 4* Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, All-Inclusive basis

Set on its own private island, accessible by speed boat, need I say more? With picture perfect beaches, a fitness centre and activities on site, everything you need is right here. As this is all-inclusive you can enjoy sundowners every evening from your own water bungalow. Prices from only €1549 for seven nights, including flights, accommodation on an all-inclusive basis and speed boat transfers.  Click here for more details:

Blow the budget: 5* Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, B&B basis.

Spread across two islands this is one of the world’s best luxury resorts. This is home to the famous under water restaurant, Ithaa, which features on almost every travel bucket list. There are 11 other restaurants here including celebrity chef dining and a teppanyaki restaurant served on the beach, the choice is superb. If you stay between the 20th of April and the 30th of September you receive FREE upgrade to Half Board!  All villas come with outdoor shower and some have their own private plunge pool. Prices from €2759 for seven nights, including flights, sea plane transfers and accommodation on a B&B basis.  Click here for more details:

Mauritius

Five star hotels on white sandy beaches with year round sunshine. Sounds perfect! However Mauritius offers so much more. Whale watching, waterfalls and water-sports, fine dining to creole cooking, Mauritius is an island of contrasts. Paradise beach resort one minute and deep in the jungle the next. Mauritius is renowned for great wildlife and sports enthusiasts will love it’s selection of golf courses. The combination of European, Asian and African influence has created a truly cosmopolitan feel and a island full of culture.

Where to stay:

Great value: 5* Maritim Resort & Spa, All Inclusive basis

Set between 60 acres of tropical gardens, on a magnificent beach, between the capital, Port Louis and the tourist centre of Grand-Baie, the location of the Maritim Resort and Spa is perfect! There is an infinity pool, plenty of on site activities and a wide selection of watersports available. As it is an all-inclusive resort, meals and drinks are included in the price, you even have your own stocked minibar included in the price. Prices from €1609 for seven nights, including flights, hotel on an all-inclusive basis and transfers. Click here for more details:

Blow the budget: 5* Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa, Half Board basis

Set amongst 27 acres of gardens with stunning seaviews, the Maradiva Resort and Spa is paradise personified. Villas have their own private pool and come with a butler service. The luxury spa offers a choice of treatments, a hydrotherapy pool and there is a fitness centre with yoga and aqua yoga. Watersports are plentiful as are the dining options. Prices from €2239 for seven nights including flights, transfers and villa on a half board basis. Click here for more details:

Seychelles

Another archipelago of 115 islands, the Seychelles is a top honeymoon destination. Unlike the Maldives, you will find jungle terrain and small cove beaches amongst picture perfect stretches of white sand. Go island hopping, try some scuba diving or witness their giant tortoises. If you fancy a change of scene, Victoria, the capital has a great choice of bars and restaurants and a bustling indoor market.

Where to stay:

Best value: 4* Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa, B&B Basis

Sri Lanka

Another island of contrasts, Sri Lanka’s coast is full of tropical white sandy beaches while inland there are tea plantations and rolling hills. Home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Sri Lanka’s culture and traditions are worth a trip alone. Sri Lanka is an ideal two centre holiday. Visit the world’s only elephant orphanage, the capital Colombo and the world heritage sites before relaxing in one of the five star luxury beach resorts. You can also combine Sri Lanka with the Maldives, only an hour’s flight away, its the perfect Indian Ocean combination.

Where to stay?

Best value: 4* Club Hotel Dolphin Waikkal, All-Inclusive basis

This modern resort is ideally located on the west coast, beside a sandy beach. The large swimming pool and on site activities make it a great choice for families too. Highly rated on tripadvisor and with all meals and drinks included, this hotel is hard to beat for value. Prices from €1089 for seven nights, including flights, transfers and hotel on an all-inclusive basis. Click here for more details:

Blow the budget: 5* Jetwing Lighthouse Galle, B&B basis

Sri Lanka’s leading spa resort and one of the small luxury hotels of the world, this is the ultimate place to stay in Sri Lanka. It is situated on a pristine white sandy beach with stunning sea views and mixes modern decor with classic styles. The service, food and facilities are first class. Prices from €1349 for seven nights including flights, hotel on a B&B basis and transfers. Click here for more details:

Zanzibar

One of my favourite holidays,  I combined a safari in Tanzania with a week in Zanzibar.  It’s slow paced relaxed vibe is just what I needed after an action packed safari. Complete with unspoilt white sandy beaches and warm waters, many choose to relax here and rarely leave their hotel. Those who do will find a capital, Stone Town, full of character and charm and a jungle interior waiting to be explored. The plantations are famous for spices, in fact it is often referred to as the ‘spice island’ and if you look closely you may spot the red colobus monkeys that roam freely here.

Where to stay?

Best value: 5* Dream of Zanzibar Resort, All-Inclusive basis

This luxury beach front property has five restaurants and three bars so there are plenty of places to enjoy the all-inclusive facilities. There is a watersports centre, multisports court and gym if you need to work off those extra calories! If you just want to chill out an relax there are two pools, a luxury spa and of course there’s the stunning beach. With prices from €1439 including flights, all-inclusive accommodation and transfers, for seven nights, this is exceptional value for a 5* resort. Click here for more details:

Blow the budget: 5* The Residence Zanzibar, Half Board Basis

This elegant hotel is located on one of the island’s best beaches. It’s modern decor mixed with traditional themes make it the idyllic choice on the island. The resort has sixty six villas, each with a private pool, stunning sea views, private gardens and a personal butler. There are thirty two hectares of gardens, pool, fitness centre, spa and a selection of watersports available. With prices from €1619 including flights, villa on a half board basis and transfers, for seven nights, this is not as expensive as you would expect for such a luxurious hotel. Click here for more details:

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