So, where next?
Indian Ocean holidays
Natural wonders and white sands await in the Indian Ocean.
A glorious collection of islands that lie between Africa, Asia and Australasia, The Indian Ocean offers everything from undersea adventures to idyllic beaches. So relax, reset and explore. Put simply, this is paradise found.
Where to stay in the Indian Ocean
Discover our best Indian Ocean hotel offers
Any applicable offers have been calculated into the prices shown. Offers may not be combinable. T&Cs apply.
Complimentary massage
Your Maldives moment, made even better
Slow things down in the Maldives with a complimentary massage included in your stay at selected hotels. A little extra time to switch off and settle into holiday mode.
Valid for travel between 18 Oct '26 - 26 Sep '27, with select hotels up to 31 Dec '28. Book by 3 Nov '26. T&Cs apply.
Maldives
Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Complimentary 30-minute massage for 2 people, once per stay. And you'll also receive up to 65% off your accommodation cost, plus a complimentary upgrade from Half Board+ to Full Board+, or from Full Board+ to All Inclusive.
Valid for stays of 7 nights or more before 30 Sep '27. Blackout dates: 27 Dec '26 - 7 Jan '27 and 4 - 18 Feb '27
Mauritius
Coin De Mire Attitude
Save up to 20% on your accommodation costs, plus kids go free.
Valid for stays between 1 Nov '26 - 31 Oct '27.
Maldives
Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa
Complimentary 30-minute massage for 2 people, once per stay. And you'll also receive up to 65% off your accommodation cost, plus a complimentary upgrade from Half Board to Full Board, or from Full Board+ to All Inclusive.
Valid for stays of 5 nights or more before 30 Sep '27. Complimentary massage is available to bookings in Overwater Villa types or above. Blackout dates: 27 Dec '26 - 7 Jan '27.
Mauritius
Zilwa Attitude
Save 20% on your accommodation costs when you book 30+ days before your arrival or save 15% when booking within 30 days of your arrival. Plus, kids under 6 stay and eat for free.
Valid for stays between 1 Nov '26 - 31 Oct '27. Book by 30 Sep '27.
Maldives
Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives
Complimentary 30-minute massage for 2 people, once per stay. And you'll also receive up to 55% off your accommodation cost, plus a complimentary upgrade from Half Board+ to Full Board+, or from Full Board+ to All Inclusive.
Valid for stays of 4 nights or more before 31 Oct '27.
Mauritius
The Ravenala Attitude
Save 20% on your accommodation costs when you book 30+ days before your arrival or save 15% when booking within 30 days of your arrival. Plus, kids under 6 stay and eat for free.
Valid for stays between 1 Nov '26 - 31 Oct '27. Book by 30 Sep '27.
Get set, go: to some of the most beautiful islands in the world
There's nothing quite as magical as that feeling when your feet first touch the sand of somewhere new - especially when that sand is part of a jaw-droppingly beautiful beach looking out over the Indian Ocean.
With so many teeny, tiny, yet totally idyllic islands to choose from, how do you know which is best suited to you? Memorable Maldives or wild Mauritius? Here's hoping you can decide which one is most up your street (or should that be beach...)
Land vs Sea
Food & Drink
Local Vibes
A tranquil escape in the middle of the gorgeous ocean, or an island adventure - what's calling your name?
Getting there
Once you’ve touched down, it’s time to transfer. If you're holidaying in the Maldives, you'll be headed to your new-found paradise either by speedboat, seaplane or domestic aircraft - we know you like to arrive in style.
What will you sea?
If you're seeking sealife, the Maldives is the place to be. Snorkel to your hearts content in waters that are home to over 2,000 species of fish, with some of our hotels even offering diving schools. Head South, and you might even spot a whale shark...
Stretch your legs
We totally understand if your Indian Ocean holiday is all about relaxation, but those who fancy a hike (or a bike) will find plenty of exciting routes to discover in Mauritius. Plus, you'll get to see the island from a brand new vantage point.
Sand in your toes
The Indian Ocean is home to some of the world's most stunning beaches, so wherever you're headed, you'll have no issue finding a stretch of warm, white sand to unwind on. Dreamy!
Tantalise your tastebuds with fusion food that mixes up French, Chinese, Creole and Indian cuisine. Look out for dishes like gateaux piments (chilli cakes), Gulha (a deep-fried pastry ball filled with smoked fish) and national fragrant curries.
All included, all incredible
An all inclusive experience in the Maldives is like no other. Look out for inclusions like sand-in-your-toes dining, complimentary watersports and excursions, and spa treatments. Some resorts even offer exclusive Virgin packages, just for you.
Local nibbles
Discover new tastes in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. This city has been voted one of the best in the world for street food, but why not book onto the Street Food Tour and judge for yourself?
A kick of coconut
As you'd expect, Maldivian food is a bubbling cauldron of flavours from India, Sri Lanka and Arabia, with a kick of coconut and spice to bring up the heat. Sounds amazing, doesn't it?
Something sweet
Indulge your sweet tooth at the L’Aventure du Sucre, or ‘Sugar Museum’ and learn all about Mauritius’ history as one of the world’s main sugar producers
When you head to the Indian Ocean, there’s no better way to experience the nation and all it has to offer than to jump head first into the local culture.
Port Louis, Mauritius
Hunt for bargains in Port-Louis and seek out the city's first Baazar. Be sure to pick up a souvenir - there's hundreds of shops here, selling everything from spices, to jewellery, to fabrics.
Look and learn
Surrounded by so much incredible sea and wildlife in the Maldives, inquisitive minds may start to wonder just what makes this beautiful place tick. Some of our hotels offer marine biology and conservation tours that are sure to leave you enlightened.
Brighten your day
Whilst in Mauritius, you can take a wander around the Labourdonnais Orchid Gardens, where you can see some of the world’s most exotic and rare flowers.
A new experience
From Dhivehi language classes to Maldivian cultural shows, or just a relaxing spa treatment done the local way - look out for what's on offer at your hotel, and learn how the people of the Maldives like to do things.
Need more travel tips or holiday help?
The Indian Ocean is a dreamy stretch of turquoise that hugs the coasts of paradise destinations like the Maldives and Mauritius. Think swaying palms, soft sands, and epic sunsets!
The sweet spot is May to October—hello sunshine and goodbye monsoon! Dry, warm, and blissfully beachy, it's the perfect time to dive in (literally).
Jet off with the kids to Heritance Aarah (Maldives) or Radisson Blu Azuri Resort & Spa (Mauritius). Expect family-sized fun with kids’ clubs, water sports, and plenty of space to relax.
Visa rules vary by destination—but many Indian Ocean islands like the Maldives and Mauritius offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access for UK travellers. Just pack your passport and double-check before you go!
It can be ultra-luxury, but Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers options for every budget. From boutique resorts to family-friendly getaways, there’s a slice of paradise with your name on it—without blowing the budget.
