Vanilla Islands: 6 Secluded Destinations Couples Will Love
27-05-2025
Think you’ve done tropical? Not even close.
For couples craving more than just sun and sand, the Vanilla Islands offer the ultimate escape – intimate, off-the-beaten-path, and impossibly romantic. Scattered like hidden gems across the Indian Ocean, these six islands – Réunion, Madagascar, Mauritius, Comoros, Mayotte, and the Seychelles, are a world away from cookie-cutter beach vacations.
Picture volcanic hikes at sunrise, candlelit dinners under the stars, secret beaches, spice-scented markets, and coral reefs made for two. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or just your love of adventure, these islands deliver a deep, soulful kind of getaway.
Ready to fall in love again? Here’s your guide to the most secluded, romance-ready islands in the Indian Ocean – each handpicked for what couples will love most.
Table of Contents
- 1.Vanilla Islands at a Glance
- 2.Réunion Island: A French Volcano Paradise in the Indian Ocean
- 3.Mauritius: Beaches, Culture & Underwater Wonders
- 4.Seychelles: Barefoot Luxury & Island-Hopping
- 5.Comoros: Africa’s Hidden Island Escape
- 6.Mayotte: French Island with a Wild Heart
- 7.Madagascar: The Island of Lemurs and Baobabs
- 8.Start Planning Your Vanilla Island Trip with FlyingCarpet.travel
- 9.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Vanilla Islands
Vanilla Islands at a Glance
| Island | What it's known for |
|---|---|
|
Reunion |
Volcanic hikes, French-Creole culture |
|
Mauritius |
Beach resorts, rum tours, multicultural vibe |
|
Seychelles |
Powdery beaches, island hopping, luxury |
|
Madagascar |
Lemurs, baobabs, biodiversity |
|
Comoros |
Unspoiled nature, Swahili-French heritage |
|
Mayotte |
Marine life, lagoons, off-the-radar charm |
Réunion Island: A French Volcano Paradise in the Indian Ocean
Best for: Hikers, road-trippers, volcano chasers, culture lovers
Réunion is a slice of France in the tropics with French cafés, boulangeries, and supermarkets everywhere. But, so are tamarind chutneys, Sega dancing, Creole culture and Tamil temples. More than lounging on beaches, this island is about epic road trips, multi-day hikes through lush calderas, and standing on the edge of an active volcano.
Drive from the capital Saint-Denis into the heart of the Cirque de Cilaos, with switchbacks that reveal waterfalls, crater lakes, and villages perched on cliffs. Or head to Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes, for a lunar-like trek. Réunion is a unique destination where you can hike active volcanoes in the morning and dine on French cuisine by sunset.
Vibe: A mix of France and Jurassic Park
Pro tip: Hike up Piton des Neiges at sunrise for panoramic views with our guide
Mauritius: Beaches, Culture & Underwater Wonders
Best for: Couples, families, history buffs, beach lovers
Mauritius is ideal for those who want more than just sun and sea. The island offers a blend of Caribbean-like beauty with French-Creole flair, Indian and Chinese influences, and world-class hospitality. From sugarcane fields to colorful temples, this island packs a surprising punch for its size. Imagine Creole rhythms, Indian spices, French elegance, and African warmth – all wrapped in lush green hills and white sand beaches.
Couples love the island’s luxury beachfront resorts, street food and colorful festivals like Cavadee and Diwali. And for something truly surreal, visit Chamarel’s Seven-Colored Earths – a natural formation of rainbow-hued sands that never erode. It is safe, diverse, and easy to explore by car – with plenty of hidden villages, historic sugar estates, and warm-hearted locals to discover along the way.
Highlights:
- Le Morne Brabant (UNESCO site)
- Grand Baie nightlife & shopping
- Chamarel Colored Earth & rum tasting
Vibe: Refined tropical paradise with Indian, African & French influences
Pro tip: Book a catamaran cruise to Île aux Cerfs for snorkeling and seafood
Seychelles: Barefoot Luxury & Island-Hopping
Best for: Luxury and eco-conscious travelers, honeymooners
Seychelles is like a tropical Switzerland – safe, pristine, and serene. Perfect for, or anyone looking for an intimate escape without the crowds. The Seychelles archipelago is the epitome of barefoot luxury, with over 100 islands, many untouched and some home to ultra-exclusive private resorts. Beaches like Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue are often ranked among the most beautiful in the world for their pink-hued sands and granite boulders.
But what sets Seychelles apart is its deep commitment to conservation. Over 40% of its territory is protected. Take a boat to Cousin Island, where you can walk among giant tortoises and rare seabirds, or snorkel in the coral-rich Ste Anne Marine Park. Legend has it that the Seychelles islands once held pirate treasure – and to this day, many still search for the loot of Olivier Levasseur, the notorious 18th-century pirate known as “La Buse.”
Highlights:
- Pristine beaches like Anse Source d’Argent
- Giant tortoises on Curieuse and Cousin Islands
- Hiking Morne Seychellois National Park
Vibe: Exclusive, dreamy, and eco-friendly
Pro tip: Visit during April or October for the best snorkeling visibility
Comoros: Africa’s Hidden Island Escape
Best for: Cultural explorers, budget travelers and off-the-beaten-path explorers
Nestled between Madagascar and Mozambique, the Comoros is a volcanic archipelago that offers raw, unpolished charm – think spice-scented medinas, crater lakes, and traditional villages where Swahili, Arab, and French cultures meet.
Grande Comore (Ngazidja) is home to the smoldering Mount Karthala and some of the best beaches you’ve never heard of. Mohéli, meanwhile, is the island to watch for eco-tourism – its marine park shelters sea turtles, humpback whales, and vibrant coral reefs. In Comoros, tourism is still small-scale, meaning you’ll often have palm-fringed shores and local hospitality all to yourself. It is authentic, affordable, and unforgettable.
Highlights:
- Mount Karthala (active volcano)
- Vanilla plantations
- Swahili-Arab French cultural fusion
Vibe: Raw, authentic, and uncrowded
Pro tip: Visit Grande Comore’s medina for a historic walk and local life
Mayotte: French Island with a Wild Heart
Best for: Marine enthusiasts, lagoon lovers, families
Mayotte is France’s Indian Ocean outpost, but with a tropical twist. Think baguettes, brie, and bustling African markets side by side. It’s technically part of the EU, but culturally and geographically, it straddles two worlds – European and African.
The protected lagoon here is one of the largest in the world. It’s a dream for snorkeling, dolphin spotting, and kayaking among mangroves. The coral reefs are healthy, the water calm, and the vibe sleepy especially in beach towns like N’Gouja. Mayotte is ideal for those seeking a slower pace, a warm welcome, and a unique blend of traditions.
Highlights:
- Giant lagoon (great for snorkeling with sea turtles)
- Ylang-ylang and vanilla-scented markets
- Mangrove kayaking
Vibe: Rustic France meets East Africa
Pro tip: Spot humpback whales from July to October
Madagascar: The Island of Lemurs and Baobabs
Best for: Wildlife lovers, adventurers, nature photographers
Madagascar’s beaches are some of the best snorkeling spots in Africa. Nosy Be and Île Sainte-Marie (Nosy Boraha) offer palm-lined shores with whale watching, coral reefs, and welcoming Malagasy hospitality. Île Sainte-Marie is also home to pirate graveyards, a reminder of the island’s past as a pirate haven in the 17th century. The legends of Captain Kidd still haunt its shores.
Combine your beach time with excursions to find baobab forests, lemurs leaping through trees, and spiny desert landscapes found nowhere else on Earth. Malagasy culture, with its blend of African, Asian, and French influences, adds an intriguing layer to your coastal escape. Madagascar is an off-the-beaten-path adventure that rewards travelers with unspoiled beauty, raw authenticity, and bucket-list biodiversity – a place to unplug and be awed.
Highlights:
- Avenue of the Baobabs
- Tsingy de Bemaraha (limestone formations)
- Over 100 species of lemurs
Vibe: Exotic, diverse, and adventure-packed
Pro tip: Visit Andasibe-Mantadia for lemur spotting and rainforests
Start Planning Your Vanilla Island Trip with FlyingCarpet.travel
Ready to string together your Vanilla Island dream? Here is a sample itinerary from FlyingCarpet.travel:
Budget Vanilla Islands Itinerary: 14-21 days
Route: Comoros → Mayotte → Madagascar → Réunion → Mauritius
Fly from the US to Comoros (4 days)
Fly from the US into Comoros with Ethiopia Airlines vis Nairobi. US citizens traveling to Comoros are required to obtain a visa. Visas can be obtained upon arrival at the airport in Moroni (HAH) for ~$50.
Travel from Comoros to Mayotte (3 days)
Air Austral operates direct flights between Moroni (HAH) in the Comoros and Dzaoudzi (DZA) in Mayotte. These flights are typically operated by EWA Air, a subsidiary of Air Austral. No visa is required for US citizens if the stay in Mayotte is less than 90 days.
Mayotte to Madagascar (5 days)
You can fly from Dzaoudzi (DZA) in Mayotte via Air Austral or EWA Air to Antananarivo (TNR), Mahajanga (MJN) or Nosy Be (OS). No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
Madagascar to Réunion (4 days)
You can book an Air Austral flight on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from Nosy Be (OS) to Réunion (RUN). E-Visa is available for ~$37. To conveniently explore the cirques (Cilaos and Mafate), rent a car.
Réunion to Mauritius (4-5 days)
You can fly from Réunion Island (RUN) to Mauritius (MRU) with multiple daily non-stop flights operated by Air Austral. US citizens need no visa for stays up to 90 days.
Travel from Mauritius to US
Fly back to the US with the Emirates via Dubai or Kenya Airways via Nairobi.
If you and your partner are craving an authentic, immersive, and scenic escape that blends barefoot luxury with raw natural beauty, the Vanilla Islands are your ultimate romantic revelation. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary, or a just-because getaway, FlyingCarpet.travel makes it easy to connect the dots and book an unforgettable island-hopping experience made for two.
Visit FlyingCarpet.travel to:
- Get inspiration for your next travel
- Find the best regional air routes
- Book boutique stays and eco-lodges, and
- Save big with multi-island flight deals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Vanilla Islands
1. What are the Vanilla Islands?
The Vanilla Islands is a tourism marketing concept that brings together a group of Indian Ocean islands to promote the region as a single travel destination. They share a tropical climate, rich biodiversity, and cultural influences from Africa, Asia, and Europe.
2. Who are the members of Vanilla Island?
The Vanilla Islands refer to a group of Indian Ocean islands that include Réunion, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, Comoros, and Mayotte.
3. Why are they called the “Vanilla Islands”?
The name comes from the islands’ historical role in vanilla cultivation, particularly Madagascar and Comoros – which are still major vanilla producers today. It’s also a nod to their shared colonial past and tourism partnership.
4. Which Vanilla Island is best for nature and wildlife?
Madagascar is unmatched for biodiversity, with over 90% of its wildlife found nowhere else. Think lemurs, baobabs, and chameleons. Comoros and Mayotte also offer raw, less-explored nature and marine life.
5. Which Vanilla Island is the most luxurious?
Seychelles and Mauritius lead the way in luxury travel. Expect 5-star beachfront resorts, fine dining, yacht charters, and personalized eco-luxury experiences.
6. Can I visit multiple Vanilla Islands in one trip?
Yes! Island-hopping is possible thanks to regional carriers like Air Austral, Air Seychelles, and EWA Air. Book multi-island itineraries with ease on FlyingCarpet.travel.
7. Is it expensive to travel the Vanilla Islands?
It depends on the islands and your travel style. Mauritius and Réunion offer mid-range to luxury options. Comoros and Madagascar can be very affordable. Flying off-season or booking multi-island flights in advance can save you money.
8. Do I need visas for the Vanilla Islands?
Visa rules vary. US citizens can visit Mauritius, Réunion, Seychelles, and Mayotte without a visa for up to 90 days. Madagascar and Comoros require visas, which are available online or on arrival.
9. What’s the best time to visit the Vanilla Islands?
The dry season from May to October is ideal as it rains less, temperatures are cool, and great for hiking, diving, and beach activities. Avoid cyclone season (January–March), especially in Madagascar, Mauritius, and Réunion.
10. Is it safe to travel the Vanilla Islands?
Yes, most are very safe for travelers. Seychelles, Mauritius, and Réunion have excellent infrastructure. Use standard precautions in Comoros and Madagascar, where facilities can be more limited in remote areas.
11. What’s the most unique Vanilla Island experience?
Hiking an active volcano in Réunion, snorkeling with turtles in Mayotte, walking with lemurs in Madagascar, visiting vanilla plantations in Comoros and island-hopping by catamaran in Seychelles.