Mauritius is definitely better weather wise. There are AI but I think that more of the hotels are HB rather than AI- but I'm sure somebody can correct me if I'm wrong. MIL is going to Le Coco Beach and that IS AI!
I haven't found any that have water bungalows though.
If you decide on Mauritius have you thought about combining it with Cape Town?

Thanks Tracy

Hadn't really thought about Cape Town - think would prefer to combine it with a few days in Dubai...

Sorry I know the weather is a dried-out topic in these forums, but anyone been to Maldives in Oct that can help - think this is coming to the end of their rainy season??

Malidives definitely seems like the more popular place to go to over Mauritius - guess its the desert island thing!!!

Appreciate any replies.....

Thanks, Hannah

It's Fiona by the way!
I have trawled through the forum and found some info here, here, and here

Doesn't look too bad!

I have been to both Mauritius and the Maldives and love them both.

The Maldives is the most beautiful place I have visited just like you see in the brochures. We tend to spend most of our days there in sea and just relaxing. Evenings have laid back entertainment.

In Mauritius you can do as much or as little as you want to. Relax on the beach, go to the waterpark, vist tea plantations, botanical gardens, go into the moutains, see waterfalls and spectacular scenery. Also visit Port Louis' new harbour shopping area or the duty free shops for some great bargains. Next time we go it will be with an empty suitcase! Mauritius much more lively in the evening especially around Grand Baie where there are numerous bars, restaurants and nightclubs, all very reasonably priced.

So its really what you want to do on holiday. If its just lazing about on the beach then both places are suitable (Maldives definately best for this). I have never seen the over water bungalows in Mauritius.

With regards to the weather, we spent two weeks in the Maldives one October and had one afternoon of rain (dont think it lasted all afternoon either). Most of the rain we had was at night, and boy does it rain. Other people have had more rainy days but there will be plenty of sunshine as well.

Michelle

Thanks for the advice...

Think we have decided to go to Maldives though... the water bungalows and desert island thing are just too tempting!!

Now we just have to decide where to go!??!!!!

At the moment, we like the look of Sun Island, Kuredu and Meeru village - seems to be plenty to do and good reviews!

Can anyone provide any help on choosing between the 3??! Also is the weather (in Oct) better on 1 island than another??

Thanks again...

Hannah

we have a thread on Sun Island and some info on Kureduhere
andhere.
We also have a thread on Meeru
Perhaps someone can add to here to help you choose!

Hi han2504..

We have been to The Maldives both in October 2003 & June 2004

The weather was a lot better in October than it was in June -- We only had a few showers that lasted a matter of minutes compared to June were we got rain most days

It was that good that we booked again for October and we are off in 12 weeks --- I must point out that the resorts are becoming very popular and we booked last December (10 months before) and 2 months after the flight had sold out (Unfortunatly we have to fly with Monarch who only have the minimum seat pitch of 29'' and no premium cabin -- But I have spoke to Monarch and they are changing this in November to increase the seat pitch to 31'')

I can highly recommend Sun Island (This will be our 3rd visit to the island) but then again we only have 1 more island to compare it to (Holiday Island) which is included on a free trip if you book AI, Holiday Island is the nearest Island to Sun Island and is owned by the same company.... It is a lot smaller, has a lot less to do and doesn't have a pool. I suppose it is good if you want to do nothing else but laze about, but if you want something to do then go for Sun Island.... It is a 5 star resort that is cheaper than many 3 and 4 star resorts. (Compare prizes for Lilly Beach which is only 4 star)

Water Bungalows are quite an expensive upgrade (Around £1500 extra if you book through travel agents -- You can upgrade for less on the island)

Cheapest place to book is Thomas Cook -- If you get a price online and then take it instore they will match the price (web prices can sometimes save you around £400 per couple) also as it is their own holiday you are booking you also get FREE insurance.... We always say that we would book there and then if they also do 2 for the price of 1 on the Seaplane Tranfer (Another saving of £75)

If you want any more info - just ask.......