Want to visit the sunny Indian Ocean, but not sure which island is for you? Abdulla Naim, deputy director of the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board, and Suhon (Toto) Ghoorah, UK manager at the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, battle it out. Kerry Baggott is the ringmaster.

I’ve heard that both destinations are fairly exclusive. Are they reserved for holidaymakers with bags of cash?

AN: The Maldives is exclusive because we've got a 'one island, one resort' concept and we have some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. However, probably only around 20% of our resorts – we have about 90 in total – are operated by the very top hotel operators. The remainder are much more affordable. It's easy to get a full-board package for around $350 a night.

TG: When Mauritius first moved into tourism we wanted to keep it very exclusive. However, as the island started to lose its income from sugar we have had to be more open minded and more three and four-star hotels are opening. However, the government has set strict controls and standards have to be very high. The five-star hotels tend be the most popular with international travellers so the 'exclusive' tag has been perpetuated. But the island caters for all budgets.

Ok, it’s affordable, but should I go if I am not in a couple? The brochures portray these islands as honeymoon havens...

AN: Couples do love the Maldives because it is so private. They share a whole island only with the guests of one hotel. Often, their room is right on the beach or even built over the water on stilts. However, we also have a lot of families because it is so safe for children, and we get a lot of authors who come here alone to write – it's an inspirational place. It's also a divers' heaven and we get a lot of groups of friends who come here to dive.

TG: Admittedly Mauritius is fabulous for couples and a popular wedding destination. However, hotels here allow only one wedding per day, so weddings don’t dominate. Increasingly we are seeing more families holidaying here and lots of hotels offer first class kids' clubs.

The beaches look fabulous, but what is there to do when I get bored of lazing in the sun?

AN: Every island offers an array of water sports, from sailing and snorkelling, to wind surfing and paragliding. Over 20 species of dolphin call the Maldives home and the Maldives ranks among the world's top five destinations for whale and dolphin watching. Surfing is relatively new to the Maldives but the O'Neill Deep Blue Contest has placed us on the world surf map. Almost every resort has a dive school and there is a whale submarine for divers and non-divers. The islands are flat and easily walkable but it has to be said the focus is on the white sand beaches and the sea.

TG: The beaches are just part of the story in Mauritius. Away from the coast it has a rich interior including an extinct volcano and lush forests. We also have botanical gardens, bird sanctuaries and wildlife reserves. Active visitors can go trekking and quad biking and several of our hotels have excellent golf courses. All manner of water sports are available, including diving and deep-sea fishing. For shoppers, Mauritius is a duty-free paradise and visitors can also observe a number of cultural festivals throughout the year.

I’m a diver - tell me more

AN: Our dazzling underwater coral gardens are rated among the best in the world. Visibility sometimes exceeds 50 metres and the water temperature is perfect. The coral is in fabulous condition and the water teeming with fish. You'll see lots of friendly sharks, manta rays and turtles. Every resort has its favourite dive spot, so the waters are not overcrowded with divers.

TG: Okay, I have to hand this one to the Maldives! We cannot compete with them when it comes to diving conditions, although diving is definitely one of our attractions. We have about 15 dive schools and a submarine for non-divers. Visitors can also try 'undersea walking' wearing a special helmet that lets you walk on the seabed.

I need pampering… tell me about the spas

AN: The Maldives is known for its pampering and here location is everything. Many spas are in bungalows over the water and we are proud to have the world's first underwater spa, at the luxurious Huvafen Fushi resort. Treatments offer a blend of eastern and western techniques and holistic wellness is taken very seriously.

TG: Virtually every hotel here has a spa. Our most famous is the Givenchy Spa located at the One&Only Le Touessrok resort. However, we are really excited about the new Shanti Ananda Maurice – it's the sister property to a hotel in the foothills of the Himalayas which has one of the world's most celebrated spas.

Can I soak up the culture?

AN: To be honest, we don't really have much in the way of cultural tourism here. You cango and visit the capital, Male, for its market and museum and there are lots of other islands a short cruise away from most of the resorts – but they are relatively small and undeveloped.

TG: Now we get one up on the Maldives! Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions that our immigrant population brought from their ancestral countries and most people are equally fluent in English, Creole and French. Their festivities are celebrated throughout the year. To get a flavour for this cultural mix, visitors can go to the market in the capital Port Louis or Flacq market in the east. Bustling Flacq sells local crafts, food, basket wear, beautiful textiles and jewellery. Also worth a visit are our Dutch forts, Hindu temples, museums and beautiful colonial houses.

Tell me about the food

AN: There's a lot of fish on the menu – particularly tuna. The resorts serve exquisite international cuisine. Although Sri Lanka is an hour away, we do not really have spicy food.

TG: The mix of cultures lends variety to the cuisine and we have a complete cocktail of foods from Creole, Chinese and Indian to French and English. All the hotels have great restaurants. At Le Saint Geran there is a Spoon des Iles by Alain Ducasse. For more ethnic food head to China Town or the Central Market in Port Louis for the local cari (curry).

You're both island nations. How accessible are you from the UK?

AN: The Maldives can be reached direct from London in just 10 hours. A number of charters serve Male and scheduled airlines include Emirates Airlines via Dubai or Singapore, SriLankan Airlines and Qatar Airways. Free 30-day visas are issued on arrival.

TG: We have more than 40 flights a week from the UK, all non-stop. The flight takes 12 hours. Or you can go via Dubai or via Paris. Free visas are issued on arrival.

Any more exciting developments I should know about?

AN: Some 52 new islands will open in the Maldives to tourists in the next three years. Shangri-La Maldives Resort and Spa is opening in 2008 on Villingili, an unspoilt island in Addu Atoll, at the southernmost tip of the Maldives. It will have 180 ecoorientated villas and the Maldives' first golf course will be located on nearby Gan Island.

TG: In December a Four Seasons is opening and family all-inclusive chain Club Med is opening its second property on the island this year which is good news for families.