The Seychelles is one of the most enticing and diverse tropical island destinations in the world, benefitting from policies that successfully combine tourism and conservation. A mix of inner and outer rocky islands and tropical coral atolls, the Seychelles archipelago consists of 115 islands spread through the western Indian Ocean, some 1,000km east of Africa.
STAY
The most common places to stay are on the larger inner islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue where the hotels and resorts take full advantage of the natural beauty, stunning beaches, warm seas and tropical climate.
Mahé is famed for its beach resorts and the all-inclusive MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa, a small Balinese-influenced getaway, is one of our favourites. Situated on a stony headland on Anse Louis beach, it’s just 30 minutes from Mahé airport and perfect for families. For couples, just along the coast, the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles offers an elegant alternative with its jungle setting and range of exclusive tree-house villas with views overlooking the Indian Ocean and beach.
Those seeking tranquillity and unmatched privacy opt for a private island experience like at North Island Seychelles. Just 20 minutes’ helicopter ride from Mahé, the resort not only features private infinity pools, powder-white beaches, lavish accommodation and matchless service, it also has direct access to some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna including the beautiful and critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle, a regular daytime visitor.
Aside from the lavish and luxurious accommodation there is an excellent range of quality boutique villas and guesthouses throughout the Seychelles offering an accessible way of spending time in this wonderfully warm and welcoming environment. Check out Bird Island Lodge, Birgo Guesthouse and one of our favourites Casadani found at Bel Ombre in the popular north of Mahé.
DINE
The Seychelles features some of the most luxurious five-star properties in the region which naturally attract many of the world’s best chefs. But there are countless coastal restaurants, bars and cafés too for the intrepid explorer keen to sample the best local and some surprising international delights.
For lovers of Caribbean food check out Chez Jules café on Anse Banane (Banana Beach), La Digue Island; a casual beachside eatery serving excellent seafood and West Indian specialities. For a more refined experience try the stunning views and delicious food at Les Rochers on Praslin Island or Eden at the H Resort on the north coast of Mahé.
EXPLORE
Natural tropical beauty, the warm azure seas teeming with life and powdery white beaches make the Seychelles an idyllic destination. Aside from relaxation and sun-worship there is some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world with the most popular reef dive spots scattered around the 43 inner islands. An excursion into the sparsely populated and remote outer islands will offer something quite different though with frequent sightings of larger grouper species like the spotted potato bass as well as grey, reef, silver tip, nurse and hammerhead sharks. There are numerous dive centres that cater for novice and experienced divers alike.
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