Seychelles
Sparkling azure waters. Pristine golden beaches. Waving palm trees. A perfect slice of paradise. Seychelles, it seems, is the inspiration for every hackneyed phrase you’d find in a beach destination travelogue. It must be said, however, that no line ever written (no matter how effusive) is an overstatement. And its wonders are not limited to its beaches. Here you will find large tracts of tropical forests with birds of the most fantastic plumage. Giant tortoises that favour its shores. Charming pockets of civilisation. And strains of that distinctive Seychellois music. Seychelles possesses beauty of such breathtaking variety that (to use yet another platitude) it has to been seen to be believed.City Information
Mahé
To the people of Seychelles, the beautiful island of Mahé is an undisputed favourite: all but ten percent of its populace lives here. To new arrivals, on the other hand, Mahé’s first impression can be somewhat misleading. Those who enter its more bustling areas, with busy tree-lined streets and stately yet quaint white buildings, little suspect that Mahé’s most beautiful areas are those that are more secluded. And rarely further than a short drive away.
Here you witness sights that so often grace travelogues with titles like “The Most Beautiful Places on Earth”. Unbelievably blue waves breaking upon golden shores. Palm fronds waving out to distant boats. Tropical trees that stand out dramatically against its cheerful beach setting. Some might say that Mahé is almost unfairly endowed. Our advice: make the most of it.
Praslin
Years ago, Praslin was frequented by, shall we say, rather distinctive visitors: Arab merchants, marauding pirates and the most vividly coloured birds. Today, of its former inhabitants, only the avian ones remain. But they’re joined by a delighted throng of beach-lovers.
It’s not difficult to see why Praslin is loved by such a motley crowd. It boasts nature so immaculately beautiful, that when the legendary British Major-General Gordon reached its shores in the 19th century, he was convinced he was in Eden. And yet, for all its bounteous natural surroundings, Praslin has exquisite restaurants and lodging. This is an island that will continue to hold its guests in its thrall for years to come.
Mahe South Coast Cruise
Cruise from Victoria, along the east coast to the south, tracing the same routes pirates used centuries ago. At Anse Royale, continue to Anse Forbans, Cap Maison, Anse Marie Louise, Capucin, Petit Boileau and Pointe Police. You will stop at some point to do a little snorkeling and exploration. Enjoy a barbeque lunch on board.
A Reef Safari
Board a catamaran at Victoria’s marina, and cruise to the middle of the harbour where you can feed the fish and go exploring underwater. Savour a delicious traditional Creole buffet on board, after which you may nap on the beach or go swimming. Sip on a ‘petit rum punch de Iles’ before heading back to the hotel.
A Discovery tour of Mahe
Set off to Victoria, where you will see the court buildings, the clock tower and the local market. Drive across the Sans Soucis mountain pass, with a halt at the historic Mission Lodge. After a Creole lunch, continue to the Jardin du Roi plantation, where you will explore the adjoining area.
Exploring Praslin and la digue
Praslin is Seychelles’s second largest island. Visit Valée de Mai, the only place where the giant Coco de Mer palm grows in its natural state. Head to Anse Lazio beach, then cross to La Digue. From the jetty, take an ox cart to L’Union Estate to see the copra sheds, the giant land tortoises and the plantation house.
A visit to Praslin
Visit an oyster farm, where giant clams are bred, and black pearls are cultivated in the Black Lip Pearl Oyster. Here, you have the chance to shop for pearls at the jewellery boutique. Continue to Vallée de Mai. Stop for a Creole lunch, and continue to the beach at Anse Lazio.
A Vallée De Mai guided tour
Spend half the day at Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will be able to see the Coco de Mer palm, and one of the world’s rarest birds, the Black Parrot.
A Day at Vallée De Mai
Spend the day at the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, admiring the Coco de Mer palm, and the rare Black Parrots. Later, head to Anse Lazio, where the beaches invite you to linger for hours.
A tour of La Digue
Set off to Baie Sainte Anne Jetty and make the half-hour crossing to La Digue Jetty. Take an ox cart to L’Union Estate for a tour of the copra sheds, the giant land tortoises and the plantation house. Continue in a ‘camion’ (an open-sided canopied truck), to Anse Source d’Argent beach, known for its impressive granite formations and pristine beach. After a Creole lunch, take a siesta on the beach.
Praslin, Mahé.
The gentle breaking of waves on serene shores. The mellifluous medley of Seychellois Creole and French accents. Folk musicians playing a sensual montea melody. The islands of Seychelles follow an un-composed yet ubiquitous tune.YOUR ITINERARY
Praslin 3 nights
Mahé 3 nights
Land at Mahé Airport, Seychelles and take a domestic flight to Praslin. At Praslin, you will be taken to your hotel, where you will spend the night. DAY 2
Today, you will enter Vallée de Mai, Praslin’s legendary nature park and perhaps one of the most well known places to be as yet untouched by man. Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site will ensure it stays that way. Next stop: the serene bit of paradise that is the Anse Lazio beach. Return to your hotel. DAY 3
Today, you go island hopping. Embark from the harbour of Baie Sainte Anne to the island of Cousin, home to some to some of Seychelles’ rarest birds. Next, it’s off to the Curieuse Island National Marine Park with its mangrove swamps, tortoise breeding colony and a barbecue lunch on the beach. Finally, head to the tiny islet of St. Pierre where you can snorkel in the clear sparkling water, before you return to your hotel. DAY 4
After breakfast, fly to bustling Mahé and join 90% of Seychelles’ population. On arriving at the hotel, indulge in a wellness session. DAY 5
Seychelles is blessed with bounteous nature. And there are few better ways to appreciate it than with a nature trail. Walk down winding routes and see trees and animals rarely seen outside nature books.
Alternatively, you could sail to the South Coast along the east on an 80-foot catamaran, skirting the reef’s edge for a view that has remained unchanged for centuries. Then sail to Anse Forbans; the boulder of Cap Maison, where, it is believed witch doctors performed ancient rituals; the unspoilt coves of Anse Marie Louise, Capucin and Petit Boileau and Pointe Police - the last realms of Mahé’s nesting hawksbill turtles; and go snorkeling at Police Bay. On your return, have a Creole-style barbeque lunch on board. As you cruise back to Victoria, if the wind is fair, the captain will raise the sails and set the lines for a bit of game fishing. DAY 6
It’s your chance to get to know Mahé. Drive past imposing granite peaks, verdant hillsides and beaches fringed by clear waters. Tour Victoria, Mahé’s capital. Visit colourful markets, the old Mission Lodge and the ancient clock tower as your guide recounts the island’s folklore. Sample Jardin du Roi’s most exquisite Creole dishes. Craft Village, a centre of arts and tropical wares will be your last stop before you head back to the hotel. DAY 7
After breakfast, your private car will take you to Mahé Airport where you will catch your flight home.