Impossible to Go Home!
While browsing the internet for websites about the Seychelles, we came across SeyVillas. And what a stroke of luck that was!
The website offers holidays on various islands across the archipelago. Its ease of navigation immediately allowed us to identify the islands that seemed best suited to our holiday. We called the telephone number provided, and a very helpful member of staff gave us detailed and timely information about the trip.
Convinced by SeyVillas’ efficiency, we immediately booked a three-island tour, staying for 4 days on each island. We were able to organise it by choosing both the islands and the accommodation. We selected Praslin, La Digue and ‘Deer Island’ (Cerf Island): 3 islands that differ in size and way of life, yet all share the same earthly paradise of lush tropical vegetation, a sea of countless colours and dreamlike beaches. SeyVillas then organised all our flights to and from Italy, as well as our transfers by sea and land, with Swiss precision (or rather German, given the company’s origins). Everything was perfect, thanks in part to the support provided by its local partner, Creole.
Unfortunately, Air Seychelles no longer operates direct Milan–Mahé–Milan flights, so we had to endure an overnight stopover in Dubai. The Emirates aircraft were modern and attractive, with extremely courteous cabin crew. The only drawback was the air conditioning running at full blast, which left quite a few passengers with colds! We wondered: why maintain North Pole temperatures and provide two blankets when tropical temperatures of 28–30°C await upon arrival?
We had carefully studied the weather forecasts, rainfall statistics, temperatures, winds and sea conditions, particularly the phenomenon of seaweed covering all the beaches during certain months. We therefore chose May and June, which are considered the best months. However, the weather has become unpredictable everywhere, so we did have a few rainy days. There was no need to worry, though: the weather changes abruptly within minutes, and the sun soon returns after a downpour. This period is characterised by strong winds: on the one hand, the rough sea can make swimming difficult, but on the other, the wind blows away the rain clouds and brings back full sunshine within minutes. Speaking of sunshine, take care to avoid sunburn, as ultraviolet rays can burn even through cloud cover.
As we do for our other trips, we also studied the Lonely Planet guide thoroughly for this one: it was genuinely comprehensive and reliable in every respect.
Praslin
The first island we visited was Praslin, where we chose to stay at New Emerald Cove, which proved to be an excellent choice.
This small hotel—or rather, resort—has magnificent wooden bungalows scattered throughout a palm garden by the sea. It stands on a small headland that can only be reached aboard the boat provided by the hotel, just 5 minutes from Baie Sainte Anne on Praslin, where all the ferries arrive from Mahé (around 50 minutes) and La Digue (around 15 minutes). The sea in front of the resort is excellent for snorkelling. The resort boat makes several daily trips to and from Praslin, making it easy to arrange excursions around the island, either by hiring a car or taking one of the many taxis waiting at the port of Sainte Anne.
The island is wonderful and very peaceful. As well as spending entire days on its enchanting beaches, visitors can explore a magnificent nature reserve: Vallée de Mai.
The beaches are truly enchanting, with dazzling white sand and a sea of striking colours, although it can become very rough and dangerous due to the currents. Inland, they are bordered by tropical forest and coconut palms—be careful of falling coconuts, so enjoy your siesta, but not beneath a palm tree—while gigantic granite boulders and rocks stand at both ends of the beaches. Small beach bars can nearly always be found, serving delicious tropical juices and simple dishes for a Creole snack.
A visit to the tropical forest of Vallée de Mai is an absolute must. Here you can admire numerous varieties of palm trees, including the famous coco de mer, with its rather ‘sexy’ fruit found only on this island.
The most famous beaches are Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette. The latter lies within the Lémuria golf resort and can be visited by prior arrangement with the resort.
La Digue
The second island we visited was little La Digue. Here, you enter a world of complete relaxation. While everything on Praslin revolves around tourism, the islanders on La Digue seem to live in a world of their own. Everything is peaceful, and life moves at an exceptionally leisurely pace.
There are no cars, and the only means of transport is the bicycle, which you can hire as soon as you disembark. Everyone uses one, tourists and islanders alike. The only precaution is to carry a torch in the evening, as the roads are not lit. Even so, cycling around is great fun and not dangerous.
Here too, there are picture-postcard landscapes and enchanting beaches, including Anse Source d'Argent—the most beautiful—with its distinctive little beach bar serving the usual fish or chicken curry; Anse Cocos; and Anse Severe, where you can go snorkelling and enjoy tropical fruit juice or coconut water at Tanaka Café, right on the beach.
Life revolves around the harbour, with countless little shops selling the ever-present sarongs, as well as restaurants and bicycle hire shops.
Unfortunately, the accommodation we chose did not live up to our expectations. It turned out to consist of 3–4 small villas with kitchens, but the furnishings were dated and basic. The location was lovely—not by the sea, but within the forest—although the staff were not particularly welcoming.
Cerf
The island that enchanted us most, however, was Cerf Island, just a 10-minute boat ride from Victoria, the capital of Mahé.
The island is truly tiny, with no more than 40 residents, 2 resorts and 3–4 houses offering rooms for rent with adjoining restaurants. The advantage of visiting this island last is that Mahé Airport can be reached in 10 minutes, and you can also pop over to the capital, Victoria, if you wish.
Here we stayed at L'Habitation, a colonial house overlooking a sea in countless shades of green. The rooms were tastefully furnished and offered a superb view of the lagoon and Mahé beyond—all while lying comfortably in bed! The service was excellent, and the staff were exceptionally helpful and kind. A boat was also available for guests travelling to and from Mahé. It truly is the ideal place for a short holiday devoted to complete rest and relaxation.
We spent 15 wonderful days there and would recommend this magnificent archipelago to everyone: a true paradise on earth!
