Honeymoon in Paradise
Friday, 3 June 2016: At last, the moment had arrived: our long-awaited honeymoon was beginning. At 10.30 pm, we flew with Etihad from Munich via Abu Dhabi to Mahé. The flight to Abu Dhabi takes 6 hours, followed by another 4 hours to Mahé. The stopover in Abu Dhabi is very pleasant, as it gives you a chance to stretch your legs.
Saturday, 4 June 2016: As we approached the Seychelles, we could not stop marvelling at the view. Our first impression of the many small islands and the beautiful colour of the water was simply incredible. After landing, we received a warm welcome from the Creole team and were taken by bus to the harbour on Mahé. At 4.30 pm, our ferry departed from Mahé for Praslin, a journey of 1 hour. There, we had to change briefly before continuing to La Digue, which took 15 minutes. Someone was also waiting for us at the harbour to take us to our hotel, Le Relax Beach House.
Sunday, 5 June 2016: After a good night’s sleep, we enjoyed breakfast on the terrace overlooking the sea. We stayed at the hotel that day and went swimming there. We saw lots of fish in the water and even some rays.
Monday, 6 June 2016: As cycling is the typical way to get around La Digue, we hired bicycles from the hotel for the next 2 days at 100 rupees per person per day. The hire charge is more or less the same everywhere. We set off towards the mountain in the centre of the island. At the foot of Nid d’Aigle, which is 333 metres high, we left our bicycles and continued on foot. After about half an hour, you reach a small bar with a fantastic view and delicious, freshly made fruit smoothies. From there, it takes another 30 minutes to reach the very top. Once there, you have a perfect panoramic view of La Digue and its neighbouring islands.
On the way back, we were surprised by a free-roaming giant tortoise slowly making its way uphill. The moment was so impressive that it will remain in our memories forever.
We continued by bicycle around the island as far as the small Chez Jules bar, where the road ends. Along the way, we saw many beautiful coves and another 6 free-roaming tortoises.
Tuesday, 7 June 2016: We set off by bicycle for Grand Anse. From there, you can continue on foot to Petite Anse, which took us about 15 minutes. It was wonderful to feel the soft sand and see the turquoise sea, and what made it even more special was that we had the entire beach to ourselves. There was no one else around for miles.
However, we also wanted to reach the third cove, Anse Cocos. We therefore walked for another 25 minutes or so. Sadly, it was already our last day on the island, and as we simply could not get enough of the beaches, we continued to L’Union Estate to visit the famous Anse Source d'Argent. Admission costs 100 rupees per person.
There, you can see the granite rocks on the beach in all their splendour. As this is one of the most photographed beaches in the world, it was naturally busier than the others. However, it is very spacious, so it is still possible to find a quiet spot in which to relax. At L’Union Estate itself, we saw vanilla plantations and many palm trees. Anyone who has not yet been lucky enough to encounter a giant tortoise on the island can see them there in an enclosed area. Back at the hotel, we enjoyed a unique sunset from the terrace. We ended this wonderful day with a candlelit dinner, which we received as a special treat for our honeymoon.
Wednesday, 8 June 2016: Today, we took the ferry to Praslin and our hotel, Le Duc de Praslin . After arriving, we had lunch at a pizzeria and spent the rest of the day swimming.
Thursday, 9 June 2016: For 5 rupees per person, we took the bus to Vallée de Mai, one of the most famous sights in the Seychelles. This nature reserve is home to the unique coco de mer palm, also known as the Seychelles palm. It produces the largest seeds in the plant kingdom. There are separate male and female palms. A complimentary guided tour takes place every day at 2 pm. Admission to Vallée de Mai costs €23 per person.
Friday, 10 June 2016: A day of swimming at Anse Volbert.
In the evening, we enjoyed our complimentary honeymoon cocktail at the ‘Café des Arts’ beach restaurant and bar.
Saturday, 11 June 2016: We hired a car from our hotel and drove to Anse Lazio. The drive was very exciting, even though traffic in the Seychelles drives on the left. At the beach, we had a post-wedding photo shoot with the wedding dress we had brought with us. It was an unforgettable experience and gave us some truly unique wedding photographs.
We exchanged the wedding dress for a bikini and swimming trunks, then spent the rest of the day on Praslin’s most beautiful beach until the very last rays of sunshine.
Sunday, 12 June 2016: We took a small boat directly from Anse Volbert to Curieuse Island. The crossing took just 5 minutes. Upon arrival, you have to pay an island fee of 200 rupees per person. The uninhabited island remains unspoilt and is known for its mangrove forests and tortoises. We spotted numerous crabs of all sizes. We were also able to watch tortoises mating.
Monday, 13 June 2016: We took the bus to Constance Lemuria Resort, which provides access to Anse Georgette. This beach can only be visited by prior arrangement with the hotel, as the number of visitors per day is limited.
Tuesday, 14 June 2016: A quiet day of swimming at the hotel beach, Anse Volbert, followed by a candlelit dinner on the beach.
Wednesday, 15 June 2016: It was time to pack our suitcases again, but not to go home. Instead, we were heading to our next hotel, Constance Ephelia, on Mahé. The ferry crossing took 1 hour. Anyone prone to seasickness should take travel sickness tablets in good time. Our transfer took us over the island’s mountainous interior, which meant travelling along many winding roads but also gave us the chance to see plenty of beautiful viewpoints.
Thursday, 16 June 2016: Today, we took the bus to the cove at Anse Major. We had to change buses once in the capital, Victoria. The hike took 1 hour, with repeated rain showers along the way, before we finally reached the cove.
Friday, 17 June 2016: Today, we spent the entire day at the hotel. It has 2 large swimming beaches and an area with tortoises, which guests are allowed to feed every day at 4 pm.
Saturday, 18 June 2016: We hiked to the waterfalls near Port Glaud, just a 20-minute walk from our hotel, and enjoyed our final full day of the holiday. If you bring your swimming things, you can jump straight into the water at the waterfall.
Sunday, 19 June 2016: We departed with so many wonderful impressions to take home with us. For us, the Seychelles were the perfect honeymoon destination. They truly are a little paradise on Earth.
