Relaxation, Nature and Thrilling Experiences
The desire to break away from our routine and the hectic pace of our winter lives had always been there, but strangely enough, this time the urge was particularly strong just as we were setting off on our summer holiday. Then, one day in July, some dear friends told us, ‘We were thinking of going to the Seychelles for New Year...’ No sooner said than done: a week later, we had all booked together.
We turned to SeyVillas, whose website is very clear, provides accurate information, offers reasonably priced options and has extremely kind and helpful staff. Thanks to SeyVillas and the ever-helpful Valeria, we quickly found the most convenient solution for us: 2 families, 10 people, no hotel, peace and quiet, and a beach just a few steps away. It was no easy task!
Cerf Island
And so our journey began on 26 December, still recovering from the Christmas festivities, flying with Emirates and being thoroughly looked after and pampered by the exceptionally kind cabin crew. At last, a plane with enough legroom and decent meals!
When we arrived, we were greeted by a tremendous downpour and the staff from Creole Travel Services, who efficiently took us to our destination. The accommodation exceeded our expectations — after all, you never know how true to life the photographs will be! Cerf Island, a little paradise 10 minutes by boat from Mahé, staying at Tropical Sanctuary: 2 very comfortable seaside villas with a swimming pool, owned by Mrs Cathy and Mr Jean Marc Perrin, and surrounded by a wonderfully lush garden filled with coconut palms, mango trees, breadfruit trees and hibiscus...
We chose the half-board option, so the legendary Cathy kept us well fed at breakfast and dinner with excellent, generous dishes. Over 9 days, we never had the same dish twice: starters, rice or pasta, meat and fish, and a delicious new sweet treat at every breakfast and dinner.
Our villas were on the side of the island with the best coral reef for snorkelling — Takamaka Beach — so, being keen snorkellers, we were able to make the most of it several times a day, depending on the tides, swimming among the colourful tropical fish. At low tide, we walked along the beach to the delightful Ile Cachée. We also enjoyed breathtaking views from the highest point on Cerf Island, reached by following a path through the dense vegetation that crosses the island from one side to the other.
We had 4 canoes at our disposal, which allowed us to reach the lovely Moyenne, do some more snorkelling, explore the little island and take plenty of selfies with the tortoises.
Not content with having all this paradise within easy reach, we arranged a wonderful tour of Mahé to visit the colourful market in Victoria, the capital, several beaches and the island’s interior, with its tea and cinnamon plantations.
La Digue
On our final day, we took a private boat to La Digue. We simply could not miss it! We stopped to snorkel over a magnificent coral reef where, alongside the splendid, brightly coloured fish, we were lucky enough to swim with a turtle and a medium-sized shark, about 2 metres long.
We then went ashore and ventured inland, where enormous rock formations and dense vegetation coexist in perfect harmony. The vanilla plantations were a delight to the senses. We also visited the giant tortoises and fed them fruit.
We played in the breakers while swimming at Grand Anse, before finally relaxing on the famous Anse Source d'Argent, where fish ate bread straight from our hands in the crystal-clear water.
All in all, they were 9 intensely lived days in close contact with nature, in an atmosphere that was both exhilarating and relaxing. We certainly returned home richer for the experience, and it will remain among the precious memories treasured by us, our children and our friends!
