Wonderful SEYCHELLES!
The Seychelles had always been at the top of our list of ‘places to visit’, and this year we finally made it!! Thanks to the SeyVillas team and the advice we found on the website, we organised our holiday from 13–25 August. We left Malpensa Airport on 13 August on an Emirates flight, and by early the next morning we had already arrived in paradise. We had never flown with Emirates before, and it was a very pleasant discovery, with punctuality and courtesy being their greatest strengths. When we arrived on Mahé, we were welcomed at the airport by the Creole Service staff, who gave us maps and timetables for our various transfers, explained everything and accompanied us to the harbour. We chose to travel between the islands by ferry.
On the journey from Mahé to Praslin, which took about an hour, we had no problems with ‘seasickness’, but some of the other passengers suffered terribly!!! So do consider carefully whether a domestic flight might be a better option for you.
First island – La Digue
We stayed at the Moonlight Beach Villa for four nights, on a half-board basis in a standard room overlooking the garden.
The hotel is small and well managed, just a stone’s throw from the centre of La Passe, where all the island’s activity is concentrated. There is a delightful little beach directly opposite the hotel. Bicycles are available for hotel guests, and they helped us reach all the island’s beaches, from Anse Source D'Argent to Grand Anse and Anse Severe… our favourite?? Anse Source D’Argent, although the others were also wonderful, each with its own special character!!!
As we arrived on La Digue on 14 August, we were able to take part in the great ‘Ferragosto Festival’, an extraordinary event lasting three days and three nights, with street food, stalls, concerts, games and much more. It attracts residents from all the other islands, and this was where we experienced authentic Creole life!!
Second island – Praslin
What can we say......fantastic. We also spent four nights here, staying at the Sea View Lodge, which enjoys a perfect location in the bay of Anse Possession, halfway between Anse Volbert and Anse Lazio.
The owner of the guest house took wonderful care of us. Breakfast and dinner were served directly on the veranda of our ‘Star Fruit’ room, surrounded by a tropical garden filled with the sounds and scents of nature.
In the evenings, it was wonderful to sit on the patio and gaze at the stars. We used the local buses to get around, and they took us all over Praslin. Anse Lazio, Anse Volbert and Anse Georgette completely captured our hearts.
Third island – Mahé
It is the largest island, but no less charming for it. We stayed at Fleur de Sel, in the bay of Anse Royale. Our accommodation was an apartment, with supermarkets and restaurants nearby. Here, we hired a car, which allowed us to explore the island independently, including the capital, Victoria, and all the beaches, such as Beau Vallon and Anse Takamaka.
The weather on Mahé was not kind to us, so on one rainy day we took the opportunity to visit Eden Island, which had caught our attention when we saw it from above as we arrived on Mahé.
The Seychelles will remain in our hearts for a very long time.
