A Dream Summer Holiday in Paradise

Immediately after landing early in the morning, we took a taxi to the harbour to catch the first ferry to Praslin. Once aboard, we soon discovered that it was south-east monsoon season. A little tip for travellers who have not quite found their sea legs: it may be worth packing some motion sickness tablets!
Praslin really is breathtakingly beautiful. Our accommodation at the Cote D'Or Chalets was close to the gorgeous Anse Volbert (Cote d'Or) and comes highly recommended. We stayed in one of the newer apartments and were more than happy with our choice.

From there, we took a trip to the beautiful Anse Lazio and the famous Vallée de Mai. A hire car is not essential on Praslin. The buses may be driven rather adventurously, but they make it easy and, above all, inexpensive to get from A to B. During the south-east monsoon season in particular, the north and north-east side of the island is more appealing. Stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling... the whole world of water sports is at your fingertips.

After five nights on Praslin, we continued to the neighbouring island of La Digue for another five nights, reaching it after a short 20-minute crossing. Our accommodation here was the Pension Fidele, where we stayed in a lovely, clean ground-floor room with its own terrace.
For a change from beach life, we spent one day hiking up Nid d'Aigle, the island’s highest ‘mountain’ at 333 m. The climb initially follows a normal road as far as the Snack Bellevue, which serves incredibly delicious fruit juices! The final stretch to the summit then follows an unpaved and somewhat more adventurous path. At the top – and even from the restaurant – you are rewarded with spectacular views across La Digue and towards the nearby island of Praslin. It is a moderately challenging walk of around two hours there and back, but it is truly beautiful!

The next day, we joined a guided tour along the entire southern coast of La Digue, from Grand Anse to Anse Source d'Argent. We literally clambered over hill and dale, through the ‘jungle’, over and under granite boulders and through the water. A real adventure! Around halfway, at midday, you are rewarded with Anse Marron, one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches we saw in the Seychelles. The tour guides also serve their guests an entire platter of fresh fruit. Simply delicious, and a welcome boost for the second half of the hike. It is a truly unique tour, although it should only be attempted with a guide, a reasonable level of fitness and a sense of adventure!

Alongside a snorkelling trip to Coco and Félicité Island, Anse Source d'Argent was naturally also on our itinerary. And yes, it really does live up to every cliché – you feel as though you are in paradise.

Of course, our main mode of transport on La Digue was the bicycle. We were able to hire ours directly from Josette, the owner of our guesthouse. La Digue and cycling simply belong together. It really is true: everyone gets around by bicycle and, honestly, it is part of what makes the island so special. Pedalling along at a relaxed, leisurely pace helps you completely unwind. Add one wonderful beach after another, beautiful scenery, delicious takeaway restaurants and friendly locals. What more could you want?

After the crossing, which included a stop on Praslin, we received a very warm welcome on Mahé from Henri, the owner of our accommodation, Le Domaine de Bacova, where we spent our final four nights. The studio apartment was clean and well maintained, and we liked it very much – especially the sea view from the balcony!

After spending the first two days once again travelling on the rather adventurously driven buses to visit the capital, Victoria, and several beaches, Henri arranged a hire car for us. This is highly recommended on the largest island in the Seychelles. It gives you more flexibility, saves time and simply means avoiding waiting around and having to plan everything in detail.

The accommodation is also relatively well located as a base for excursions. Among other places, we visited Beau Vallon and took a drive along Sans Souci Road, stopping at the famous Mission Lodge Lookout and, finally, the Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden. This beautiful botanical garden is surrounded by nature and filled with impressive bamboo trees, flowers, spices and fruit. We were unexpectedly delighted by the diversity and the thoughtfully presented information about the flora and fauna. Highly recommended!
Mission Lodge Lookout Other highlights on Mahé were its many beaches, particularly along the south-east coast, although seasonal currents meant that swimming was not possible everywhere. Even so, each beach seemed more beautiful than the last. Our favourites were Anse Intendance, Anse Takamaka, Baie Lazare and Anse Soleil.
All our accommodation was self-catering, which was completely straightforward. The supermarkets stock all the essentials, and there are also various takeaways offering delicious Creole dishes as an affordable alternative.
Overall, we were absolutely delighted with our trip. Each island has its own charm and distinct advantages. They offer far more than just sea, sand and sunshine, and we are certain there is something to suit every taste. This certainly will not be our last visit.

So why spend any longer considering alternatives? Your holiday paradise awaits you in the Seychelles!