When Dreams Come True...
On 14 September, the day had finally arrived. Our long-awaited and carefully planned dream trip to the Seychelles was beginning. We had decided to visit several islands, choosing Mahé, La Digue and Praslin for our island-hopping adventure.
After arriving in the Seychelles, we took a shuttle straight to the ferry, which carried us onwards to Praslin. The long journey was instantly forgotten as soon as we saw the turquoise water and lush vegetation, and sailed towards a breathtaking sunset.
There was plenty to discover and experience on Praslin. For example, we visited Fond Ferdinand, a park recommended to us by locals which, at just €10 per person, was also very affordable. Guided tours through the unspoilt rainforest were available, where we learnt a great deal about the famous ‘Coco de Mer’ palm, as well as all sorts of other native plants and animals. To top off the hike, we were rewarded with spectacular views across the entire island.
We would particularly recommend hiring a car so that you can explore as much of the island as possible. On our second day, we drove all the way around the island, stopping at several beaches, each more beautiful than the last. Anse Lazio is especially good for snorkelling. Although it is relatively busy compared with other beaches, the crystal-clear water and fascinating underwater world more than make up for it.
After three days, we continued by ferry to La Digue. The crossing took only around 15 minutes, and a beautiful little island awaited us, captivating us from the very first moment. We stayed at Le Repaire Boutique Hotel, which is located on the island’s west coast, very close to the ferry harbour. The hotel offered direct access to the beach and had its own Italian restaurant, while our room left nothing to be desired. The service was impeccable, although it must be said that all our accommodation ensured we had everything we needed. The staff arranged bicycles for us for the following day, allowing us to explore the island. We cycled past small souvenir shops and local houses towards the island’s east coast, where the beaches were deserted. Along the way, we encountered the occasional giant tortoise, and breathtaking views awaited us around every corner.
In our opinion, the beaches particularly worth visiting on La Digue are Grand Anse, Petite Anse and, above all, Anse Cocos, which can only be reached along a small path. Here, white sandy beaches, palm trees and unusually shaped granite boulders await, and you feel as though you have entered an entirely different world.
Our final stop was Mahé, the largest island. We stayed at Crown Beach Hotel. The hotel is situated on a wonderful beach, with a small shop and a bus stop nearby, from where you can explore the entire island.
Incidentally, travelling by bus in the Seychelles is quite an experience and, at 5 SRP per journey, it is a very affordable way to get around. We particularly recommend visiting the market in the capital, Victoria. It offers a wonderful insight into Creole culture, as well as an impressive variety of products. You can buy everything there, from fish and exotic fruit to traditional spices. We also hired a car on this island so that we could discover as much as possible.
For example, we visited Eden Island and the well-known Beau Vallon, which may not be the most beautiful beach on Mahé, but offers a wide range of water sports.
All in all, there is so much to discover on every island that you never cease to be amazed. The Seychelles are therefore not only ideal for relaxing, but also invite you to embark on entirely new cultural adventures. Finally, the Creole cuisine deserves a special mention, as it quite literally ‘makes your mouth water’.
Finally, a big thank you to SeyVillas, whose help enabled us to find the perfect accommodation for our dream holiday. We are already looking forward to our next holiday in the Seychelles, as there is still so much more to discover...!
