La Digue & Mahé: A Two-Island Adventure

We spent the first 11 nights on La Digue at Villa Anse Source d'Argent.

Arrival

We landed in Mahé in the morning after flying with Emirates from Vienna via Dubai. As long as the stopover in Dubai is not too long, it is actually very pleasant: you can stretch your legs, and the time on the two shorter flights passes all the more quickly.

The bus transfer (approx. 15 minutes) from the airport to the harbour with Creole Travel Service, SeyVillas’ local partner, went smoothly. The ferry crossing (approx. 1 hour) can be quite rough at this time of year and is only suitable for those who do not get seasick easily. A taxi was waiting for us as soon as we arrived at the harbour on La Digue and took us to our accommodation, which was exactly right for us.

Accommodation and the island

The location is a little out of the way, but beautifully peaceful. You are out and about by bicycle every day anyway, so cycling a little further is no problem. On La Digue, you should definitely enjoy getting around on foot or by bicycle, otherwise you will miss many beautiful spots. You now see only the occasional ox cart, but there is still very little traffic (taxis and transport vehicles; no private cars).

We were very pleasantly surprised by breakfast, which was prepared especially for us in our bungalow! There were no cold meats, ham, beans or sausages, but we did not miss any of those things. On the contrary, we now miss the delicious fruit! We cycled several kilometres every day, but also did a great deal of walking, as in some places you really can only continue on foot along hiking trails. The natural scenery is simply impressive, and the strenuous hikes were definitely worthwhile. Our favourite walks were to the highest point on La Digue and along the beaches from Grand Anse to Anse Cocos. We visited what we considered the most beautiful beach in the Seychelles, Anse Source d'Argent, several times. You have to pay an entrance fee if you want to cycle through the former coconut and vanilla plantation before reaching the beach. From there, you continue on foot. You can avoid the entrance fee by officially turning off at the helipad and wading through the sea, although this means starting your walk through the plantation sooner.

Snorkelling

The snorkelling was very good at Anse Source d'Argent and Anse Severe. During our stay, Anse Patates was not suitable for snorkelling because the currents and waves were too strong.

Excursion to Praslin

We organised our own day trip to Praslin to visit the ‘Vallée de Mai’. It was very impressive and well worth the visit. Arranging the ferry tickets, public bus on Praslin (provided it is not full, it will pick you up at the bus stops and costs one-tenth of the taxi fare) and taxis yourself is no problem at all. We did not regret deciding against booking a hotel on Praslin, although the island is certainly very beautiful too.

Food

There are plenty of very good restaurants on La Digue, while the takeaway options are also excellent and very inexpensive. Unfortunately, the food packaging is not made from cardboard.

Construction work

We noticed several construction projects – though, it must be said, there was no noise disturbance. However, there is a concern that in a few years’ time, this currently peaceful island could become somewhat busier.

‘Assumption Day’ – the Feast of the Assumption

La Digue is absolutely packed around ‘Assumption Day’. It is a huge three-day celebration with plenty of music, stages, food stalls and much more. Residents from all the islands travel there especially for this major event. We really enjoyed having the opportunity to experience it. As our accommodation was far enough away from all the activity, it was still wonderfully peaceful in the evenings despite the festivities.

We treated ourselves to a 15-minute sightseeing flight by helicopter around La Digue – we would do it again without hesitation! The view from above is breathtaking. Flights are offered on certain days directly from the helipad (next to the entrance to Anse Source d’Argent).

Ferry crossing/hire car

After 11 nights, we were collected and taken to the ferry for another very rough crossing to Mahé via Praslin, where we had a stopover. The representative from the car hire company was already waiting for us there and handed over the car. Driving on the left takes some getting used to, and the mountain roads on Mahé are not to be underestimated (there is no hard shoulder, so caution is required).

Accommodation and the island

We stayed on Copolia Mountain, directly beside the hiking trail, at Copolia Lodge. It has 4 rooms, an apartment and a suite, which the three of us had booked. There is a pool with breathtaking views. The suite has a terrace with two sun loungers and another wonderful panoramic view. Although Copolia Lodge is situated directly beside the mountain road, it is wonderfully peaceful. Without a hire car, you would be quite isolated there. We deliberately chose this seclusion for our final 4 days and would certainly do so again. The lodge is an absolutely wonderful place to relax, and the hike up Copolia is well worthwhile. The food is superb, with a set menu offered each day. In the morning, you can decide whether or not you would like dinner. As it gets dark very quickly and the mountain roads are even less ‘enjoyable’ to drive after dark, it is a real pleasure to spend a relaxing evening at the lodge over an excellent meal. The breakfast here was also perfect for our tastes.

Excursions by hire car

We also visited the market on Mahé, the long Beau Vallon beach (which was definitely not for us, as it was too large and already too crowded!) and the bay at Port Launay (the Constance Ephelia resort), which would be a truly lovely place for a relaxing beach holiday. Unfortunately, the water was too murky during our visit because it had rained the previous night; otherwise, the snorkelling there is said to be excellent. For plant lovers, the Botanical Garden on Mahé is well worth visiting. The La Misere Exotics Garden Centre is equally beautiful and has been laid out with great care.

On the day of our departure, we drove to the airport very early in the morning, taking packed breakfasts with us. The representative from the car hire company was waiting for us again and collected the car and keys. A wonderful holiday had come to an end, and we flew back to Vienna via Dubai.

Many thanks to the SeyVillas team for their excellent advice before our holiday, and enormous praise for the fantastic organisation. Everything (flights, transfers, accommodation and hire car) worked perfectly!!