Seychelles: paradise for little ones too!
Several months after our trip, the memories remain indelibly etched in our hearts.
It was our first long-haul holiday with our little ones, aged 18 months and 3½ years. We booked several months in advance through SeyVillas, who took meticulous care of us and recommended what proved to be the perfect choice for our family.
We departed from Malpensa on 7 August on an overnight flight with Ethiopian Airlines.
After a rather chaotic stopover in Addis Ababa, we continued to Mahé, arriving perfectly on time. We were met and taken straight to the small plane that would fly us to Praslin, much to the indescribable excitement of my eldest and the complete indifference of our youngest, who slept soundly in my arms despite the deafening noise of the little aircraft.
On arrival in Praslin, we were taken by taxi to Cote D'Or Chalets, where we encountered the first and only hitch of our holiday: the beds for the children had not been prepared. The chalet was set up for just two guests, but everyone immediately sprang into action and the issue was quickly resolved, with a double bed for the little ones, a highchair and crockery for them too! Excellent accommodation, clean and, above all, in a very convenient location, with the beach just a stone’s throw away and a wide choice of shops and restaurants!
On Praslin, we visited Anse Lazio, travelling there by taxi boat. A stunning beach, with a restaurant where we ate extremely well!
The following day, we went to Curieuse Marine National Park. Once again, we had some doubts about taking the children, but they ended up having more fun than anyone, meeting the famous giant tortoises, enjoying the fascinating walk through the mangroves in search of pirate treasure, discovering heavenly views along the way and tucking into a delicious barbecue. Unfortunately, the rough sea meant that visibility was rather poor for snorkelling at St Pierre.
Driven by our usual curiosity and desire to discover new places, the following morning we visited Vallée de Mai!
That was also perfectly manageable with the children, who carefully and curiously followed the signs placed especially for them all along the trail!
And since we were already in a taxi, even though it was not exactly on the way, we asked to be taken to Constance Lémuria Seychelles for a swim at Anse Georgette. Thanks to our taxi driver’s contacts, we managed to get in even though we had not booked!
A fabulous hotel, followed by a walk across the golf course to reach yet another stunning beach, where vendors sold delicious fruit served on banana leaves! The return journey through the resort was uphill, but it was effortless because the incredibly kind staff offered us lifts in golf buggies. This also ensured that hotel guests who might be playing golf were not disturbed.
We were ready for our second island, La Digue, which unfortunately welcomed us with rain.
Perhaps it was the rough sea, the chaotic arrival at the harbour, the crowds and the rain, but for a moment we felt rather apprehensive. Being loaded onto their distinctive vehicles and driven along unpaved roads through the forest to our accommodation, Villa Veuve, left us feeling somewhat unsettled.
But as soon as the sun began to break through, we set off on our bicycles, complete with child seats, to explore the island that stole our hearts!
Anse Source d'Argent with its granite boulders, Anse Severe, Anse La Réunion, Grand Anse... all fabulous!
Villa Veuve was a little dated, but offered an excellent half-board service and a very good breakfast. It was slightly outside the island’s centre, and the unlit road made it difficult for us to go out in the evenings. We missed the Ferragosto celebrations, which are apparently very traditional, but it was still a wonderful experience in the heart of the forest!
After spending five days completely immersed in nature, without cars and with flying foxes soaring overhead, returning to Mahé came as quite a shock!
We stayed in Beau Vallon at Bord Mer Villa, in the island’s most touristy and commercial area, and decided to hire a car despite having to drive on the left.
This allowed us to discover Mahé’s true wild character too, with its enchanting hidden corners and beaches.
I would recommend that everyone visit Petite Anse, within Four Seasons Resort. It is a true slice of paradise, with free entry and, once again, a golf buggy to take you there!
So, to sum up... what can we say? It is a wonderful destination, even with two tiny tots!
The climate is ideal: never too hot.
The beaches have no facilities, but there is always plenty of shade from the enormous coconut palms, although do watch out for falling coconuts!
Kind people, excellent Creole food and a reliable, meticulous tour operator!
Paradise!
Thank you, SeyVillas!
