Slowing Down on La Digue

The Seychelles: We had looked at countless dreamy photos of idyllic beaches and were convinced that this was exactly where we had to spend our two-week honeymoon. And I can say straight away: in reality, these islands in the middle of the ocean are even more beautiful! We often stood on the beach, barely able to believe just how incredibly wonderful this corner of the world is.

But let us start at the beginning. After landing on Mahé, we took the ferry straight to Praslin. We stayed at a small resort right on Anse Volbert (Cote d'Or) beach, the Berjaya Praslin Resort. The hotel was nothing particularly special, and the beach was fine for swimming. Above all, though, the value for money was unbeatable. The location was another major advantage: there were plenty of restaurants and shops around the hotel. A bus stop directly outside was ideal for excursions, while boat trips to the offshore islands departed from the beach.

The short and adventurous bus journey to Anse Lazio was great fun. Then, after a brief walk, the view genuinely took our breath away. What a picture-perfect beach. It is impossible to describe – you simply have to see it for yourself.

Anse Lazio, Praslin Another trip by local bus took us to Vallée de Mai. This impressive national park lies in the centre of the island. You soon realise that the Seychelles have far more to offer than just dreamy beaches!

Vallée de Mai Finally, we took a boat trip to Curieuse Island. The giant tortoises were truly fascinating to watch.

Giant tortoise We also went snorkelling off the tiny island of St Pierre. It is really just a rocky outcrop rising from the water – but what an outcrop! If I had to draw a small, mysterious pirate island, this is exactly what it would look like.

After so much activity, we continued to the next island: La Digue. Here, everything slowed down considerably, as the locals have a rather relaxed, even leisurely, ‘pace of life’. Perhaps that is simply because there are virtually no cars on the island, apart from a very small number. The main ways to get around are by bicycle or on foot.

And that is exactly where the fun begins. You can cycle off in any direction and experience a colourful, welcoming and beautiful island. Bicycles seem to be available to hire on almost every corner. We were very fortunate that we could hire them directly from our guesthouse, the Chalet Bamboo Vert. This meant we could explore the island at our own pace, stopping to cool off and swim at any of the countless beaches, many of which were right beside the road.

A must-see on La Digue is probably the most photographed beach in the world: d’Argent. Anse Source d'Argent The beach is located within the grounds of L'Union Estate . You pay a small entrance fee to visit these world-famous, idyllic beaches. You are given a wristband, which allows you to leave the grounds and return later the same day. Besides the beautiful beaches, there is plenty more to see, including an old cemetery, a historic plantation house, native plants and giant tortoises in an enclosed area. We were slightly unlucky – or perhaps it was actually fortunate: just as we wanted to visit the beach, it began to rain. However, that also meant it was less crowded. By late afternoon, once all the day-trippers had left the island, we were the only people swimming in the sea against this unique backdrop. Indescribable.

We ended our journey with five days on Mahé, the largest island. We enjoyed a few more lovely days at the Savoy Resort & Spa, right by the beach. After so many experiences, it was time to simply relax. In the evenings, we could enjoy something to eat from the small local food stalls and admire the magnificent sunsets.

Sunset