A Fairytale Honeymoon
1. Organising the trip
We organised our honeymoon through SeyVillas and could not have made a better choice. We decided to go island hopping, and the SeyVillas team advised us on the best order in which to visit the islands to make the most of our time. Looking back, we are very glad we followed their advice. The team were always very helpful in answering our questions, and all communication, including regarding payments, was consistently clear and prompt.
We organised the entire trip through their website, from the flights to the transfers between the islands.
We also booked the transfer package, which included all our transfers between the islands, as well as those from the airport to the various harbours and accommodation. The drivers were always very punctual and courteous.
Without this package, travellers must arrange all transfers themselves, which can be rather inconvenient to organise once there.
2. A warm welcome and impeccable transfer service
In our case, SeyVillas entrusted the management of all our transfers to a local agency called Creole , which met all our needs and always provided us with the best possible service.
When we arrived at Mahé airport, a Creole representative was waiting for us and took us to the harbour for our ferry to Praslin. Upon arriving on the island, another representative directed us to the second ferry, which would take us to our first destination, the island of La
Digue. Once we arrived, the transfer service took us to our accommodation, where we met another Creole representative. She explained the island’s main features, advised us on what to visit and which tours were available, and also recommended
places to eat and sample the island’s best specialities. We received the same attentive service at our subsequent stops in Praslin and Mahé.
As for the various tours we took, there was always an English-speaking guide. Everyone, from the drivers to the guides themselves, was very friendly and ready to answer our countless questions, although this is typical of the Seychellois, who are always warm and welcoming.
3. The islands
La Digue
Our first stop was La Digue, where we stayed at the three-star Patatran hotel, a beautiful, albeit somewhat dated, property overlooking Anse Patates. In our opinion, this is one of the island’s most picturesque spots and is also very popular with visitors who are not staying at the hotel.
The hotel offers an extensive breakfast buffet, as well as the option of having lunch or dinner in the restaurant at reasonable prices. The cocktails are excellent too, especially when enjoyed in one of the wooden structures overlooking the beach. Our room was spacious enough, air-conditioned and always cleaned promptly and to a good standard. It also had a lovely little terrace facing the sea. Bicycles can also be
hired at the property, allowing you to explore the entire island at your leisure.
Of the three islands we visited, this is the smallest and perhaps the least developed. You can explore it entirely by bicycle, and this is one of its most distinctive features, allowing you to fully appreciate the magic of the place.
It goes without saying that the beaches are all equally beautiful, but each has its own special features that make it unique.
On our first day, we visited the southern part of the island and explored L'Union Estate , with its giant tortoises, vanilla plantations and the famous Anse Source d'Argent.
We then travelled inland through the forest to Grand Anse and Petite Anse, which are connected by a short, easy-to-follow trail.
The following day, we explored the island’s east coast as far as Anse Fourmis and enjoyed the best octopus salad on the island at a charming restaurant in Anse Banane.
On the third day, we chose the tour of Félicité, Coco, Grand Soeur and Petite Soeur islands , where we went snorkelling among coral and brightly coloured fish.
Praslin
Here we stayed at Le Domaine de La Reserve, a beautiful four-star hotel where we enjoyed a ‘Beach-front Deluxe’ Suite overlooking a bay with crystal-clear, consistently calm water.
Our stay included half board, and our honeymoon package also included a romantic à la carte dinner. The food was excellent and of very high quality, while breakfast was always varied, with an extensive buffet. The restaurant is set on a pier-like structure over the water,
making it particularly picturesque.
The property also has a private beach and the largest swimming pool in the Seychelles.
In Praslin, we chose to take two tours:
- A catamaran tour that included a visit to Anse Lazio, a truly breathtaking beach, as well as a visit to Vallée de Mai, home to the nature reserve that protects the distinctive Coco de Mer.
- A tour of Curieuse Island, with its giant tortoises, followed by snorkelling around a tiny island in the middle of the ocean, within Curieuse Marine National Park.
Mahé
Our third and final stop. Here we stayed at the Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, a beautiful five-star hotel set on a hillside overlooking the sea, with wonderful sunset views.
All the buildings are made of wood and have chalet-style interiors. The service and staff were consistently impeccable.
At this hotel, our honeymoon package included a trip to Silhouette, an island with just one resort, which is also part of the Hilton group. However, due to bad weather, the staff promptly suggested and arranged an alternative at the hotel: a one-hour full-body massage in the spa. It was a truly unique experience, and after the massage they prepared a romantic setting around the Jacuzzi in our room, complete with fresh fruit and prosecco.
The property has two restaurants and a bar where you can enjoy lunch or dinner made with exceptionally high-quality, fresh ingredients, with both Creole dishes and internationally inspired cuisine.
In Mahé, we opted for a classic island tour, which took us to discover the capital, Victoria, enjoy the breathtaking views from the viewpoint and, after passing through the tea plantations and enjoying a fresh fish lunch, cool off in the
waters of Anse Royale.
Needless to say, once again we were extremely pleased with the service and with the information our guides shared about each place we visited.
Finally, on the day of our departure, although check-out was at 11:00 and our transfer was not scheduled until 15:00, the staff allowed us to use all the facilities until it was time to leave. They provided beach towels, towels and shower facilities at the spa, allowing us to enjoy our final morning between the beach, where we also used the snorkelling equipment, and the swimming pool.
Overall, we can say that we were extremely satisfied with all three destinations. Each place gave us unique and unforgettable moments, and we are very pleased with our choices.
We recommend all three properties, while keeping in mind that they are very different from one another and offer progressively higher levels of comfort and luxury.
We strongly recommend visiting this paradise and booking through SeyVillas.
Do not hesitate to ask the team any questions before making your booking. They will find the best solution for your needs and address any concerns you may have. Once there, you will always have a local representative ready to assist and advise you in any situation!
