Four Islands, Three Weeks, Two People – An Absolute Dream
Our first trip together outside Europe took us island hopping in the Seychelles for three weeks. Thanks to SeyVillas, planning our stays and transfers was completely straightforward and seamless, and they were always quick and helpful whenever we needed to make any subsequent changes. To say this upfront: the trip itself and the transfers between the islands were also very well organised and went off without a hitch!
Our journey began on the main island of Mahé. In our view, it is an excellent introduction to this tropical paradise and is clearly underestimated by many visitors. As well as beautiful, though sometimes challenging, hiking trails in the island’s interior, there are several beaches that are well worth seeing. Among the most beautiful for us were Police Bay, Anse Takamaka, Beau Vallon and Anse Major.
One memory that has particularly stayed with us is the sunset at Beau Vallon, with Silhouette Island visible on the horizon. The capital, Victoria, is also worth a visit, especially for a stroll through the market with its many exotic local products – the perfect way to feel that you have truly arrived in paradise. You should definitely buy at least some of the fruit on offer!
Mahé is also ideal for exploring smaller offshore islands such as Cerf on a day trip. For our accommodation, we chose Belle Montagne Holiday on the island’s peaceful west coast. We recommend the apartment with a sea view, where you can begin the day with breakfast on the balcony overlooking the Indian Ocean and unwind there again in the evening. Its elevated position is also perfect for observing the local wildlife. We recommend hiring a car to get around. We collected ours at the airport from very friendly and helpful staff, who briefly explained how driving works in this tropical paradise and were happy to take the time to answer any questions.
The second stop on our trip was the island of Praslin. We chose a domestic flight for the transfer. Travelling in the propeller plane was a little adventure in itself and offered wonderful bird’s-eye views of the islands.
Soon after arriving on Praslin, you notice that the pace here is much gentler than on the bustling main island of Mahé. Everything feels particularly unhurried along Grand Anse, on the island’s quieter side, and by this point the relaxed Seychelles atmosphere truly begins to take hold. A hire car is perfect for exploring the island at a leisurely pace and simply seeing where the day takes you. The places we discovered that have particularly stayed with us include the small beach behind ‘Notre Dame des Iles’, the drive through the lush island interior past Vallée de Mai, and Smoon Island near Anse Takamaka by the Raffles hotel. The latter was especially impressive for its magnificent views of Curieuse Island and excellent snorkelling spot – we were lucky enough to see a turtle.
Speaking of Curieuse Marine National Park, a day trip to this island is not to be missed. Several snorkelling stops from the boat along the way, the hike across the island, the giant tortoises living there and a barbecue on the beach made for the perfect end to our time on Praslin. Looking back, our highlights on Praslin definitely included the sunset at Anse Georgette and our visit to Petit Anse Lazio. The latter is particularly appealing because of its secluded location away from the larger Anse Lazio, and with a little luck you may have this tiny corner of paradise entirely to yourself.
We stayed at Destination Self-Catering. As well as being well equipped, the accommodation left a very positive impression thanks to the exceptionally friendly, warm and helpful host. Whether we needed to do some laundry or plan excursions, she was always quick to offer straightforward assistance with any problem.
We then took the ferry to La Digue. Two things quickly stood out to us: the scenery is even more impressive than on Praslin, but the island is also considerably more touristy and bustling. The best way to escape the general bicycle bustle is with a guided hike around the island’s southern tip. This sometimes adventurous climb through the granite rocks ultimately rewards you with the secluded and breathtaking Anse Marron.
We were also lucky enough to spot the endangered Seychelles paradise flycatcher, which is native only to La Digue, during this tour. Seeing both a male and a female at close range was definitely one of THE highlights of our holiday.
For a break and the chance to unwind, we recommend stopping at the ‘Bikini Bottom’ bar. Its relaxed atmosphere and views of Praslin make it a lovely place to enjoy one of the many smoothies. Those looking for beautiful views across the island and towards the surrounding neighbouring islands – as far as Mahé and Silhouette on clear days – should follow the circular trail beginning at the ‘Belle Vue’ restaurant. Anyone undeterred by the strenuous climb will be rewarded with several fantastic panoramic views. The atmosphere of the restaurant itself, with its views and open terrace, made the visit worthwhile in its own right.
We stayed at Belle des Iles Guest House. We especially liked the apartment’s balcony, which also served as an outdoor kitchen. How often do you have the opportunity to cook and eat outside surrounded by greenery?We then took the ferry to the final island of our trip. Silhouette was set to be the highlight of our holiday, and even beforehand it had a certain appeal thanks to the exclusivity of the island’s two accommodation options. We chose the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, which fully lived up to our high expectations. ‘Anse La Passe’, the beach extending along the entire length of the resort, is an absolute delight and was one of the most beautiful beaches of our trip! On a walk northwards, you may have parts of the beach entirely to yourself, and away from the accommodation, the natural beauty of this paradise reveals itself in a particularly striking way.
The hiking trail to Anse Mondon also begins at the northern end of the beach. This challenging trail, particularly after rain, leads through Silhouette’s wild, unspoilt natural landscape, past lush vegetation and all manner of wildlife, to a very secluded beach. As we were the only people on the trail that day, we had the idyllic bay entirely to ourselves.
It is also well worth leaving the resort to explore the island, perhaps with a detour to Anse Patates - Silhouette along the west coast. All in all, Silhouette was the perfect crowning finale to three unforgettable weeks in the Seychelles, and our daily stroll along the beach towards the breakfast buffet was a wonderfully relaxing way to bring the holiday to a close.
Looking back, alongside the magnificent landscapes and wealth of exotic experiences, what particularly remains with us is the open nature of the local people, their great warmth and their constant willingness to help. Ultimately, we look back on three unforgettable weeks that broadened both our experience and our horizons in every respect!