PARADISE CAN’T WAIT
I had always overlooked the Seychelles, thinking they were a very expensive destination. Fortunately, I was proved completely wrong. My partner and I went on a 13-day holiday in late April and early May. The best time to visit is actually March/April. Including flights, transfers, food and accommodation, and without going without anything, we spent €1,700 per person! Not bad, I’d say! The key is to plan before you leave, working out a rough itinerary and what you would like to do, and then finding the best options.
Rather than going through traditional travel agencies selling standard packages, you can search online and enlist the help of agents such as SeyVillas, where you will find a wide range of options to suit every budget. Our itinerary was as follows: 3 nights on Mahé, 4 nights on Praslin and 5 nights on La Digue.
Mahé
Mahé, which is also home to the capital, Victoria, is best explored by car and offers plenty to do. A visit to the town is, of course, a must. From there, you can cross the island to reach the other side, opposite Therese and Conception islands, passing through a truly enchanting forest.
You can also visit the 2 small islands with local fishermen who offer boat trips and, in our case, a lovely lunch cooked on the beach. It was the best barracuda I have ever eaten.
We stayed in the Anse Takamaka area, in an annexe surrounded by nature, and I must say that I really liked the south, even though there is absolutely nothing to do after sunset – not even a bar – but that is the beauty of the Seychelles!
Praslin
There is a very convenient domestic flight to Praslin aboard small ‘flying buses’, which reach the island in under 1 hour. The views are truly breathtaking.
We also recommend hiring a car on Praslin so that you can explore more independently. In my opinion, this is where you will find the most beautiful beaches.
Let us start with Anse Lazio: we went there twice. You need to be lucky enough to visit on a day when the sea is calm, as it feels like being in an enormous swimming pool, with a dazzling white beach framed by the typical local rocks. It is also ideal for snorkelling.
We then saw it again when the sea was rough, and unfortunately it did not have quite the same charm.
Anse Georgette can only be visited by requesting permission from the Lemuria resort in advance. They are very helpful and quick to reply. However, you need to walk for around 30 minutes across their golf course to reach the beach (please note: there are no bars, so bring everything you need). The east coast from Anse Volbert to Anse Lazio is full of delightful little spots and distinctive beaches. It is worth stopping wherever you can (please note: there are no proper car parks, so you will need to pull over at the side of the road). At Anse Boudin, there is a small Jamaican kiosk beside the road – you cannot miss it! It is an essential stop for fantastic freshly made juices, or you can book a fish dinner accompanied by Bob Marley. We also booked our excursion to Curieuse Island from there, where you can spend the day in a protected oasis with giant tortoises. Very interesting.
La Digue
From Praslin, a convenient ferry takes you to the paradise island of La Digue. Hiring a bicycle is essential here. Fortunately, cars are not permitted, apart from the few used by local people to transport essential goods – and, to be honest, I think even those should be reduced in number. It feels like stepping back in time, with ox-drawn carts and everything moving at a different pace.
The people are genuinely very helpful. The lady hosting us even gave us Creole cookery lessons, helping us prepare fish that had been caught that very morning. The roads are a continuous series of ups and downs, and given that the bicycles are not exactly modern – and are particularly worn by the sand and climate – you certainly keep fit!
We stayed on an inland road near the jetty, which I thought was an excellent base for exploring the island and taking an evening stroll through the ‘centre’. Here too, the beaches follow one after another, and you simply have to try them all, stopping anywhere that catches your eye. One of the most beautiful is Anse Source d'Argent, famous as the filming location for the Bacardi advert.
Unfortunately, one drawback we noticed everywhere – not only in the Seychelles – was the very poor respect shown for nature and the piles of rubbish that we collected every day.
I also had problems with sand flies on La Digue. These tiny insects can cause extremely intense itching, although fortunately not everyone is affected. Remember to bring very strong insect repellent and products to soothe the irritation should it occur. Apart from that, this is a trip YOU HAVE TO TAKE: a waking dream in a wonderful paradise that deserves to be experienced!
Claudia
