Family Holiday in Paradise

Our journey began in August with Qatar Airways, flying from Hamburg via Doha to Mahé. Even as we approached, we could see the breathtaking colours of the sea. We spent our first three days on Mahé and would definitely recommend hiring a car here. It gives you the flexibility to reach the most beautiful beaches and explore independently. One particular highlight was Petite Anse, a gorgeous, almost deserted beach accessed via the Four Seasons Hotel. The granite rocks are especially impressive here and make a fantastic backdrop for photos! We were also immediately captivated by Anse Intendance. The beach is wild and seemingly endless, the natural surroundings feel untouched, and we even spotted fruit bats and giant spiders there. Flying fox The currents made it unsuitable for swimming, but it was perfect for a long walk beside the waves. For dining on Mahé, we highly recommend Pete’s Grillz, where we spent a wonderful evening enjoying delicious food. The freshly caught fish was cooked over a charcoal grill right in front of us. Pete's Grillz After these first impressions, we took the ferry to Praslin, where we spent four nights at Ocean Villa, right on Grand Anse. We booked the accommodation through SeyVillas and received a warm welcome from the manager as soon as we arrived. Fresh coconuts and a selection of fruit were waiting for us. She later also helped us organise a boat trip, which became one of the best experiences of our entire journey. Our villa was spacious, very comfortable and perfectly equipped, so we felt at home straight away. For sunset, we headed to Anse Lazio, where we picked up barbecue skewers from the takeaway stand at Mabuya Restaurant. We enjoyed them right on the beach, followed by a fresh coconut from Kokoloko Beach Bar. We loved Anse Lazio so much that we returned to spend another full day there. One real hidden gem is the short but energetic hike to the small bay of Petite Anse Lazio; sturdy footwear is recommended.Petite Anse Lazio A true snorkelling paradise awaits you here, and as well as numerous colourful fish, we spotted a turtle in the water! Sea turtle We were particularly impressed by Praslin’s natural beauty. At Fond Ferdinand, we climbed many steps and were rewarded with an unforgettable 360-degree view across the entire island. Along the way, we learnt a great deal about the endemic Coco de Mer, as well as takamaka and cinnamon trees. Vallée de Mai was equally impressive, with its ancient plant life. Afterwards, we visited Anse Georgette, which requires an advance reservation because access is via a hotel golf course. The route to the beach is long and hilly, but the turquoise water makes it well worth the effort. The absolute highlight for us, however, was the boat trip to Curieuse Island. Thanks to our host, we did not have to organise a thing. We were collected directly from our accommodation, visited several snorkelling spots, saw colourful fish and even turtles, and were served an incredibly delicious lunch. The fish was caught fresh during the journey to Curieuse Island. Visiting the giant tortoises on Curieuse was an unforgettable moment for us. From Praslin, we continued by ferry to La Digue, where we spent three nights. Bicycles are the main form of transport here, and that is precisely what gives the island its special charm. There are hardly any cars, the atmosphere is relaxed, and you immediately feel a wonderful sense of freedom. Although the hilly roads were sometimes tiring, exploring the island on two wheels was tremendous fun. La Digue completely enchanted us with its beauty. Naturally, a visit to Anse Source d'Argent was right at the top of our list. The famous beach with its enormous granite rocks really is every bit as impressive as it looks in photographs. Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue Our favourite beach on La Digue, however, was Anse Patates. The cycle ride there is an experience in itself, following the coastline. However, it is best to visit at low tide, as the beach almost disappears otherwise. On the way, we stopped at Bikini Bottom Beach Bar, which is lovingly painted in bright colours. You can enjoy smoothies there while watching the tortoises roaming freely. One particularly sweet sight was a giant tortoise by the roadside, contentedly tucking into a mango. Giant tortoise on La Digue Grand Anse and Petite Anse were wild and unspoilt, making them perfect for long walks. To round off our journey, we spent another two nights on Mahé. After so many experiences, we enjoyed taking things at a slower pace during our final days and revisiting our favourite beaches. The Seychelles truly are paradise. What impressed us most was just how empty the beaches were. We often had entire bays almost to ourselves. The water was crystal-clear, the sand pale and soft, and the natural surroundings incredibly lush and diverse. It is a true snorkelling paradise, and the beaches are more beautiful than any we had ever seen before. Each island also has its own character: Mahé is diverse and wild, Praslin is peaceful and close to nature, while La Digue is small, charming and relaxed. We enjoyed every minute, whether we were snorkelling, cycling or simply watching the sunset on the beach. A huge thank you goes to SeyVillas. Everything was perfectly organised, the accommodation was beautiful, and the local assistance, for example with the boat trip, made everything straightforward and enjoyable. For us, this holiday was an unforgettable experience, and we would return in a heartbeat.