Destinations
Made up of over 115 islands, the Republic of Seychelles cements itself as a gorgeous tropical haven within the western part of the Indian Ocean. It’s a place that you definitely want to visit at least once in your life to experience all the majestic beauty that the nation offers. Its exquisite beaches of dazzling white sand, forest filled with luscious tropical vegetation and a host of exotic and entrancing aquatic life.
It truly is a place of wonder and tranquillity that is sure to cure all the fatigue of daily routines and provide a one-of-a-kind journey.
Culture
Seychellois culture has been moulded by African, Asian and European elements with the biggest of these being the last one, particularly that of the French whose influence has shaped the nation’s national language, Creole, and a large swath of the local cuisine. The latter also integrates Asian elements so be prepared for some scrumptious dishes that fuse together these wholly different cultures.
Music and dance are where the African influences lay with two of the most popular dances, the séga and moutya, mirroring traditional African customs. These intricate patterns of movement traditionally took place under the moonlight to the beat of African drums and were once regular occurrences at village halls. Now, dance is mostly relegated to clubs but whether outside or indoors, it’s integral to the Seychellois experience so get ready to shake those limbs to some fantastic beats.
Some Activities to Help You Make the Most of Your Stay
Snorkelling and Scuba diving
With the incredible topography of the sprawling coral reef, marine walls, apexes, ravines and more available in the northern region of Seychelles, scuba diving and snorkelling is the way to go, especially if you’re the adventurous sort. If you do decide to go through with the activity, be sure to check out Bay Ternay on the island of Mahe as it’s the best place for this particular activity.
Trekking Through the Copolia Trail
Trekking is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of nature all around us, especially when you’re vacationing on a tropical island. Making your way through the path up to the granite hilltop will reward you with stunning views of the island’s glistening white and beaches and clear cerulean Indian Ocean. Best of all, trekking through the Copolia trail is completely free, one of the few tourist attractions that are so in Seychelles.
Take in a Sky High View
Being able to see the entirety of an island in a single glance would be an incredible feeling and with a helicopter tour over the islands, that feeling can be made a reality. Soaring through the skies while taking in the surreal beauty below is a wonderful to spend anyone’s time.
Visiting Morne National Park
Looking for the best way to take in all the various kinds of flora and fauna present in Seychelles? Then head on over to Morne National Park, a popular hotspot amongst trekkers and nature lovers. Its labyrinthine trails and vast array of species, both plants and animals, will be sure to delight all intrepid adventurers who come to visit.
Bird Watching at Vallee De Mai Tour
Acknowledged as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to a number of endemic palms and fauna found there including the coco-de-mer, a unique species known for having the largest seed in the plant kingdom.
It is also an Eden if you’re a bird watcher as within the trees that decorate ist landscape lie many exotic species such as the Seychelles bulbul, black parrot, Seychelles warbler and blue pigeon. The area also contains three hiking trails, a number of sub trails and guided walks for all your exploration needs.
Visiting the Coconut Plantation House
Spread out over 300 hectares of land, the vintage plantation house of La Digue is one of the most unique and fascinating locations you’ll find in Seychelles. This age-old plantation is currently counted as a national monument as it showcases the historical and cultural significance of the land. If you’re in the area, be sure to check certain sites such as the coconut oil mill, Corpa house and tortoise enclosure.
Ziplining across Luxuriant Forests
With 8 Zipline ranges to pick from, each built across various lovely forests, there’s a whole lot to see as you find yourself suspended high above these beautiful locales, zipping ever forward in an exhilarating fashion. There are ziplining options for kids as well so the whole family can experience the thrill. Also, this is one activity where we highly recommend pre-booking as the activity is quite sought after.
Rock Climbing Massive Outcrops
Continuing on with some more adventurous activities, we go from ziplining to rock climbing at the island of Mahe. Unique to the luxury resort, Constance Ephélia, this adventure zone offers you an array of grades of rock climbing depending on your skill level. Challenge yourself in this adventurous feat as you scale large granite outcrops in an effort to reach the top.
The Best Places to Stay in Seychelles
Constance Ephelia Resort
Within the white sand beaches and numerous hills of Mahé islands lies the Constance Ephelia resort with its fanciful suites and villas overlooking the majestic Indian Ocean. Besides its accommodations, the resort consists of 5 pools and shopping boutiques, 6 bars and 5 restaurants.
Whichever villa or suite you chose to stay at during your time at Constance Ephelia, you’ll be guaranteed either an ocean or mountain view along with your own private garden. Many of the restaurants at the resort offer buffet breakfasts and poolside snacking, and in the bars lie a plethora of local juices and cocktails for guests to sample.
There are also a variety of activities to indulge yourself in at the resort such as tennis, swimming, snorkelling on a private beach, a spa and sauna, and much more.
The resort also contains some external convinces for you as the Morne Seychelles National Park is a quick 5 minutes drive from the resort and the Seychelles International Airport is similarly close at a 25 minutes drive.
Raffles Seychelles
Situated on the island of Praslin, near Anse Lazio, one of the most beaches beautiful in the world, the Raffles Seychelles resort welcomes you to partake of its luxurious villas, beautiful gardens, scenic ocean views and top of the line facilities on offer.
The facilities you can experience at Raffles Seychelles include 6 restaurants, a kid’s club, a beauty salon and lounges which include a shisha longe for private dinners on the beach.
The resort is also fairly close to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Vallee de Mai, as well as being only a 15-minute ferry ride from Curieuse Island which houses 500 giant tortoises and La Digue which is famous for its sequestered beaches. With so many wonderful attractions close by, it’s a fairly ideal spot to call home during your vacation.
Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa
The Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa is located at Silhouette island and is a Gren Globe Certifies Hotel with over 90% of the island’s natural beauty under the protection of the Seychelles government.
Besides its luxurious villas, the Hilton Seychelles offers you full-service spas and an infinity pool hidden within tropical palm trees. There are 7 restaurants for you to dine in at the resort with cuisine from Italy, Japan, France and fusions of local and reign dishes.
The resort also features a 5-star PADI diving centre that you can make use of to explore the island’s many vibrant reefs. There are also a number of walking and hiking trails that you’ll find perfect for viewing the island’s vegetation and stunning terrain.
It’s a wonderful place to relax at, day or night, and is sure to enhance your island getaway experience.
