I have a confession to make. I may have just found the most beautiful islands in the world. And I’m fairly certain that if you asked my friend, Tony, he might agree with me… although I should probably let him answer that one himself!
One of my best friends is from the Seychelles, so I’ve visited her on numerous occassions. Every time I return, I am reminded of just how special the Seychelles are. Something about Seychelles gets under your skin. Whether it is the beautiful beaches, the huge granite boulders scattered along the shoreline, the turquoise water, or the slow pace of island life, there is something that makes you wish you could bottle up the feeling and take it home with you.
Getting to Seychelles from Johannesburg is relatively easy as the flight is around five hours in length. Once you arrive at the airport and step off the plane into the warm island air, you will soon realize that you are not on a typical beach holiday.
A Honeymoon in Paradise
My husband and I had been married for some time when we decided to go on our honeymoon to the beautiful island of Mahé. We stayed in a lovely boutique hotel on the west coast of the island, and we were surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Seychelles is a republic of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa. The archipelago has powdery sandy beaches, coral reefs, tropical rainforests, and many unique species of wildlife, including the giant Aldabra tortoises.
And those beaches? Well, let’s just say they have every right to be proud of themselves!
As a country, Seychelles is not just one big island with a few beaches around its perimeter. No, Seychelles is a country made up of many different islands, and each island has its own character, landscape, and charm.
5 Days on a Catamaran on a whole lot of ‘blue’
One of our most unforgettable experiences was spending five days cruising around the islands on a catamaran.
If you have never experienced Seychelles from the water, then you are missing out on something very special. There is nothing quite like waking up to the Indian Ocean lapping at the sides of your catamaran and looking out to another island in the distance.
We had the opportunity to go snorkeling off the back of the boat, in areas that would have been difficult to reach by foot. The marine life we saw was incredible—huge numbers of brightly colored tropical fish darting about the coral, with some even coming up to inspect us!
A whole new way of discovering Seychelles by boat, cruising through the islands’ beautiful bays and along their shores to swim in their clear waters and to see the different stretches of coastline that are normally not on the tourist trail.
Of course, no one would complain about having to do this on vacation!
Every Island Has It’s Own Story
One of the great things about Seychelles is the diversity of the islands. There are the central granitic islands and the outer islands, many of which are made up of coral. The landscapes, wildlife, and experience of each island can be quite different.
Mahé, the largest island and gateway to the Seychelles, is home to the capital, Victoria, as well as many beautiful beaches and a rugged mountain interior.
The Seychelles are made up of more than just the central granitic islands. Praslin is another popular island, with some of the best beaches in the world and the incredible Vallée de Mai nature reserve, home to the amazing coco de mer palms.
Then there is La Digue. Ah, La Digue!
La Digue Little Piece of Paradise
If I had to choose a favorite island, it would be La Digue without hesitation.
There are very few motor vehicles on La Digue and many people cycle around the island on the quiet roads passing by the traditional island homes. Many of the beaches are close to the road, and there are many places to stop and take in the view.
La Digue is a very special place to me. It is as if you have stepped back in time by several decades. There is a great simplicity to the island. You can cycle around the island, stop off at any of the beaches on the way, and explore the island at your leisure.
Cycle through the streets of La Digue, explore the island, take a dip in the warm water, sample the delicious local food, and enjoy the moment.
The beaches of La Digue are also incredible. Anse Source d’Argent is particularly stunning with its huge granite boulders, shallow turquoise water, and swaying palm trees. You will have probably seen photos of this beach, but it is so much more stunning in real life.
The photos never quite capture the feeling of being there.
Why Visit Just One Island?
You may be tempted to stay in one beautiful resort for the duration of your holiday, but there are so many islands in the Seychelles, each with its own character, that you would be missing out on so much if you didn’t explore more of them.
Ferries run between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue so it is very easy to go on an island-hopping vacation. Each island has something different to offer, whether it is stunning scenery, the best beaches, nature, snorkeling, or just somewhere to relax and do nothing.
In the mornings you can explore the islands, and in the afternoons take a swim in the warm water and watch the sun go down in the evening.
And if your ideal holiday is a mixture of adventure and relaxation, then Seychelles is the perfect destination.
A Little Island Magic That Stays With You
It is always sad to leave Seychelles. Every single time.
Perhaps it’s the stunning beauty of the islands, or the friendliness of the people. Perhaps it’s the relaxed pace of life, or the memories of exploring the islands by catamaran, on bikes, or just lounging on the beach.
Whatever the reason, Seychelles has a certain magic that is difficult to explain and even harder to leave behind.
I can only describe it as very special. You arrive expecting beautiful beaches, and you leave with so many memories that you take with you for the rest of your life.
Whether you are seeking a romantic honeymoon, an adventurous holiday, or just a chance to relax on the beach in the Seychelles, with all its natural beauty and barefoot freedom, you will find it here.
Just be warned: you may find yourself planning your return before you have even left. **Answer the Call of Africa — and discover the island magic of Seychelles.**
