Visit one of the world's greatest natural treasures and take a trip to the breathtaking paradise of the Seychelles. The Seychelles has so much to offer and island hopping is the best way to explore and make sure you see as much of the stunning islands as possible. No two islands are the same and each island is home to its own hidden gem, must-see attractions, beautiful beaches and not-to-miss experiences for everyone to enjoy. With bustling markets, castaway beaches, colonial-style mansions, coastal mangrove forests, splendid parks and spectacular nature reserves, the Seychelles islands are just waiting to be explored. The wide variety of islands, each with its own unique personality and individual charm, is what sets the Seychelles apart from so many other holiday destinations. The most popular are the inner islands, with a tendency to island hop Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, however some choose to go further afield to islands like Denis or outer islands like Alphonse, especially as these are some of the best places to experience the nature and wildlife.
Mahé is the main island and is home to the Seychelles capital, Victoria. With over sixty beaches and forests, it can feel like your own private gateway. The North of the island is a bustling town with retail outlets, whereas the South has villages and enjoys a quieter pace of life.
Must Do’s When In Mahé
Capture the history and creole character with a visit to the capital Victoria. On a Saturday take a trip to the markets such as the Sir Selwyn Clarke Market where you will find local fruits and souvenirs to choose from and for a slower pace, visit the stunning cathedrals and beautiful Botanical gardens. Pay a visit Beau Vallon, the most popular beach on the island which is perfect for diving and snorkelling due to the crystal clear waters and spectacular coral reefs. Don’t miss the Hike the Troise Freres Trail, a short hiking trail where you can see the Trois Freres (three brothers) mountains and also has panoramic views of Victoria & the Sainte Anne Marine Park. It takes 1hr to hike up and an easy hike – so perfect for all! If you’re looking to do some shopping and enjoy the nightlife then Eden Island is the place to be with an elegant marina and mall which has casino, bars, choices of restaurants and vibrant nightlife.
Our Top Hotel Picks in Mahé
- Four Seasons Resort Seychelles – An unrivalled luxury with world class service and beautiful beaches, set in the heart of Eden in a natural jungle setting.
- Constance Ephelia – family friendly with unspoiled beaches, a great option for sports and activity lovers – zipline through the treetops, plus canoeing and climbing excursions are also available. After an active morning, head to the spa for a treatment in order to relax, rejuvenate and detox.
- Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa – surrounded by clear waters and tropical gardens with chic hillside villas as you enjoy breathtaking ocean views from the balcony. At the end of the day, watch the sunset at the newly extended Gin Bar at Lower Deck with over twenty-five gins on offer.
Praslin is the second largest island in the Seychelles and his home to Vallée de Mai where the coco-de-mer grows. Renowned for its flora and fauna but also for the pristine beaches, Praslin is ideal for those looking for a laidback holiday.
Must Do’s When in Praslin
When in Praslin, make sure to visit the unique Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World heritage Site where you can find the double-lobed coconut which is also the world’s heaviest seed and can weigh between 15 and 30kg! Follow the Heritage Route which is a trail showcasing the history of the Seychelles with historic stops along the way, allowing guests to become enriched with knowledge and immersed with the country’s history. Play a round of golf at Constance Lemuria, the only 18-hole championship golf course in the Seychelles and perfect for golf enthusiasts. Make sure you pay a visit to some of the best beaches on the islands or island hop. Some of the best beaches to visit are Anse Lazio, Cote d’Or, Anse Kerlan or Anse Georgette. If you’re planning on staying longer, then opt for a day trip to nearby islands like Coco, Cousin, Cuerieuse or Félicité which are all in easy reach and a great choice for swimming & snorkelling.
Our Top Hotel Picks in Praslin
- Raffles Seychelles – the first Raffles resort in an all villa resort in a UNESCO area located on the hillside with the beachfront location and offering high-end barefoot luxury.
- Constance Lemuria – a friendly family hotel, offering culinary activities, scavenger hunts & more. Also home to the only 18 hole golf course in Seychelles and there are world famous diving sites located nearby.
- Coco de Mer & Black Parrot Suites – amazing views of the surrounding islands, forested mountainside and sunsets with spectacular sea views from all of the accommodation. This hotel is also in the perfect location for those venturing to Anse Lazio.
La Digue is the fourth largest island in the Seychelles with a laid back ambiance, especially being an island with no cars, therefore the main mode of transport is by bicycle. The architecture is definitely to be admired, as La Digue is famous for its history with a French style. Something also very unique about La Digue is that it is a great island to spot the rarest species of fauna such as Black Flycatcher which can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
Must Do’s When in La Digue
La Digue offers a variety and arguably some of the best beaches which also includes the iconic Anse Source D’Argent, Grand Anse, Petite Anse & Anse Coco where you will feel as if these are your own private beaches and mini paradise as you are surrounded by the largest granite boulders on the islands. As one of the only modes of transport, cycle round the island and explore the hidden bays and beaches where they can become a snorkelling pitstop and you can see the spectacular marine life. Take in the culture with a trip to L’Union Estate where you can visit the plantation house and walk through the coconut and vanilla plantation. Enjoy the stunning views of La Digue and the neighbouring islands on Hike Nid D’Aigle which is a four kilometre trek taking you to the highest point on La Digue. When it’s time to take a break, stop at Belle Vue where you can have a bite to eat as you take in the amazing views of La Passe and L’Union.
Our Top Hotel Pick in La Digue
- Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie Resort & Spa – a boutique hotel, all about zen and serenity, with an infinity swimming pool facing the Indian Ocean. Relax in one of the 63 spacious and comfortable villas and unwind at the luxurious spa. Located in the heart of a tropical garden, this is a great retreat for those looking to spend extra time in La Digue.
Being home to 115 islands, the Seychelles has so much to offer and you can choose to extend your island hopping getaway to further afield destinations, for a guaranteed secluded luxury experience.
Félicité Island
Home to Six Senses Zil Pasyon, and only 15 minutes from La Digue offering high end luxury. Watch turtle hatching from the months of October until February, relax and watch a movie at the cinema under the stars, enjoy kayaking and snorkel at the house reef where you could spot small reef sharks, turtles and dolphins.
Denis Island
Denis island offers barefoot luxury and an authentic island living experience. Famous for its refined cuisine and a perfect location for fishing, Denis Island is great for nature lovers and those who enjoy birdwatching, snorkelling, cycling where can see different species round the island.
Desroches Island
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is a coral island in the middle of Indian Ocean and makes you feel0 like you have your own private beaches with a luxury castaway feel. Indulge in a culinary experience not to miss as you can dine at the top of The Lighthouse with spectacular panoramic views. There are also 14 world class dive sites, secret passages and amazing reef walls all waiting to be explored along with yoga, a nature bike ride, and surfing which are all available.
Silhouette Island
Stay at Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa which is a family friendly hotel surrounded by large granitic rocks and the lush rainforest and you can take part in the many activities on offer including hiking trails creole cooking classes, fishing and diving to make sure you make the most of the island.
For your dream island getaway to the Seychelles, view our recommended island hopping itinerary and call our luxury travel specialists on 0141 955 4000 to book: https://www.ifonly.net/tailor-made/tours/serene-seychelles-luxe-island-hopping-escape