SeychellesTravel Guide

Tucked away on the island of Mahé, Constance Ephélia Resort continues to top the list for both first-time and regular visitors. Why? As one of the island’s most established resorts, it offers all the mod cons you could ever want and need, with plenty of activities to boot. Just imagine: catamaran rides, kayaking, scuba diving, ziplining, and rock climbing. There’s also an on-site spa and five restaurants to choose from.

There’s only one ‘club’ to go to in Seychelles, and Club Med Les Seychelles is it! Incredible food? Check. Impeccable suites? Check. Top-notch service and activities galore? Double check. There’s nothing this resort doesn’t have. There are even three swimming pools, with one reserved for the kids. As the only accommodation on Saint Anne, this is island living at its very best.

If you value your privacy on holiday, this secluded resort occupies its own private island. Yes, you read that right! Take your pick from comfortable suites or lavish villas equipped with plunge pools and a golf cart for you to whizz around on. North Island is a stellar accommodation choice for sun-worshippers looking to play. Don’t forget to sample those passion fruit margaritas – yes, please!

If you’re on the hunt for that perfect place to wiggle your toes in the sand, look no further than Seychelles. This multi-island nation boasts a bounty of beautiful beaches where you can swim and snorkel to your heart’s content. While Anse Intendance and Beau Vallon stand firm as Mahé’s more popular slices of coastline, we’re more inclined to encourage travellers to sneak off somewhere that’s slightly quieter, like Curieuse Island.

Nature lover? Seychelles stands firm as a sanctuary for some of the most exotic and rarest flora and fauna in the world. Counted among them is the jellyfish tree of which only a handful remain in existence, and the coco-de-mer, the world’s heaviest nut (and a tough one to crack!). There’s also the alluring Seychelles black parrot inhabiting the primeval Vallée de Mai. Just don’t forget to visit those giant tortoises on Aldabra.

If you prefer to keep your head above water, try your hand at surfing, kayaking and SUP’ing, or cruise out to sea on a glass-bottom boat as bottlenose dolphins duck and dive alongside the bow. During October and November, expect lucky sightings of Southern right whales and humpbacks migrating to warmer breeding waters. Cameras at the ready!

Don’t forget to bring your trail shoes! Stretch out your legs along some of the tropical hiking trails found in Praslin and La Digue Island. Have a crack at Morne Seychellois, the highest point located in Mahé’s Morne Seychellois National Park, at just over 900 metres above sea level. Trust us – the views alone are worth breaking a bit of a sweat.

Boasting water visibility of up to 30 metres, there is no better place to encounter the creatures of the deep than Seychelles. Don your mask and snorkel, then dive on down to experience a kaleidoscope of tropical fish and abundant marine life. Whale sharks and manta rays frequent these waters, as do hawksbill and turtles who slowly come ashore to lay their eggs from September through to March.

Did you know that Seychelles is famed for its locally produced rum? A tour at the Takamaka Bay rum distillery will not only give you a glimpse into the history of Mahé island’s main distillery but give you the chance to try this delicious local elixir. The tour lasts roughly 30 to 40 minutes, but the overall experience can be extended with a forest walk or a bite to eat at the onsite restaurant.

This gorgeous little restaurant in the capital of Victoria is characterised by its colonial-style architecture dating back to the 1800s. Named after the infamous let-them-eat-cake Queen Marie-Antoinette of France, it has been welcoming guests for over 50 years. This is the place for authentic Creole food, including that oh-so-exotic bat curry (one of the nation’s favourites).

Chez Batista, located at Takamaka on Mahé, makes for an excellent pit stop for those making their way to Anse Intendance Beach. Go hungry, as the portions are generous and the SeyBrew (local beer) is always flowing. If you’re here for a hearty feeding, hop in line for the buffet.

Jam-packed with plenty of joie de vivre, Lanbousir is a familiar favourite of ours on the island of La Digue. The menu here changes daily depending on the catch of the day, but most importantly, the beer is always cold. The battered Job Fish and BBQ prawns come highly recommended.

Tucked away on Eden Island (an artificial island between the airport and Victoria city), this South African-owned establishment offers excellent service and a friendly atmosphere. You will find yourself overlooking the water as you dig into a hearty selection of comfort food. The pork ribs and calamari rings are a must, with a daily happy hour(s!) from 3-6 pm.

Amble down the aisles of the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market in the capital of Victoria and you’ll soon discover a plethora of nourishing produce, herbs and spices. This is the go-to should you require new pareos (sarongs). While the market is usually open Monday to Friday until around 5pm, early morning is the best time to browse when everything is still fresh – particularly the seafood.

As Grace Kelly is quoted as saying, “The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens.” And if you’re interested in owning a string to call your own, head to the Black Pearl, an idyllic little jewellery boutique hidden on the island of Praslin. During your visit you can also embark on a tour to get an insider’s perspective of how those beautiful black pearls are harvested. 

Aside from the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market in Victoria, the Bazar Labrin is one of the most popular food markets on Mahé. It’s also open in the evenings between 4-9 pm so you can dabble in some night shopping. The bazaar is known for its fiery barbeques serving up fresh fish, grilled breadfruit, mango salad and banana fritters. There’s also live music for that island soundtrack.

Dating back to the 1840s, this weekly bazaar has long held its popularity – always a good sign! Kicking off in Victoria next to the clock tower, it rewards visitors with anything and everything from arts and crafts to delectable red snapper grilled to perfection right in front of you. And of course,
a hearty dose of charm.

Located south of Mahé, Anse Intendance is just the place you imagine when thinking of that picture-perfect beach: crystalline water and powdery white sand fringed with swaying palm trees. Framed by gigantic granite boulders, it easily ranks amongst the most exceptional beaches in Seychelles.

With its safe shallow waters and coral reef, Beau Vallon beach hits the sweet spot for those looking to dive or snorkel during their Seychelles holiday. Although it is one of the more-frequented beaches on Mahé, it’s large enough to not feel cramped. If you’re not one for lazing on the shore, there are plenty more water activities on the go here, such as surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and jet skiing.

When you’re all geared up to dabble in some island-hopping, make a beeline for Curieuse Island. This wonderful island is brimming with beautiful beaches, however, Cote D’Or remains a firm favourite for sun-worshipers. At 2.5km long, there’s no better place to embark on that quintessential sunset walk along the sand. While you’re at it, grab some fresh coconut juice or a mango daiquiri to refuel. There’s really no better reward after a long day in the sun. 

Head to the island of La Digue and snap up your spot in the sun at Anse Cocos. Just picture it: bright teal skies contrasted against the sun-bleached shoreline. The best part? Along with a delightful jungle walk to reach it, this secluded cove even boasts its own natural tidal pool hemmed in by Mother Nature herself.

This small, picturesque bay is tucked along the south-eastern coastline of La Digue. Being slightly off the beaten track, it’s much quieter than other beaches on the island and a great spot to catch up on some reading (or snoozing). And although you’ll need to watch the current when swimming or snorkelling, the scenery alone is absolutely spellbinding.