Do you get bored with winter and pine for Mr Sun and his warmth? Do you wish to just get out and feel the exuberance of the breeze? Do you feel lethargic yet crave some outdoor adventure? Well, these are some classic symptoms of your body telling you, ‘Hey, it’s about time you vacationed’. So, just like that I obliged to my body’s symptoms and went for that calming vacation to a paradise called Seychelles during the winters. It was a five-day stay amidst sea, sun and sand!

Seychelles is an island country in East Africa, lush with vegetation and heavenly beaches! Being an archipelagic nation in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is a killer destination for beach lovers and island hoppers. It was an impromptu trip booked by Mr Husband with no itinerary in place; just the tickets and a booking.com reservation for a five-day stay in Seychelles. But, woah! This was one of the best vacations of a lifetime.

Beach, Bikini, and Booze– Mahe

We decided to stay in Mahe, the largest island in Seychelles. All five days of our stay were in Villa Le Chez Batista in Takamaka. It’s a beautiful beach villa, perched on a rock overlooking the ocean. Our room had a private outdoor Jacuzzi too! The service was terrible, however, the property was terrific and closer to many other tourist places. We rented a car from the airport and drove around this island for all five days.

As this was an impulsive trip, there was no planned or detailed itinerary. We would just wake up and decide spontaneously where to go that day. There was no time crunch either, and this made the vacation all the more relaxing.

We spent our first day simply chilling at the beach. We relished the beauty of Anse Takamaka embracing the breeze, hugging the waves, and watching the sun bid adieu for the day.

The next day, we headed out to visit Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, and immerse ourselves in some Creole lifestyle. Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, Clock Tower and the National Museum are some of the attractions in Victoria and you only require half a day to tour these places. The evening was spent at the beach – playing in the sand, soaking in the waves and drinking to heart’s content!

The next day we decided to explore the other side of Mahe with its pristine rock-kissed beaches and mangroves. The mangrove trail was tranquillity personified. It was a subtle trail amidst the mangroves and some peek-a-booing crabs.

In the evening, we hiked to see the Ros Sodyer rock pool. It is an incredible( naturally formed)rock pool, albeit a difficult hike. The way to the pool is quite tricky and you get confused with the directions. Hence, it’s best to hike in a group or a company.

Island Hopping kinda day – Praslin

We arranged a day tour to visit Praslin and La Digue, the two other popular Islands in Seychelles. A fifty-minute ride, Praslin is literally a place coming to life out of a postcard! The beaches in Praslin are insanely beautiful with their white sand and emerald-blue waters peppered with granite rocks.

Another highlight of this gorgeous island is Valle de Mai Nature Reserve. Home to the famous Coco de Mer Palms or the butt-shaped large seed which you would see all over Seychelles. This UNESCO world heritage site is home to the endemic palms which produce the largest seed in the palm family. The reserve is lush with vegetation and is quite scenic but you must buy a ticket to tour the reserve.

La Digue

A 20-minute ferry ride to the east of Praslin is La Digue – a gem of an island alluring tourists with its blond beaches and seductive blue waters. This tiny island is almost motor-free and tourists cycle their way to experience the authentic Creolin life.

 

As the island is less than 6kms you can casually cycle your way into the most dashing beach of Seychelles – Anse Source D  Argent. The way to the beach is quite scenic as it welcomes you to the lap of nature. As you enter and rent a cycle, the palm-speckled path ensures you get your shade well.

Cycling ahead you meet a quaint post office, supermarket and an array of seafood restaurants that mess with your nostrils. Further up, you are greeted by the giant Aldabra turtles who will make you stop to cuddle them. Continuing past the pen, you will see a stretch of vanilla plantations. Cycling amidst the divine smell of vanilla you enter one of the most-photographed beaches of Seychelles – Anse Source D Argent. If the tide is favourable you can kayak in its placid waters and relish the breathtaking beauty of this postcard beach.

As we had time we cycled the entire island and saw the rest of the other beaches. (Grand Anse, Petit Anse and several other Anse beaches whose names I have forgotten).

Last day in Seychelle

As our flight was in the evening we had enough time to visit the rest of the beaches in Mahe. We explored the beaches north of Mahe: Beau Vallon, Anse Major and Sunset Beach. Beau Vallon is the most popular one, rife with water-sport activities.

We also toured the Takamaka Rum Distillery and learnt some history of Seychelles. How once an uninhabitable island flourished during colonial times, became a bustling hub for the slave trade and now evolved into a beautiful beach destination. Seychelles indeed has come a long way!

Things to do in Seychelles

Apart from beach hopping and water activities, Island hopping is also a popular touristy thing to do in Seychelles. Unlike Maldives, the choice of Islands is limited here because of its unique vegetation and climate. Not all islands are residential, and you may require special permits to visit some. This is simply to protect the endemic biodiversity. However, your trip to Seychelles isn’t complete if you don’t visit the idyllic islands: Praslin and La Digue. Also, petting the Aldabra Tortoise is a common thing to do in Seychelles.

Food

It is a delight for sea-food lovers as they have an ensemble sea-food menu with Octopus as the highlight. The Octopus Salad is a must-try and creole lunch not to be missed. There are plenty of options in Mahe with restaurants besides popular beaches. However, we loved Maison’s Marengo Craft Village bar the best. Their Calamari rings and Takamaka coconut cocktails are simply divine.

Maldives or Seychelles?

Well, both are unique island destinations. Although, I felt the Maldives to be an opulent vacation while Seychelles was a quaint one. Maldives waters are more turquoise and the waves are more serene than Seychelles. Plus, depending on your budget and days of stay decide on the tropical paradises. I reckon both a must-visit heaven on earth as nothing beats the ecstasy of being beach high!

Maldives: The Tropical Paradise