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Time of India
17-07-2025
- Time of India
Where luxury meets discovery: An island-hopping guide through Seychelles
For travellers seeking sun, sand and exclusivity, Seychelles promises an island-hopping experience rich in culture, nature and elegant luxury. An archipelago of 115 islands scattered like gems across the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is known for its rare biodiversity and Creole Seychelles, slow travel meets exclusivity; you are invited to explore its many facets at an unhurried pace. Imagine hiking through pristine, UNESCO protected forests, tasting freshly-caught fish that's grilled to perfection, or snorkelling amid coral reefs in turquoise waters.A direct 4.5-hour flight away from Mumbai (operated by Indigo four times a week), with visa-free access for Indian passport holders (requiring only a swift travel authorisation via seychelles. and curated stays for every pocket, Seychelles strikes a rare balance of accessibility, exclusivity, local character and a quick look at the different places to check out in Seychelles:Mahé, the largest island, serves as the perfect introduction to Seychelles's cultural and natural riches. Morne Seychellois National Park offers hiking trails that lead to sweeping views of the island. Popular beaches such as Beau Vallon provide swimming and water sport opportunities. For more secluded stretches, Anse Royale, Anse Takamaka, and Anse Intendance promise quieter moments by the taste the spirit of Seychelles, a visit to the Takamaka Rum Distillery at La Plaine St André is a must. Take the free distillery tour before indulging in rum tastings in the heritage setting. The historic Marie Antoinette restaurant in a 150-year-old plantation-style building, offering authentic Creole flavours. At Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden, guests can enjoy a farm-to-table lunch surrounded by aromatic marine world around Mahé offers adventures that can be explored via either a private yacht or group charters. A full-day excursion typically combines glass-bottomed boat tours, snorkelling in Saint Anne Marine Park and a Creole barbecue lunch on Moyenne Island with local island tunes you won't forget. For a different perspective, you can opt for a semi-submarine ride from Eden Island.A short 15-minute domestic flight or a 70-minute Cat Cocos ferry from Mahé brings you to Praslin, home to some of Seychelles's most remarkable natural wonders. The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shelters the rare Coco de Mer palm and the elusive black parrot. Its walking trails suit both casual strollers and more serious beaches — Anse Georgette, Anse Lazio and Anse Volbert (Cote d'Or) — regularly rank among the world's finest. Nearby, Curieuse Island is home to over 300 free-roaming giant tortoises in a protected habitat. Bird enthusiasts can plan seasonal visits to Bird Island or Aride Island to see rare species like the Seychelles warbler and the those looking to sample local cuisine, waterfront restaurants such as Mabuya and Café des Arts serve up Creole specialities with views of the ocean.A short 15-minute Cat Rose ferry ride from Praslin takes you to La Digue, the smallest of the three main islands and perhaps the most charming. Bicycles and electric buggies are the preferred ways to explore its quiet lanes and scenic coastline. Anse Source d'Argent, with its unique granite formations, remains one of the world's most photographed beaches. Other picturesque spots such as Anse Cocos, Grand Anse and Anse Reunion offer peaceful L'Union Estate, visitors can glimpse the island's past through its vanilla plantations, old copra factory and a small colony of Aldabra tortoises. Dining on La Digue is relaxed and hyperlocal. Fishtrap Restaurant and Chez Jules are well-loved for their fresh seafood and Creole from Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, Seychelles holds another, more remote dimension of luxury for those seeking further seclusion and elevated service. These havens, often on private islands, are defined by sustainable luxury; here, opulence is defined by an unwavering commitment to the environment along with bespoke such as North, Félicité, Desroches, Denis and Fregate exemplify this approach. The ultra-exclusive resorts on these islands are pioneers in ecological restoration and sustainable living. They offer an unprecedented level of privacy, where pristine beaches and lush interiors are carefully preserved to ensure maximum ecological these addresses, discerning guests are not just observers but are often invited to participate in meaningful conservation initiatives. Imagine dedicating a morning to joining marine biologists in coral reef restoration efforts, directly contributing to the vitality of the underwater world you've just explored. Or taking part in supporting the propagation and care of the juvenile Aldabra tortoises, ensuring the survival of these iconic island inhabitants. These experiences are privileged opportunities to leave a positive legacy, deepening the connection to this pristine is more than a postcard-perfect destination and it is for everyone. It's a living tapestry of African, French and Indian influences — something that is reflected in its food, music, culture and daily Indian travellers, easy flights and visa processing make this paradise surprisingly accessible, yet retains its sense of exclusive discovery, catering to the tastes of today's conscious, experience-driven whether you're hiking through Praslin's ancient forests, cycling La Digue's quiet lanes or unwinding on your own stretch of private island sand, Seychelles delivers an island-hopping adventure rich in culture, natural beauty, and genuine charm — and all remarkably close to India.
Scottish Sun
08-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
African islands dubbed the ‘Garden of Eden' that have one of the world's best beaches
Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot discovered giant tortoises on her trip to the Seychelles NATURAL BEAUTY African islands dubbed the 'Garden of Eden' that have one of the world's best beaches Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN African island country has compared to the Garden of Eden for its natural beauty. The Seychelles is the smallest country in Africa, made up of 115 islands, and it has some of the world's best beaches too. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The Seychelles has lots natural beauty from beaches to jungle Credit: Getty 5 The African archipelago is made up of 115 islands Credit: Alamy Anse Source d'Argent is one of the best beaches in the world, and it's not hard to see why. The water is bright turquoise and scattered along the white sands are huge granite boulders. While it's recognised as a top beach, Anse Source d'Argent still maintains a sense of calm and serenity. One visitor called the beach an "epitome of island paradise" with another saying they've "never seen the sea so clear and sand so white". To keep the beach in its current state, the Union Estate charges visitors 150 Rupees (£1.32) each to get access to the beach. The Seychelles, particularly the Vallée de Mai on Praslin Island, is often referred to as a "Garden of Eden" due to its unique and pristine natural environment. This area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to the Coco de Mer palm which is a tree you'll only find in the Seychelles. The Seychelles is a popular celeb destination too - Prince William and Kate Middleton and a host of other celebs have escaped there. Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot visited the island of Mahé in the Seychelles, which is the largest and most developed island. While she was there, Lisa came across the giant free-roaming giant tortoises - of which there are hundreds. The best beaches in the world revealed and one in the UK makes the list 5 Anse Source d'Argent is famous for being one of the most beautiful beaches in the world Credit: Alamy 5 There's also dense jungle on the islands Credit: Alamy There are more than 1,000 species of birds that call Frégate island home, as well as dense jungle, soft white sands and seven beaches. The main city of Victoria in Mahé is where you can explore the Sir Selwyn Clarke Market which sells spices, fruit, art and souvenirs. It also has the Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and La Domus - a historical building that was originally built as a residence for Swiss Catholic missionaries in the 1930s. Praslin is the second largest island in the Seychelles and the most renowned attraction is the Vallée de Mai tropical forest where you'll find plenty of Coco de Mer palm trees. There aren't any direct flights from the UK to the Seychelles - but most have one stop. Emirates flies from London Stansted to Dubai before continuing onto Mahé Airport. You can also fly with Kenya Airways, Aer Lingus, Ethiopian Air, Etihad, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines. The cheapest return flights from the UK to Seychelles currently start from £508 with Ethiopian Airlines according to Skyscanner. You can then get on a domestic flight to other islands, or go island hopping between the Inner Islands which are Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette. You can travel between these islands by ferry, catamaran, or domestic flights. This African island that's a 'hidden gem' has new easyJet flights from the UK. And the tiny African islands nicknamed the 'purple isles' – with short flights costing £18.
The Irish Sun
08-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
African islands dubbed the ‘Garden of Eden' that have one of the world's best beaches
AN African island country has compared to the Garden of Eden for its natural beauty. The Seychelles is the smallest country in Africa, made up of 115 islands, and it has some of the world's best beaches too. 5 The Seychelles has lots natural beauty from beaches to jungle Credit: Getty 5 The African archipelago is made up of 115 islands Credit: Alamy s one of the best beaches in the world, and it's not hard to see why. The water is bright turquoise and scattered along the white sands are huge granite boulders. While it's recognised as a top beach, Anse Source d'Argent still maintains a sense of calm and serenity. One visitor called the beach an "epitome of island paradise" with another saying they've "never seen the sea so clear and sand so white". Read More on African Islands To keep the beach in its current state, the Union Estate charges visitors 150 Rupees (£1.32) each to get access to the beach. The Seychelles, particularly the Vallée de Mai on Praslin Island, is often referred to as a "Garden of Eden" due to its unique and pristine natural environment. This area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to the Coco de Mer palm which is a tree you'll only find in the Seychelles. The Seychelles is a popular celeb destination too - Prince William and Kate Middleton and a host of other celebs have escaped there. Most read in Beach holidays Head of Sun Travel Lisa Minot visited the island of Mahé in the Seychelles, which is the largest and most developed island. While she was there, Lisa came across the giant free-roaming giant tortoises - of which there are hundreds. The best beaches in the world revealed and one in the UK makes the list 5 Anse Source d'Argent is famous for being one of the most beautiful beaches in the world Credit: Alamy 5 There's also dense jungle on the islands Credit: Alamy There are more than 1,000 species of birds that call The main city of Victoria in Mahé is where you can explore the Sir Selwyn Clarke Market which sells spices, fruit, art and souvenirs. It also has the Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and La Domus - a historical building that was originally built as a residence for Swiss Catholic missionaries in the 1930s. Praslin is the second largest island in the Seychelles and the most renowned attraction is the Vallée de Mai tropical forest where you'll find plenty of Coco de Mer palm trees. There aren't any direct flights from the UK to the Seychelles - but most have one stop. Emirates flies from London Stansted to Dubai before continuing onto Mahé Airport. You can also fly with Kenya Airways, Aer Lingus, Ethiopian Air, Etihad, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines. The cheapest return flights from the UK to Seychelles currently start from £508 with Ethiopian Airlines according to Skyscanner. You can then get on a domestic flight to other islands, or go island hopping between the Inner Islands which are Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette. You can travel between these islands by ferry, catamaran, or domestic flights. This And the 5 Seychelles has some of the world's best beaches Credit: Alamy
The Independent
02-05-2025
- The Independent
Say hello to the Seychelles: breathtaking beaches, tropical landscapes and rare wildlife, discover the perfect island for your idyllic getaway
Made up of 115 islands and atolls, the Seychelles is blessed with some of the most incredible biodiversity on the planet. Wherever you go, endless white powder sands and turquoise waters encase lush forests that are home to rare plants and endangered creatures. The archipelago lies off the coast of Africa and is a merging of cultures and cuisines, and home to friendly locals and luxury resorts. So how do you choose the right island for you when there is so much on offer? Worry not, we've rounded up some of the best for you. Big town energy in Mahé Home to the buzzy capital of Victoria, the largest island of the Seychelles is a good place to base yourself, whether you're keen on island-hopping or you prefer to stay put in one part of paradise. The main town offers a taste of local life – visit the harbour, museums, famous clock tower, French colonial buildings and the magnificently decorated Hindu Temple. Fill up on a mix of Creole dishes and French-influenced pastries, with a visit to the renowned Marie Antoinette restaurant a must. Finally, head to the Botanical Gardens for a stroll around its lush environs, which boast 500 different species of plants, including 40 different palms and a variety of exotic fruits. Leave the capital behind for the lush greenery of Morne Seychellois National Park, which you can drive or hike through, looking out for rare birds, bats and giant tortoises along the way. Make a day of exploring Mahé's powder-soft beaches: choose from the busy vibrancy at Beau Vallon, secluded and scenic Petite Anse or Anse Royale, snorkelling at Anse Soleil, or Anse Intendance for a good mix of everything. Book into the luxury Constance Ephélia to be really spoiled, as the resort's hilly, leafy surrounds are sandwiched between two breathtaking beaches. Check little ones into the Constance Children's Club before winding down at the resort's tropical spa – one of the best in the Seychelles. Be at one with nature in Praslin A 15-minute domestic flight from the main island sits the blissful utopia that is Praslin, a magnet for nature lovers who want to explore the vast primeval forest of Vallée de Mai. So impressive is the flora and fauna here it's been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and the site is home to both the protected Coco de Mer palm tree and the endangered Seychelles black parrot, which can't be found anywhere in the world but Praslin or neighbouring Curieuse Island. Make a home-from-home in one of the 86 idyllic villas with private pools at Raffles Seychelles. The five-star resort is nestled between a tropical hillside and the ivory sands of the beautiful Anse Takamaka Beach. Here you can experience the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean through many of the watersports or diving on offer, or choose to rejuvenate at the award-winning spa, complete with yoga pavilion and beauty salon. If you can tear yourself away from the five restaurants and bars at the resort, head to Cote d'Or beach to one of the family-run restaurants serving Creole dishes such as parrotfish or octopus curry. The beach is also great for snorkelling and exploring secluded coves and inlets. Make time to pop over to the picture-perfect granite boulders and azure waters of Anse Lazio beach, which has deservedly been included in numerous 'World's best beach' lists. Praslin is also a good base for island hopping to nearby Cousin, Curieuse, St. Pierre, La Digue, Chauve Souris and Aride islands. Book yourself onto an island trip via catamaran, leaving from Raffles' Anse Takamaka Beach. Savour untouched paradise in Silhouette Island For those looking for a slower pace of life, or a hidden idyll, then Silhouette Island will tick all your boxes. Here over 90 per cent of the land is a protected national park and the surrounding waters are a Marine park. A handful of houses and the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa occupy the only bit of land that doesn't form part of the virgin rainforest that surrounds Mount Dauban – the second highest peak in the Seychelles. Fortunately, this small area includes a pristine, stretching shore that slopes into gentle crystalline waters. Set a few steps from the sand, the secluded haven of The Hilton Seychelles offers everything you'll need while you're cut blissfully off from the world. From luxury villas with sea views or mountain vistas to the Eforea Spa and eight dining options that include multiple Asian and Mediterranean restaurants. Don't miss the local dishes at the resort's Grann Kaz – cooking up and celebrating the island's Creole heritage. Silhouette Island is accessible by boat or helicopter, and perfect for watersports including snorkelling and diving at the Labriz Dive Center. The reefs teem with a variety of fish, and some of the quieter beaches are breeding grounds for green turtles. And naturally, exploring the national park, regarded as one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the Indian Ocean, is a must. Take on the many criss-crossing hiking trails and spot native birds, bats and geckos. Don't miss La Digue and Sainte Anne Island While it's impossible to get around all of the islands, here are two worth checking out on a day trip or as part of a boat tour. La Digue, a short trip from Praslin, is home to the world famous Anse la Source d'Argent beach where the scenery is so breathtaking, it's hard to believe it's real. The island is mostly navigated by bike, so cycle from one beach to the next, taking time to see traditional crafts at Union Estate and rare birds and terrapins at La Digue Vev Special Reserve. A quick boat ride from Mahé, and a worthwhile visit, is Ste. Anne Island, which along with five other islands, make up the Sainte Anne Marine National Park. The island's numerous coral reefs are home to sea turtles and dolphins, while back on terra firma, you can explore dazzling beaches or hike a network of trails that show off more of the Seychelles much-cherished biodiversity.
