Which island should you choose for your Seychelles trip?

If ever somewhere deserved to be labelled paradise, then surely this is it? The Seychelles is a beautiful island archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Though it is popular as a honeymoon destination, its charms are in no way reserved for loved-up couples. In fact, choose the right spot and it’s just as perfect for families, retirees or solo travellers. If you’d like a little help pinning down where you should stay, here are our thoughts on which island you should choose for your Seychelles trip.

Mahé

Mahé is the largest of the Seychelles’ many islands and it’s home to 80% of its population. There’s plenty to do, if you want to sightsee. This is where you’ll find the nation’s attractive capital, Victoria. Also worthwhile are excursions to the Jardin du Roi botanical garden and the scenic trails of lush Morne Seychelles National Park. Snorkellers should visit Baie Ternay Marine National Park, where turtles, rays and whale sharks swim amongst the corals.

On this island, Beau Vallon would suit travellers looking for a resort-based vacation. A cluster of hotels and restaurants surround a pretty bay on Mahé’s north coast. Try Fisherman’s Cove Resort, Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa or STORY Seychelles. All of them are conveniently located close to the action. Constance Ephelia is a short drive away, set on its own private beach. For the ultimate luxury stay, exclusive properties such as Four Seasons Resort and Anantara Maia Villas are located on the south west coast of Mahé.

Praslin

Praslin is the Seychelles’ second largest island. It’s where you’ll find the Coco de Mer also known as the sea coconut or double coconut, which is the country’s most famous fruit. Resembling a curvy derrière, the seed of this rare palm tree weighs as much as three bowling balls. They grow wild on Praslin. To see them, you’ll need to visit the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai nature reserve in the centre of the island. It boasts a 19.5 hectare forest which is unaltered since prehistoric times.

Constance Lemuria and Raffles Seychelles are the island’s best hotels. These five-star properties offer exceptional facilities and easy access to Praslin’s main attractions. Other deluxe options on the island include Le Château de Feuilles at Baie Sainte Anne. It’s convenient for the inter-island ferry connecting Praslin to La Digue.

La Digue

Sleepy La Digue is only a fifteen minute ferry ride from Praslin, but a world away. Motorised vehicles are rare on the island – most visitors get around on foot or by bicycle. The island is well known for its beaches. The most exquisite of all is Anse Source d’Argent. Its giant granite boulders and crystal clear turquoise water have graced many a glossy travel magazine. La Digue is also home to a small population of free-roaming giant tortoises, who share the road with those on two wheels.

There are no five-star resorts on La Digue – it’s not that kind of place. The best hotels might be a star short of the full complement, but are stylish and comfortable nevertheless. They include the charming Le Repaire Boutique Hotel and the beautifully designed Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort and Spa. Other options include a plethora of apartments and lodges that can be rented by self-catering guests.

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Silhouette Island

This is the Seychelles’ third largest island and great for diving, hiking and birdwatching. It is visible from Beau Vallon on Mahé. Mount Dauban’s mist-shrouded forested slopes dominate the view. At sea level, the skies are as clear as the water. Much of the island is untouched, with just a small village, La Passe, to interrupt nature. The only fully fledged resort on Silhouette is the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa. Décor blends traditional style with modern accents to create an elegant and chic property that’s just what you imagine an island hideaway should be.

Bird Island

Some of the Seychelles’ 115 islands are privately owned and run as resorts. One such island is Bird Island. As the name suggests, it is heaven for birdwatchers. They come to see the island’s famous sooty tern colony and curiously named others such as frigate birds, noddies and ruddy turnstones. Stay in one of just 24 rustic but exclusive chalets in the middle of the nature reserve.

Denis Island

Denis Island is another of the Seychelles’ most exclusive island resorts. This gorgeous property is set amid flawless white sand and lush tropical vegetation. With no cable television or internet, this is the place to come if you seek a restorative digital detox. Instead, fill your time by snorkeling, fishing or diving in this Indian Ocean paradise.

Why not give Mundana a call with your requirements and let us help you choose which island is the right fit for you?