God was unbelievably kind to Seychelles, an unreal utopia whose islands lie scattered across the Indian Ocean. Spellbinding shores are the main draw. They comprise fine sand lapped bands by turquoise waters and backed by grassy dunes, palm trees, and Dali-esque rock formations. The beach, diving, and snorkeling are brilliant with the warm waters among abundant marine life. Very few places on the globe do barefoot luxury quite like Seychelles. Here is our essential Seychelles Honeymoon Guide.
Overview of Seychelles
The Seychelles archipelago comprises 115 granite and coral islands, and they are among the world's most beautiful islands. With breathtaking lush torrid vegetation, lovely white beaches, and dark turquoise inlets. Photographs can't do the nation justice.
Seychelles consists of two types of islands. Forty-one inner islands are granitic and mountainous; these are home to most of the population and tourism. Surrounding these islands are 74 smaller coral islands, home to some of the world's most magnificent reefs. (I will discuss different islands in depth later in the guide). While the spectacular beaches and the sunny weather are the main calling cards, nature lovers will not be disappointed. Seychelles is famous as a haven for diverse species of fauna and flora. The oceans are teeming with fish, sea turtles, whale sharks, and manta rays.
Best Time to Visit Seychelles
Seychelles sits below the equator, which ensures that the temperature remains in the mid-80s year-round. For the best weather, travel from April to May or October to November, but Seychelles is a year-round destination. Two seasons govern the weather in Seychelles, and the prevailing winds dictate them. Daily sunshine is almost inevitable, although the wetter months of December to March tend to have more extended periods of rainfall. It is worth noting that given the islands' geographic spread, the weather can vary markedly. Also, the outer coral atolls tend to have significantly less rainfall.
Here are the best times to visit Seychelles for some of the most popular activities follow:
Diving-February to May & September to November with visibility at its best in April & October
Snorkeling–All year
Fishing–October to April
Walking & trekking–April to October
Turtle spotting-October to February
Surfing-May to September
Sailing-All year
How to Get to Seychelles
Americans will need a passport, but a visa is not required. From the US, you will need to connect through Europe or the Middle East. You can find direct flights from London, Doha, Paris, Dubai, Istanbul, and others. You can expect flights flying into Mahe (the main airport in Seychelles) to last 9-14 hours. Depending on where you are flying from plan at least one layover, you will likely have 2. I suggest overnighting at a destination to get out of the airport for some rest. Breaking up the trip can save your sanity. Traveling between the islands is accomplished with small planes, helicopters, or ferries.
To Island Hop or Not?
The islands are incredibly diverse, so island-hopping is the best way to experience the diversity, especially nature and wildlife. I suggest two or three stops if time and budget allow. Are you hoping to chill-out without ever leaving your resort? Then one island will be sufficient. I am going over some of the most famous and romantic islands in the archipelago.
The Inner Islands
The inner granite islands include Mahe, Praslin, La Digue, and Silhouette. They are the social focal point of Seychelles.
Mahe Island
Mahe's main island and 85% of the population live, including Victoria, the world's smallest capital. The main international airport is there as well as the ferry. Mahe is a great place to start an island-hopping trip. Are you heading to Seychelles after an African safari? Staying in Mahe will cut down on traveling. All hotels on Mahe are about 30-45 minutes from the airport.
Jessie's resort recommendations for Mahe: Four Seasons Seychelles, Banyan Tree Seychelles, and Constance Ephelia.
Praslin Island
Praslin is the second largest island, and it is 15 mins by frequent light aircraft or 1 hour by the Cat Cocos ferry. The island's most renowned attraction is the UNESCO World Heritage site, Vallee de Mai tropical forest. It is the only place in the world where the Coco de Mer palm grows. The Coco de Mer seed is the world's largest and heaviest.
Praslin's powdery beaches are remarkable, the best being charming Anse Lazio in the north and the Cote d'Or on the east. However, it's worth noting that the south & south-east coast is prone to seaweed between late May & September.
Jessie's resort recommendations for Praslin: Raffles Praslin and Constance Lemuria.
La Digue Island
A quick 20min ferry ride from Praslin will take you to idyllic La Digue Island. A stay on La Digue is like stepping back in time to the sleepy island way of life. You won't find many cars in La Digue; plan on traveling by bicycle or oxcart. Explore the wandering lanes to discover the island's numerous picturesque beaches will highlight a trip to La Digue.
Jessie's recommends Le Domaine de l'Orangeraie for La Digue Island.
Private Inner Islands
Seychelles' ultimate luxury barefoot havens are legendary, and there are several within the inner island that require helicopter transfers. They are perfect for couples that want seclusion and pampering.
Seychelles' most iconic luxury paradise is North Island. A 20-minute helicopter flight from Mahe is a frequent retreat for the rich and famous. It offers excellent levels of privacy with just 11 large villas. If you want to learn more about the marvelous North Island Seychelles resort, read my Honeymoon Like William & Kate at North Island Seychelles.
If you are looking to stay in one part of the wildlife sanctuary and another part luxury resort, look no further than Fregate Island Private. You will be delighted by free-roaming sea turtles, giant tortoises, and wild birds.
Not far from Praslin lies the incredible Six Senses Zil Pasyon; it has 30 stylish, spacious private Villas on Felicite's private island.
The Hilton Seychelles Labriz resort lies on mountainous Silhouette Island; it is a 40-minute boat transfer from Mahe. The Hilton offers an excellent spa and superb diving, so it is an excellent choice for families.
Outer Islands
The outer islands tend to be coral atolls. They are barely above sea level; you will find swaying coconut palms, turquoise seas, and endless white-sand beaches.
Denis Island
For a barefoot island paradise, the captivating outer island of Denis Island lies just 30 minutes flight north of Mahe. Privately-owned, its 25 beachside cottages are a little more rustic but still offer a 5-star experience. The cuisine is divine, while diving and fishing are excellent as well. The island's whole ethos is about sustainability, and guests are positively encouraged to discover more about it.
Jessie recommends Carana Beach Boutique Hotel for Denis Island.
Desroches Island
Desroches Island is perfect for relaxing, and diving and fishing are some of the best in Seychelles. It is 40 minutes south-west of Mahe; there are twice-daily flights to work well as both a one-island holiday or and island hopping trip.
Jessie recommends Four Seasons Desroches for Desroches Island.
Things to See and Do in Seychelles
Seychelles is a tropical island paradise, so that you will find incredible water-related adventures. Spend your diving, parasailing, snorkeling, sailing.
You won't want to miss a day trip to Curieuse Island to make friends with the giant tortoises that roam free throughout the island. There are plenty of leaves to feed them, but if you want to make a good impression, scratch the tortoises under the chin. They love that!
Have a picnic on La Digue's most iconic beach Anse Source d'Argent. It is the most photographed beach globally, and it is home to some stunning granite rock formations that made Seychelles famous.
Spend the day in the gorgeous nature preserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vallee de Mae. It offers some of the most stunning hiking trails; you will feel like you have stepped into 'Jurassic Park.'
Take to the treetops on a zipline at Constance Ephelia Resort. The scenery is stunning.
Seychelles is a perfect honeymoon destination for couples that want to relax after the stress of wedding planning. It would be the ideal topper for a South African Safari Honeymoon! There's something magical and otherworldly about the boulder-dotted coastlines of the Seychelles Islands. You will see why they call Seychelles 'Paradise on Earth' soon as you arrive. If you want to read more about Seychelles, check out my Sexiest Honeymoon Resorts in Seychelles.
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