Tropical Romance in the Seychelles - Our Guide
Ribbons of icing-sugar sand, lapped by cerulean waters, set against a backdrop of lush green hills: the Seychelles is the quintessential tropical paradise. For couples, these spectacular islands offer the ideal place to enjoy a week or two of romance in an impossibly perfect setting. Add world-class diving and snorkelling, luxurious hotels and colourful local culture, and it's easy to see why honeymooners and nature loving couples of all kinds adore the Seychelles.
When to visit
To guarantee hundreds of likes on your Instagram holiday snaps, avoid the rainy season which lasts from mid-November to mid-February. While the rain storms themselves are usually brief, the sky is often overcast during this period - resulting in views that do not match the holiday brochure photos.
More about the islands
There are 115 heavenly islands in the Seychelles, including 41 granite inner islands, loved for their dramatic rock formations, as well as their breathtaking beaches. Outside this main group, there are dozens of other islands - although none rise more the 15 feet above the clear turquoise waters that surround them. The most remote of these islands is the Aldabra group, which, as a nature reserve, is generally off-limits to tourists unless express permission is given by the Seychelles Department of the Environment. Large numbers of turtles and giant tortoises steadily cruise and graze in these waters. but fear not - you can glimpse these majestic creatures off several other - more accessible - islands.
Weddings and honeymoons
With such idyllic white sandy beaches and topaz waters, it's little wonder that so many couples choose the Seychelles as their wedding destination. The hotels are well-versed in providing everything necessary for a superb romantic event, with photographers, wedding cake makers, decorators and every other matrimonial service available. However, bookings should be made around six months in advance.
A honeymoon on the Seychelles is far easier to plan, with a wide choice of luxurious hotels offering sumptuous rooms, fine dining and wonderful sea-views.
The three main islands
While more than one hundred islands comprise the Seychelles, there are three main islands - Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
Mahe
Most of the population lives on Mahe, by far the largest island. This is where most tourists land (at Seychelles International Airport). Despite being so populated, Mahe boasts some delightful beaches, including Anse Intendance, Petite Anse, and Anse Takamaka Beach.
Praslin
Home to many of the Seychelles' best hotels and resorts, Praslin is the ideal base from which to explore the archipelagos.
La Digue
The Seychelles' third largest island is home to the world famous Anse Source d'Argent. This stretch of silky, pearlescent sand has featured in many a honeymooner's photo.
Getting around
The main islands are grouped close together, making travel between them quick and easy. Inter-Island Ferry Services take you from Mahe to Praslin in around 50 minutes, and Praslin to La Digue in around 15 minutes. You might also take an island hopper flight between Mahe and Praslin - which takes just 15 minutes.
You can travel around Mahe and Praslin in rental cars, but on tranquil La Digue you will only need a bicycle.
Things to do
Snorkelling
For those with little snorkelling experience, head to the shallow waters of pretty Anse La Baque, before moving on to Anse Lazio. You can then swim across the stunning bay at Anse Volbert. For the most rewarding snorkelling experience, book a day trip to St Pierre Island.
Relax on La Digue Island
White powdery beaches, azure-blue waters, dramatic rock formations and a truly tranquil atmosphere make La Digue one of the most romantic islands in the Seychelles. As mentioned, it is home to Anse Source d'Argent beach, along with many other Instagrammable stretches of sand. While the snorkelling here is top-notch, it's worth booking trips to nearby Coco Island and Felicite Island too. Expect dazzling Bengal snappers, green humphead parrotfish, angelfish, surgeonfish - and some rather tame hawkbill sea-turtles. Eagle rays are also present, but trickier to spot.
Scuba diving
Most diving takes place on the main islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Shark Bank is located 8km north of Mahe, and is home to abundant marine life, including whale sharks, grey sting rays, eagle rays, turtles and a wide variety of colourful fish. It is also the final resting place of the Ennerdale, an enchanting wrecked tanker - which can also be dived.
Eco-tourism
Even those with little interest in nature can't help but be enthralled by watching turtles nest on Bird Island's soft, sandy beaches, or be amazed by the free-roaming turtles of Curieuse. Bird lovers should make time for the sanctuaries of Aride, Cousin, and Bird Islands, where you can glimpse exotic winged creatures that include magpie robins, sooty terns, tropicbirds and warblers. And make sure you see the extremely rare coco de mer palms, which are found in Praslin's Vallée de Mai.
Best hotels for honeymooners
Banyan Tree Seychelles, Mahe
Located in Anse Intendance, to Mahe's quieter south, the Banyan Tree has an old plantation house feel - albeit with fantastically luxurious rooms. If you stay between October and February, you'll be well-placed to see local turtles nesting - which they do, unusually, in the daytime. The expected assortment of pools, spas, gyms and crèche facilities are all present.
https://www.banyantree.com/en/em-seychelles
Raffles Seychelles, Praslin
In common with other Raffles hotels, this resort is just minutes from the remarkable Anse Lazio beach, and boasts first class service and a range of superb couples' experiences, including massages, diving expeditions and boat trips.
https://www.seychellesraffles.com/
Fregate Island Private
Fancy your own romantic island? On Fregate island you can get it - so long as you don't mind sharing it with a few others. Each of the 16 villas on this island has its own pool. There are also seven spectacular beaches, at least one of which can be booked for private use.
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