Honeymoon in Seychelles

If you cannot imagine a romantic vacation without the sun and sand of tropical beaches, the Seychelles islands in the Indian Ocean could make for a great choice for your honeymoon.

Where to stay

Though around one hundred fifteen islands make up this paradisal country off the Eastern coast of Africa, only one-third of them are populated and only about sixteen of them are large enough to sustain at least one resort. Almost all hotels are small and intimate and many are comprised of a number of freestanding villas which assures the utmost in privacy and romance. This means you can make one of these islands your very own honeymoon paradise like many celebrities from all across the world do. Mahe, the largest and most populated is the only port of entry and offers you a range of accommodation from luxury hotels to beachfront cottages. Other islands like Praslin La Digue, Silhouette, Frigate, Dennis and Bird are also popular for the diversity in accommodation that Seychelles has to offer, from charming Creole guesthouses, intimate hotels both large and small, to the magical experience of sumptuous five star resorts and exquisite island hideaways.

Exquisite beaches

Almost all of the islands have pristine white sand bordered by unusually clear waters and sloping palm trees. For a luxurious experience head to the private island of Desroches which boasts several miles of sparkling white beaches and fantastic coral reefs. The Desroches Island Retreat is the only accommodation on the island. It has 20 luxury villas nestling under shady coconut palms and there are Tracks all over the island leading to secluded beaches. You can dive, ride a bike, enjoy the spa and swimming pool and then dine under moonlight. Other quiet islands perfect for an idyllic honeymoon in the Seychelles are Dennis Island, the Fregate Island and the Cousine Island with its historic French bungalows. For a feel of royalty you can opt for the North Island where Prince William and Kate spent their honeymoon.

If you wish to stay within or closer to city limits, a good beach option is Beau Vallon Beach - the biggest and the most popular beach on Mahe, the capital city of Seychelles. Anse Soleil and Anse Petite Police, two secluded beaches situated on the west coast. In Praslin, you can head to Anse Lazio beach considered one of the best beaches in the world for its calm waters, shimmering sand and perfect weather. Yet another favorite beach in Praslin is Anse Volbert beach for its ideal swimming conditions. In La Digue, Anse Source d'Argent beach is much frequented by honeymooners and is one of the most photographed beaches in the world for its Fine white sands, exotic palms and majestic granite boulders.

Get sporty

For couples who want to do something other than lazing on the beach and sunbathing, the Seychelles Islands offer a variety of water sports as well. ,ailing, game fishing, diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing are especially popular with vacationers though couples can also go cycling, bird watching, hiking, horseback riding and golfing here. However since not all sports facilities are available on all islands, it would be a good idea to check with your Travel Agent or your hotel before heading out.

Exotic Sea Life

The Seychelles Islands are broadly divided into the Inner and Outer Islands. While the Inner islands form the economic and cultural hub of the nation, the Outer Islands attract tourists for their low-lying coral atolls and reef islands. Owing to the relatively remote location, the Outer Islands in Seychelles are less frequented by tourists. However the sand cays and coral atolls lining the coasts of these islands are a treasure trove of marine life and if you and your spouse are interested in nature, this region can make for a great honeymoon destination. While the Aldabra Atoll is the largest raised coral atoll in the world, the Alphonse Island is also bordered by a spectacular coral reef which houses a variety of rare marine flora and fauna. Moreover the Alphonse Island is an important nesting ground for tortoises and several species of sea birds. For lovers of aquatic sports, Alphonse Island offers options for diving, deep-sea sailing and fly-fishing. It is one of the very few Outer Islands that has luxury accommodations as well as executive suites for visitors. On the Praslin Island don’t miss the Vallee de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is well-known for the 'Coco de Mer' palm and some of the rarest birds on earth. In Mahe, Six islands around Mahe form the Ste Anne Marine National Park, the best place to explore the underwater life. Then there is the Natural History Museum as well as the Botanical Gardens - highly recommended not only for romancing in the midst of lovely environs but also for glimpsing the gardens’ giant tortoises and the endemic plant species. If you can plan your honeymoon in November, you can check out the SUBIOS Festival, an annual event that celebrates Seychelles' underwater world.

Historical sights

If you are able to drag yourselves away from the beaches and all the aquatic action, you will find a wealth of historical and cultural attractions in Seychelles. In Mahe, a particular attraction is the Victoria's Clock Tower - a copy of the 'Little Ben' tower outside London's Victoria station. The National History Museum and the Seychelles People's United Party Museum are remarkable for their collections while The Courthouse and main Post Office in the centre of town are two places which seem untouched since colonial times. Other than going sightseeing, also make sure you and your beloved sample the local culture. Of particular interest is the Victoria Market in Mahe. Here local fruits, vegetables, spices and seafood are on display, and you can find an array of souvenirs upstairs. When exploring the nightlife of the place, how about trying a local drink like the Eku or Seybre which are the beers of this place. A lemon grass drink, Citronel, taken after dinner is believed to aid digestion. However proceed with caution if you try kalu, baka, or lapire which are rather strong local moonshines. For an in-depth culinary experience of Seychelles, explore Round Island, one of the six islands around Mahe, which is believed to be one of the best places for genuine Creole cuisine.

Getting there and around

The Seychelles International Airport, about 8km south of Victoria, is the only international airport in the Seychelles to which you can take a flight land from Dubai or any of the major Indian cities like Mumbai, Chennai and New Delhi. You can take the national airline, Air Seychelles, to fly to most of the other islands. There is ferry service from Mahe to Praslin and Le Digue but to go to other islands, you may have to take an excursion or charter a boat. Mahe and Praslin have inter-island bus service to. A few taxis are available on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue but make sure to agree on the fare before entering. Car rentals are available on Mahe and Praslin but rates are high and breakdowns can be frequent. A far more effective way of getting around might be the local bus and big cities like Mahe, Praslin have an extensive bus network. . On the recreational side, treat your brand new spouse to a spectacular sight by taking A helicopter ride from the Mahe Airport; this will not only give you an aerial view of the major islands but also that of the beautiful Sainte Anne Marie Marine Park.