The boat gently sways on the undulating waves of the calm and unending Indian Ocean, schools of colourful fish swim by without a care, and the sun blazes down on you while you relax blissfully, mulling over your life choices. Seems like the picture-perfect vacation? Well, it is exactly that, yet so much more. Welcome to Island life in Seychelles!
An archipelago of 115 islands just off the coast of East Africa, Seychelles is instantly recognisable for its bright blue waters, white sandy beaches, smooth granite boulders, and the native Coco de Mer palm. It offers the perfect ingredients for a beach holiday with sunshine, warm waters, and endless relaxation. Seychelles welcomes Indian travellers with visa-free entry, needing just a travel authorization letter that’s usually processed within a day for a nominal fee, though it might take up to 72 hours in some cases. The islands embrace a blend of cultures, and Creole, English, and French are spoken widely.
Eden Bleu Hotel
When I land at Seychelles International Airport in Mahé, I am greeted by its laid-back island vibe—a perfect introduction to paradise. A quick 10-minute drive later, I arrived home at Eden Bleu Hotel. Located on Eden Island, close to all major attractions, the hotel felt like an oasis of calm. Its airy, high ceilings and open design seamlessly blended the outdoors with the indoors, with tranquil water features adding to the serenity. Beyond the lobby, the property opens up to a chic international marina, flanked by a heated swimming pool and lounging areas that offer the perfect mix of sophistication and relaxation.
A Family of Islands
The islands of Seychelles are like a large extended family—each unique, with its distinct character and charm, yet all bound by the same breathtaking beauty. With 115 islands scattered across an expansive 1.4 million square km of ocean, a whole world is waiting to be discovered. The islands are grouped into two distinct clusters, with the 41 ‘inner’ granite islands forming the epicentre of the nation’s tourism. They are easily accessible with a smooth-running frequent network of catamarans and are perfect for easy day excursions. Meanwhile, the more remote ‘outer’ coral islands require an overnight stay.
Day Cruise to Moyenne Island
My first day begins with an exhilarating promise: snorkelling! Not even my total inability to swim could dampen my excitement. With a trusty life jacket as my companion, I was ready to take the plunge and embrace the adventure. We set out into the open ocean on a glass-bottomed boat bound for Moyenne Island. As we drop anchor in the middle of the deep blue sea, the glass bottom reveals the spectacular jewels of the sea. Rows and rows of corals are named according to their shapes – brain corals, finger corals, and flower corals that transform the ocean bed into a veritable Garden of Eden! Schools of brightly coloured fish swim in and out of the corals, and as the boat crew teaches us how to identify them, whoops of delight echo across the boat as the guests quickly learn to identify the underwater beauties. Snorkelling is an unforgettable experience as I lay on the calm waves bobbing up and down, feeling wild abandon and peace at the same time!
The ocean’s cool spray refreshes our sun-kissed faces as we glide across the shimmering waves toward the island. Scores of fish join us, performing an elegant display of synchronised swimming. Tossing in bits of bread, we watch in utter delight as the fish leap and swirl to catch the bread, in a dazzling aquatic ballet. I know, this will become a core memory I will enjoy each time I think back to this magical moment.
Tucked away in the shimmering waters of the Ste. Anne Marine National Park lies Moyenne Island, which may be the world’s smallest national park and an absolute must-visit. A hike up the hills reveals stories of the historic first settlers of the island, and we meet the adorable current settlers of the island in the shape of giant tortoises. After a delicious local meal, the crew brings out the drums for some traditional dancing, and we all get lost in the spirit of the – Seggae beats. As a perfect farewell, we wade through the shallow ocean beds to explore tiny nearby islands. The fish dart gracefully around us, their playful movements making us feel like mermaids.
The Iconic Coco de Mer
Vallée de Mai on Praslin Island is the perfect place to discover the iconic Coco de Mer palm. This enchanted forest feels like a living relic of prehistory in which mammoths and dinosaurs perhaps lived. Often called the original Garden of Eden, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the endemic Coco de Mer nut. Its striking resemblance to the human form, with its impressive size and shape, has made the Coco de Mer a long-revered symbol of fecundity, wrapped in fascinating myths. To our guide’s surprise and our sheer delight, we were lucky enough to spot the coveted Seychelles black parrot, tiger chameleon, and tiny tree frog, all in one extraordinary visit! Standing beneath these towering palms, reaching high into the sky, I feel like a diminutive Gulliver, completely in awe of the giant beauty around me.
La Digue Island
The fourth-largest island in Seychelles, La Digue, welcomes you via the quaint La Passe jetty. The moment you step onto the island, you can feel that it holds on to the old ways—single-story homes, local restaurants, buggies, and bicycles are the preferred modes of transport, and where time seems to have stood still.
The island’s east coast is lined with stunning beaches, where the sand is a perfect white, and the ocean stretches out in every shade of blue. We spent a blissful afternoon at Anse Source d’Argent beach, famous in pop culture for its giant, smooth granite boulders that look as though they were placed in careful symmetry by a talented landscape artist. Here, the perfect view is not from the shore towards the horizon but from the calm waters, where corals lie, and colourful fish swim near your feet – towards the stunningly beautiful beach. I cannot help but marvel at the untouched beauty of it all. It feels almost spiritual—like a moment of peace for the soul. It is impossible not to be captivated by the untouched beauty, a scene so serene it feels almost spiritual—a moment of pure peace for the soul.
Takamaka Rum Distillery
An afternoon at the Takamaka Distillery is a delightful mix of storytelling, rum-making alchemy, and pure fun. Retha D’Offay takes us on an enchanting journey, weaving her family’s tale of how a modest dream grew into one of Seychelles’ most celebrated brands, now a proud ambassador for the islands worldwide. Her passion is infectious as she guides us through the finer nuances of crafting rum, all set against the backdrop of what was once an old plantation—now beautifully restored and brimming with charm.
Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort and Casino
We end our five-day trip with a stay at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino, one of the grand old institutions of hospitality in Seychelles. Running to full capacity, the sprawling property has its fan following and is frequented by mostly Europeans who have been coming for years with their families. Berjaya also houses the very popular Indian restaurant, Parrot, serving delicious Indian Tandoori fare.
Beyond Beaches
Seychellois cuisine was a revelation with cleverly hidden bursts of flavour, masterfully blended spices, and locally sourced produce – sometimes straight from trees just outside! Though the cuisine is predominantly seafood-oriented, delicious vegetarian options of colourful salads and rich, flavourful curries will speak to Indian taste buds. There is a hint of familiarity, but the spices in Creole cuisine sing their own songs of local flavour.
When you think of Seychelles, you might picture endless days of relaxation on pristine beaches, and while that is definitely part of the charm, what truly took me by surprise was the sheer variety of things to do across its islands. From rich local history to stunningly unique flora and fauna, innumerable experiences await discovery. Whether chasing sunsets, seeking adventure, or simply craving tranquillity, Seychelles has something for everyone.
