Franklin Dean
Planning a honeymoon in the Seychelles is a great choice for those seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure in a tropical paradise. The Seychelles is an archipelago of over 100 islands in the Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Africa, offering pristine beaches, azure waters, and tropical vegetation. With a range of activities, from island hopping and water sports to exploring small towns and enjoying the local cuisine, the Seychelles has something for everyone. However, it is important to note that the Seychelles is a costly destination, with high-end accommodations and a lengthy journey from most places, so it is recommended to plan for a longer stay to make the most of your trip.
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What You'll Learn
Seychelles honeymoon essentials
Seychelles is an archipelago of over 100 islands in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, offering a tropical paradise that is remote, exotic, and luxurious. With its pristine beaches, azure waters, and tropical vegetation, it is an ideal honeymoon destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure. Here are some essentials to consider when planning your Seychelles honeymoon:
Choosing the Right Time
The Seychelles has a tropical climate with a wet season from November to March and a dry season from June to September. The dry season is generally more agreeable, with lower humidity and temperatures in the 70s to low 90s Fahrenheit. However, January and February tend to be rainy, while March to May and September to November are considered the best times to visit, helping you avoid the busy school holiday crowds.
Getting There and Getting Around
Seychelles is a somewhat difficult destination to reach, with long flights from major US cities ranging from 18 to 24 hours, often with stopovers in the Middle East and East Africa. Once you arrive at the international airport on Mahé, you may need a boat or helicopter transfer to your final destination, especially if you're staying on a smaller island. Getting around Seychelles depends on the islands you visit. Mahé and Praslin offer rental cars and taxis, while island-hopping can be done via local ferries, private boats, or domestic flights.
Accommodation
Seychelles caters to luxurious tastes with five-star boutique hotels, overwater bungalows, and beachfront resorts. Consider the duration of your stay and the number of islands you plan to visit. A stay on Praslin Island, home to the rare Coco de Mer palm, can offer a combination of seclusion and exploration. Denis Island, a private island with just 25 cottages, is another favourite spot for honeymooners seeking romantic isolation. La Digue is also recommended, with hotels offering bicycles for guests to explore the island.
Activities and Experiences
The Seychelles offers a range of activities and experiences to suit different interests. For nature lovers, there are botanical gardens on Mahé, pristine coral reefs for snorkelling, and the chance to witness turtles laying their eggs. Island-hopping, boat tours, hiking trails, and exploring small towns provide opportunities for adventure and cultural immersion. The Vallée de Mai National Park on Praslin Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features panoramic vistas and walking paths through dense forest. Victoria Island, with its historic clock tower, is another popular spot for exploration. Don't forget to indulge in the local cuisine, including the Seychelles' renowned beer and rum.
Practical Considerations
Seychelles is a pricey destination, so be prepared for the cost of accommodation, activities, and dining. Ensure you have all the necessary travel documents, including a valid passport, visitor's permit, return ticket, sufficient funds, and confirmed accommodation. Sun protection, swimwear, and appropriate clothing for the tropical climate are also essential.
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How to get to Seychelles
The Seychelles is a remote archipelago nestled in the Indian Ocean, east of Kenya and north of Madagascar. It is made up of over 100 islands, only a handful of which are inhabited. The main island of Mahé is home to the capital city of Victoria, and it is here that you will find the Seychelles International Airport.
Getting to Seychelles
Due to its remote location, the Seychelles is a somewhat difficult destination to reach. From the United States, flights can be upwards of 18 hours, and there are often layovers to endure. The most popular route is from Washington Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C., to Seychelles International Airport. This flight takes an average of 25 hours and 55 minutes one way. Other popular routes include those from Newark Liberty International Airport (21 hours and 30 minutes) and San Francisco International Airport (29 hours and 32 minutes).
If you are looking for a more comfortable journey, you may want to consider upgrading your flight, as one couple did when travelling from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Mahe, Seychelles, with a layover in Doha. They opted for Qatar Airways Q Suites, which provided them with a fully reclining seat-turned-bed, nonstop meals and drinks, and excellent entertainment.
Once you arrive at the Seychelles International Airport, your journey may still not be over. If you are staying on a smaller island, you will need to arrange a boat or helicopter transfer to get there.
Entry Requirements
To enter Seychelles, you will need a valid US passport, a visitor's permit, an onward or return ticket, sufficient funds, and confirmed accommodation. United States passport holders do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days and can be granted a visitor permit upon arrival.
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Where to stay in Seychelles
The Seychelles is an archipelago of over 100 islands, only a handful of which are inhabited. The best way to get around the Seychelles depends on the islands you visit. On Mahé and Praslin, for example, rental cars and taxis are readily available. For island-hopping, you can take local ferries, private boats, or domestic flights.
When it comes to accommodation, the Seychelles offers a range of options, from luxurious overwater bungalows to boutique beachfront hotels. Here are some specific recommendations for where to stay during your honeymoon in the Seychelles:
Constance Ephelia Resort, Mahé
Constance Ephelia Resort overlooks the marine national park of Port Launay and is set within 120 hectares of land with well-positioned villas, a spa, and many island experiences. It is located on a lush hillside, offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
Four Seasons, Mahé
The 170-acre Four Seasons resort is located on the southwestern side of Mahé, perched on a forested hillside overlooking the picture-perfect bay of Petite Anse. The resort features 67 vernacular Seychellois villas built on soaring stilts, ensuring each deck has a view of the surrounding treetops and the ocean beyond.
Frégate Island
Frégate Island features 16 large and very private villas, each with its own pool. The island boasts seven gorgeous beaches, one of which can be reserved for private use each day, with meals and drinks provided by staff.
North Island
North Island offers a secluded and romantic atmosphere with 10 seaview villas and a quiet hilltop spa. The small scale and thick foliage full of singing birds make it an ideal honeymoon destination.
Raffles Praslin Seychelles
Raffles Praslin Seychelles is a great option for couples seeking adventure. You can explore the island on horseback and visit natural monuments, traditional Creole houses, and marine parks. The resort also offers private pool villas and easy access to beautiful beaches.
Hilton, Silhouette Island
The Hilton on Silhouette Island is known for its excellent restaurants and magical atmosphere.
In addition to these options, you can find other romantic hotels and resorts in the Seychelles that cater to honeymooners, offering luxurious accommodations and experiences.
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Things to do in Seychelles
Seychelles is an archipelago of over 100 islands in the Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Africa. It is a luxurious and tropical destination, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure, with a rich culture and history, beautiful beaches, and exotic forests.
Explore the islands
Seychelles offers a unique opportunity to island-hop with ease. Public ferries make it affordable to commute between the islands, allowing you to explore the diverse history, culture, and landscapes of each. Some of the most popular islands to visit are Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue. These islands offer luxurious accommodations, pristine beaches, and vibrant local culture. You can also visit private islands like Desroches, Bird, Denis, and Fregate for an unparalleled luxurious experience.
Water activities
The azure waters of Seychelles are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, sailing, diving, and rafting. Most hotels offer water sports within their premises, and some even provide secluded beaches for their guests. You can also rent snorkelling equipment and explore the vibrant marine life, including schools of colourful fish. Beau Vallon is a popular spot for snorkelling and diving.
Nature and adventure
The islands offer a range of nature-centric activities, from hiking trails in national parks like Morne Seychelles and Praslin to exploring the unique flora and fauna of the Veuve Nature Reserve on Félicité Island. For thrill-seekers, there's zip-lining through the jungle and rock climbing on the granite mountains.
Relax and indulge
Enjoy a languorous breakfast on the beach or request a special canopy dinner by the shore. Seychelles is known for its luxurious spas, offering the perfect opportunity to relax and rejuvenate during your honeymoon. The Seychelles Brewery and the Takamaka rum are also worth a taste.
Unique experiences
Seychelles offers some once-in-a-lifetime experiences, such as seeing and touching giant tortoises at L'Union Estate on La Digue, exploring old plantation houses, and witnessing the infamous Coco de Mer palms, found only in Seychelles. Horseback riding on the beach and sailing on a live-aboard yacht at sunset are also memorable experiences.
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Best time to visit Seychelles
The best time to visit the Seychelles is between April and May or October and November. These months are calmer, with less wind, and fall between the two trade winds that hit the islands annually. The temperature in the Seychelles is around 86°F all year round, with a mixture of sunshine and tropical showers, and sea breezes that disperse the humidity. However, its positioning in the Indian Ocean, just seven degrees south of the Equator, makes it hard to predict the weather.
The northwest trade wind blows from November to March, and the southeast wind from May to September. These winds cause seaweed to build up on some beaches, so it's important to consider when choosing your hotel location. The hottest months are December to April, and the wettest are January and February, although it generally rains in short tropical downpours. The dry season runs from June to September and is slightly cooler, with temperatures in the low 70s to low 90s.
If you're looking for warmer weather, April is one of the hottest times of the year, with little wind and rainfall. It's one of the most popular months to visit the Seychelles, and the perfect time for diving and snorkelling. May is also hot, but with slightly less humidity, and the southeast trade wind begins, so it's better to visit the west coast of the island.
June is another excellent month weather-wise, with comfortable temperatures throughout the day and into the evening. The wind is a little stronger, making it a great time to go hiking. July and August are the coolest months and are ideal if you want to avoid the heat. August is a great month for hiking, with many trails and untouched areas to explore.
September is hot and humid, with little rain and slightly warmer temperatures—perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the ocean. October is when hawksbill turtles start laying their eggs, and it's less windy.
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Frequently asked questions
The Seychelles has a tropical climate, with a wet season from November to March and a dry season from June to September. The best time to visit is from March to May and then from September to November to avoid the busy school holidays.
The Seychelles is located in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, northeast of Madagascar. The flight time from the US is typically between 18 and 24 hours, including stopovers. There are several routes to the Seychelles from the US, with most going through the Middle East and East Africa.
The Seychelles offers glimmering beaches, exquisite beauty, delicious delicacies, and friendly locals. You can go island hopping, stroll on the beaches, enjoy the stunning sunsets, relax with a tropical couple's massage, and explore the 'Garden of Eden' at Praslin Island. You can also visit the Vallée de Mai National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the rare Coco de Mer palm.
The Seychelles offers a range of luxurious accommodations, including overwater bungalows and boutique beachfront hotels. On La Digue, Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie is a recommended hotel, where you can borrow bicycles to explore the island. On Mahe Island, the Botanical Gardens are a great place to take a stroll and take pictures.
