An all-inclusive Seychelles vacation should include luxury and plenty of relaxation on the beach, but it will also offer plenty of opportunities for some island-hopping adventures.
The Indian Ocean archipelago is made up of 115 islands, divided into two groups. Often referred to as the Coral Islands, the Outer Seychelles are sparsely populated coral atolls that are great places to see on boat tours, but aren’t suitable as a base for a getaway in the sun.
Almost all Seychelles family vacations involve staying on the Granitic or Inner Islands, where you’ll find most of the major attractions and largest cities. Despite that, the islands, which as the name suggests are made of granite rock, remain almost entirely untouched by man and you can expect to see some impressive sights while touring.
Going from island to island is easy, since there are excellent transport links between them, especially if you choose to stay in a luxury resort that offers a free shuttle service. One of the best in the Seychelles is the Sainte Anne Resort & Spa, managed by Beachcomber Hotels.
It has everything you could want for a luxury holiday, including private beaches, well-appointed villas, five restaurants, a top-notch spa, a kids’ club and facilities for a selection of water sports. The resort is also located in a stunning setting on the island of Sainte Anne, in the heart of the tranquil Sainte Anne National Marine Park.
The hotel offers a boat service to Mahe, where you will find both the capital city of Victoria and the airport, and within ten minutes of leaving your accommodation you could be exploring the attractions of the main island of Seychelles.
Walking along the north coast of Mahe along a path lined with ancient granite rocks and palm trees is a memorable experience, especially as the route ends at a secluded beach where you can spend the afternoon sunbathing and swimming.
Mahe also has a host of nature reserves and botanical gardens to explore, where you can see indigenous flora and fauna at their best. Try visiting the exotic flower garden Kot Man-Ya, the wilderness of Morne Seychellois Park, and the aromatic fields of Le Jardin Du Roi spice plantation to experience all the island has to offer.
Be sure to also take a trip to Praslin during your island hopping adventures in the Seychelles. It is famous for having some of the best beaches in the Indian Ocean area and the stretches of sand at Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio are as close to a true tropical island paradise as you will ever find.
Praslin is best known for the Vallee de Mai, a nature reserve that enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status. Visiting it will give you the chance to see some rare birds and palm trees, including the Coco de Mer, as well as understand why British settlers in the 19th century believed it to be the Garden of Eden.
You’ll also want to spend a day exploring La Digue during your Seychelles vacation, as the former island, where bullock carts are still more popular than cars, has some stunning scenery. Once you’re done looking at the orchids and spice plants, you can spend the afternoon tanning on the famous Anse Source d’Argent beach.
