6 nights in Paradise

Janet Lewis on 30 November 2018
I was lucky enough to travel to the Seychelles with my husband staying on three different islands, Mahe, Praslin and Denis Island with a day trip to La Digue. We flew on Qatar Airways from Heathrow Terminal 4 on their A380 aircraft changing planes in Doha. Doha is a fantastic airport, very large but easy to find your way around, a few hours stopover gave us time to stretch our legs and then board for the onward flight to Mahe, Seychelles!

On arrival in Mahe we were met by our driver Bernard who helped us clear immigration and he then whisked us off to our first hotel where we stayed for two nights – The Carana Beach which is a small boutique hotel. It was lovely, contemporary in style, reception smallish but very adequate. Whilst checking in we were given a lovely cold drink and wet towels to freshen up. It wasn’t long before we were whisked off to our room and how beautiful was that! Large sleeping area and a massive bathroom all very cleverly lit and a lovely balcony with a day bed and sea view. We had dinner in the hotel which wasn’t too expensive compared to the bigger hotels.

During our time on Mahe, Bernard took us on a full day tour which included a visit to the capital Victoria, the Bel Air Cemetery, Tea Factory and Mission Lodge. In Victoria we went to the colourful market, the best way to get a feel for the Seychellois and their way of life. Built in 1840 and renovated in 1999, it remains the bustling heart of the capital and definitely the best place to buy fresh fruits, fish, vegetables and spices. The Victoria clock tower is the most prominent feature of Seychelles’ small capital and has acted as a focal point for nearly 100 years. The clock tower is an elegant replica of Big Ben that was first erected in London in 1897.

The Bel Air Cemetery, undoubtedly the oldest historic site in Seychelles, was the first official burial ground to be opened on Mahé. The cemetery’s tombs, vaults and shrines contain the remains of some of the island’s most famous personalities such as corsair Jean-Francois Hodoul and the 9ft giant Charles Dorothée Savy. Also, the remains of the mysterious Pierre-Louis Poiret, claimed by some to be the son of Louis XVI who fled the French Revolution and took refuge in Seychelles.

From Victoria we headed to Jardin du Roi Spice plantation where we had the most delicious lunch and got to try things that we’d never had before! Plus, we saw giant tortoises up close!

The following day Bernard drove us to the Inter Island Quay to board the Cat Coco ferry to take us on the 1-and-a-half-hour crossing to Praslin where we would spend our next 2 nights staying at the Indian Ocean Lodge, a 3* hotel. The food was very good, and the staff were happy to explain what the dishes were and how hot they might be as my husband doesn’t like spicy food. We saw beautiful sunsets here. This island is home to the famous Coco de Mer plant, unfortunately didn’t have time to see much of Praslin as we were booked on a day trip to La Digue, just a 15-minute crossing by ferry.

On La Digue we went to Anse Source d'Argent, which is reputed to be the most photographed beach in the world. With its soft white sand, clear turquoise water and huge granite boulders sculptured by the elements and time itself, it is not difficult to see why photographers and film makers still love to come here. The sea is sheltered by the reef, and is very calm and shallow, with only sand underfoot which makes it safe for children. Access to the beach via L'Union Estate requires an entrance fee of SCR100 for non-residents. It was quite crowded here, although understandably so; it was such an amazing place and one that I will remember for a long time.

After 2 nights on Praslin, we ferried back to Mahe where our driver was waiting to take us to the airport for our inter island 30-minute flight to Denis Private Island. The best was definitely saved ‘til last! The flight itself was amazing, seeing the islands from the air was breath taking and then landing on the grass strip that runs through the island was another experience that I won’t forget. On landing we were met by the hotel manager and his staff in golf buggies; to take us and our luggage to the main building to check us on, again greeted with a lovely local cold drink. This already was looking like paradise! Soon the golf carts were whizzing us off to our room which was fabulous. Very private, no other room overlooked ours and we had our own bit of ‘private’ beach leading right down to the warm Indian Ocean’s edge. The room was massive, a deluxe beach cottage with a living area and a fantastic outdoor bathroom which extended onto a small garden which had another outdoor shower. Outside we had our own private deck with Sala and day bed as well as beach loungers.

Two days to relax in paradise, I really thought I was in heaven! The food here was out of this world and although the restaurant was spectacular you didn’t have to over dress for dinner, you could take your shoes off as you entered and walk around barefooted and men could wear smart shorts for dinner too!

The island is self-sufficient with their own farm and they grow their own vegetables which you can go and see at any time. You can do lovely walks or bike rides around the island and they have organised tours by golf buggy to show you round too. There is a library for some extra quiet time and a small games area near the bar. No swimming pool, as unfortunately the ocean has eroded this away – a sad fact of what is to come. But really not required when you’re surrounded by the warm Indian Ocean.

Denis Island isn’t for everyone and I don’t think you’d want to stay for longer than 5 or 6 nights. But for complete relaxation, good food and fantastic accommodation I’d highly recommend it. Our 2 nights were over far too quickly and soon we had to head back to Mahe for our onward flight to London.

This really was a trip that will stay at the top of my ‘Making Memories’ list and one that I can cross of the bucket list!