The stunning "Seychelles" - Part 1
We took the direct flight from Heathrow with British Airways which I would totally recommend and a route that has also helped increase the British market to the Seychelles. Great if travelling with children too, 9 hrs 30 minutes and a night flight there makes a big difference, sleep and wake up to paradise! On arrival with a private transfer that took around 40 minutes we were taken to our first hotel, one of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Constance Ephelia Resort, our home for 3 nights. Being greeted with cold flannels and a welcome drink we sat in the tranquil setting of this amazing resort, with hospitality you could not fault, making us feel truly at home in no time at all.
What was the weather like, I hear you ask? The Seychelles are located south of the equator in the Indian Ocean and with its tropical climate is a great year-round destination. The hottest months are November to April, travelling here in March it was definitely very hot and humid. The cold flannels on arrival were very welcome! Make sure you pack light weight loose clothing – an absolute must!
The restaurant choice here is superb, we ate on our first evening at Adam and Eve, Thai style cuisine with outstanding service, the staff here excelled themselves. For anyone with specific dietary requirements you can be assured that this is taken seriously by each chef and their teams, you will be very well catered for, something that was so great to see throughout our whole experience in the Constance resorts. Restaurants are all located outside and allow you to feel immersed in the beautiful resort and surroundings.
The resort is spread between a north and south beach, taking approximately 20 minutes to walk between or you can use one of the many buggies available frequently around the resort. An absolute must is to have dinner at the Cyann restaurant on North Beach, the only supplement payable restaurant, however worth every penny. The restaurant was full when we ate here, yet the layout and ambience meant that you would never have known this, beautiful, romantic in a beautiful setting. Another evening meal was taken at Seselwa, the fish /seafood restaurant located On North Beach, for any seafood lover this was a fabulous experience with a huge choice.
Did you know the USPA at the Constance Ephelia is the largest spa in the Indian ocean! Just WOW - this was the best massage I have ever had! The spa is set out in keeping with the natural surroundings and offers a sensational relaxing experience. It was approx. £100 for 45 mins and believe me worth every penny.
Whilst relaxing is very easy to do in the Seychelles, you can be more active, the water sports and diving opportunities are amazing, however staying in the resort (although not run by the Constance resort) “zip lining through the treetops” was one of my most memorable experiences from this trip. The view as you walk up to the first zip line is truly stunning and the eight zip line sections that followed this did not disappoint, costing approximately £40, worth every penny!
We did leave the luxury of the hotel and explore the island of Mahe, which has a population of 95000 amazingly, the largest of the Seychelles islands with the capital Victoria. Exploring this island is a must, take a camera and you will see beautiful islands such as Turtle Island, great for a trip, beach party or BBQ? Conception Island another island accessible from Mahe. Eden Island as you travel around Mahe cannot be missed, the new purpose-built luxury island with its privately-owned properties, where the rich and famous reside. It's surrounded by other natural islands that in low tide can be walked between.
We stopped at the islands tea factory, amazing views from here, and if you like tea a great opportunity to purchase some “Seyte”. For a spot of history then a stop at Venns Town, the Islands first school was built here on a plantation, known as the mission. It was wonderful to understand this island’s history, only ruins are left now however the island protect this very important site.
Victoria, the largest capital in the Seychelles. We took in the local market whilst here, where you can buy meat, fish, veg, and souvenirs such as clothing and other small gifts. The locals use this market for all their fresh fish, meat and vegetables. The town has everything you need with some traditional buildings here that make it very interesting to walk around.
Our lunch stop in Victoria at a local restaurant named Marie Antoinette cost 400 rupees per person, approx. £20 per person. Beautiful food, a buffet type selection of fish dishes including tuna, red snapper, rice, mango salad, chicken curry and more. A beer plus 2 x sprites came to 250 rupees, around £12-£13.
Next stop Praslin…find out more in my Seychelles Part 2 Blog