With no guarantee of a barbeque summer in UK, why not head to the tropics? It’s time to plan a real holiday, one that offers miles of sandy beaches, sunshiny blue skies and turquoise waters, set against a backdrop of spectacular mountain peaks. Mahe Island in Seychelles is the perfect antidote to a British summer, where you’ll be basking in the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean.
Luxury Resort to Cosy Self Catering in Mahe Seychelles
Mahe is the largest of the Seychelles islands at just about 60 square miles. It boasts the highest mountains in the Seychelles archipelago and offers a truly international mix of accommodation options. Hotels in Mahe run the spectrum – from exclusive resorts to family friendly hotels and charming seaside self-catering cottages. You wouldn’t notice the wealth of choice as you fly in, because all these properties are built to blend into the lush landscape and please even the most discriminating eye.
Lose track of time in the splendour and luxury of the 5-star Banyan Tree Seychelles on the southwest coast of Mahe, with 60 tastefully appointed villas, each with their own private swimming pool. The Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort, with its relaxed and informal style, is perfect for families. If you’re seeking immersion in the local Seychellois culture, self-catering options like the Chalets d’Anse Forbans are perfect. Wherever you stay on Mahe in Seychelles, you’ll be sure to have views onto beautiful beaches, granitic mountains or lush gardens.
It’s the Beach
Let’s talk about beaches – Mahe Island in Seychelles is about 60 square miles in area, and boasts over 60 beaches. With roughly one beach for every square mile, that must be a definition of tropical paradise! With so many to choose from, you’re likely to find one that is secluded enough for a romantic picnic for two, another which is perfect for building sand castles or lazing around at the waters’ edge.
Water sports abound – snorkel amongst the coral reefs or get your wetsuit on and take advantage of one of several PADI dive centres at the resorts. As Mahe Island Seychelles is outside the tropical cyclone zone, sailing is literally a breeze. You could even charter a boat and equipment for some deep-sea fishing for marlin, sailfish and dorado.
Nature, Culture and Nightlife
Flights from the UK to Mahe land in Victoria, the capital city of Seychelles. Victoria will charm you with its vibrant cultural life and wealth of activities that are available – that is, if you can bring yourself to leave the beaches!
Your best option is to rent a car, and happily, the Seychellois drive on the left just as we do, so you should feel right at home behind the wheel. Take care on those winding mountainous roads, though – with the highest peak at 3000 feet, the terrain is more Highlands than South Downs. The views are spectacular, and well worth the time.
At a slightly lower altitude, take a tour of the Mahe Botanical Gardens or, off the beaten path but worth a visit, the Le Jardin du Roi Spice Gardens. With beautiful indigenous trees, shrubs and flowers, you’ll be inspired to try and recreate these scenes back in Britain.
Fancy a local market? Victoria’s is the genuine article, with stalls selling delicious fruits and vegetables, colourful spices and local arts and crafts. Open every day except Sunday, the best day to visit is on a Saturday morning when the Seychellois are there doing a weekly shop. After all that, why not enjoy a cooling drink at the local meeting place, the Pirates Arms.
If the nightlife scene appeals, try Lady Luck in a local casino, or dance the night away in one of the nightclubs – including one that offers al fresco dancing. For a more laid-back night scene, there are bars and lounges at most of the resort hotels.
Getting to Mahe Seychelles
Mahe Island Seychelles is an easy direct flight from London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport on Air Seychelles, and since you’re travelling south, the time is adjusted to just four hours head. Now is the perfect time to plan your holiday, as specialist Seychelles tour operators like Elite Vacations are offering exceptional value with packages that combine an Air Seychelles Buy One-Get One Free offer alongside excellent deals from all the best resorts and hotels. The best packages will always include return airfare, airport lounge passes, hotel transfers, and of course, accommodation.
