Best Kept Secrets of the Seychelles

When visiting this tropical slice of heaven, it’s helpful to have some tricks up your sleeve for getting the most out of paradise. Below are some experiences and destinations to add to your to-do list that will take your trip from great to epic.

Beaches

The beaches in the Seychelles are categorized as being unspoilt, with azure, crystal-clear water that laps against the edges of the sugar fine, white sand. The beaches in front of the properties are amazing places to bask in the sun but there are a few special ones that get you away from the crowds and onto your own secluded beach. Others are all about the journey, and provide you with a breath-taking hike that drops you onto a remote castaway coastline.

Coastline in the Seychelles

Beautiful beach typical of the Seychelles

Praslin

Constance Lemuria offers direct access to one of the most amazing beaches in the world, Anse Georgette. Guests get to be shuttled back and forth from the beach to the resort, but visitors are welcome to hike to the breath-taking beach and spend the day sunbathing and snorkelling in the water. This hidden spot is ideal for photographers as the view from the hill on the way down to the beach is spectacular. Anse Georgette is one of the few ‘untouched’ beaches in the Seychelles, offering natural, pristine beauty. This is a must-see for those who are staying on Praslin or just taking a day trip to the island. Take your picnic basket, snorkel gear and spend the afternoon in tranquillity and beauty.

The secluded Constance Lumeria

Private beach in the Seychelles

La Digue

On the east side of the tropical little island you can find, Anse Coco, a hidden beach that is just a thirty-minute hike from the well-known Grand Anse. The hike will be worth it. You’ll arrive at a beach that is astonishingly beautiful with crystal-clear waters and not a soul in sight. Pack plenty of water, a picnic and a camera as the soft sand and massive boulders make this beach picture perfect. If you want to cool off after the hike there is a natural pool on the far side that is sheltered from the crashing waves.

Grand Anse

Experiences

Turtles

Hatching and nesting season on the Seychelles is extremely magical and an unforgettable thing to witness. Hawksbill and green turtles grace the shores of the Seychelles and make it into their nesting site. Hawksbill nesting season is from October to March, while the green turtles run from January to September. Taking two months to hatch, it is an incredible site to witness as hundreds of baby turtles make their way to the sea from their nests. Many of the properties like North Island, Denis Island and Constance Lemuria are heavily involved in conservation and will notify their guests when this phenomenon happens.

North Island is great for nesting season

Green turtle hatchlings

Hiking

Mahe island alone has over sixty beaches to choose from, and like most things in life, the ones that are harder to reach are always worth the extra effort. On the northwest of Mahe you can enjoy an hour and a half hike along magic granite boulders to the hidden beach of Anse Major. This secret sunbathing hideaway offers incredible snorkelling and the perfect nestling spots for loved up couples.

Hiking in the Seychelles

Romantic post-hike dinner

On the most southern point of the island you can find Police Bay, the beach is at the end of a tiny, dusty, bumpy road that most taxis drivers try to avoid. From October to March this beach is untouched by ocean winds and you’re unlikely to see anyone else. Keep your eyes open for hawksbill turtles, they also love the privacy and warm waters of this gem of a beach.

Snorkelling in the Seychelles

Kelly enjoying the Seychelles

If you’re staying at North Island be sure to incorporate a hike in during your time there. Exploring the island, you get to learn about the Noah’s Ark Island rehabilitation program, say hi to a tortoise or two and be amazed at the jaw dropping scenery on the island. My top tip would be to take a later afternoon hike that will have you ending at West Beach just in time for the sunset and for the team to greet you with thirst quenching cocktails and delicious canapes.

Kelly getting friendly with a tortoise

The perfect way to enjoy the sunset

Full moon
When it’s a full moon in the Seychelles, it’s best to take advantage of the lit-up night sky. There are plenty of romantic experiences and opportunities to really wow your partner. Properties like MAIA on Mahe, can arrange a for an exclusive couple’s massage treatment on the highest vantage point of its private peninsula. The only distractions here are the silver shadows of the moon dancing along the waters.

Whether it’s a romantic spa therapy, yoga, or candlelit dinner on the beach- the full moon is something not stay inside for.

Romantic spa therapy at MAIA

Cocktails at MAIA as the sun goes down

Island hop

There are plenty of island hopping itineraries allowing you to hit the main highlights like La Digue, Praslin, and Cousin. Get off the beaten track and take a full day excursion by boat to the island of Grande Souer (also referred to as Big Sister). Most skippers will only visit this island upon request because it’s a little bit further then other popular spots. The western beach is endless white powder sand where you can truly turn your ‘Do Not Disturb’ on. When you are feeling like stretching your legs there are plenty of short hikes that take you around the island that shows the flora and fauna. The boat trip includes a gourmet creole BBQ on the beach as the sun dips into the sea, this will be a mental picture forever ingrained in your memory.

An easy way to island hop

Going to a private beach is well worth it

ISurf

It’s a little local secret that with the right weather conditions Seychelles can dish out some of the most beautiful waves you have ever seen. Isurf company based on Mahe know all the hidden spots and offer beginner to advanced lessons to get you paddling into some unforgettable beauties.