My Escape to the Seychelles

MY ESCAPE TO THE SEYCHELLES

I arrived at Gatwick North Terminal feeling nervous, I was off on my first work trip to check out – The Seychelles!

This was my first time travelling far away and I was amazed at the size of the Emirates aircraft. Even in economy the seats were spacious and I had my own video entertainment. Then lunch! My diet was certainly being put on hold! Throughout the flight we had drinks, ice cream and afternoon tea. Our transit was in Dubai, a luxurious airport and of course duty free shopping!

So laden with our goodies we resumed our flight to Mahe, the main island of the Seychelles, where we arrived in 80 degrees heat and still dressed in our winter clothes. Mahe airport is tiny, just 1 baggage carousel and 2 immigration stands!

Soon we were whisked off to Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove, a 5 star property, newly refurbished and located on the edge of the ocean. We were welcomed with cold towels and fresh juice. Settled in our rooms, it finally clicked, we were in paradise!

I was to visit 2 other islands during my stay, both very different. Dennis Island, just a 30-minute scenic flight away was one. We landed at an airstrip and went to reception by golf buggy. The whole resort had a “back to nature” feel, especially when we visited the island’s own giant tortoises.

The other was Fregate Island, a 5 star exclusive retreat. I travelled here by boat. Words cannot describe it. Private villas with their own secluded Jacuzzis, outdoor showers and much more. This is an idyllic location for honeymooners and people who need to relax totally. The spa treatments are exceptional – in a world class of their own. That night we mingled on the pool deck at the manager’s cocktail party. Later on, a little punch drunk and pink from the sun we did our own midnight tour of the island in our golf buggies! What fun!

Next morning, we were awoken by our breakfast being delivered to our villa and we feasted on a selection of tropical fruits and warm pastries. After we made our way back to Mahe, we spent a night at the Sainte Anne Resort & Spa. This hotel had a family feel - less intimate but still lovely! The food at Sainte Anne was delicious! We dined that evening on 6 courses and tried out the local delicacy, Red Snapper!

The capital of the Seychelles is Victoria - a small bustling town with a few shops and a weekend market. The locals buy their fresh fruit, vegetables and fish here, so you know it’s good. Victoria has one set of traffic lights. This is the only set of lights in the whole of the Seychelles so everyone has a photo stop here! After our day sightseeing we stayed at the Banyan Tree, This hotel is not quite so isolated as Fregate Island, but is so romantic! There are 2 restaurants, we ate in their signature restaurant, Thai a-la-Carte- and it was delicious!

Lemuria Resort, at the other end of the scale, is much larger and busier. After a tour of its facilities, I spent the afternoon poolside, soaking up the sun.

Finally, it was time to leave and it was hard to tear myself away from this idyllic respite in the Indian Ocean. But I can see that the Seychelles has something for everyone - quiet, private honeymoons, luxury escapes and simple understated holidays for families and couples alike.  There is a vast amount of activities, an astounding Coral Reef  - or just days and nights to laze away the hours and totally relax. I can thoroughly recommend it!