Luxury Seychelles Holidays

Time Difference: The Seychelles is 4 hours ahead of the UK (GMT +4 hours).

Flight Duration: The average duration of a flight from London to the Seychelles is 10 hours.

Currency: The local currency is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR). However, you should take GBP with you in order to pay any hotel bills.

Capital: Victoria is the capital of the Seychelles.

Language: The official languages are English, French and Seychellois Creole.

Visa Info: British passport holders do not need a visa to travel to the Seychelles.

Best time to travel

The Seychelles archipelago boasts a warm climate year-round, without any of the extremes you might expect from a tropical destination. Temperatures tend to remain within the balmy range of 24°C to 32°C, making this the perfect getaway for those seeking sun and relaxation.

However, the Seychelles are also a popular destination for fans of watersports and sailing, and in this case the time of year does play a part in dictating which is the best season to visit. Between October and March, north-westerly trade winds blow at an average of 8 to 12 knots, whereas from May to September the winds reach 10 to 20 knots, which is preferable for sailing.

If you’re interested in diving, on the other hand, April and October are prime months to visit the Seychelles, because water temperatures are high and visibility often exceeds 30 metres.

Location

The Republic of Seychelles is an archipelago state of 115 islands situated around 900 miles east of mainland Africa. You can reach the Seychelles via flights leaving from most major UK airports, either direct or transferring in airports such as Istanbul and Dubai, to reach Seychelles International Airport.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transfer to your chosen hotel either by car or helicopter. Travel between the islands that make up the Seychelles is possible by bus, car, domestic flights and ferries.

A holiday in the Seychelles isn’t all about sunbathing. Well - unless you want it to be! However, for those who fancy a bit of adventure during their trip, the Seychelles has an endless variety of activities to offer.

Diving and snorkelling in an underwater wonderland

The Seychelles’ prime position in the Indian Ocean makes it a veritable haven for divers. Many of the islands are entirely ensconced by untouched reefs, which are home to over 300 species of fish and more than 100 varieties of coral. Valhalla is a particularly popular destination for diving, with visibility in excess of 30 metres. However, those who are simply interested in snorkelling will find endless awe in the underwater world of the Seychelles. Take a trip to Sainte Anne National Marine Park to explore the colourful corals, or snorkel off Sunset Beach on Mahé to spot hammerhead sharks and mysterious manta rays.

Record-breaking fishing

If you prefer to catch fish than to swim with them, the Seychelles is the perfect choice for your next luxury holiday. Both big game and fly fishing are hugely popular, with ocean floors reaching 1,800 metres in depth. There is a strict catch-and-release policy in force, and several rules to preserve the biodiversity of the region. However, you can enjoy recreational fishing across the islands. In fact, record-breaking fish have been caught here, including dog-tooth tuna and sharks.

Adrenaline-inducing watersports

Seeking a thrill? If so, the waves are the place to be. You can enjoy pulse-racing windsurfing, exhilarating water skiing and paragliding, as well as more easy-going dinghy sailing - all on the gorgeous azure waters. With such exquisite surroundings, calm waters and wonderful weather, there could be no better place to spend a day on the waves.

Relax with a spot of golf

Golf has a well-established history in the Seychelles, making it a fantastic destination for golfing fans in search of a little luxury. There are plenty of brilliant clubs to choose from across the islands, one of the most popular being the Seychelles Golf Club on Mahé. This former coconut plantation features nine holes spread across the picture-perfect greens. To step up the challenge, take a trip to Praslin's impressive par-70, 18-hole championship Lémuria course. This stunning course leads on to Kerlan Cove Beach, and features holes fringed by palm trees descending into a steep hill among the jungle. The 15th hole of the course is famous, as players have to tee off from a ridge overlooking Anse Georgette, driving over 150 metres to hit the green beyond.

Go wild for hiking

With natural beauty in such abundance, it would be remiss to visit the Seychelles without indulging in a spot of hiking. The islands of Mahé, La Digue and Praslin all boast a number of well-marked trails heading inland, with spectacular scenery to enjoy along the way. One of the most popular hikes is the three-hour trek from Anse Royale to Anse à la Mouche. This trail follows the hills of Mahé, through palm-fringed valleys where you can spot a range of rare wildlife, and enjoy sweeping views over the turquoise ocean beyond the island itself.

The Seychelles is more than just pretty beaches. Owing to the country’s diverse cultural makeup, you will find everything from creole to Christian festivities taking place across the islands.

Festival Kreol

One of the most significant cultural celebrations in the Seychelles is the annual Kreol (creole) festival. This is actually the oldest pan-creole event in the world, so the festivities are not just about entertainment - it’s a piece of history playing out in the streets. Kreol Festival is held during the last week of October in the capital of Victoria. You can expect to experience all the kinetic atmosphere of any creole celebration, with music, dancing, art exhibitions, theatrical performances, processions and much more.

Carnaval International de Victoria

Carnival is another vibrant event that will provide lasting memories during your holiday. The Carnaval International de Victoria sees the capital light up for a weekend of revelry, celebrating the island’s mixed cultural heritage with live shows, open-air parties and parades all across the city. Make sure to watch the procession, because locals spend many months crafting intricate and unique costumes to flaunt during the festival.

SUBIOS Underwater Festival

Being such a unique destination for snorkelling and diving, it’s very fitting that the Seychelles hold a festival each year to celebrate their subaquatic riches. The SUBIOS Underwater Festival showcases the islands’ incredible underwater flora and fauna with a series of talks, shows, film screenings and competitions each year.

Seychelles Sailing Cup and Regatta

Fans of sailing should book their Seychelles luxury holiday during the month of January, as this is when the popular Seychelles Sailing Cup takes place. Regatta is another popular sailing event, which involves not only watersports but also a range of activities, such as athletic competitions, a Miss Regatta beauty pageant, Mr Regatta bodybuilding contest and much more. Head to Beau Vallon beach to enjoy the celebrations and enjoy local Seychellois cuisine from countless street food stalls.

Seychelles Arts Festival

Alternatively, if you are more interested in arts and culture, then you will enjoy The Seychelles Arts Festival. This event takes place every May, and is organised by the National Arts Council to raise the profile of local artists. During the event, you can visit many art exhibitions, watch music and dance performances, enjoy storytelling circles and even take a course with a Seychellois artist to learn a new skill.

In a country so rich in biodiversity, it is unsurprising that the local cuisine of the Seychelles is equally rich and varied. Here, many worlds meet, and their flavours are thrown into a melting pot of delicious food. Freshly-caught fish, hand-picked fruit and home-cooked curries are just a few of the mouth-water staples of Seychellois cuisine.

If you have a soft spot for seafood, you’ll be in heaven here. Surrounded by tropical waters that are home to countless unique fish species, the Seychelles has a thriving local fishing industry. Here, fishermen sell their bounty fresh from the boat - just listen out for the sound of a conch shell being blown, as this is the call that fresh catches have been brought ashore!

Fish

Of course, you can enjoy fresh fish in almost every restaurant here. Traditionally, fish is often prepared over a barbeque fired by coconut husks to infuse the fish with delicious flavours. You can also try the local delicacy of Pwason Sale - salted fish - which you will find on sale in most markets.

Curry

One of the most popular dishes in here is curry. Historically, spices were used as a preservative, and this has developed into an extensive curry offering. Dishes here are often based around masala spices, with curry leaves, chilli and freshly-made coconut cream. You can find fish curries, chicken curries, vegetarian options and even the local speciality of octopus curry!

Discover

Another local delicacy is ‘sosis rougay’. The name of this dish translates as ‘sausage rougay’, and it features sausage cooked in a mouth-watering tomato, onion, garlic and chilli sauce, often with hints of ginger.

To find the best of Seychellois fare, all you have to do is head outside and take a walk. Visit a local market to find local snacks and sumptuous fresh fruit. Alternatively, there are countless fantastic restaurants to choose from. On the main island of Mahe, one of the best-loved eateries is Marie Antoinette.

This restaurant is run out of an ancient Creole house, and serves delicious Creole dishes, following a fixed menu.