George and Amal, William and Kate, Ronan and Storm… just a few of the celebrity newlyweds who have jetted to the magical Seychelles to lap up the turquoise ocean, powdery white sands and giant tortoises (yes, really!). But with most loved-up A-listers checking into the ultra-exclusive North Island resort which has become THE honeymoon destination for overpaid famous peeps, we scouted out the other islands to find out why this African paradise makes everyone go a bit gooey.
Magical Mahe
This is the main island, all international flights land here and then you can transfer to the smaller islands or take time to explore this beauty. There’s plenty to see and do here and a whole range of places to stay from budget to luxury. There’s also the newest addition to the area, Eden Island Marina. Here you’ll find shops, restaurants and the best nightlife on the island.
What to do:
The capital city Victoria is small but perfect for a morning meander. There’s the local market with food, trinkets and delicacies as well as small shops to look round. You have to check out the Clocktower too – it’s a mini replica of Big Ben!
Then head to Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden. Located a 2km hike from Anse Royale beach, the views are incredible and a tour of the gardens invites you to see all different types of fruits, vegetables and plants, which you get to sample at the Insta-goals restaurant if you stay for lunch.
Where to stay:
VIP: The super luxe H Resort Beau Vallon Beach (hresortseychelles.com) is the perfect spot to witness the awesome sunset on the island! A junior suite costs from £515 a night. You also see the North Island from here where Kate and Wills cosied up on honeymoon.
Alternatively AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa is light and spacious and perfectly positioned near the beach. A standard room with breakfast costs from £265 a night (avanihotels.com)
Economy: Eden Airbnb apartment on the opposite side of the island costs £94 a night, sleeps two and includes access to a pool
Perfect Praslin
Praslin is the second biggest island and about an hour from Mahe via ferry costing around £45. It's not as busy as the main island, and offers picturesque beaches, clear blue sea and sandy beaches – it’s totally the paradise you imagine when you see pictures of the Seychelles.
What to do:
Vallee de Mai nature reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your guide will explain the history of the lush forest and you’ll see rare Coco De Mer palm trees as well the endangered black parrot and geckos. There are free guided visits at 9am and 2pm.
You can’t take a trip to this island without visiting Anse Lazio beach for a few selfies. It’s basically the picture perfect beach you imagine in your head when you’re stuck at work and daydreaming about being anywhere but your desk.
Where to stay:
VIP: Raffles Seychelles for ultimate luxury. Each villa has a private pool and the service is second to none. A double room with breakfast costs from £880 per night (raffles.com/praslin)
Economy: Villa Zananas sleeps eight and is self-catering with a kitchen, dining area and two verandas. It costs £132 a night via AirBnB
Day trip to La Digue
Much quieter than the other islands, there are very few cars as most people travel around on bicycles or on foot. Known for its pink granite rocks and gorgeous beaches, exploring the island is a must, especially as it is only four miles wide! Catermarans run from Praslin a few times a day for around £12.50 return and from Mahe from around £55 each way. Once on the island, you can hire bikes for around £5 a day
What to do:
Visit the isolated Anse Bonnet Carré Beach which is only accessible on foot. The beach is tranquil and picturesque and the water calm and shallow so it’s ideal for relaxing and enjoying paradise. If you’re lucky you could spot one of the magical giant turtles here too. Or check out Anse Source D’Argent, which is one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
Take a trip to Veuve Nature Reserve where you’ll see the island’s diverse wildlife (it’s epic!).
Fish Trap restaurant for fresh local cuisine and relaxed atmosphere right on the beach front and Tony Blair once ate here, so it has celeb-spotting potential too.