The Seychelles offer different types of island holidays. There’s something spectacular for anyone.
A private island resort. A large island for family adventure. Islands to visit on yacht excursions. An island that’s great for golf and another that’s a nature reserve in its entirety.
We love how these Indian Ocean islands will surprise you.
Here’s our introduction to some of the 115 Seychelles islands, including the best places to stay on each.
When to Visit the Seychelles
The best time to visit Seychelles differs from the Maldives. But like other Indian Ocean islands, it’s warm and tropical every day of the year.
April & May. Need to escape the cold? April and May are the best months to visit the Seychelles.
June to September. The weather is dry, warm and windy. This can be a great time to visit but resort location is essential, so you avoid the strong and disruptive headwinds.
October & November. Another perfect time to visit the Seychelles, after the peak season summer rush but with less wind.
Mahé Island
Mahe is the largest island and home to the country’s international airport.
Beaches, culture, hiking trails, snorkelling and sunsets. Mahe is best for a diverse holiday.
Mahe is the most popular island to visit and offers the most things to do. However, there are no private beaches on Mahe, so holiday elsewhere for complete serenity.
For example, Petite Anse is one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Stay at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles and you will have an amazing view onto the beach, but the beach itself isn’t private to hotel guests.
We recommend villas located high up the cliffside at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, for their views and all-day sunshine. This is our favourite Mahe island resort for families.
Couples will also enjoy the Four Seasons. However, the boutique, all-villa Anantara Maia is more private and comparable in terms of high quality. So for most couples, this is the best choice.
We recommend you consider Mahe as one part of a two-island holiday. This is convenient and gives you the most flexibility over international flights.
Mahe is a great all rounder, so spend a few days at the start or end of your holiday here.
Praslin Island
Praslin is the second-largest island. It’s a lot quieter than Mahe, especially the island’s west coast.
Praslin is perfect for combining beautiful beach days with outdoor activities, like hiking, snorkelling or even golf.
The nature all across Praslin is incredible, from the white beaches to the lush green nature reserves.
Our favourite Praslin resort is Constance Lemuria, situated next to the amazing Anse Georgette beach and the only 18-hole golf course in the Seychelles.
Constance Lemuria is the quintessence of Praslin. A blissful retreat with many experiences to enjoy. We recommend it for couples and families
Raffles Seychelles Praslin is another good option. All the villas have private pools and they’re spread over a large area, so not all are close to the beach or offer a view.
Felicite, La Digue & Cocos Islands
These small islands feel like the Seychelles holiday dream. Unfathomably white beaches, giant granite boulders, verdant tropical forests and lots of marine life.
They are not private islands but they are much smaller and more relaxed than Mahe or Praslin. Except, they’re not necessarily quieter.
La Digue is a completely car-free island with the most famous Seychelles beaches. It’s very popular for day trips, also with visitors who arrive by ferry then spend a night or two at a mid-range hotel.
La Digue and Cocos islands are famous and nice to combine on a yacht trip. For an exclusive Seychelles holiday you need to stay on Felicite island.
Felicite is completely protected as a national park. It’s the fifth largest Seychelles island and only has one resort, the sublime Six Senses Zil Pasyon.
The entire 30-villa resort blends into granite rocks and jungle, stretching across a third of the island. The other two thirds are perfect for hiking and exploring.
We can’t recommend Six Senses Zil Pasyon enough. For the spa, the sustainability, the architecture, but mostly the feeling of luxury combined with adventure.
Private Island Resorts
The Seychelles also offers private island resorts. These are similar to what you will find across the Maldives, with a couple of important differences.
The Seychelles private islands are natural islands. They’re generally bigger than islands in the Maldives too. Villas are dotted around these islands, usually directly on the beach. Unlike the Maldives, there are no overwater villas.
Cousine Island is a top choice for a group of friends and family. It’s bookable as a private island buyout, accommodating ten adults plus children. You have your own island, not only a villa on a private island resort.
Fregate Island was previously the most exclusive Seychelles island resort. It’s currently undergoing renovation and not expected to reopen until 2025.
Four Seasons Resort at Desroches Island is the most similar option to the Maldives. Exclusive villas with private pools and direct beach access, plus a great range of facilities and dining options.
North Island was made famous as the honeymoon destination of celebrities like the Clooneys. The island is spectacular although the accommodation needs some refurbishment now.
For marine activities like fishing and diving there’s nowhere better than Alphonse Island, in the outer archipelago. However, the accommodation is rustic, not luxurious, so a stay here is all about the adventure experience.
Your Seychelles Holiday
Now you should have an idea about different Seychelles islands and what type of island is best for your Indian Ocean holiday.
But how do you compare the Seychelles with the Maldives and Mauritius? And which Seychelles resort is best for a family of four?
The best advice is one to one and that’s why we’re here. We’ll individualise a holiday that’s best for what you want.
The Best Island For You?
