Seychelles

Seychelles is a breathtaking African archipelago in the Indian Ocean, known for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, nature reserves, and rare wildlife. The main island, Mahé, boasts lush tropical forests, beautiful landscapes, and an inviting, laid-back atmosphere.

Our journey to Seychelles began with a flight from Nairobi to Mahé. The local airport welcomed us with its charm, setting the tone for our stay. Mahé island itself felt like stepping into a postcard. Just 30 minutes from the airport, we arrived at our hotel, STORY, a luxurious yet intimate retreat.

STORY Seychelles is home to six restaurants, a pristine beach, an inviting pool, and a serene lake with fountains, adding to its allure. For dinner, we visited Eden, where we enjoyed a creative spin on a Caesar salad, a grilled wrap, and a flavorful curry with rice. However, dining in Seychelles can be quite expensive, reflecting the country’s intention to maintain exclusivity by limiting tourist numbers.

The next day was dedicated to my primary reason for visiting: completing a PADI Open Water Scuba Diving course. The PADI Open Water course is the world’s most popular scuba certification, recognized globally. It includes a combination of knowledge development, confined water dives, and open water dives. This course teaches essential diving skills, safety procedures, and underwater communication techniques. Completing it opens up a world of underwater exploration, allowing you to dive up to 18 meters (60 feet) independently all across the globe.

I registered at a nearby dive center and paid a fee of 515 euros. The first practical session was a confined water dive in the ocean, where I learned essential skills such as hand gestures, underwater communication, and breathing techniques.

After a brief return to the hotel, I headed to Bel Ombre jetty for my first open water dive. We explored a shipwreck at 18 meters, encountering turtles, jellyfish, reef sharks, eels, stunning corals, and trumpet fish. After two thrilling sessions, we wrapped up the day and spent the evening exploring Victoria Island. Highlights included the famous clock tower, a charming replica of London’s Big Ben, Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple, and shopping for local coco de mer perfumes, vanilla, and souvenirs at the bustling Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market.

Dinner that evening was at STORY’s Japanese restaurant, where we enjoyed delicious hibachi vegetables, salads, sushi, and edamame. The intimate 35-seater restaurant, set on the lake, provided a unique dining experience, albeit at a cost of 50 euros per person.

Our third day started early with breakfast, followed by two dives. The first was a skills training dive focused on emergency procedures and useful techniques. The second dive was purely for fun, exploring a reef with sightings of octopus, starfish, sea urchins, and lionfish.

We spent the evening relaxing and later dined at Hilton Northolme’s Mahé restaurant, savoring local Creole cuisine. The standout dish was local creole curry made with local spices and bread made with coconut and breadfruit, paired with a tropical salsa and passion fruit butter.

On our final full day, we toured Mahé island. Despite the tea factory being closed, we enjoyed visiting a picturesque waterfall, a stunning viewpoint overlooking Mahé, and a relaxing beach. The tour ended at the Botanical Gardens, where we saw coco de mer and fed giant tortoises. A quick snack of French fries at the cafe was followed by some sunbathing and a 20-minute jet ski ride at the hotel. Dinner at Mahek restaurant in Coral Strand was a comforting reminder of home. That evening, I also completed the theory part of my scuba diving course, successfully finishing five modules and passing the final exam online which requires a percentage of 75%.

The last day included an early morning dive, after which we soaked up all that Seychelles had to offer before departing in the evening.

Recommendations I have which I could not do : 

Praslin Island: Known for the stunning Anse Lazio beach and the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, home to the famous coco de mer palm.

La Digue: A tranquil island famous for its beautiful beaches, like Anse Source d’Argent, and its relaxed, bicycle-friendly atmosphere.

St. Anne Marine Park: A group of six islands offering excellent snorkeling, diving, and opportunities to see marine life up close.

Morne Seychellois National Park: Offers fantastic hiking trails with panoramic views, lush forests, and diverse wildlife.

Other Recommended Properties in Seychelles

Mahé:

• Hilton Northolme
• STORY
• Fishermans Cove
• Constance Ephelia
• Hilton Labriz
• Anantara Maia
• Savoy

Silhouette Island (Great for Diving):

• Hilton Silhouette Island

Other Islands:

• Waldorf Astoria
• Four Seasons

Seychelles offers an unparalleled experience with its natural beauty and luxurious accommodations. Whether you’re diving into the deep blue or exploring the islands, there’s always something new to discover.