Seychelles
Far-flung for many, the Seychelles may be, but they are well worth the travel for luxury family holidays. On arrival, you’ll be hit with the smell of frangipani, doused in sunshine and greeted by some heavyweight, luxury accommodation, all of which is extremely family-friendly. Take it from us - your jet lag will dissipate in no time. Whether your days are spent on the water in a chartered boat or next to the water at your hotel pool, the charming Seychellois people, gorgeous weather and first-class child-friendly facilities make the Seychelles a prime vacation pick. There are 115 islands in the Seychelles, all showcasing sugar soft sand and year-round high temperatures.
North Island Seychelles
North Island is an eco-obsessed, all-villa luxury island just a short ride from the Seychelles' capital, Mahé.
Ile du Nord, or North Island Seychelles, sits approximately 30 kilometers from the main Seychellois island of Mahé. Summarised by absolute isolation, tranquility and unashamed levels of barefoot luxury (lashings of luxuriousness but all very informal), North Island has 11 villas. The interior of the island comprises...
Baby-friendly / Family-friendly Spa / Pre-Teen friendly / See this Hotel & Book »
Maia Luxury Resort and Spa
Maia Luxury Resort and Spa is serious Seychellois luxury accommodation just a short drive from Victoria on the southwest coast of Mahé island.
From the winding coastal road below Maia Luxury Resort and Spa, one can peak the sea grass roofs of each villa that poke flirtatiously from its granite perch on the sea. The views from each are unrivalled, seen best from within the 25-foot infinity pool or outdoor bathtub that comes with each. From a dedicated...
Baby-friendly / Family-friendly Spa / Pre-Teen friendly / See this Hotel & Book »
Sainte Anne Resort and Spa
Sainte Anne is a villa-only resort and spa set within the lush, tropical heart of a private island in the Seychelles.
Whether you opt for a Garden villa, Tropical villa or Pool villa, Sainte Anne Resort and Spa offers the space and seclusion most families want on holiday. Separate bedrooms, large bathrooms, outdoor showers, and an infinity pool with direct access to the beach if you opt for a Pool villa, define these luxury family...
Baby-friendly / Family-friendly Spa / Pre-Teen friendly / See this Hotel & Book »
Fregate Island Private
Fregate Island Private is home to 16 beautiful residences, lots of Giant Aldabra tortoises and lashings of luxury.
An exclusive and highly private Seychelloise island, Fregate Island Private is home to 16 beautifully-created residences and approximately 2000 free-roaming Giant Aldabra tortoises. The entire island can be privately rented but with that rarely being necessary, you and your whole family can enjoy a sensational level...
Baby-friendly / Family-friendly Spa / Pre-Teen friendly / See this Hotel & Book »The Pirate’s Arms, Seychelles
Independence Avenue, Victoria, Mahe Island
Literally the most popular eatery in Victoria, The Pirate’s Arms is a welcoming and often busy all-day eatery that throngs with hungry patrons form the moment it opens its doors for breakfast. It has a long-standing history in Victoria and, while it isn’t the smartest restaurant you’ll ever frequent, the menu offers kiddie favourites like pizza and burgers. For adults there are delightful local fish dishes, salads and sandwiches.
Bonbon Plume
Anse Lazio, Praslin Island, Seychelles
Bonbon Plume is perfect little eatery that consists of little more than wooden tables in the sand, each flanked by low-lying palm trees in front of the beach. After a morning of snorkeling, swimming or just playing on the stunning adjacent beach, throw on your flip flops and head to a table for fresh fish, homemade pulpy fruit juices and extremely friendly service. Then it’s back to your beach towel you go. ……
The Boathouse Cafe, Mahe
Beau Vallon, Mahe, Seychelles
Right on the edge of Beau Vallon beach, Make sits the family-run Boathouse Cafe. A nightly buffet served from 7.30pm onwards, this Creole buffet is laid-back, fun and children, especially, love stepping up to the rolling, friendly chefs and choosing their supper. The atmosphere is extremely informal and friendly, the food is a perfect offering of Creole specialities and children of all ages are welcome.
Victoria
Set within Victoria’s cobbled, shop-lined streets is the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke market, named after a one-time governor of the Seychelles (1947-51), back when the Indian Ocean islands were a British crown colony. The market building itself is a citrus-coloured structure with a sweeping rooftop and inside you’ll find row upon row of market traders offering fresh fish, vegetables, palm sugar, and local fruits such as mango. (The fish is so fresh that “No Fish” signs hang on Victoria’s shop-door handles because the smell can linger).
Island hop
A short drive from Victoria, the rock formations of Beau Vallon beach make this a prime snorkelling spot. Water lovers should charter a few boats to nearby islands such as Praslin, which lies 45km to the north-east of Mahé. We are talking picturesque swimming conditions.
The Botanical Gardens
At Mont Fleuri lie Victoria’s Botanical Gardens. With endless tropical species of flora and fauna, fruit bats, insects, birds and butterflies – you’ll find all the island has to offer here. Le Sapin café in the garden’s centre is a perfect morning spot from which to watch giant tortoises being fed their breakfast, which children adore, of course.
About
Victoria sits along the north-eastern side of Mahé, the largest of the 115 (or so) islands in the Seychelles. The archipelago lies in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa and most of the atolls are uninhabited or occupied only by high-end beach resorts. Mahé, though, offers the best of both worlds, with sandy beaches and the lovely hustle and bustle of Victoria. Dial 999 for a police emergency or 151 for a medical emergency. Hopital de Victoria (+ 248 388 000) and Nord east Point Hospital (+ 248 388 535) are both on Mahe and offer good service but make sure you travel with adequate health insurance. If you stay on one of the private islands, most have on-site doctors and can arrange transfers to the larger islands should you need it. Water is chlorinated in the Seychelles so it is advised that bottled water is consumed instead.
When to go
There is no bad time of year to visit the Seychelles because it is blessed with tropical, year-round warm weather. “Festival Kreol” is held in October each year and it’s a week-long celebration of Creole culture so a fun excuse to visit if you are flexible on travel dates.
Currency
Seychellois Rupee
Language
French, English and Seselwa Creole French