Travel & Lifestyle
SEYCHELLES: 100 SHADES OF BLUE
by Ms Jean Tsai
If you have been feeling a little weary of urban life, there is no better escape than somewhere remote, where the skies are brilliant, the sands are pristine and the waters are so clear that you can see fathoms deep. Islands, atolls, skerries, cays and holms are scattered across the globe, yet some have earned a reputation that places them firmly on travellers’ wish lists.
In Southeast Asia, many of the most beautiful islands lie within the Philippines’ vast archipelago of more than 7,000 islands. Others can be found in the Caribbean, the Aegean and the Mediterranean. Some remain lesser known, hidden away in remote corners of the Indian Ocean.
One such destination is the Republic of Seychelles. This archipelago of 115 islands sits amid some of the world’s most remote waters and has long attracted celebrities, royalty and discerning travellers seeking privacy and natural beauty. While many of its islands remain uninhabited and protected as nature reserves, a select few consistently rank among the world’s most desirable tropical escapes.
A refreshing dip in Seychelles’ crystal-clear waters offers the perfect escape beneath the tropical sun.
HISTORY OF SEYCHELLES
Located about 1,500km east of mainland Africa and northeast of Madagascar, Seychelles occupies a remarkable corner of the Indian Ocean. The British East India Company documented the islands as early as 1609. France later claimed them in 1756 and named them in honour of French finance minister Jean Moreau de Séchelles.
British influence began in 1794 during the French Revolutionary Wars, and the islands formally became a British colony in 1814. During the British period, the spelling evolved into the version used today. Pronounced much like “seashells”, the name inevitably brings to mind the famous tongue twister about selling seashells by the seashore.
Today, Seychelles recognises three official languages: English, French and Seselwa, a French-based Creole spoken by most locals. A fun post-holiday conversation starter is asking friends how they would describe someone from Seychelles. Seychellian? Seychellese? The correct answer is Seychellois, a reflection of the islands’ French linguistic heritage.
The Seychellois people represent a fascinating blend of African, European, Indian and Chinese ancestry. This rich cultural heritage has also shaped one of the Indian Ocean’s most distinctive cuisines.
CHECKING THE WEATHERVANE
The hottest months in Seychelles fall between December and April, while July and August tend to be the coolest. Trade winds blow from May to November, bringing pleasant breezes that are perfect for long walks along the shoreline and those cinematic wind-in-your-hair moments.
Before heading to a beach, it is always worth checking local conditions. At certain times of the year, seaweed can accumulate along some stretches of coast, making swimming, snorkelling and fishing less enjoyable.
If time allows, set aside around 10 days to explore the country’s three main inhabited islands: Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. A longer stay allows you to slow down, settle into island life and appreciate the unique character of each destination.
Travelling between islands is straightforward. Ferries connect the major islands, while Air Seychelles operates flights between Mahé and Praslin, reducing travel time from about an hour by ferry to just 15 minutes by air.
Once on Mahé or Praslin, renting a car offers the greatest flexibility. Taxis are readily available but can be expensive, while public buses provide a budget-friendly, if slower, alternative. Those with a taste for adventure can even charter a yacht and experience island-hopping in true Indian Ocean style.
THE BIG ISLAND
Most visitors begin their journey on Mahé, the largest island in Seychelles and home to the capital, Victoria. The island is also where the international airport is located and where the vast majority of the country’s population resides.
Many of Mahé’s finest beaches are found along the west coast. The southwest, with its relatively low level of development, offers some of the island’s most tranquil settings.
On the northwest coast lies Beau Vallon, one of Seychelles’ best-known beach destinations. Its broad shoreline and calm waters make it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, boating, fishing and scuba diving. Restaurants, hotels and shops line the area, creating a lively atmosphere without detracting from its natural appeal.
Families particularly appreciate Beau Vallon. The waters are generally calm, there are few hazards, and the beach is easily accessible from Victoria, just five kilometres away.
When the lure of the beach finally loosens its grip, head south to the charming village of Baie Lazare. Named after 18th-century French explorer Lazare Picault, the village offers a glimpse of a quieter side of island life.
One of its most notable landmarks is the neo-Gothic Baie Lazare Church, dedicated to St Francis of Assisi. The church sits in a picturesque location and rewards visitors with sweeping views of the surrounding area.
Accommodation on Mahé caters to every budget. Visitors can choose from simple guesthouses and apartments to world-renowned luxury resorts such as Banyan Tree Seychelles, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles and Kempinski Seychelles Resort.
THE ART OF BEACH BUMMING
After a few days on Mahé, make your way to Praslin, the second-largest island in the archipelago. An hour away by ferry, it offers a more relaxed pace and some of Seychelles’ most celebrated natural attractions.
Praslin is famous for the coco de mer palm, whose enormous seed is among the largest in the plant kingdom. The island is also one of the best places to encounter the giant Aldabra tortoise.
A giant Aldabra tortoise enjoys a snack, offering visitors a memorable encounter with one of Seychelles’ most iconic residents.
The west coast remains relatively quiet, making Grand Anse an appealing base for travellers seeking peace and seclusion. On the east coast, Cote D’Or serves as the island’s main tourism hub and offers easy access to activities, restaurants and accommodations.
Anse Volbert is among the island’s most popular beaches. Its powdery white sand and clear waters attract swimmers and snorkellers from around the world. Despite its reputation, it rarely feels overcrowded. Visitors can reach it easily by car, bicycle or public transport from nearby Baie Sainte Anne.
Equally famous is Anse Lazio on the northern coast. Framed by giant granite boulders, ivory-coloured sand and dazzling turquoise water, it regularly appears on lists of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Granite boulders, powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters come together to create one of Seychelles’ most iconic coastal landscapes.
Many travellers consider Anse Lazio an essential stop. Whether you choose to swim, snorkel, dive or simply admire the scenery, the beach rarely disappoints.
For those seeking something even more exclusive, numerous private islands offer opportunities to experience Seychelles in near solitude.
Accommodation on Praslin ranges from modest chalets and boutique hotels to luxurious resorts, including the acclaimed Raffles Seychelles.
If your schedule allows, Praslin also serves as an excellent base for day trips. Nearby islands such as Curieuse, Cousine and St Pierre offer memorable excursions, while Silhouette Island provides a glimpse into one of Seychelles’ least developed environments.
ENCOUNTERS WITH NATURE
La Digue is often regarded as the jewel of Seychelles. Although smaller than Mahé and Praslin, it offers a wonderfully preserved glimpse of traditional island life. Bicycles remain the preferred mode of transport, and visitors may still encounter the occasional oxcart trundling along quiet roads.
Like much of Seychelles, La Digue boasts dazzling white-sand beaches, dramatic granite boulders and crystal-clear waters. Its crown jewel is undoubtedly Anse Source d’Argent, a beach so photogenic that it regularly appears in lists of the world’s most beautiful stretches of sand and sea. The combination of sculpted granite formations, shallow turquoise waters and powdery sands creates a scene that seems almost unreal.
Beyond the beaches, the island rewards curious travellers with several natural and cultural attractions. L’Union Estate, a former copra plantation and vanilla estate, offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s history. Nearby, the Veuve Nature Reserve protects the endangered Seychelles black paradise flycatcher, affectionately known as “the widow” because of its long flowing tail feathers.
Those who prefer a more active holiday can tackle the La Passe–Grand Anse Trail. The route winds through woodlands and past charming colonial-era houses before opening onto one of the island’s most spectacular beaches. It is the perfect excuse to work up a sweat before surrendering once again to the lure of the sea.
A shaded forest trail reveals another side of Seychelles, where lush tropical landscapes invite visitors to slow down and reconnect with nature.
BREADFRUIT, BATS AND BUKA
Seychelles’ rich cultural heritage is reflected in its cuisine. Influences from Africa, Europe, India and China come together to create dishes that are both distinctive and deeply rooted in island traditions.
Although seafood dominates many menus today, turtle meat—sometimes nicknamed “Seychelles beef” in earlier times—was once considered a local delicacy. Conservation laws now protect turtles, and the practice has long been prohibited.
LOCAL DELICACIES
Food lovers will discover a fascinating variety of flavours and ingredients throughout the islands. Beyond freshly grilled fish, adventurous diners may encounter dishes such as shark chutney, octopus curry and the famous fruit bat curry. Breadfruit also features prominently in local cooking and appears in countless forms, whether baked, grilled, barbecued, boiled or steamed.
Many travellers find that some of their most memorable meals come not from restaurants but from guesthouses and family-run establishments. Sharing a home-cooked meal prepared by a local host often provides a deeper appreciation of Seychellois hospitality and culture.
A TASTE OF THE ISLANDS
For those seeking a more formal dining experience, Seychelles offers everything from casual beachside takeaways to elegant restaurants serving Creole bouillabaisse, flambéed prawns, smoked fish salads and richly spiced curries.
The cuisine draws inspiration from many traditions. European, Indian and Asian influences blend effortlessly with tropical fruits, fragrant spices and the day’s freshest catch. The result is a dining experience that feels uniquely Seychellois.
To accompany the food, visitors can enjoy fresh fruit juices or sample local alcoholic beverages made from sugarcane and coconut. Popular choices include buka, a locally distilled spirit similar to rum, and kalou, a traditional drink made from fermented coconut flowers. Naturally, locally brewed beer remains a favourite among visitors and residents alike.
100 SHADES OF BLUE
Like many remote destinations, Seychelles rewards travellers who plan ahead. Weather conditions, ferry schedules and island logistics can occasionally present challenges. A little preparation goes a long way towards ensuring a smooth and enjoyable holiday.
If the long flight to Seychelles feels daunting, there are other spectacular beach destinations closer to Singapore. Thailand’s Maya Bay, the islands of Palawan and El Nido in the Philippines, and Australia’s Whitehaven, Hyams, Lucky Bay and Turquoise Bay all rank among the world’s most beautiful coastal escapes.
Yet Seychelles possesses a magic that is difficult to replicate. Perhaps it is the extraordinary clarity of the water. Perhaps it is the striking contrast between emerald hills, ivory sands and endless shades of blue.
Whatever the reason, visitors often return home with more than photographs and holiday memories. They also leave with a newfound vocabulary for describing the sea: azure, cerulean, sapphire, aquamarine, turquoise and countless other hues that seem impossible to capture in words.
Many of these colours share their names with precious gems, and that feels entirely appropriate. After all, a journey to Seychelles is very much like discovering a treasure hidden in the middle of the Indian Ocean—one that leaves you dreaming of seashells by the seashore long after you have returned home.
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