Feature: Cool island breezes, honeymoon destinations in the The Seychelles
Mother Nature has been very kind to The Seychelles, blessing them with dream-like settings of clear waters and stunningly beautiful white-sanded beaches. Very high on the list of honeymoon destinations of the world, tourism on these 115 islands is expected to experience a large boom after Wills and Kate took their special break here.
And because the royal couple just returned from paradise this week, we’ve found some of the finest deluxe hotels for you to spend your romantic escape in the sun together. Boasting some of the most exquisite luxury resorts in the world, the warm climate and endless expanse of sea means you can lounge in ultimate perfection. Pop open a bottle of the finest champagne as you stare into the expanse of the Indian Ocean and let all your cares fade away...
Creole style
Wake up in traditional timber and brick villas as you start your honeymoon with the Four Seasons Resort. With 67 of these Creole-style abodes, boasting private pools and marble dining tables, choose between being perched in jungle hillside or sitting on the ocean front. Sip champagne on the hardwood deck as the golden sun sinks below the Indian Ocean, or stroll along the white beaches and sunbathe to your heart’s content. As well as planning weddings amidst cinnamon trees and frangipani, the honeymoon package comes with a champagne breakfast, romantic dinner, spa treatment, and a picnic basket for two. Or simply take in some sight-seeing with the 19th century Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception nearby, or the Le Jardin du Roi with its wide array of beautiful indigenous plants.
Catamaran dreams
Nestled in a pristine beach amid swaying palm trees and lush tropical forest, the Banyan Tree is a brilliant resort for you to experience paradise at its best. With 60 villas designed in the traditional colonial Seychellois architecture, each comes with a private marble pool and sun veranda so you can lounge any time of the day in private bliss. For an alternative honeymoon, the ‘sail with the wind’ package lets you cruise in a catamaran with a personal skipper and host. Dive off and snorkel through the azure waters, or simply take in the endless expanse of the horizon. And at night sleep in the on-board accommodation as you live home-away-from home in paradise. If you book seven nights you’ll receive two nights free.
Turtle haven
The idyllic island of Mahe plays host to 90% of the Seychelles population, but boasts gorgeous multi-hued waters and towering granite peaks. Top this off with rare nesting turtles and you have an ocean paradise perfect for a honeymoon. Lemuria Resort is a five-star deluxe resort on the beaches of Anse Kerlan, where these beautiful reptiles still lay their eggs on the sandy shores. So get back to nature with the vast expanse of the ocean on your doorstep, an 18-hole golf course, Asian-style spa, and three restaurants. For ultimate luxury, book the presidential villa, where you can relax in the outdoor Jacuzzi, one of the three swimming pools, or on your own stretch of private beach.
Eco retreat
Using alien trees to build a secluded, natural eco-resort, North Island prides itself on being a relaxed holiday destination in tune with nature. With casuarinas and takamata trees being used to create roofs and stairwells, the resort was designed so Seychelles flora and fauna could thrive, whilst also providing a very tranquil getaway. So embrace the sensation that the whole world is yours and stay in one of the 11 spacious two-bedroomed villas, all designed by Seychellois and African craftsmen. Private circular plunge pools overlook the ocean, and as each villa is raised more than a metre off the ground, the natural cooling breezes create a perfect air-conditioning effect. The beach-front restaurant has no menu, but instead the chef speaks to each customer and develops your meal around personal preferences. Other activities include snorkelling, diving, kayaking, or cycling.
Private island
With the expanse of the Indian Ocean lying in all directions, the Fregate Island is one of the easternmost pieces of land in the Seychelles. Only a few square kilometres wide, it has been described as having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. So have it all to yourself and stay in the eco-conscious Fregate Island resort. With just 17 thatched villas over-looking the sea, this is ultimate luxury. Let your own private butler wait on your every desire, and swim in your own private pool as you enjoy the cool island breezes coming in from the ocean. Swaying palms provide a backdrop to the mahogany and teak villas. Climb the rock archway and pass freshwater pools to reach The Rock Spa, where you can be massaged for hours while taking in the panoramic views of the sea.
The Seychelles has to top the list of more serene honeymoon destinations in the world. So feel like royalty and do yourself a favour...now is the time to go!
