HfP in the Seychelles: Let’s start with how to get there

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

• Manya says:

  5 Aug5 August 07:24

  A conservative estimate of the flight costs could be a useful data point especially if you’re like me and interested to explore more about the comparison to Maldives.

  Also, how easy is it to Island hop? Presumably the islands are a smaller cluster than Maldives and boat transfer are available/reasonably priced?

  • Rhys says:

    5 Aug5 August 08:12

    We rarely quote flight costs because the prices can vary so significantly. It’s a long haul flight 🙂

  • Cat says:

    5 Aug5 August 09:13

    Boat transfers are really cheap. If memory serves, it’s an hour or so from Mahe to Praslin, then another 15 mins ish to La Digue. Be warned that the boat crossing can get very choppy in August.

    • meta says:

      5 Aug5 August 09:48

      And also June and July can sometimes be choppy as my friends recently found out!

      Not sure about post-covid, but planes are also not that expensive. I purchased six months in advance and it was only slightly more expensive than the boat.

      • meta says:

        5 Aug5 August 09:53

        Just had a quick look £177 return with Air Seychelles vs 124 euros incl. tax for Cat Cocos ferry on random dates in March next year.

• Tilly says:

  5 Aug5 August 07:44

  I have amazing memories of a holiday to the Seychelles. Went in November 2018, flew direct with BA and stayed at the Hilton Labriz on Silhouette island. We had the most wonderful time and the beach was just perfect, the staff were so friendly, service brilliant, accommodation lovely, food delicious, wouldn’t change a thing. Only one short rain shower the whole 10 days we were there. I’d go back in a heartbeat, maybe when my children are a little older.

• Barry says:

  5 Aug5 August 08:12

  How did you get there?

  • Rhys says:

    5 Aug5 August 08:15

    London – Abu Dhabi – Mahe – Doha – London

    • MikeLHR says:

      5 Aug5 August 13:09

      No review ? Staff travel ?

• JamesH says:

  5 Aug5 August 08:38

  We’re going later in the year (staying at Hilton Northolme), really looking forward to it but heard pretty low thoughts on food quality. Would be interested in hearing your experience while out there (both dining at hotels and out of hotel if you had the chance).

  • meta says:

    5 Aug5 August 10:03

    First, I wouldn’t stay more than 3 nights on Mahé. Hilton Northolme while it might look nice hasn’t got a big beach. For Mahé, you absolutely need to rent a car or book a tour. Having said that, my parents got by using public buses, but they stayed almost three weeks so could take it slower.

    The beaches on Praslin and La Digue are miles better. The food is very expensive, even in supermarkets and most basic restaurants. Stick to fish and seafood and it’s delicious. If you go to Praslin, you must go to Constance resort for Anse Georgette beach (in my top 3 beaches in the world) and really great restaurant(s).

    @Cat HpF Seychelles resident expert will probably have more to say.

    • Cat says:

      5 Aug5 August 10:12

      @JamesH, I would spend a few days at the Hilton, the head to either La Digue or Praslin (or both) for the rest of your time.

      If you’re only staying on Mahe, I can’t advise on food really, as I’ve only ever stayed there for one night at the start or end of the holiday. I can confirm it isn’t the cheapest place for food (but it’s not as expensive as the Maldives, at least, so I won’t be bringing camping food!).

      • JamesH says:

        5 Aug5 August 10:37

        Thanks both, we’re away for 10 nights and staying at the Hilton for 5 (might be too much but was to take advantage of points and the 5-4-4) then off for 2 nights at La Digue then 3 nights at Praslin.

        • Cat says:

          5 Aug5 August 11:34

          For La Digue, my favourite was always Belle Vue. Book in advance and arrange for them to collect you from the hotel. They’ll drop you back off afterwards. Stunning views and fabulous food.

          On Praslin, I always take a day and laze. By the Raffles pool – you’ll have to check if they still do this, but you can use their pool if you spend a certain amount at the bar. Also, @meta is right, you will want to see Anse Georgette – make sure you book in advance, as they only allow a certain number of non-guests each day.

          I haven’t been since covid though, so if anyone else has more recent recommendations, I would appreciate them too!

        • meta says:

          5 Aug5 August 12:31

          While you are on Mahé, try and go to southeast parts of the island as the beaches are arguably better. I stayed then at the Doubletree as opposed to Hilton. Although the hotel is not as opulent as other Hilton properties, the beach is swimmable and long and it is also protected by lively coral (conservation in place), perfect for snorkeling.

• jkpaul says:

  5 Aug5 August 09:38

  Really pleased o hear thatSeychelles are more LGBT+ friendly than many African destinations.

  I would be very pleased to hear about the quality and variety of food – especially vegan options. This is often a restrictive factor for me when travelling and more exotic locations are often difficult or impossible to plan for given the lack of available plant-based options.

• MarkC62 says:

  5 Aug5 August 09:59

  I’d just like to say a big thank-you to Rhys for highlighting the LGBT aspect – especially as there are, sadly, so many other beautiful countries which are dangerous for LGBT people – several Caribbean islands for example. Where relevant, perhaps other articles could reference this? Well done Rhys.

  • Cat says:

    5 Aug5 August 10:07

    Yes, agreed, 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Rhys. Let’s have more of this!

  • Estuardo says:

    5 Aug5 August 10:24

    Agreed – long time reader compelled to comment to say thanks for highlighting LGBTQ friendly travel. So many sites forget that for many of us – especially with kids – have huge swathes of the world we cannot visit without risk of criminalisation or abuse. As an aside I would recommend Taiwan (can connect on Cathay via HKG if OW/BA status!) for this reason as the most progressive & welcoming place.

  • Andrew says:

    5 Aug5 August 11:51

    Agreed. As a long time follower of the site, I have leant a lot but usually defer to my own research to identify safety, discrimination and legal views to LGBTQ travel. I had been put off much of this region of the world for this reason, but pleasing to see it mentioned and encouraged to see places highlighted.

    I also concur with the comment regarding Taiwan, beautiful country, amazing people and the most progressive place in the region regarding LGBTQI+ rights.

• TJ says:

  5 Aug5 August 12:04

  Honeymooned in Seychelles many years ago. La Digue was stunning as was Bird Island for the wildlife (I think Esmeralda…the oldest & heaviest tortoise in the world…is still alive & kicking on the island!).

• Tracey says:

  5 Aug5 August 13:38

  Went in November 2023, flew via Doha with BA/ QR and stayed at the Hilton Labriz on Silhouette island. The QR flights between Doha and Victoria were on older planes 2-2-2 formation and not lay flat. My first QR flights and I’d been hoping for something better. Though the middle of the night plane change wasn’t as bad as I was expecting. We went by helicopter to Silhouette and boat on return. Helicopter obv more fun, but the ferry was fine.

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.