seychelles
Welcome to the Real Garden of Eden!
Beyond Paradise: Discover a World of Giant Boulders, Rare Creatures, and Billion-Year-Old Secrets.
Imagine a place so beautiful it's rumoured to be the original Garden of Eden. A place where giant, polished granite boulders stand guard over some of the most beautiful beaches on Earth, where lush, primeval forests tumble down to meet turquoise waters, and where the rhythm of life is dictated by the gentle ebb and flow of the Indian Ocean. This is the Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands scattered like emeralds off the coast of East Africa. This is not just a fly-and-flop destination; it's a living museum of natural history, a sanctuary for some of the rarest species on the planet, and the ultimate escape for the discerning traveller.
For the UK holidaymaker from Bournemouth seeking a truly extraordinary escape, the Seychelles offers a sublime blend of luxury, adventure, and unparalleled natural beauty. This is a world away from the everyday, a place to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with nature in its purest form. Whether your dream is to laze on the world-famous Anse Source d'Argent beach, snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with life, hike through misty mountain forests, or meet a giant Aldabra tortoise that has roamed the earth for over a century, the Seychelles promises a holiday that will not only relax your body but also restore your soul.
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Getting There From the UK
Reaching this remote paradise from the UK involves a long-haul flight, typically with one stop. Airlines such as Emirates (via Dubai), Qatar Airways (via Doha), and Etihad (via Abu Dhabi) offer excellent connections from major UK airports like London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on the main island of Mahé. While there are currently no direct flights, the seamless connections make the journey comfortable. The total travel time is usually around 13-15 hours, a small price to pay for arriving in paradise.
Visa and Currency
Good news! As of September 2025, Seychelles is a visa-free country for UK citizens. You will be issued with a visitor's permit on arrival, provided you have a valid passport for the duration of your stay, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. You must, however, complete a mandatory digital Travel Authorisation form online before you fly. The official currency is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR). However, Euros (€) are widely used and often preferred for tourist-related payments like hotels, tours, and boat transfers. It's a good idea to have a mix of both currencies, with Rupees being useful for local markets, small cafes, and buses.
Language and Local Lingo
The Seychelles has three official languages: Seychellois Creole (Seselwa), English, and French. English is widely spoken in all tourist areas, so you will have no problem communicating. The local Creole is a beautiful, melodic language, and trying out a few phrases will be warmly received by the friendly locals.
- Hello: Bonzour (bon-zour)
- Goodbye: Orevwar (o-rev-war)
- Thank you: Mersi (mer-see)
- Please: Silvouple (sil-voo-pleh)
- Yes / No: Wi / Non (wee / non)
Your Seychelles Hit List: 4 Unforgettable Experiences
From Prehistoric Palms to Gentle Giants, Your Must-Do List!
Cycle Around La Digue and Find Your Perfect Beach
La Digue is an island where time slows down. The main mode of transport is the humble bicycle. Rent one at the jetty and spend a day exploring this idyllic paradise at your own pace. Cycle through sleepy villages and vanilla plantations to discover world-famous beaches like Anse Source d'Argent with its iconic granite boulders, and find your own secluded cove like Anse Cocos for a swim.
Walk Through a Prehistoric Forest on Praslin
Step into a real-life Jurassic Park at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vallée de Mai. This ancient palm forest is home to the legendary Coco de Mer, a giant palm that produces the world's largest and heaviest seed, shaped with uncanny resemblance to a female pelvis. Walking beneath the canopy of these colossal palms, listening to the calls of the rare black parrot, feels like stepping back in time.
Meet the Giant Tortoises of Curieuse Island
Just a short boat trip from Praslin, Curieuse Island is a protected bio-reserve and home to a thriving population of around 300 giant Aldabra tortoises. These gentle, prehistoric creatures roam freely around the island. Walk amongst them, learn about the conservation efforts, and marvel at these ancient animals in their natural habitat.
Hike the Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahé
Discover a different side of the Seychelles by heading for the hills. The largest national park in the country covers 20% of the main island of Mahé and offers a network of fantastic hiking trails. Trek through lush forests rich with endemic plants and birds to viewpoints that offer stunning panoramic vistas of the coastline and surrounding islands.
Become an Island Hopper
Don't just stay on one island! The true magic of Seychelles is in its diversity. The Cat Cocos ferry service is a fast and scenic way to travel between the main islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Each island has its own unique character and charm, and exploring all three is a must.
Look Out for the "Takamaka" Rum
While you’re enjoying a sunset, ask for the local Takamaka rum. Distilled on Mahé, it’s the spirit of the Seychelles in a glass. Visit the distillery for a tour and tasting, and find your favourite to bring back home. It's much more authentic than a generic cocktail.
Embrace the "Beach Bus"
While taxis can be expensive, the local Tata buses on Mahé and Praslin are a cheap, cheerful, and truly local experience. They rattle their way around the coastal roads, stopping at all the best beaches. It might not be luxurious, but it's an adventure in itself for just a few Rupees.
Pack a Torch (No, Really!)
Many parts of the smaller islands, like La Digue, have limited street lighting. If you’re heading out for dinner or a sunset walk, a small torch or your phone light is essential for navigating the sandy paths and roads safely after dark.
Your Slice of Eden Awaits: A Final Farewell (For Now!)
From Sun-Kissed Beaches to Star-Filled Nights
The Seychelles is a destination that truly lives up to its legendary reputation. It's the feeling of powder-soft sand between your toes on a deserted beach, the sound of the ocean and the gentle rustle of palm fronds, the sight of a vibrant sunset painting the sky, and the wonder of encountering creatures found nowhere else on Earth. It's a place that recharges the spirit and reminds you of the profound beauty of our planet.
So, when the call for a true, once-in-a-lifetime escape becomes impossible to ignore, know that this paradise on Earth is waiting. It is a world away from the hustle and bustle, a sanctuary of peace and natural splendour that will leave you with memories as timeless as its granite boulders. Your journey to the Garden of Eden is ready to begin.
