Constance Ephelia*****

Constance Ephelia is located on the island of Mahé, but that does not prevent excursions to the neighboring islands of La Digue and Praslin.

No two islands are alike, and each island has its own hidden gem, must-see attractions, beautiful beaches, and unique experiences. The Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 wild islands, have an incomparable natural charm and offer endless places to visit.

The first time I visited the Seychelles Islands, I knew that, like a first love, I would never forget them, and just like that, I returned repeatedly thanks to the proximity of my home, Madagascar.

What is so special about this archipelago? Thousands of adjectives could answer this question: beaches with turquoise waters, white sands, colorful fish, huge palm trees, luxurious accommodations where we swear eternal love… indeed it is, but what struck me most about these islands is their ability to make us forget the rest of the world and mortals. Worries, stress or anxiety disappear from the moment you set foot on the islands and the magic operates.

WHAT TO VISIT IN SEYCHELLES

Mahé, La Digue and Praslín

These are the three islands with the most hotel infrastructure in the archipelago, although there are also small private-hotel islands of international luxury chains. The largest and most lively is Mahé, where the capital Victoria and the paradisiacal beaches of Anse Intendance or Anse Major are located. It is also the one that receives all international flights arriving in the country.

The second largest is the island of Praslin, undoubtedly the one with the most natural attractions such as the Vallée de Mai Natural Park, famous for the “Coco de mer”, the largest seed on the planet. It is also renowned for housing the beaches of Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, which are ranked among the most beautiful on the planet.

And finally, a small treasure, La Digue the most paradisiacal island of the three. Beaches such as Anse Cocos, Anse Severe, Petite Anse and of course I don’t forget Anse Source d’Argent, undoubtedly the most famous in Seychelles and which was named the most beautiful beach on the planet in 2020. It is also famous for its rich seabed where you can snorkel or dive.

Beau Ballon Beach in Mahé

It is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Mahé that has not lost an iota of its charm. It is the place with the most hotel infrastructure and tourist services on the island. It is easy to find good restaurants where you can enjoy good Creole, Indian or Italian cuisine.

Vallée de Mai in Praslin

Home to the “Coco de mer” (Lodoicea Maldivica), the largest seed in the world, the Vallée de Mai Reserve was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and extends over 19 hectares.

Upon payment of an entrance fee, we will find properly signposted trails that run between palm trees and numerous endemic plants.

Anse Lazio Beach in Praslin

It must be said that in the Seychelles, the competition is tough when it comes to beaches, but this one is considered the second best in the archipelago. Lush vegetation that flows into the sea, large granite rocks with ocher tones, white sands, and turquoise waters: one of the best postcards of the Seychelles.

Visit some of the deserted islands

115 islands form the Seychelles archipelago, and although it is common to visit Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, there are other small uninhabited islands such as the island of Curieuse, north of Praslin, famous for being one of only two places where the “coco de mer” grows (the other is Praslin in the Vallée de Mai). The tiny island of Saint Pierre is an idyllic deserted island for snorkeling.

Also worth a visit is the island of Cousine, a refuge for the Aldabra giant land tortoise, one of the emblems of the archipelago. This conservation center currently houses 78 giant tortoises.

Diving in the Seychelles

It is said that these islands are paradise on earth, and I add that it is also paradise under the sea. Any time is good for diving in the Seychelles, although the months of April, May, October, and November are especially recommended thanks to the good visibility.

Sea turtles, sharks, rays, puffer fish… as well as intense corals are easily visible. Those who do not dive can still enjoy the magnificent seabed by snorkeling in the Sainte Anne Marine Park, or the Coco Island or in practically any place in the archipelago.

Trekking to Anse Major beach

One of the mountain trails that is worth exploring leads to the remote beach of Anse Major, undoubtedly the best beach in Mahé. The route is spectacular, alternating open spaces with others of dense humid forest totally covered by vegetation and immense blocks of granite.

Hiking in Morne Seychelles National Park

The Morne is the highest peak in the archipelago with an altitude of 905 meters. We can ascend by three different routes, the Trois Frères is quite simple and you get fabulous views from the maximum point (699 meters). The Morne Blanc of little difficulty although in continuous ascent offers scandalous views. These routes can be covered in approximately 2 hours. For those who wish to reach the peak (905 meters) it is necessary to foresee about 5 hours and a raincoat in case the rain surprises us.

Anse Source d’Argent, the most beautiful beach in the world.

This is how it was cataloged in 2020 and it does not surprise us. To access it you have to pay admission to the Union State coconut and vanilla plantation that will lead us directly to the beach. A picture that will remain in our memory throughout our lives.