Best of the Seychelles: Mahé & Praslin

Make the most of complimentary airport lounge access before your overnight flight from the UK to Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles archipelago.

On arrival in Mahé on day two, a private transfer will bring you to the luxurious Constance Ephelia, where you’ll be based for the next five nights. Tucked away among 120 hectares of lush, tropical vegetation overlooking Port Launay Marine National park, it’s an idyllic haven of relaxation, with two of the island’s finest beaches on its doorstep. While staying in one of the hotel’s stylish suites or villas, you’ll have access to a state-of-the-art spa (featuring a sauna, a steam room, a thermal pool and a yoga pavilion), five superb restaurants and six bars. Here, you can savour the likes of authentic Seychelles cuisine and gourmet fusion fare, as well as Asian and Mediterranean specialities.

Throughout your stay, choose from a whole host of exciting optional excursions, such as a full-day catamaran tour to Saint Anne Marine National Park (including the chance to go snorkeling among coral reefs and spot giant tortoises). You might also opt for a tour to the southern part of Mahé, starting in the tiny but vibrant capital, Victoria, before continuing to a traditional craft village, a rum tasting at La Plaine St. Andre, a Creole buffet lunch and guided walk in Cap Lazare Private Nature Reserve.

Stay: Constance Ephelia (Deluxe, half board) or Carana Beach Hotel (Superior, half board)

On day seven, a private transfer will take you to the airport for a short flight to Praslin, the second-largest island in the Seychelles, renowned for its pristine, palm-fringed beaches and crystal-clear waters. You’ll be staying at the fabulous Constance Lemuria, where nature-inspired pools, exquisite dining and rejuvenating wellness treatments set the scene for a blissfully relaxing escape. There’s even an 18-hole championship golf course – the only one in the Seychelles – should you fancy a round or two.

Much like Mahé, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had here, whether you’re tempted to take a catamaran tour to the smaller, nearby islands of Curieuse and St. Pierre to go hiking and snorkeling, or perhaps take an enchanting walk in the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, home to the endemic coco de mer palm and often associated with the ‘Garden of Eden’. Or, you may set your sights on a boat and bike tour of La Digue, where you can visit L’Union Estate (a former coconut and vanilla plantation with a historic copra mill), unwind on the glorious Anse Source d’Argent beach and marvel at freely-roaming giant tortoises.

Stay: Constance Lemuria (Deluxe, B&B basis) or Indian Ocean Lodge (Superior, half board)

From Praslin, take a short flight back to Mahé where you’ll board your overnight flight to the UK.