Surfers Paradise in the Seychelles
A paradise lies deep in the Doldrums off the east coast of Africa, Mahe Seychelles. Mada from Crossways travel recently adventured The Seychelles in a different way.
Mada reports back from her travels!
Having visited Seychelles a couple of times from 5* resorts to 3* hotels, I decided to try the Self Catering (S/C) Chalets option as a change, something very different yet intriguing, what is travel without a new adventure right?
On our last travels to the magnificent island, I was fortunate enough to have spotted a S/C establishment whilst driving around on Mahe. (you can drive around the whole island in half a day) I assured myself, that I would try it out next time.
Seychelles, being one of my favorite destinations, especially with my young kids ages 6 and 5, has been our annual go-to holiday destination for 4 years, You can’t go wrong on this special Island. With so much adventure and nature for the boys to explore and learn about the environment.
On arrival after flying Kenya airways, we were pleasantly surprised. Our flight included delicious traditional cuisine, great service and comfortable seating with added leg room (without being harsh on the bank account). We arrived to the friendly owner of Surfers Beach Chalets who then drove us, about a 15- 20 minute drive to our accommodation. The beautiful white soft sand beaches, the perfectly settled blue water and marine wildlife made us super excited to get started on our summer holiday.
Our chalet consisted of 1 spacious en-suite bedroom with crisp white linen (always a MUST), aircon, fans. The kitchen was fully equipped, open plan with a unique dining area for our breakfast and dinners. The kiddies had their own section with a sleeper couch in the lounge with TV. The establishment also has a restaurant which was extremely delightful.
Every morning from my bedroom window and veranda I could hear the beautiful sound of crashing waves breaking on the outer reefs. The view is inexplicable. The sunrise, even more so.
The beach in front of the chalets is perfect for the whole family/ romantic getaways. Beach activities include snorkeling, swimming, boats nearby for cruises, and much, much more. The beach becomes your oyster.
We ventured in our rented car to the local SPAR and got everything we needed at affordable pricing and quality. The SPAR is located on Eden Island, all we needed were snacks, cool drinks, water and breakfast supplies. We ate at Surfers Beach Restaurant but it is always great to have Kellogg’s in the morning and snacks for throughout the day, it made it feel homely.
e soon felt like locals on Mahe having tried the blue busses, a very reasonable way of traveling around (SCR5 / Approx R5.50 for point to point traveling). However, you could wait for a bus at times for more than 30mins, just to keep this in mind. Hiring a car in Seychelles will cost you approx. EUR50 a day for a Hyundai i10/similar. And something slightly bigger EUR75. This option I suggest as the best option getting around Mahe. Taxi prices vary and this you should negotiate before you decide to get in.
Exploring Mahe and the beautiful beaches is a must and you could easily take a day driving around the island and stopping at a few beaches to swim, have lunch and watch the once in a lifetime type of sunset. You can stop off at different hotels as well and meet people from different parts of the world. Visit Takamakka and taste their Island rum offerings. (Not for the skittish).
Upon New Year’s eve, we decided to end the year off with a full day catamaran cruise from Eden Island. This was every penny worth! As we were 3 families traveling together consisting of 11 people, we hired the catamaran for our exclusive use. What a way to end 2016!! We sailed down the east coast right down to Police Bay, where we anchored, did some tropical snorkeling and presented with the most delicious lunch on board. Heading back to Eden Island we stopped en-route for another snorkeling excursion and for the 1st time my 5-year-old (Jett) got into the swing of things and couldn’t wait to get into the water and see what else lies beneath the crystal clear water. We saw sea horses, sting ray, an eel, Parrot fish and many more exciting and colorful fish, the array is endless. This was an absolute highlight and if there is one poignant memory they came back with, it most certainly is the catamaran trip and snorkeling expedition.
Seychelles has been named one of the most beautiful islands in the world and most certainly one of the most beautiful that I have ever visited and the reason I keep going back. I still suggest if not an annual traveler or a slight nervous traveler then your first time to Seychelles rather settle for a hotel option, until you find your way around! Then on your 2nd visit (because believe me you will go back!!) the Surfers Chalet option especially with children will work very well, as it did for me. I highly recommend Surfers Beach Chalets, situated very close to a beautiful beach, beach restaurant facilities to offer with a variety of dishes. Unfortunately the chalets, don’t have a swimming pool on site, but you have everything else that will make your stay absolutely memorable. We were very lucky that the Doubletree by Hilton manager was kind enough to allow us to facilitate their pool, which is about a 3-minute taxi ride down the road. The locals are friendly and always willing to help you and make your stay that much more enjoyable.
