Just the mention of the word Seychelles (pronounced say-SHELLS) conjures up images of exotic marine life, luxurious overwater bungalows and miles of tropical beaches. Located off the coast of Africa, this remote 115-island chain in the Indian Ocean has all of that, plus a vibrant Creole culture and lush, flora-filled forests -- little wonder it’s fast becoming a popular honeymoon destination.
Wedding Requirements
In addition to birth certificates, divorce decrees (if applicable) and copies of the first two pages of valid passports, many legal documents are required in order to marry in Seychelles, so it’s best to hire a local wedding coordinator. It’s also recommended to plan weddings two months in advance to allow for the processing of paperwork. For more information, visit seychelles.travel.
What to Do
Beach Boasting over 60 beaches, the main island of Mahé definitely doesn’t lack sunbathing choices. Bustling Beau Vallon Bay, on the northern coast, is lined with toes-in-the-sand beach bars and cafes serving local Creole cuisine, like breadfruit salad and curried saltfish. Along the west coast are less-built-up strands like Grand Anse and Intendance Bay. Hop a ferry to neighboring Praslin, where the prettiest beach, crescent-shaped Anse Lazio, is perfect for lounging, or hang 10 on surfer-haven Anse Kerlan. Sip a local SeyBrew beer on less developed La Digue, or kick back on gorgeous Anse Source d’Argent, with giant boulders dotting its shore.
Diving and Snorkeling Once you’ve taken the plunge and said I do, take the plunge to discover Seychelles’ underwater treasures. Just off the coast of Mahé are plenty of prime spots for snorkeling or scuba diving -- stingrays and reef sharks congregate around Turtle Rocks, while octopus and scorpion fish are attracted to Sunset Rocks. Farther afield are the Aldabra Islands, where you can dive around the world’s largest atoll. Other activities include deep-sea fishing, bonefishing and sunset catamaran cruises. If you like, hire a private charter to island-hop the archipelago to reveal secret atolls and hidden coves.
Flora and Fauna Take a break from the beach to discover the many rare plants in the forest. On Mahé, hike into the mist-shrouded mountains and keep an eye out for a jellyfish tree (there are just eight left on the island), as well as a vanilla orchid and a carnivorous pitcher plant. On Praslin, the lush forest, Vallée de Mai, has been dubbed the Garden of Eden -- pretend to be Adam and Eve while searching for the famous coco de mer palm, an erotically shaped double nut that produces the largest seed in the world.
Off the Beaten Path
Song and Dance Music and dance are essential elements of the Seychellois lifestyle -- a melting pot of African, Indian, Chinese and European cultures. Many hotels offer entertainment in which dancers perform the sega, a hip-swaying, feet-shuffling traditional dance, as well as the more mysterious moutia, which is accompanied by musicians playing goatskin drums. — Jill Fergus
