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FROM US$2,560-US$3,380

Boxfish Island Holiday

Discover Mahé and Praslin islands on this slightly offbeat and excellent-value Seychelles trip combining green mountains, local culture and time on the beach.

Boxfish Island Holiday: Summary

Boxfish Island Holiday in a nutshell

Idyllic beaches lapped by the Indian Ocean will always be the Seychelles’ main attraction, but for those who want to experience a little more of the islands, this trip shows a different side to the archipelago.

Begin, somewhat unusually, in the lush green mountains of Mahé, at charming owner-run guesthouse Le Sans Souci. Looking down to the capital, Victoria, the ocean and neighbouring islands beyond, it is a real gem with just four airy rooms. This is the best base for scenic hikes on Mahé – a number of which lead directly from the guesthouse – with the other trails of Morne Seychelles National Park all a short drive away. Complimentary car hire is included for the duration of your stay.

A 45-minute catamaran journey from Victoria is Praslin, your next destination. On arrival, you’ll be met and shown to your hire car for the short trip over to the north coast of the island, where the Coco de Mer Hotel is strung out along a stretch of white sand. Relatively small in size, locally owned, smoothly run and excellent value, it’s something of a favourite of ours.

Time here is completely your own: chill out on the beach, play tennis, rent bicycles and go snorkelling. Laid-back Praslin is worth exploring too, especially stunning Vallée de Mai, a prehistoric-feeling palm jungle and UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well several dive centres and boat trips out to nearly islands, reefs and national parks.

At a glance

Starts: Seychelles International Airport Mahé
4 nights Le Sans Souci - Mahe Island, Seychelles Bed & Breakfast
4 nights Coco de Mer Hotel - Praslin Island, Seychelles Half Board
Ends: Seychelles International Airport Mahé

Le Sans Souci

Days 1-5

Reached via a mountain road which winds through the tropical vegetation, Le Sans Souci Guest House stands high on the mountain slopes overlooking Victoria Port and the neighbouring islands of St Anne Marine National Park. Set amongst tropical mountain gardens, this gem of a guest house is not on a beach; however it has stupendous views and an ideal location for exploring Mahé's interior.

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Coco de Mer Hotel

Days 5-9

Stretching along nearly 2km of coastline at Anse Bois de Rose, in the quiet southwest, you will find the family-friendly Coco de Mer Hotel and its affiliated sibling, Black Parrot Suites.

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Le Sans Souci

Le Sans Souci

Mahe Island, Seychelles

Coco de Mer Hotel

Coco de Mer Hotel

Praslin Island, Seychelles

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Highlights

Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Boxfish Island Holiday.

  • Relaxing downtime on a white-sand beach
  • Hike in the scenic green mountains of Mahé
  • Absorb the Jurassic feel of Vallée de Mai
  • Discover Mahé and Praslin at your own pace
  • Enjoy owner-run and locally owned hotels

Activities

Some activities which can be included in the Boxfish Island Holiday: talk to us about those which interest you.

  • Birdwatching

  • Self-guided walking

  • Snorkelling

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