With no guarantee of a summer barbecue in the UK, why not head to the tropics? It’s time to plan a true vacation, one that offers miles of sandy beaches, sunny blue skies and turquoise waters, set against a backdrop of dramatic mountain peaks. Mahe Island in the Seychelles is the perfect antidote to a British summer, where you’ll enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Luxury resort to cozy accommodation in Mahe Seychelles

Mahe is the largest of the Seychelles at only about 60 square miles. It boasts the highest mountains in the Seychelles archipelago and offers a truly international mix of accommodation options. Hotels on Mahe run the gamut from exclusive resorts to family hotels and charming self-catering cottages by the sea. You won’t notice the plethora of options when you fly, because all of these properties are built to blend in with the lush landscape and please even the most discerning eye.

Lose track of time in the splendor and luxury of the 5-star Banyan Tree Seychelles on the south-west coast of Mahe, with 60 tastefully decorated villas, each with its own private pool. The Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort, with its relaxed and informal style, is perfect for families. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in local Seychellois culture, self-catering options like the Chalets d’Anse Forbans are perfect. Wherever you stay on Mahe in Seychelles, you’ll be sure to overlook beautiful beaches, granite mountains, or lush gardens.

Is the beach

Let’s talk about beaches: Mahe Island in the Seychelles covers an area of ​​approximately 60 square miles and boasts more than 60 beaches. With roughly one beach for every square mile, that has to be one definition of tropical paradise! With so many to choose from, you’ll likely find one that’s secluded enough for a romantic picnic for two, another that’s perfect for building sandcastles or lounging by the water’s edge.

Water sports abound: snorkel among the coral reefs or strap on your wetsuit and take advantage of one of the several PADI dive centers at the resorts. As Mahe Island Seychelles is outside the tropical cyclone zone, sailing is literally a breeze. You could even rent a boat and gear to go deep-sea fishing for marlin, sailfish, and dorado.

Nature, Culture and Nightlife

Flights from the UK to Mahe land in Victoria, the capital of Seychelles. Victoria will captivate you with its vibrant cultural life and sheer number of activities available – that is, if you can get off the beaches!

Your best bet is to rent a car and happily Seychelles drive on the left just like we do so you should feel right at home behind the wheel. Be careful on those winding mountain roads, though: with the highest peak at 3,000 feet, the terrain is more Highlands than South Downs. The views are spectacular, and it’s worth the time.

At a slightly lower altitude, take a tour of the Mahe Botanical Gardens or, off the beaten path but well worth a visit, Le Jardin du Roi Spice Gardens. With beautiful indigenous trees, bushes and flowers, you’ll be inspired to try and recreate these scenes in Britain.

Fancy a local market? Victoria’s is the real deal, with stalls selling delicious fruits and vegetables, colorful spices, and local crafts. Open every day except Sunday, the best day to visit is on Saturday morning when Seychellois are there doing their weekly shopping. After all that, why not enjoy a refreshing drink at the local hangout, the Pirates Arms?

If the nightlife scene appeals to you, try out Lady Luck at a local casino or dance the night away at one of the nightclubs, including one that offers outdoor dancing. For a more relaxed night scene, there are bars and lounges in most resort hotels.

How to get to Mahé Seychelles

Mahe Island Seychelles is an easy direct flight from London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport on Air Seychelles, and since you’re traveling south, the time is adjusted to just four hours head-on. Now is the perfect time to plan your vacation as specialist Seychelles tour operators such as Elite Vacations offer exceptional value with packages that combine Air Seychelles’ Buy One Get One Free offer along with great deals on top resorts and hotels. The best packages will always include round-trip airfare, airport lounge passes, hotel transfers, and of course accommodation.