The Seychelles are known for being the ultimate luxury getaway – fine white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters warmed by the sun and balmy warmth all year round.
The Seychelles are a perfect choice for a honeymoon, allowing you and your new spouse to get away from your busy lives and relax in one of the great paradises of the world.
Before any big trip abroad, it is important to do your homework and understand how to prepare for the holiday. This will help everything go smoothly once you arrive, minimising stress and ensuring you and your partner have a honeymoon to remember. The Seychelles are relatively simple to navigate and explore, but you’ll still need to understand local laws and customs to ensure a safe, fun getaway.
Choose The Right Dates
The rainy season in the Seychelles is normally worst between December and January. Over these months, you’ll likely encounter tropical storms and significant humidity, which is why most tourists tend to avoid visiting at this time of the year. It’s best to visit when the weather is at its driest, normally between April and September; however, it’s also important to remember that these are the peak times for the Seychelles, so it will likely be busier with other holidaymakers. It’s good to remember, though, that it never gets truly cold – by British standards anyway – at any time in the year. The lowest temperatures, even in its cool season, are still in the mid-20 degrees Celsius.
Bring The Right Currency
Split Your Time Across The Different Islands
The Seychelles are an archipelago: a country of islands made up of more than 100 small and large isles. The most commonly visited islands for tourists are Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, though there are transport options to help you access the smaller and more remote islands. You’ll find plenty to do at any one of the islands, but it is still a good idea to visit at least two islands during your time – more if you have the time.
Rent A Car – Or Bikes
There’s not a huge amount of public transport available in the Seychelles, though the ferries between the islands are regular and reliable. If you want to explore the length and breadth of the different islands, it is a good idea to rent your own transportation, particularly for more far-flung places. A car can be ideal, as it will get you anywhere you need to go, but many people choose bikes to get around on instead. Cycling can be a fantastic way to see the islands and spend your trip really getting to know your temporary home.
Be Prepared For Pricey Groceries
Many groceries in the Seychelles are imported from other countries, meaning they can get significantly pricier than you might be used to. This won’t bother anyone who has an all-inclusive resort or hotel to fall back on, but it is worth paying attention to if you are planning to self-cater. Visiting local markets will often be better value for money than the larger supermarkets, but you should be ready to haggle for the best deals.
Get Your Honeymoon Outfits In Order
A honeymoon should be a trip to remember, and that means you’ll need some showstopping outfits to really get you into the mood for your holiday. A brand-new holiday wardrobe can be the perfect way to help you get hyped up about your honeymoon and ensure you’re comfortable no matter what activities you’re doing for the sun-filled days ahead. Make sure to invest in all the essentials and look for high-quality brands and makes to ensure they keep you stylish and comfortable in the Seychelles. Sunglasses are also a must, protecting your eyes from the rays of the sun and the glare from the sparkling ocean. You might consider prescription sunglasses from a reputable retailer like Online Opticians UK for the best brands and quality lenses.
Remember That Daylight Hours Are Shorter
One thing that many visitors to the Seychelles might find surprising is the hours of daylight the islands experience. Because the Seychelles are close to the equator, they have a relatively consistent range of daylight hours, usually not exceeding 13 hours. This means that the sun will typically rise between 5 and 6AM and set between 6 and 7PM. This is something to be aware of when you visit, so you can be sure to be back in town before nightfall if you have a day’s adventuring planned.
Take Out Quality Travel Insurance
It’s commonly accepted wisdom that you should never travel abroad without insurance; no one likes to think of something going wrong on a much-anticipated trip, particularly a honeymoon, but it is worth playing it safe. Travel insurance can protect you financially in the event of a major emergency such as:
- Injury
- Illness
- Natural disaster
- Lost or stolen luggage
While medical care is free to Seychellois, tourists must pay for any medical treatment, medicines or other healthcare they need to access on their trip. Your travel insurance will help cover you should you need care, which means you won’t be out of pocket.
Any journey to a distant land needs to be worth the air travelling time – flights from the UK to the Seychelles will typically take 13+ hours and might require a stop-over in a country like Dubai. It’s best, therefore, to make sure you really have enough time to relax and enjoy before you start your homeward journey. Consider going to the Seychelles for no less than ten days – more if you can. Two to three weeks could be ideal, giving you plenty of quality time together in those precious first days of marriage.
Choose Activities You Both Love
The Seychelles is a paradise for adventure-seekers and relaxation-lovers alike – you can find a perfect balance of fun activities and plenty of R&R at the beach. You might consider alternating days with relaxation and adventure, so you can truly enjoy all the Seychelles has to offer. Some adventurous activities you could try include:
- Snorkelling
- Sailing
- Hiking
- Swimming with dolphins
- Meeting giant tortoises
- Cycling
Alternatively, when it’s time to relax, you can kick back on one of the Seychelles’ many public beaches, famed worldwide for their quality and pure, clear waters. There are also plenty of spas on the islands – a couples’ pampering session could be just the things after a long, fun day of adventuring.
Final Thoughts
It’s no wonder that the Seychelles are often the number one luxury honeymoon destination for newlyweds. With such idyllic scenery, a consistently lovely climate and a great mix of both relaxing and adventurous activities, the Seychelles are a no-brainer for most couples in search of a luxury honeymoon. You’ll need to go at the right time – avoiding the humid rainy season – and for a decent length of time so you can really get to know the Seychelles culture and lifestyle. Make sure you take care of the practicalities as well: insurance, appropriate clothing, transportation, and currency.
