Seychelles
Apr 21st 2013, 12:08 pm
#1
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Joined: Sep 2012
Location: Qatar
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Seychelles
Hi everyone, not sure this is meant to be on here but figured I would ask anyway.
Has anyone been to the Seychelles? We are booking for October so just wanted advice on which area is best. Not looking for a hotel just a house on the beach for a few of us to stay in.
I know nothing about the Seychelles so any advice would be welcomed.
Many thanks
Has anyone been to the Seychelles? We are booking for October so just wanted advice on which area is best. Not looking for a hotel just a house on the beach for a few of us to stay in.
I know nothing about the Seychelles so any advice would be welcomed.
Many thanks
Apr 21st 2013, 12:19 pm
#2
Concierge
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 29,625
Re: Seychelles
Haven't been, our travel agent recommended the Maldives as better value for money so we went there 
Apr 21st 2013, 12:31 pm
#3
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Joined: Jun 2010
Location: Abu Dhabi
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Re: Seychelles
I went in November last year. Went to both Mahé and Praslin and did a day-trip to La Digue. I think you'll find it easiest to rent a house on Mahé. There are a few properties in Airbnb too if you use that.
Apr 21st 2013, 1:15 pm
#4
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Re: Seychelles
Thanks I will take a look at that.
X
X
Apr 21st 2013, 1:21 pm
#5
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Re: Seychelles
Apr 21st 2013, 1:24 pm
#6
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,641
Re: Seychelles
The beaches and cabana style abodes look relaxing but promotional pics are always sexed up.
Last edited by Boomhauer; Apr 21st 2013 at 1:27 pm.
Apr 21st 2013, 3:39 pm
#8
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Re: Seychelles
http://www.seychelles.travel/en/plan...ommodation.php
http://en.seyvillas.com/?lang=en
http://www.forbans.com/
We;re going in July. The most happening beach is Beau Vallon
http://en.seyvillas.com/?lang=en
http://www.forbans.com/
We;re going in July. The most happening beach is Beau Vallon
Apr 21st 2013, 4:04 pm
#9
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Re: Seychelles
Would be grateful of feedback after your trip.
Apr 22nd 2013, 5:19 am
#10
Bothered
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 53
Re: Seychelles
To start off with the last 45 minutes of the flight in to Male is mind blowing if its a clear day, which it was every day of our holiday. After a 90 minute wait in the airport we then had a 30 minute seaplane journey to the resort. You may have a speedboat depending on how far away your resort is. The seaplane was an extra $400 so bear that in mind but was an experience all on its own and a lot of fun. The views were incredible as you would expect.
Our island was only 900 metres long so you could walk round it in no time. I think every resort has its own house reef and Vilamendhoo's was just spectacular. Just walking along the beach you can see reef sharks and rays swimming by in the shallows just a few feet from you. The snorkelling is unbelievable. Moray eels, eagle rays, turtles, black tips, white tips, clownfish, triggerfish, parrotfish, barracuda, lobster, octopus etc. etc. etc. I think i spent most of my time in the water, couldnt drag myself away. We did one dive with the island's dive centre but the snorkelling was actually far better and of course it was free so that was a no brainer.
The Maldives is easily the most beautiful place we've ever been. Pristine white sands, the most ridiculously clear water and the air and atmosphere are fresh and clean. There wasn't any litter to be found anywhere and our hotel was clean, modern, had everything we needed and the service from the local waiters who are extremely friendly and genuinely curious about their guests, was top notch. We found the sun a lot stronger than Dubai because there was no crap in the atmosphere to filter it out so be careful in that respect. Temperature was low to mid 30's every day with clear blue skies. One day out of 9 was patchy cloud. The sunrise and sunset every day were glorious and we almost wore out our camera taking shots. There was also a lot of wildlife on the island as well, wild herons, iguanas, bats which really added to the whole natural beauty aspect.
The only slight negative I had was the fact that you are pretty much stuck on your island eating in the same places every night with the same people. So make sure you choose a good one with a bit of variety...! Most people (ourselves included) were bedded by 10.30pm and up by 6am every day, it just seems to be the norm there so if you are looking for a bit more in terms of nightlife I would also make sure you have a specific look into that. Vilamendhoo had all sorts of entertainment including a variety of sports tournaments against the local staff, crab racing, karaoke (*shudder*), disco night, live bands, cultural nights, presentations etc. We also really enjoyed the excursions that were available to other islands or whale shark / dolphin / snorkelling trips.
We decided to go all inclusive and it was definitely the right choices as the prices were pretty high. $10 a cocktail, $8 a G&T, $25 for the cheapest bottle of wine. Diving and excursions were extra and similarly overpriced but still very enjoyable. It was far better to relax and make the most of the mini bar and poolside service without constantly worrying about the bill.
In short the islands, reefs, beaches, water, wildlife, marinelife, views and weather were just incredible and even better than anything we've seen on our trips to Thailand / Vietnam / India. The Maldives is easily the jewel in the crown of all our trips so far. So much so that we are a bit worried about how our next holiday can possibly compete. It really is paradise.
Anything else you want to know about?
Apr 22nd 2013, 7:04 am
#11
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Joined: Jun 2008
Location: Abu Dhabi by body and Sydney by soul
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Re: Seychelles
Just got back from the Maldives on Saturday after 9 days all inclusive at the Vilamendhoo Island Resort and Spa and it was sensational.
To start off with the last 45 minutes of the flight in to Male is mind blowing if its a clear day, which it was every day of our holiday. After a 90 minute wait in the airport we then had a 30 minute seaplane journey to the resort. You may have a speedboat depending on how far away your resort is. The seaplane was an extra $400 so bear that in mind but was an experience all on its own and a lot of fun. The views were incredible as you would expect.
Our island was only 900 metres long so you could walk round it in no time. I think every resort has its own house reef and Vilamendhoo's was just spectacular. Just walking along the beach you can see reef sharks and rays swimming by in the shallows just a few feet from you. The snorkelling is unbelievable. Moray eels, eagle rays, turtles, black tips, white tips, clownfish, triggerfish, parrotfish, barracuda, lobster, octopus etc. etc. etc. I think i spent most of my time in the water, couldnt drag myself away. We did one dive with the island's dive centre but the snorkelling was actually far better and of course it was free so that was a no brainer.
The Maldives is easily the most beautiful place we've ever been. Pristine white sands, the most ridiculously clear water and the air and atmosphere are fresh and clean. There wasn't any litter to be found anywhere and our hotel was clean, modern, had everything we needed and the service from the local waiters who are extremely friendly and genuinely curious about their guests, was top notch. We found the sun a lot stronger than Dubai because there was no crap in the atmosphere to filter it out so be careful in that respect. Temperature was low to mid 30's every day with clear blue skies. One day out of 9 was patchy cloud. The sunrise and sunset every day were glorious and we almost wore out our camera taking shots. There was also a lot of wildlife on the island as well, wild herons, iguanas, bats which really added to the whole natural beauty aspect.
The only slight negative I had was the fact that you are pretty much stuck on your island eating in the same places every night with the same people. So make sure you choose a good one with a bit of variety...! Most people (ourselves included) were bedded by 10.30pm and up by 6am every day, it just seems to be the norm there so if you are looking for a bit more in terms of nightlife I would also make sure you have a specific look into that. Vilamendhoo had all sorts of entertainment including a variety of sports tournaments against the local staff, crab racing, karaoke (*shudder*), disco night, live bands, cultural nights, presentations etc. We also really enjoyed the excursions that were available to other islands or whale shark / dolphin / snorkelling trips.
We decided to go all inclusive and it was definitely the right choices as the prices were pretty high. $10 a cocktail, $8 a G&T, $25 for the cheapest bottle of wine. Diving and excursions were extra and similarly overpriced but still very enjoyable. It was far better to relax and make the most of the mini bar and poolside service without constantly worrying about the bill.
In short the islands, reefs, beaches, water, wildlife, marinelife, views and weather were just incredible and even better than anything we've seen on our trips to Thailand / Vietnam / India. The Maldives is easily the jewel in the crown of all our trips so far. So much so that we are a bit worried about how our next holiday can possibly compete. It really is paradise.
Anything else you want to know about?
To start off with the last 45 minutes of the flight in to Male is mind blowing if its a clear day, which it was every day of our holiday. After a 90 minute wait in the airport we then had a 30 minute seaplane journey to the resort. You may have a speedboat depending on how far away your resort is. The seaplane was an extra $400 so bear that in mind but was an experience all on its own and a lot of fun. The views were incredible as you would expect.
Our island was only 900 metres long so you could walk round it in no time. I think every resort has its own house reef and Vilamendhoo's was just spectacular. Just walking along the beach you can see reef sharks and rays swimming by in the shallows just a few feet from you. The snorkelling is unbelievable. Moray eels, eagle rays, turtles, black tips, white tips, clownfish, triggerfish, parrotfish, barracuda, lobster, octopus etc. etc. etc. I think i spent most of my time in the water, couldnt drag myself away. We did one dive with the island's dive centre but the snorkelling was actually far better and of course it was free so that was a no brainer.
The Maldives is easily the most beautiful place we've ever been. Pristine white sands, the most ridiculously clear water and the air and atmosphere are fresh and clean. There wasn't any litter to be found anywhere and our hotel was clean, modern, had everything we needed and the service from the local waiters who are extremely friendly and genuinely curious about their guests, was top notch. We found the sun a lot stronger than Dubai because there was no crap in the atmosphere to filter it out so be careful in that respect. Temperature was low to mid 30's every day with clear blue skies. One day out of 9 was patchy cloud. The sunrise and sunset every day were glorious and we almost wore out our camera taking shots. There was also a lot of wildlife on the island as well, wild herons, iguanas, bats which really added to the whole natural beauty aspect.
The only slight negative I had was the fact that you are pretty much stuck on your island eating in the same places every night with the same people. So make sure you choose a good one with a bit of variety...! Most people (ourselves included) were bedded by 10.30pm and up by 6am every day, it just seems to be the norm there so if you are looking for a bit more in terms of nightlife I would also make sure you have a specific look into that. Vilamendhoo had all sorts of entertainment including a variety of sports tournaments against the local staff, crab racing, karaoke (*shudder*), disco night, live bands, cultural nights, presentations etc. We also really enjoyed the excursions that were available to other islands or whale shark / dolphin / snorkelling trips.
We decided to go all inclusive and it was definitely the right choices as the prices were pretty high. $10 a cocktail, $8 a G&T, $25 for the cheapest bottle of wine. Diving and excursions were extra and similarly overpriced but still very enjoyable. It was far better to relax and make the most of the mini bar and poolside service without constantly worrying about the bill.
In short the islands, reefs, beaches, water, wildlife, marinelife, views and weather were just incredible and even better than anything we've seen on our trips to Thailand / Vietnam / India. The Maldives is easily the jewel in the crown of all our trips so far. So much so that we are a bit worried about how our next holiday can possibly compete. It really is paradise.
Anything else you want to know about?
Sounds bloody amazing, by the way.
Apr 22nd 2013, 7:09 am
#12
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Joined: Sep 2012
Location: Qatar
Posts: 259
Re: Seychelles
I second that. Wow and wow and where did you book? I'm hitting a brick wall when it comes to travel agents in Qatar. Do you normally book hotels/villas separate to flights? And all online? I'm new at this as a normal holiday taken from the UK would be booked via an agent and as a package for us.
Apr 22nd 2013, 7:36 am
#13
Bothered
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 53
Re: Seychelles
Flights - 1800 AED PP, Qatar Airways - part of a 3 day sale they had. This was via Doha but FlyDubai now fly direct for only 1700 ish.
Hotel (all inclusive including seaplane transfer) - 11,600 AED PP - But this was for a jacuzzi water villa. If I was going again I would definitely get a beach villa which was around 650 AED a night cheaper and equally as good.
Spending money - $250 PP for one dive, a couple of excursions, one meal in the non all inclusive restaurant and other bits and bobs
Its quite a lot i know but i'm not one of these lucky expats on a ridiculous mega-package and it was sooooo worth every penny for us.
Happy to share some photos if anyone wants to see real snaps and not these airbrushed professional jobs someone mentioned (they will still blow your mind).
Last edited by kungpowdow; Apr 22nd 2013 at 7:36 am. Reason: typo
Apr 22nd 2013, 7:48 am
#14
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Joined: Jan 2011
Location: Dubai
Posts: 3,467
Re: Seychelles
If you're in the UAE them Etihad have some cracking deals on at the minute. You need to go into their shop tho. There's one in Dubai Mall.
Think when I was in there the other day booking our flights one of the offers was for the Maldives and another for Seychelles.
Think when I was in there the other day booking our flights one of the offers was for the Maldives and another for Seychelles.
Apr 22nd 2013, 7:59 am
#15
Bothered
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 53
Re: Seychelles
I second that. Wow and wow and where did you book? I'm hitting a brick wall when it comes to travel agents in Qatar. Do you normally book hotels/villas separate to flights? And all online? I'm new at this as a normal holiday taken from the UK would be booked via an agent and as a package for us.
At Male airport we were so well looked after. The guy who met us on arrival knew our names, flight details, seaplane details everything, and he didnt even accept a $5 dollar tip for hand holding us right through the airport to seaplane check in which says it all.
We booked our flights directly through Qatar Airways and the hotel through Agoda.
