Family Fun in the Seychelles

Arriving in Mahe means you've very nearly reached your final destination, but to get to paradise there is one more leg to go. See the short 20-minute domestic flight from Mahe to Denis Island as more of a luxury transfer than a flight, after all you'll be landing directly onto a private island resort and can be on the beach within minutes of touch down. Hop out of the plane to be greeted by the island staff, who will whisk your bags from you and help herd the excitable children towards your beachfront cottage. Once the bags are dropped and sun cream is applied, let the little ones loose on the sand and in the sea outside as you parents watch on from your sun loungers - perhaps with a cocktail to celebrate your arrival?

Wake up early to the sound of the birds cooing in the trees and the kids excitedly jumping on your bed. Put their energy to good use by getting them up to join the rangers on the early morning count of sea turtle tracks on the beach. After breakfast you might like to spend time on the beach and in the crystal clear sea, which is perfect for snorkelling and swimming. As the heat of the day rises, dry off and head into the shade for lunch. Then join the rangers again, this time to scout the forests for magpie robins and paradise flycatchers. As well as being a fun and interactive activity this is also opportunity for the children to learn something about their tropical surroundings and the endangered wildlife that live here, plus it's a really interesting experience for guests of all ages.

Come evening, watch the sunset with a drink and then tuck into the catch of the day as you do a spot of stargazing - yet another natural spectacle for parents and children alike.

For guests visiting Denis Island between May to February there is chance to see one of the most wonderful wildlife phenomenon's on the planet - turtles nesting. There are two species of turtle found nesting in large numbers on Denis Island, the hawksbill turtle and the green turtle, and both are carefully monitored and assisted in their natural hatching process by the dedicated Green Islands Foundation conservation team.

If you're lucky enough to be at the resort on the day the hatchlings emerge from their eggs, the sight of hundreds of tiny turtles making their way into the ocean for the first time is something truly special. And if you don't get to see the babies learning to swim, there is nearly always the chance to snorkel with the adult turtles on the House Reef or off Belle Etoile beach. After some time with the turtles, why not spend the rest of the day relaxing in the sun, building sandcastles and exploring the gardens - you might even bump into a giant tortoise or two on your way.

Spend your last day on Denis Island making the most of all the activities that you've yet to try. From kayaking around the island to cycling across it, there are a number of active adventures to be had and for those (read: the adults) wanting a more relaxing day, how about the spa? The expertly trained masseuses can offer a range of treatments to be enjoyed in the shade of the casuarina trees, with the waves lapping not far away. Come evening the usual routine of dinner and stargazing marks the end of a fun filled stay at Denis Island.

Pack your bags and head to the airstrip this morning for your flight back to Mahe. Thankfully saying goodbye to Denis Island doesn't mean saying goodbye to the Seychelles altogether as you've got another three nights on the main island to enjoy first. Depending on which family-friendly hotel we've booked for you, the transfer time from the airport will vary, but should be no more than an hour. When you arrive, grab some paddleboards and head offshore. Competing to try and stay balanced on your boards, the family can spend an hour or so paddling around and enjoying your new surroundings before sunset drinks and then dinner.

Earn some seriously cool parent points this morning by surprising the children as you casually slip into breakfast conversation that you'll all be going zip lining later. In the grounds of the Constance Ephelia Resort a huge zip line runs through and above the treetops and makes for both an exhilarating and scenic experience. With the children hopefully thrilled at the idea of flying through the air, they should happily oblige as the helpful guides get them kitted up in all the necessary harnesses and gear. Then, one by one let your feet lift off the ground and enjoy the adrenaline rush as you zip downwards. Safely back to earth at the other end, share photos and then make your way back to the beach for an afternoon in the sun.

As it's your last full day we suggest an early start for maximum beach time. If they weren't already we imagine the children have become real water babies on this trip, so let them loose splashing around in the sea and either watch on from the beach or show them how it's done as you join them for underwater handstand competitions. There will also be various watersports on offer.

After lunch leave the children in the capable hands of the kids club - where they can enjoy various games, cooking classes and activities - and indulge in a spa treatment as an end of holiday treat. After that, all that's left to finish the holiday on a high is a final family dinner and a cocktail (or mocktail for the kids).