Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Robinson Crusoe Relaxation Discover Mahe & Denis Island
Seychelles – Mahe – Denis Island
Your journey begins on Mahe Island, where you’ll board a catamaran and set sail for a four-night cruise around its sparkling west coast. Stopping off at idyllic spots along the way, there’s plenty of time to enjoy island life. Think sunrise yoga, swimming in crystal-clear waters, paddleboarding and exploring coral reefs. Not to mention ample sunset aperitifs and authentic Creole food on board and at local restaurants.
The first overnight place to drop anchor is Beau Vallon, before continuing to Port Launay and Therese Island, a tiny uninhabited islet with palm-fringed beaches, white sands and lapping turquoise waters (time to channel your inner Robinson Crusoe). Journeying south, your final overnight stay is in Anse a la Mouche, before sailing back to Mahe.
From here, take a 30-minute flight in a light aircraft to Denis Island – one of the most secluded places in the world – for a three-night stay at a luxury eco-retreat. And relax…
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Your adventure in the Seychelles starts today, so head to the airport and speed through security for an overnight flight to Mahe. Direct flights from the UK take around ten hours, so pack your iPad and settle in for a snooze. On landing, you'll be privately transferred to Eden Harbour, ready to board your catamaran for a four-night cruise along Mahe Island's spectacular coast.
In the afternoon, set sail north-west for Beau Vallon, where inviting crystal-clear waters (ideal for swimming and snorkelling) and a beautiful stretch of white powdery sand awaits, edged with palms and takamaka trees. Dinner is served in a local restaurant with dreamy sea views, before it's time to return to your cabin and drift off under a starry sky.
After waking up to the lull of gently lapping waves, enjoy your first breakfast in paradise before setting sail for Anse du Riz. Nestled between lush emerald hills and weathered granite boulders, this pretty beach cove is an idyllic spot to enjoy refreshing dips in the turquoise waters.
You'll drop anchor again a little further south, near Port Launay, for an overnight stay aboard, complete with a snorkelling session to explore the colourful coral reef and its vibrant underwater world.
Later, enjoy sunset aperitifs and a delicious dinner of creative Creole dishes (a fusion of African, French, Indian and Chinese influences) prepared by the crew.
Prepare to set sail to the ultimate no-filter destination today: Therese Island, a tiny uninhabited islet near Anse L'Islette Island on Mahe's west coast.
Turquoise waters and pristine beaches fringed with swaying coconut palms and takamaka trees are the playground for swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding and outdoor yoga. You'll drop anchor overnight and enjoy dinner on board while watching the serene sunset after a blissful day.
In the morning, your journey continues south along Mahe's stunning coastline to Anse a la Mouche for an overnight stay in the bay. Surrounded by lush hills and boasting sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, the beach's calm, shallow waters are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and kitesurfing (take your pick).
Dinner is at a local restaurant where freshly caught seafood and traditional Creole dishes are the stars of the menu.
It's your last morning aboard the catamaran before it's time for the next adventure: three nights on Denis Island. After disembarking at Mahe's Eden Harbour, you'll be privately transferred to the airport for a 30-minute flight in a light aircraft.
After touching down, you'll stay in a luxe cottage on an exclusive eco retreat –the ideal base to enjoy the private island's natural beauty, ringed by floury white sand and crystalline waters. There's no mobile signal, in-room Wi-Fi or cable television: this is a place to switch off and unplug from the digital world.
Between lazing under palm trees, you can go snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding, play tennis or relax on your veranda to the chirp of resident fairy terns.
Come evening, head to the bar for sundowner cocktails before tucking into dinner at the restaurant, where delicious dishes are made with locally-caught fish and fresh produce grown on the island's organic farm.
Over the next couple of days, explore the island's 375 acres (just over half a square mile) along well-marked trails through native forests or hop on a bike to get around. You can also join the island's rangers to track wildlife and record data, as well as learn more about the community's conservation projects.
This relatively untouched island is home to the archipelago's rarest birds – on your leisurely morning walk, scout for the paradise flycatcher, Seychelles warbler, magpie robin and Seychelles fody, a small songbird introduced to the island in 2004.
If you're visiting between May and February, you can usually see nesting green and hawksbill turtles that return each year to lay their eggs on the protected shoreline. The retreat also has a PADI-certified centre with qualified diving instructors, so you can also explore the island's thriving coral reef and rich underwater world brimming with parrotfish, butterflyfish and surgeonfish.
Sadly, it's your last morning on Denis Island. After one last coffee in paradise, you'll be privately transferred to your speedy flight back to Mahe (check out the incredible views from the sky).
While waiting for your connecting flight to the UK, which touches down on home turf the next day, you'll have access to a lovely hotel (ready to serve delicious cocktails and tasty tapas) with a swimming pool and stunning views of Eden Island Marina.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
ENJOY A SOOTHING SPA TREATMENT
While on delightful Denis Island, unwind with a relaxing spa treatment. Settle in for a facial or a signature massage using natural ingredients and island-inspired oils, complete with an abundance of aromas including hibiscus, cocoa, avocado, coconut and papaya.TUCK INTO LOBSTER UNDER THE STARS
How about dining on freshly caught lobster under the stars? Denis Island's restaurant team can set up a private table on the beach or on your terrace for an unforgettable evening.CRUISE ALONG MAHE'S EAST COAST
For a longer cruise around Mahe Island, add an east-coast leg that stops at Saint Anne Marine National Park, the breathtaking Cerf Island and Anse Royal, an ideal spot for swimming and snorkelling from the beach. Dinner is served on board or in authentic local restaurants along the way.
Why visit Seychelles with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Seychelles
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
