Hey friend!
So let's do a little recap on what has been one of the most amazing and life-changing trips I had - Seychelles!
Words can hardly express the emotions I experienced during my time there. The beauty, serenity, and overwhelming feeling of realizing a dream made me shed tears of joy (I didn't realize my eyes would fill with tears for arriving at a destination that I had only ever imagined)!
So, grab a cup of coffee and join me as I take you on a virtual journey to this astounding destination (and a destination that should be on everyone's list)!
Discovering the Hidden Gem:
You know how I love exploring new places and learning about different cultures. Surprisingly, I had never heard of Seychelles until my Master's program in Budapest (back in 2016 to give you some time reference). That's when I first came across this hidden gem and became intrigued. Where in the world is this paradise? I asked myself. Intrigued, I delved into research and discovered a breathtaking archipelago nestled in the Indian Ocean.
The Journey to Paradise:
With my 30th birthday coming up, what better way to celebrate than with my mom on an eight-day adventure to Seychelles? We flew from Budapest to Mahe, the largest island in the Seychelles with a layover in Dubai, and arrived mid-morning at such a small airport right there in Seychelles! We arrived! Still in awe that we made it to this tiny little island off the coast of East Africa.
The accommodation that I booked through booking.com was something that I can't even explain. It was located on Eden Island a tiny little island connected to mainland Seychelles, and it was just that - Eden: a literal sense of paradise.
Well, as soon as I stepped foot on Mahe and to Eden Island, I was blown away by the sheer beauty surrounding me. Crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine white sandy beaches, and lush greenery formed the backdrop for a surreal experience. The moment I realized I was sharing this magical place with my mom, it hit me deep in my heart, and tears of gratitude flowed (and I promise, I don't get emotional like that on trips).
A little recap about this accommodation. To begin with, it was a full home: bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, terrace, you name it, it was there. And the best part was the view out to its private marina where we saw the sun come up and the rainbows form right before our eyes.
If that was the best part, then the cherry on top of all of this was that each home and stay came with a golf cart that you had a chance to use all around Eden Island! This meant taking it to the grocery store, to the beach, to the restaurants, it was wonderful! If this isn't the way to celebrate your 30th with your mom, then I don't know what is!
A Paradise that Keeps on Giving:
Seychelles, often hailed as a paradise getaway, is not just about stunning beaches and relaxation. It offers so much more! One can explore vibrant coral reefs, go snorkeling or diving, and witness an incredible diversity of marine life. The thrill of seeing these colorful fish and experiencing the wonders of the underwater world was surreal. We also had the opportunity to indulge in water sports like kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding. The list went on with the amount of things that you could do in such a remote area of the world.
Immersing in Nature's Majesty
Apart from its coastline wonders, Seychelles boasts captivating natural beauty within its interior as well, but for this we took a boat ride over to the other smaller islands of Praslin and La Digue. Prepare yourself in the summer, it was a bumpy ride but it was all worth it! On this full-day guided tour, our first stop was to the island of Praslin where we ventured into nature reserves and national parks, marveling at the unique flora and fauna indigenous to the islands. The Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, took our breath away with its ancient palm forest and the iconic Coco de Mer fruit. The Coco de Mer is the largest nut and it is well protected! Also, another item that I was hoping to see and experience! The way that the nut forms is based on the female and male trees, you need to see and experience this for yourself to truly embrace how this reproduction happens.
Venturing to the Most Beautiful Beaches
On our full-day tour, we headed to Anse Lazio, which has been named number 29 on the World's 50 Best Beaches (don't worry, we headed to number 2 soon after - also in Seychelles). Anse Lazio is breathtaking and honestly feels like you stepped into a postcard. You would think how are there beaches that can top this? I was stunned.
If you told me that there were no more boats and I had to stay right there in Praslin, I would have been sold (if I ever go missing, you can find me right there on that beach).
But it was time to venture onto the next island, and to an even better beach. How is that even possible? Well, it is. It was about a 15-minute boat ride from Praslin to Le Digue, where we then entered into a park saw the tortoises, and then headed to the next beach. Anse Source d'Argent. If on the other beach, I was stepping into a postcard, on this one I was stepping into a painting. How was this humanly possible, and how was I here? The clear shallow water and the coral reef below your feet, I have no words to describe it! Not surprised that this is named number 2 on the World's 50 Best Beaches!
This day was more than perfect and I highly recommend taking that boat trip to explore the other islands! If and when I do go back, I would probably stay on Praslin the next go around, or even Le Digue. Fun fact, there is a limit on the number of cars even allowed on Le Digue! Everyone uses golf carts or bikes to get around on the island for environmental reasons!
Let's also not forget about one of the beaches on Mahe, the biggest island in the Seychelles, which is also one of the most photographed areas too!
A Melting Pot of Cultures:
One of the things that fascinated me about Seychelles was its rich cultural diversity. While exploring the lively local markets and interacting with the warm-hearted Seychellois people, I embraced a melting pot of influences from Africa, Asia, and Europe. It was both enlightening and humbling to learn about their traditions, languages, and customs. The vibrant Creole cuisine tantalized our taste buds, spoiling us with delectable flavors and fresh seafood.
My trip to Seychelles for my 30th birthday turned out to be an experience beyond my wildest dreams. It changed my perspective on travel (that you really can make dream destinations a reality without needing to rob a bank), filled my heart with unforgettable memories, and deepened my appreciation for the beauty of our planet.
Seychelles offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration. So, when you plan your next travel adventure, don't miss out on this enchanting paradise. Trust me, you won't regret it!
Remember, life is meant to be lived, explored, and celebrated. Seychelles is waiting to bring you to tears, just as it did to me.
Stay adventurous and plan that trip!
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