Seychelles: Your Dream Paradise Honeymoon Destination

The islands of Seychelles truly live up to their reputation as a dream destination. This archipelago of 115 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean offers everything you could imagine in a tropical paradise, from powdery white-sand beaches stretching for miles to lush, dense forests teeming with exotic vegetation. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world, where the warm tropical air is softened by cooling trade winds and the clear blue waters invite exploration beneath their shimmering surface.

Discovering Sainte Anne Island

Our journey began with the capital city, Victoria, a charming hub built on the rich Creole heritage of the Seychellois people. They warmly welcome visitors to what they consider their personal paradise. Following our arrival, we were heading to Club Med Seychelles, a luxury resort that truly defines escape. Launched in March 2022, this five-star, eco-certified resort occupies its own island, Sainte Anne, a mere 4 kilometers off the east coast of Mahé. Sainte Anne itself is the largest of eight islands within the Ste Anne Marine National Park, a protected area brimming with marine life.

The arrival felt like something out of a movie. We travelled from the Club Med lounge in Mahé to the island via a superfast water shuttle. As the mountain peaks emerged from the mist and the palm-lined shore gleamed in the distance, anticipation built. It was a grand entrance to an exclusive paradise.

A Taste of the High Life

Club Med Seychelles is part of The Exclusive Collection, promising an experience akin to the A-list lifestyle. Here, you can find your own secluded cove beneath the palms or simply relax on the quiet, sandy beaches. The atmosphere is laid-back, luxurious, and utterly indulgent. The resort village is self-contained, offering 291 guest rooms, including deluxe suites with private pools, all set against stunning beach backdrops. Wandering trails lead you into dense forests and wild jungle terrain, where you might even find mangoes on the trees and giant banyan trees with inviting vines. The air is fragrant with snow-white frangipani, and the abundant coconut palms are laden with bright orange fruit. Activities abound, from hiking and sailing to sunset kayaking and archery, all designed to awaken your adventurous spirit.

The resort strives to maintain the highest standards of service, accommodation, and luxury while keeping a family-friendly focus. It’s an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and culture of the Seychelles, all while enjoying the comforts of a high-end, all-inclusive experience. The welcome is warm and personal, with the GO team (short for ‘gentil organisateur,’ meaning ‘kind staff’) leading the way. Our general manager, Youssef Tobrouki, personally greeted us, along with a champagne reception. Our personal host, Sanjai, was always smiling and ready to assist with any request, making us feel like family throughout our stay.

Luxurious Accommodations

The design of the accommodations perfectly complements the breathtaking natural surroundings. Each room features wooden verandas and beams, large windows that frame spectacular views, and subtle tropical touches throughout. The deluxe suites offer a choice between garden views or private pools, complete with loungers and canopies for ultimate relaxation. Stepping directly from your suite onto the beach is just a few feet away, making it ideal for lazy days spent in privacy.

These suites are incredibly spacious, feeling more like full-sized apartments. They include a comfortable seating area, a coffee table, a large TV, and an expansive bathroom with double vanity and ample storage. The junior suites boast two large rain showers, an additional external shower, and a standalone tub equipped with premium bath and body products. An espresso machine and a fully stocked mini bar, replenished daily, are part of the all-inclusive package.

The decor is a harmonious blend of warm, neutral tones enhanced by colourful artwork and accents, creating a modern and fresh feel. Daily cleaning ensures immaculate rooms, putting any traveler’s mind at ease. Located centrally within the resort, the suites are just a short stroll from reception, the Zen pool, and the spa. For convenience, an efficient buggy service is available around the clock for transportation. After a day filled with activities, returning to such a comfortable and inviting space is a true pleasure.

Presidential Suite Grandeur

For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury for the entire family, the presidential suite is an unparalleled option. This palatial mansion-style home is situated in a secluded part of the island, complete with its own executive chef and personal aide. Jacuzzis offering stunning clifftop views add to the decadence of this extraordinary accommodation.

A Culinary Journey

The all-inclusive nature of the package means you can fully indulge without worrying about unexpected costs. It’s a chance to sample an incredible array of food and cocktails, with the understanding that you can focus on your well-being upon returning home. There are two main restaurants for evening dining: Turtle Cove, an international buffet, and The Reef. The Reef Beach lounge offers fresh salads and barbecues for lunch. Throughout the day, light snacks are available at the Monkey Tales Bar, followed by pastries and cakes at tea time. Creative food displays and alfresco feasts are also featured weekly.

The international buffet at Turtle Cove is a true gastronomic delight. You’ll find an extensive selection of salad starters, cold cuts, and freshly baked breads. The world food stations offer everything from slow-roasted pork and lamb rack to tomahawk steaks and tender Moroccan lamb with apricots. Mexican tacos, sweet and sour chicken, perfectly cooked pastas, and pizzas are also available. For a taste of local cuisine, traditional Creole dishes like kidney beans and rice, fried okra, jackfruit curry, and spiced lentils are served with an endless variety of pickles and tangy sauces.

Drawing on locally sourced produce, the resort features a variety of fish dishes, including sushi, fillets, grilled lobster, and whole baked Red Snapper, alongside the catch of the day. Many dishes are prepared live in front of you, offering an impromptu cooking lesson. The accomplished chefs expertly chop, spice, and sauté, readily tailoring dishes to your taste and accommodating vegan and vegetarian preferences.

A daily highlight is the patisserie counter, showcasing inventive creations. The intricate chocolate confections, sumptuous puddings, Pavlovas, and pastries are works of edible art. The chocolate pistachio tart with honeycomb crisp and the profiteroles are not to be missed. While there are more desserts than you can possibly imagine, you’ll be tempted to return for more.

Romantic Beachfront Dining

For a more formal a la carte dining experience, book a table at The Reef. Located in a secluded corner of the beach, dining under the stars creates a perfect romantic setting. The menu is refined, featuring dishes like fishcakes with giant prawns and beautifully prepared vegetable stacks for vegetarian diners. The desserts are artfully presented and delicious. With stunning sea views and the mainland twinkling in the distance, this toes-in-the-sand experience offers an intimate dinner by moonlight.

Activities and Entertainment

Holidays are the perfect time to try something new, and the resort offers a full range of activities for all ages. You’ll find water sports, fitness classes, a fully equipped gym, beach parties, and a diverse schedule of evening entertainment. The My Club Med app allows you to make dinner reservations, explore activities, and check dress codes for nightly events. The Club Med team provides a full entertainment schedule with nightly shows, theatrical performances, and parties.

Each evening, the main pool transforms into a magical setting, often inspired by themes like “The Greatest Showman.” A singer performs on a makeshift stage floating on the water, while aerial acrobats and dancers showcasing fire props add to the spectacle. Themed nights vary, with guests gathering for stage shows and cultural nights featuring traditional Creole dancing. It’s a festive atmosphere that draws everyone in. The young team members enthusiastically take on various roles, from entertaining children in the Kids Club to starring in evening productions. Even the yoga instructor might don a superhero suit for a lunchtime barbecue. The resort’s family focus is evident in the Kids Club programs, catering to children from two to teens. The team’s evident enjoyment and enthusiasm are infectious, making every guest’s stay fun and unforgettable.

For a deeper connection with the island’s natural wonders, join the botanical tour led by local conservationist Richard Jean. You’ll discover endemic trees like the takamaka and unique Seychelles palms, along with various fruits growing in their natural habitat, such as mangoes, tamarind, passionfruit, cashews, and almonds. It’s a chance to learn about palm trees, see the island’s oldest banyan tree, and observe the local wildlife, including green lizards and white crabs scampering towards the sea. This gentle walk through rich vegetation offers insight into the local community’s commitment to conservation.

More strenuous hikes lead to the highest summit, or you can opt for a less challenging morning walk around the island, observing bats still hanging from branches overhead. You might even go in search of the resident giant tortoises, named Beyoncé, Shakira, and Coco. Sporting activities are a major focus, with full-size tennis courts and Club Med’s own variation, the less strenuous paddle tennis. The archery instructor, known as Barracuda, meticulously oversees sessions, and you can even participate in an archery tournament if you prove your skill.

For those who prefer to stay out of the sea, two large swimming pools and a separate kids’ pool are available. The main pool, located near the buffet restaurant, offers quiet spots for morning relaxation with a juice, but by mid-morning, it’s a hub of activity with aqua classes, beach volleyball, and guests lounging to background music.

Serene and Active Water Sports

For a more tranquil experience, the Zen pool is an adult-only area perfect for quiet reflection amidst swaying palm trees. Alternatively, lounge on the sandy beach by the water’s edge as the sun sets. Drinks and snacks are available at the nearby bar throughout the day. Miles of beach are perfect for exploring or simply unwinding with a cocktail until dusk.

For a more active holiday, the resort makes full use of the island’s offerings. Water sports abound, with snorkeling and scuba diving lessons available at the dive center. At the water sports club next to the beach bar, the sailing team is always ready to welcome guests eager to head out onto the high seas. You can learn the intricacies of sailing in a class or take a quick trip towards Mahé with a guide. If you’re lucky, you might spot a silver shark or simply enjoy a panoramic view of the island as you bob along, kissed by salty spray. While yoga classes are held in the studio, paddle yoga in the sea offers a more challenging variation for experienced participants.

The sunset kayak tour is a highlight, offering a peaceful journey with unobstructed views of the setting sun. Returning to the island, the atmosphere intensifies for the sunset ritual, with a beach party vibe, flowing champagne, and fresh coconut water. Canapés, barbecued steaks, and fried fish are served as a DJ plays upbeat tracks, casting long shadows from the palm trees onto the sand.

In Summary

Club Med Seychelles provides the ideal eco-chic, family vacation, blending adventure, entertainment, exceptional gastronomy, and access to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. It offers an all-inclusive taste of the tropics where everyone feels like family. After a week of luxurious indulgence, you’ll leave with new friends and a feeling of being truly revitalized.

Planning Your Visit

Getting there is straightforward. Emirates offers daily flights to Mahé with a stopover in Dubai. Upon arrival, Club Med representatives will greet you and arrange a 15-minute transfer to the Club Med Lounge, located 3 km from Mahé. From there, your luggage is handled, and you’ll board a 20-minute shuttle boat to Sainte Anne Island.

Prices for a seven-night stay start from £1,684 per person on a double occupancy basis. The board basis is all-inclusive, covering accommodation, food, drinks, sports, and entertainment. Flights are not included in this package.

The resort is located at Mahe, Sainte Anne Island, Seychelles. For bookings and inquiries, you can reach them at +248 4 292 000 or the bookings line at 03453 67676. Their website is clubmed.co.uk, and you can follow them on Instagram @clubmedseychelles.