'Sea' you on Mahé Island, Seychelles
Mahé is the largest island in the Seychelles archipelago, located off the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean. It’s famous for its sugary-soft, white-sand beaches, sparkling turquoise sea, and densely forested granite mountains.
In this tropical paradise, you might not want to do much more than laze on the sand. However, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, catamaran cruises, deep-sea fishing, and scuba diving in the warm, clear waters are some of the most memorable experiences for any visitor to the island. Mahé is surrounded by coral reefs that are a kaleidoscope of corals and tropical fish, and time spent enjoying the undersea life is a highlight to any trip.
On land, trek through forests to waterfalls, hike into the mountains and ride across beaches on horseback to explore the local landscapes. Trips to family-run rum distilleries, botanical gardens, and bustling markets are also worthwhile additions to your vacation and offer glimpses into Seychellois life.
One of the rarest and most rewarding experiences a tourist to the Seychelles can have is witnessing a turtle lay her eggs or a clutch of turtle hatchlings emerge from their nest and make their way to the open ocean. These amazing creatures are still endangered, and sightings are not guaranteed.
The hawksbill turtle and the green turtle both lay their eggs in the Seychelles. October through April is the optimal time of year for a chance to see hawksbill turtles nesting. Turtle eggs incubate for roughly eight weeks, with hatchlings emerging at night around the time of the full moon, taking advantage of the moonlight illuminating their path to the sea.
Where to stay:
Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas overlooks Anse Louis beach on the southwest coast of Mahé. Guests enjoy exquisite all-inclusive luxury of private villas with access to the secluded beach, the option to personalize your meals with the chef, indulge in restorative spa treatments and take in the incredible vistas and tropical gardens. Each luxury villa has an infinity pool with views of the ocean and a submerged outdoor tub.
