Seychelles: a.k.a, The World’s Most Famous Honeymoon Destination

All eyes have been on tiny North Island since newlywed royals William and Kate checked in for their luxurious honeymoon. Located in the Seychelles, the island is one of 115 beautiful lush paradises scattered across a vast swathe of Indian Ocean. For privacy, the couple rented 11 exclusive villas at North Island Lodge for a staggering $720,000. Hand-crafted from local wood, each luxury villa boasts two bedrooms, 5,000 square feet of space and a plethora of amenities. From an open-air bath filled with frangipani flowers, a private garden to a freshwater rock pool complete with a sun deck and yoga pavilion. Golf carts and mountain bikes are also on hand to explore the island's remarkable flora and fauna. Oh, did we mention that each villa also comes with a personal butler and chef? Consider us royally flushed with envy!

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past month or so, you would have known that Britain’s royal couple Prince William and Kate Middleton have tied the knot. After postponing their honeymoon for a week, the two lovebirds embarked on a two-week retreat in the Seychelles on the 9th of May. On that very envious note, we present a brief commentary on this soon to be minted, ‘world’s most famous honeymoon destination’.  

If the sheer number of islands has made the prospect of deciding where to go a daunting task, fret not. Be it one of the three main islands of Mahé, Praslin, La Digue or any outlying island, every single one of the islands has been undeniably spoiled rotten by the generous graces from Mother Nature.

Expect vast stretches of pristine white sand bathed by crystal clear topaz waters, a wildlife haven for reef flora and fauna. Surrounded by coconut groves, the islands offer complete privacy with nary a crowd in sight! If that sounds like an idyll scene straight out of a picturesque postcard, and you’ve already started to make plans in your mind to sip bubbly whilst lazing around on loungers all day, think again.

Unlike most beach destinations where there is little to see or do beyond the coast, the Seychelles is more than just a strip of luxurious sand. Each of the islands offers something unique from its siblings.

Go on guided walks or scale the country’s highest peak Morne Seychellois (905m), in the sprawling Mahé Morne Seychellois National Park. A short flight away from Mahé, the island of Praslin boasts a leafy enclave of virgin forest, the Vallée De Mai National Park. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site contains the coco de mer, a type of palm that only grows in the Seychelles. If hiking long distances isn’t your forte, visit Curieuse Island home of the giant tortoise or go snorkeling, kayaking or diving in one of the many reef habitats. Jet skis and similar water sports are banned to preserve the tranquility of this eco-haven, however, adrenaline junkies can get their fix by diving with sharks in a shark bank. After working up an appetite from all that activity, dine at one of Praslin’s many restaurants, known for their extremely fresh seafood. With a plethora of activities at their fingertips, let's hope William and Kate decided to venture from their $6,500-a-night love-nest.

For those of us who don’t have royally deep pockets, the Seychelles has plenty of quaint, and affordable self-catering facilities and guesthouses. However, it remains an expensive destination so expect to pay $140 to $210 per person per day. If you’d like to play Robinson Crusoe in paradise, make a booking now before tickets sell out just as fast as Kate’s blue Issa engagement dress.
-Natalie Kuan