Why Seychelles should be on your bucket list
With 115 unique islands, postcard-white sand and stirring natural beauty, the Seychelles is the ultimate time-out
Searching for your next long weekend destination? Look no further than the Seychelles. Located just a short three and a half hour flight from Dubai, the country is home to some of the world's most breathtaking islands. Like Praslin, for one, on which Raffles Seychelles finds its home on the North-Eastern coast. Accessible by seaplane (which, depending on the day, can be a little bumpy), the resort offers sweeping sea views that more than make up for any discomfort in the air. Raffles is like your dream home-away-from-home with all the luxury amenities one could ask for like private villas, picturesque beaches and a natural landscape, all waiting to be explored.
There's plenty to do around the island, too. You can hop on a boat or pick up a bike for a leisurely cycle. Moving around the island is easy, though its expanse can make the ride feel akin to your own personal Tour de France at times. If bike riding is not for you, you can hire a buggy for the day. Regardless of your preferred mode of travel, beach-hopping is a must. La Digue is home to one of the world's most beautiful beaches, Anse Lazio, and it can’t be missed with its black granite rocks, white sand and crystal blue seas. With a coconut water in hand and the island breeze around you, you'll have to pinch yourself more than once. After a day of exploring, head to the local restaurant, Chez Jules, for a quick bite. Be sure to order the red snapper curry and anything else you might fancy – it is some of the finest food you will ever eat. Just be sure to be back at Raffles in time to watch the sunset. There are colours in the sky you never knew existed that create an unparalleled glow over the island.
Be kind to yourself
If you're in need of a little TLC then the Raffles Spa is set to reduce all stress stemming from 21st century living. With a focus on detoxing, this is the place to cleanse not only the body, but the mind, too. There's yoga on offer, as well as weight loss treatments and threeday long pampering packages (#heaven) to ensure you leave feeling like your best self. Though there's no shortage of Insta-worthy content here, the resort has built a haven where mindfulness is the number one priority, encouraging guests to spend less time looking down and more looking inward.
Culture corner
The island of Praslin is famous for the Coco de Mer, which is the world’s heaviest nut and is native to the Seychelles. The Seychellois (people of the Seychelles) take the 400-yearold trees on which these rare nuts grow seriously – they are protected by laws so visitors are only able to admire them from afar. If you're interested, the UNESCO World heritage site of Vallée de Mai is where you'll see the famed double coconuts on display.
The verdict
The Seychelles is the gift that keeps on giving. With 115 islands that are each unique, you can visit over and over again and experience something new. Raffles Seychelles has a highly regarded reputation with guests often returning every year. It's hardly surprising given that it offers visitors the ultimate timeout to recharge and relax amidst some of the world's most stunning scenery. Plus, topping up your tan with no jetlag to contend with? Sounds like paradise to us.