6 Reasons The Seychelles Aren’t Just For Honeymooners

Paradise seems pretty unattainable most of the time.

But what if I could tell you that there’s a holiday nirvana open for business all year round, and – most importantly – not contingent on you having (a) someone else mad enough to marry you for a honeymoon or (b) a gabillion dubloons in your coffers to make it a reality?

At just 12 hour flight from London, the Seychelles are literal paradise on tap. Endless sun, tropical oceans, palm trees and friendly locals all more than welcome to introduce you to the island (usually via rum – lots and lots of rum).

Rather than wait for the proposal of our dreams, MTV headed out to the Seychelles with BFF in tow, to explore everything the tropics have to offer.

Here are six reasons why the Seychelles are the ultimate getaway – fluffy romanticism be damned.

1. Sail off to a private island

The main island of Mahe is big enough to juggle sun-seeking tourists and locals alike. But if you want to embrace that true A-Lister lifestyle, then we heartily recommend heading off-island and grabbing a boat to Silhouette Island, home to an array of fascinating natural wonderments (for starters, you can see actual Giant Tortoises on the island), and Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa.

The only resort on the island, it boasts unparalleled privacy and a host of secluded beach-flanking villas. There is no greater feeling than waking up to the morning breeze, and strolling ten yards out onto your private deck, grabbing breakfast, and then exhaling as you see the tide roll in and out.

A part indoor and outdoor bathroom adds to the celebrity vibes, the interiors scream island chic, and encroaching vegetation amongst your garden offers privacy, and makes you feel one with the island.

Your days are spent meandering up and down the exclusive golden sand beach, lazing in hammocks, and lazily ordering daquiries (more on that later0. Bliss.

2. Get a cardio/culture double whammy

We know the mere thought of cardio fills most of us with dread, but - SPOILER ALERT – if you manage to do something you enjoy at the same time, it’s a whole lot less horrendous.

Thankfully, Silhouette Island has an array of activities to stimulate the soul and muscles. We heartily recommend a morning snorkeling (crystal clear waters, untouched coral, and bountiful colourful fish = a snorkeler’s dream), or a day’s hike over to other parts of the island.

Sure, your calves will get a workout, but it’ll be worth it. Walking up and over one side of the island guaranteed incredible views, a fun jaunt through the dense forestry, and was interspersed with a lunchtime spent on a totally private, completely secluded beach.

Splashing around with your BFF, eating lunch, and bobbing along in undisturbed tropical waters is quite the life highlight.

3, Get your rum tasting on, and eat literally all the food

Silhouette Island has an array of restaurants and bars for every occasion. From freshly caught sushi to all you can eat (we tested that statement, trust us) mega-buffets full of every type of food going, Italian delights and a smorgasbord of local delights (some grown on-island), you won’t go hungry.

Our fave was Grann Kaz, a restaurant set within a historic plantation home, and boasting a menu full of Seychellois and creole delights. Throw in impromptu rum tasting sessions (you’ll be amazed by how complex and varied the flavours can get), and super-friendly restaurant staff, and you’ll be rolling back to your villa whether you intended to or not.

Plus, when you’re not on honeymoon/trying to impress another, you know you can go back for seconds. Or thirds. Ok, fourths.

4. Soak up the local culture

Whether you’re chatting to your hike guide about the history of the Seychellois people, standing back in awe as staff perform traditional dance and fire numbers before dinner on Silhouette Island, or moseying around the colourful, curio-filled markets of Mahe Island’s capital city Victoria (dried shark face delicacy, anyone?), it’s a fascinating country with an incredible heritage.

5. Treat yo’self

In the immortal words of Parks & Recreation, sometimes you just need to treat yo’self.

To really ease into the vibe of the island, we heartily endorse you getting your spa treatment on at Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa on Mahe Island.

More intimate and adult than Labriz, Northolme also offers a phenomenal spa that’ll have you groaning in pleasure before you know it. With massage rooms opening up out onto the ocean, and therapists willing to cater to your every bodily ailment, it’s relaxation perfection.

6. Or run a marathon in paradise

Wait, wait. Come back. We know what you’re thinking.

A marathon on holiday? ARE YOU MAD?!

Well, maybe. Slightly. Ish. But as we’re on the whole self-improvement track, we may as well flag up something you may not have known about the island – it has its own marathon. Even better (for the more lethargic amongst us), it also has a half marathon, and 10k route if you don’t want to commit to the full 42km.

Unique, unexpected and utterly gorgeous to run, the Seychelles Eco Friendly Marathon is a one-of-a-kind experience, and with support from local businesses, and a hefty crowd full of dancing, singing locals, it’s really an event not to be missed.

Running alongside a view like this?

Yes, please.

And who needs a honeymoon when you have literally all the endorphins coursing through your body?!

MTV Travelled with… Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa is located in northwest Mahé, 25 minutes away from Seychelles International Airport by car or taxi. Prices start from €450/ £395* in a King Hillside Villa per night on a B&B basis, and €2,400/£2,110* per night in Northolme Villa on a B&B basis. Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa is a 45-minute boat trip to Silhouette Island’s jetty, or a scenic 15-minute helicopter ride from Mahé.  Prices start from €310/ £272* in a King Garden Villa per night on a B&B basis. Prices at Silhouette Estate start from €3,200/ £2,813* per night on a B&B basis. To make a reservation please visit www.hilton.com or call +248 429 9000. For more information or questions regarding the Seychelles, please contactseychelles@uksto.co.uk or visit www.seychelles.travel