Why Honeymoon on Praslin & La Digue
Many Indian Ocean honeymoons revolve around a single resort. Praslin and La Digue offer something richer: a real island experience, with beaches to discover, forests to explore and local life to enjoy, all surrounded by remarkable natural beauty.
The landscapes here are unlike anywhere else. The granite boulders, sculpted over millions of years, frame beaches like natural works of art. Inland, the Vallée de Mai feels almost prehistoric, its giant palm fronds rattling in the breeze. And because distances are small, you can see a remarkable amount without long drives.
The pace is gentle, too. On La Digue especially, life moves at bicycle speed. Evenings end with grilled fish, a cold Seybrew and a sunset that paints the boulders gold. It is a wonderful antidote to wedding planning stress.
When to Go
The Seychelles enjoys warm weather year-round, with temperatures generally in the 80s Fahrenheit. The climate is shaped by two trade wind seasons. From roughly May to September, southeast trades bring drier, breezier weather and choppier seas on exposed coasts. From roughly December to March, the northwest monsoon brings hotter, more humid conditions and more rain, often in short, heavy bursts.
The sweet spots are the transition months of April to May and October to November, when the winds ease, seas are calmest and visibility for snorkeling and diving is at its best. These are the most popular honeymoon months, so book early. That said, the islands are lovely any time. Because beaches face different directions, there is usually a sheltered spot for swimming whatever the season.
Where to Stay
Our top pick on Praslin is Raffles Seychelles, a hillside all-villa resort on Anse Takamaka on the island's north coast. Every villa has a private plunge pool and wide views toward Curieuse. Butlers handle the details. Afternoons tend to disappear at the spa, set among granite boulders. It is also a short drive from Anse Lazio.
Beyond Raffles, Praslin's hotel scene ranges from large luxury resorts, including Constance Lemuria with its championship golf course, to boutique hotels and small family-run guesthouses along the Côte d'Or (Anse Volbert) and Grand Anse. La Digue is mostly the domain of intimate guesthouses and a few small hotels, which suits its laid-back character.
A popular strategy is to base yourself on Praslin in a luxury villa and visit La Digue as a day trip, or to spend a couple of nights on La Digue to enjoy its quiet evenings after the day-trippers leave.
Romantic Things to Do
Start with the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO-listed forest that is one of the last strongholds of the coco de mer, the palm with the world's largest seed. Walk its shaded trails early in the morning and listen for the rare Seychelles black parrot.
Spend at least one lazy day on Anse Lazio, where granite boulders frame calm, clear water. Give another to Anse Georgette, a smaller cove with real wow factor. Hop over to Curieuse Island to meet giant Aldabra tortoises, walk through the mangroves and snorkel in the marine park.
On La Digue, rent bikes and cycle through the L'Union Estate to Anse Source d'Argent, then continue to wilder beaches such as Grand Anse, which is gorgeous to look at but often too rough for swimming. Nature lovers should visit the Veuve Reserve, home to the rare black paradise flycatcher. Finish with a sunset catamaran sail between the islands.
Getting There & Around
International flights arrive at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé, usually via hubs such as Dubai, Doha or Addis Ababa. From the US, expect 20 or more hours of total travel.
From Mahé, you can take a short domestic flight of about 15 minutes to Praslin's airport, or the fast Cat Cocos ferry from Victoria, which takes about an hour. Helicopter transfers can also be arranged if you want to splurge.
On Praslin, rental cars, taxis and buses are all available; driving is on the left. Ferries link Praslin and La Digue several times a day in about 15 minutes. On La Digue, bicycles are the main way to get around. You can rent them near the jetty or through your hotel. Ox carts and a few small hotel vehicles round out the transport options.
Food & Drink
Seychellois Creole cuisine is a delicious blend of African, French, Indian and Chinese influences. Expect fragrant fish curries made with coconut milk, grilled red snapper and tuna, octopus curry, breadfruit chips and a rainbow of fresh tropical fruit. Chili-spiked chutneys and salads made from green papaya or mango are popular sides.
On Praslin, beyond the excellent resort restaurants, look for casual beachside spots around Côte d'Or and Anse Lazio for grilled fish with a view. On La Digue, small Creole restaurants and takeaways serve generous plates at a fraction of resort prices. Try the local beer, Seybrew, or a fresh coconut straight from the husk.
For a romantic splurge, book a private beach dinner at your resort. Many properties can arrange candlelit setups on the sand or among the granite boulders.
Honeymoon Tips
Plan to spend at least five nights to make the most of Praslin and La Digue, perhaps combined with a private island or a few nights on Mahé.
A few tips for a smoother trip:
- Visit popular beaches like Anse Lazio and Anse Source d'Argent early or late in the day to avoid crowds
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard; the equatorial sun is intense
- Check tides for Anse Source d'Argent, which is most beautiful and swimmable around high tide
- Carry some cash for small restaurants and bike rentals on La Digue
- Wear sturdy sandals for cycling and forest walks
Finally, register your trip with the State Department's STEP program and book inter-island ferries a few days ahead in the busy months.
