Why Honeymoon on Silhouette
Silhouette feels like the Seychelles before tourism. The island is almost entirely forest, much of it native, with rare plants found only on the high granitic peaks. Trails lead through palm groves, past abandoned plantation buildings and down to beaches you may have to yourselves.
It suits couples who like a mix of activity and rest. One partner can tackle a summit trail while the other spends the morning on a lounger, then you meet for lunch.
The island also has a sense of history. The Dauban family owned Silhouette from the mid-1800s until 1960 and their mausoleum, modeled on the Église de la Madeleine in Paris, still stands in the forest near La Passe. It is an odd and lovely surprise on a jungle walk.
When to Go
The Seychelles is warm year-round, with sea temperatures around the low 80s°F much of the year.
- April to May and October to November: the transition months between trade wind seasons. Seas are calmest, visibility is best for snorkeling and the boat crossing from Mahé is smoothest.
- May to September: southeast trade winds bring drier, breezier weather and rougher seas in exposed spots.
- December to March: the northwest monsoon brings heat, humidity and heavier showers, though often in short bursts.
For hiking, the cooler, drier months from June to September are comfortable, but crossings may be choppier. The transition months are the best overall bet for a honeymoon.
Where to Stay
The Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa is the only resort on the island, set along the beach at La Passe on the east coast. It has villas spread through tropical gardens, many with private plunge pools, plus several restaurants, a dive center and a spa.
Because it is the only hotel, everything on Silhouette revolves around it. That is good for privacy but means meal and drink prices are resort prices. Half-board or full-board plans are worth comparing.
Roughly, rates run from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars a night depending on villa type and season. These figures are approximate, so check current offers. Ask for a beachfront or hillside pool villa for privacy and request a quiet location away from family-friendly areas if you prefer a kid-free feel.
Romantic Things to Do
- Hike to Anse Mondon: a jungle trail over the hills from La Passe to a secluded cove on the northwest coast. It takes a few hours each way and is steep in places. Some couples hike one way and arrange a boat back.
- Snorkel and dive: the marine national park around the island protects reefs and granite boulders. The dive center runs trips for all levels.
- Climb toward Mont Dauban: a tough, guided hike into cloud forest with views across to Mahé and North Island.
- Visit the Dauban mausoleum: a short walk from La Passe.
- Paddle a kayak along the coast on a calm morning.
- End the day with drinks on the beach as the lights of Mahé come on across the channel.
Getting There and Around
There are no nonstop flights from the US to the Seychelles. Most couples connect through Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul or Addis Ababa into Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé.
From Mahé, the resort arranges boat transfers across the channel to La Passe, usually well under an hour. Seas can be choppy in the trade wind months, so take seasickness tablets if you are prone. Helicopter transfers are faster and offer views of the island's peaks.
On Silhouette there are no roads. You get around the resort on foot or by buggy and everything else is on foot or by boat. Trails can be slippery after rain, so wear proper shoes and tell staff where you are heading before longer hikes.
Food and Drink
With one resort on the island, dining is resort dining, but there is variety. Expect a beach restaurant, a more formal dinner venue and options that bring in Asian and Creole flavors.
Seychellois Creole food is worth seeking out on the menu. Look for grilled red snapper and job fish, octopus curry with coconut milk, breadfruit chips and fresh tropical fruit such as papaya and golden apple. Ladob, a sweet dish of plantain or breadfruit cooked in coconut milk, makes a good dessert.
SeyBrew is the local lager and Takamaka rum is made on Mahé. Ask about a private beach dinner, which the resort can set up for a special night.
Honeymoon Tips
- Stay at least four nights. The transfer takes time and the island rewards slow days.
- Bring hiking shoes with grip, a light rain jacket, a hat and plenty of water for trails.
- Hire a local guide for Mont Dauban or longer hikes. Paths are not always clear.
- Mosquitoes are present and dengue and chikungunya occur in the Seychelles. Use repellent, especially in the forest. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and do not touch coral in the marine park.
- Combine Silhouette with Praslin and La Digue for beaches, or a final night on Mahé before your flight home.
