Countdown To Gilly's Grand Tour
Countdown To Gilly's Grand Tour
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On the 23rd February I will be setting off on my ‘2024 Grand Tour’, with Brian in tow! We will be heading to Mahe, the largest of the 115 islands of the Seychelles, spending two nights on the island before embarking the Silver Spirit for a 16-night cruise to Dubai, completing our trip with 4 nights in Abu Dhabi.
The Silver Spirit is one of our favourite ships with around 600 guests, it’s perfect for us. Here we are, in the photo above, in December 2022 when we transitted the Panama Canal on our way to Peru.
Gilly Bachelor
We will be flying with Emirates from Birmingham, which we find easy, with a short connection in Dubai. There are currently no direct flights to the Seychelles. British Airways previously offered a direct flight but this stopped in 2020 and has not been resumed.
On Mahe we will be staying at the L'Escale Resort Marina & Spa part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection.
The L’Escale Resort has just 25 luxurious guest rooms, with either a lush mountain or picturesque ocean view. It’s the perfect location for us as it’s centrally located between the airport and the cruise port in Victoria.
Whilst on board Silver Spirit we will be visiting two other islands – La Digue and Praslin, then on to Muscat (Oman) and from here exploring the United Arab Emirates of Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, plus the independent sovereign states of Qatar and Bahrain.
Our cruise will be finishing in Dubai however, we’ll be taking a private transfer from the cruise terminal back to Abu Dhabi for the final 4 nights of our tour.
The Seychelles
Each island has its own unique culture and charm, so there’s plenty for you to explore. Take a boat trip to Mahé, stroll through the markets tasting fresh fruit before treating yourself to an indulgent spa treatment in the comfort of your own villa at Banyan Tree.
Take a refreshing dip in your private plunge pool at Raffles Praslin, before visiting the UNESCO world heritage site of Vallée de Mai National Park to spot the native black parrot and unique Coco de Mer nut.
If you’re looking for a hidden paradise La Digue’s Anse Source D’Argent beach won’t disappoint with its abundance of stunning scenery, beautiful rock formations and crystal clear blue waters.
Seychelles Hotels and Resorts
Soft sugary sands fringed by swaying palms and calm turquoise lagoons – your luxurious barefoot paradise awaits. Enjoy a total technology detox at the heavenly Denis private island or take a dip in your very own private plunge pool at Banyan Tree. Recline in the poolside chair and stare at the panoramic views of the Cote d’Or Bay at L’Archipel Hotel or why not embark on an island hopping adventure and combine more than one island?
Here’s just one of my favourites on the main island!
Constance Ephelia
Fringed by two of Mahe’s most beautiful beaches and overlooking the spectacular Port Launay National Marine Park, Constance Ephelia is a tranquil family friendly resort set within a 296-acre nature park. Admire the dazzling beauty of unspoilt beaches and tropical forests as you prepare to discover the ultimate setting for a relaxing and luxurious holiday.
The modern and chic hotel has five restaurants where you can treat your taste buds to dishes inspired by gourmet African cuisine. Enjoy a traditional massage in the largest spa in the Indian Ocean or unleash your adventurous side as you zip-line through the tropical treetops and take to the climbing wall.
Constance Ephelia is an extremely family friendly resort. With the bracelet barter initiative where your little ones can exchange bracelets for tasty treats throughout the resort and the feel like a team member project designed to give teens the chance to join one of the hotel departments for half a day for an insightful experience. Unforgettable adventures await the whole family.
The best time to visit the Seychelles is between April and May, or October and November, as these are the calmer periods between the two trade winds which hit the island each year. The northwest trade wind blows from November to March and the southeast wind from May to September. These winds cause seaweed to build up on some beaches, so it’s important to consider when choosing your hotel locations at different times of the year.
The temperature in the Seychelles is around 30°C (86°F) all year round, with a mixture of sunshine and tropical showers, and sea breezes which disperse the humidity. However, the Seychelles’ positioning, just seven degrees south of the Equator and away from large land masses in the Indian Ocean, makes it very hard to predict the weather or rely on online forecasts.
Coco de Mer - a intimate boutique hotel offering magnificent views. This serene hotel is the ideal base to explore the island of Praslin.
Escape to the secluded hideaway of Coco de Mer and the Black Parrot suites, located within 200 acres of natural beauty. Refurbished in 2018, this intimate hotel is nestled on a lush tropical hillside and offers spectacular panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and surrounding islands. There are three magnificent swimming pools to choose between including one with a 270-degree view overlooking the ocean and a natural salt water pool. Reconnect with your loved one on the romantic setting of the jetty and treat yourself to a diverse selection of cuisine from a la carte grill and vibrant cocktails to international cuisine.
Opt for the family friendly chalet style rooms at the Coco de Mer with garden and beach views or stay within the idyllic setting of the adult-only suites at the Black Parrot to admire outstanding views of the Indian Ocean.
Coco de Mer essentials:
- Transfer 15-minute flight from Mahe to Praslin then 15-minute private car transfer
- Meal plan: Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants: 2
- 52 rooms and suites
- Waterfront Spa and 3 swimming pools
- Complimentary private shuttle bus to Anse Lazio beach
Coco de Mer
Escape to the secluded hideaway of Coco de Mer and the Black Parrot suites, located within 200 acres of natural beauty. Refurbished in 2018, this intimate hotel is nestled on a lush tropical hillside and offers spectacular panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and surrounding islands. There are three magnificent swimming pools to choose between including one with a 270-degree view overlooking the ocean and a natural salt water pool. Reconnect with your loved one on the romantic setting of the jetty and treat yourself to a diverse selection of cuisine from a la carte grill and vibrant cocktails to international cuisine.
Opt for the family friendly chalet style rooms at the Coco de Mer with garden and beach views or stay within the idyllic setting of the adult-only suites at the Black Parrot to admire outstanding views of the Indian Ocean.
Coco de Mer essentials:
- Transfer 15-minute flight from Mahe to Praslin then 15-minute private car transfer
- Meal plan: Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants: 2
- 52 rooms and suites
- Waterfront Spa and 3 swimming pools
- Complimentary private shuttle bus to Anse Lazio beach
Denis Private Island
With no signal for your mobile phone, no in-room internet and no television to distract you – welcome to your technology detox.
Surrounded by powder soft sandy beaches and turquoise waters dive into the calm lagoon for a snorkelling adventure with turtles and exotic marine life. Home to some rare and endemic species such as the giant tortoises and magpie robin observe on-going conservation projects and sample freshly produced produce from the island farm.
With only 23 cottages on Denis Island set within 375 acres you can rest assured a private and intimate experience awaits. Why not try relaxing on your own terrace and enjoy the spectacular views or embark on a complimentary kayak, snorkelling or nature tour for an unforgettable way to experience the Seychelles. The protected natural lagoon is perfect for safe swimming or why not enjoy diving and deep sea fishing.
Denis Island Highlights...
Denis Island Essentials
- Transfer is 95kms from Mahe – 30 min by light aircraft
- Only 23 cottages
- One restaurant where 80% of the resort’s food comes from the natural local farm produce
- Full board
- TV & internet access in library only
- Baby sitting services available on request
Why not get in touch to start planning your holiday in the Seychelles?
