Seychelles – children’s paradise

FOR South African families, Seychelles offers a compelling combination of accessibility, adventure, outdoor living, luxury and value, says the Seychelles Tourism Board. The Indian Ocean Island destination offers visa-free entry for South African passport holders, direct air access, a negligible time difference (two hours ahead of South Africa) and reliably warm weather year-round. The island’s reputation as a safe destination, calm, sheltered beaches with no dangerous wildlife, means parents can properly relax and unwind. In fact, a great selling point for Seychelles is that it’s one destination that works across every age group. The Board points out that the archipelago’s accommodation offering has grown alongside demand. Canopy by Hilton Seychelles brings dedicated kids’ and teens’ clubs, while luxury openings such as Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island and Cheval Blanc Seychelles add spacious villas and curated programmes for every age group. In addition, many resorts add value with family-focused promotions, including complimentary stays for children, discounted meal plans, family suites, kids’ clubs and inclusions like airport transfers, spa treatments and water sports. South African operators also regularly package Seychelles with attractive air-inclusive family deals. Activities The beaches are a big draw, but the real magic lies in the excursions that keep children busy, curious and spellbound, turning a beach holiday into something they’ll remember forever. A full-day reef safari to Sainte Anne Marine National Park is a highlight, with glass-bottom boat cruising, snorkelling above vibrant corals and one of the region’s largest seagrass meadows, finished with a Creole barbecue on the sand. On Praslin, the whole family will enjoy a visit to the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, one of only two places on earth where the Coco de Mer palm still grows. And from Praslin, it’s a 20-minute boat trip to Curieuse Island, where giant Aldabra tortoises roam freely beneath Takamaka trees. On La Digue, bicycles rule the road, where travellers can ride the vanilla-scented paths to Anse Source d’Argent, listed among the world’s most beautiful beaches, and among the historic vanilla and coconut plantations of L’Union Estate. The Tourism Board reports that families are increasingly booking longer stays and multi-island itineraries that pair beach time with adventure, sustainability and Créole culture. More families are now choosing shoulder-season trips for better value and flexibility. “Seychelles offers families an opportunity to combine relaxation with meaningful cultural discovery,” says Christine Vel, Director at Seychelles Tourism Board. “From Créole food and music to local festivals, village life and conservation-focused experiences, children can engage with the destination in ways that are both fun and educational, creating lasting memories while gaining a deeper appreciation of Seychellois culture.” Access Air Seychelles has three direct flights a week from Johannesburg to Mahé. Kenya Airways has flights from Nairobi and Air Tanzania flies three times a week from Dar es Salaam to Mahé. From December 1, Ethiopian Airlines will double its service to two daily non- stop flights between Addis Ababa and Mahé, totalling 14 flights a week.