By Laura Fornadel

.

When deliberating a honeymoon – an important rite of passage for all soon-to-be-married couples – traditional romantic cities like Venice or Paris are usually top destination choices. Few amorous outings compare to a stroll along the Seine or a gondolier’s serenade on the Venetian canals. This year, however, a new locale has topped a few lists for those in search of romantic settings… and it isn’t in Europe!

Newlyweds Ken and Isabella look to the horizon and contemplate their future at Anse Source d’Argent on la Digue Island in the Seychelles after their wedding

Today, the African archipelagic nation of the Seychelles, already admired the world over for its stance on nature conservation – there are programmes in place to protect everything from the world’s smallest frog to its largest seed – is now indeed being lauded for altogether different reasons.

Let the Sunshine In

The Republic of Seychelles, as it is officially known, was recently named the world’s number one honeymoon destination by sunshine.co.uk, a notable UK-based travel agency. Following an announcement in October, the company now ranks the Seychelles above a number of high profile destinations, with Marrakech, Morocco, coming in second, and Jamaica, Las Vegas and Bulgaria rounding out the top five.

The Seychelles islands are truly breathtaking. With honeymooners now looking for some exotic flavour to add spice to the celebration of their matrimony, the 115 coral islands located in the Indian Ocean northeast of Madagascar are an ideal destination for those who won’t fuss about getting a bit of powdery, white sand in their wedding shoes.

Life in the Seychelles moves at a relaxed pace, one taken to heart by the affable and laidback populace of roughly 87,000. With this in mind, honeymooners have access to a tranquil or dynamic romantic getaway, one gauged to satisfy all tastes and all taking advantage of the country’s translucent waters, pristine nature reserves and gorgeous coral reefs, the most notable of which is the World Heritage Site Aldabra Atoll, home of the world’s largest population of giant tortoises, as well as many varieties of unique flora and fauna.

Enjoy a light fruit breakfast with homemade juices and freshly baked bread at La Reserve Hotel, located on a private beach at Anse Seber and overlooking the Seychelles' Curieuse Marine Park

Open Doors for All

No longer viewed as an exclusive stomping ground for the rich and famous, the Seychelles Islands are now on the radar of travellers of all backgrounds. The islands offer a wide range of Seychelles hotels – everything from simple shoreline bungalows to extravagant and exclusive resorts – and also present a full menu of Seychelles activities, including snorkelling and walking through the Praslin Island Nature Reserve.

As honeymooners frequently opt for a taste of luxury, there is an assortment of honeymoon suites with breathtaking views. Le Duc de Praslin and La Reserve Hotel on Praslin Island provide guests with idyllic lodging at reasonable rates. For a bit more seclusion, Patatran Village sits on a rocky cliff overlooking the crystal blue sea on La Digue Island.

The Seychelles is also the perfect destination for an actual wedding. In the spirit of the country’s relaxed atmosphere, couples can hold their nuptials practically anywhere, with Mahé Island presenting bride and groom with the widest range of ceremony options.

Interested? Then Pascal and the spirited team at Holidays Seychelles, your whl.travel local connection, can help you plan your dream honeymoon, including finding the perfect hotel and island for your romantic holiday and all other aspects of any special holiday. The dedicated Holidays Seychelles wedding coordinator can lend a hand for a more complete Seychelles Wedding or Honeymoon Package.

Posted under General, Seychelles, countries, local tips, whl.travel newsletter