The Maverick’s Tour

Some of us are fine with being in our own company; in fact, you might even prefer it! Going on a holiday on your own is an opportunity to get away from other people and their demands, and have an allotted period of time where you can do exactly what you want to do when you want to do it, without anyone else weighing in with an opinion or suggestion.

If you really want a destination to get away from it all and have some quality me-time without falling over throngs of other tourists, the Seychelles is exactly what you are looking for.

With quality accommodation on offer, arresting natural wonders and loads of activities and good food, the Seychelles is everything you could want in a get-away-from-it-all destination.  

Day 1

Arrive at Victoria Airport, Mahé.

Upon arrival you will be transferred to the ferry terminal, where you will board the Cat Cocos ferry for your hour-long transfer to Praslin Island. Upon arrival at Praslin, you will be met by our representatives and transferred to the Black Parrot Suites, which essentially forms the Junior Suite section of the Coco de Mer Hotel. The Black Parrot Suites are perched on a hillside in over 200 acres of natural beauty on the edge of the Indian Ocean, offering spectacular views of the surrounding islands, forested mountainsides and glorious sunsets. Whilst the all-suite hideaway has its own pool and lounge area solely for Black Parrot Suite guests, dining is taken at either of the two restaurants of the Coco de Mer Hotel.

The suites are flanked by several small beaches which form part of the large, tranquil bay of Anse Bois de Rose and the hotel also provides complimentary shuttle services to the popular Anse Lazio Beach several times a week. The spacious grounds, comfortable rooms, secluded location and friendly atmosphere all combine for the perfect solo break. As no children under 14 are accepted at the Black Parrot Suites, tranquillity is sure to abound. Your Junior Suite is open and airy with a stunning view of the Indian Ocean, and added touches include an iPod docking station and espresso machine.

Day 2

A day of relaxation awaits. Familiarise yourself with the beaches and pool around the hotel, whilst soaking up the rays of golden sunshine. Remember the sunscreen – nothing spoils a holiday like a bad sunburn! If the sun gets too much, why not check out The Waterfront Spa? Suspended under the pool terrace of the Black Parrot Suites, The Waterfront Spa offers panoramic views of the ocean below and beyond. As soon as you enter this sanctuary, the signature aroma of orange, cinnamon and bigarade wafting past will create a soothing sense of wellbeing and peace. This haven of pure relaxation offers personalised service, designed to relax, rejuvenate and soothe your senses. A combination of holistic healing and modern massage techniques blended with the essential oils, locally extracted and created here in the Seychelles, gives this spa its traditional flair and local charm. 

Day 3

You will be collected at 09:30 by our representatives to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vallée de Mai, home to the endemic species of the Coco de Mer as well as the other five species of endemic palm, the only place in the Seychelles where they are all found together. The Coco de Mer is a palm that can grow up to 30 meters in length and is known for having the largest seed in the world, weighing up to 18 kilograms.

There has also been a rich body of legend which has developed around the species. For instance, in the 19th century the British General Gordon produced detailed 'proof' that the Vallée de Mai was the Garden of Eden and that the Coco de Mer was the tree of knowledge, giving the area religious significance. Located in a valley in the heart of Praslin National Park, an area which was untouched until the 1930s and still retains primeval palm forest in a near-natural state, the Vallée de Mai is also home to the endemic (and endangered) black parrot, which is totally dependent on the existence of the surrounding palm forest.

You will have a 90 minute tour of the Vallée de Mai before being transferred to Anse Lazio for lunch. You will be able to spend a couple of hours on what is consistently voted as one of the world’s top ten beaches, before being transferred back to your hotel.  

Day 4

Today will be another opportunity for you to relax and soak up some rays, whilst at the same time soaking up the idyllic and peaceful atmosphere of your surroundings. After lunch you will depart on the free guided Nature Walk offered by the hotel. 

Day 5

Whilst you have had some time to explore Praslin Island, today will give you the opportunity to explore the magical underwater world of Praslin. You will be transferred to the dive centre, who in turn will transfer you by boat to St. Pierre Island where you will be doing an introductory dive.

Be amazed by the underwater world opening up in front of you: with a variety of tropical fish and sometimes even an opportunity to swim with the rare Hawksbill turtle, you might never want to get out of the water! If the morning’s introductory dive wasn’t enough, rent some snorkelling equipment and explore the underwater kingdom further after lunch. 

Day 6

Ask the chef to make up a picnic basket for you, and spend the day at the beautiful Anse Lazio beach. If you would like to do some more snorkelling, this beautiful bay is a firm favourite, and with the crystal clear water, visibility is fantastic. Make sure to take some light reading with or just enjoy the people-watching before heading back to the hotel to enjoy a sundowner cocktail on the terrace.

Day 7

After breakfast, we say goodbye to the Black Parrot Suites and head off to the ferry terminal to be transferred back to Mahé by Cat Cocos. Upon arrival at Mahé you will be transferred to the Bel Ombre jetty and taken by boat to Silhouette Island, where Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa awaits you.

Silhouette Island is a marine national park and is regarded as one of the most important biodiversity sanctuaries all of the Indian Ocean. The resort is therefore located on a pristine beach, surrounded by tropical and lush flora and fauna.

You will be accommodated in a Beachfront Villa, discreetly nestled amongst the lush jungle vegetation and mere steps away from the white sand beach. Wake up to views of the sun rising over the Indian Ocean, unwind in the spacious bedrooms or laze in the sun on your private patio overlooking the sea and listen to the sound of the waves.

Day 8

Three meals daily (excludes Teppanyaki restaurant). All taxes. Access to the Fitness Centre 24hrs per day. Access to the Tennis Court (to be booked in advance, maximum 1 hour). Table Tennis. Badminton.  Complimentary Wi-Fi. Complimentary use of bicycles for 1 hour (additional hours are charged at 100 SCR per hour). Access to the “Spa Degrees area” offering 2 saunas, a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi.

Activities are included in this itinerary as follow: 1 x Grande Barbe Hiking Tour; 1 x Anse Mondon & Belle Vue Hiking Tour; 1 x Return Boat trip from Anse Mondon.

Day 9

After breakfast, embark on a challenging hike with your guide across the island to the stunning Grand Barbe plateau, where you can see wild giant tortoises, explore one of the largest mangrove forests in the country, and relax on a 1 km-long stretch of white sand.

You will experience a range of different terrains, including a 20-minute descent along large slabs of rock. Some 60 residents once resided in Grand Barbe village, but today only three remain, and you are able to explore some of the dilapidated buildings. During the peak hawksbill turtle nesting season (November - February) the sight of turtle tracks along the beach is virtually guaranteed, and there is a good chance of observing nesting females, especially around high tide. The hike typically takes close to three hours in each direction, with a few hours spent in between at Grand Barbe to explore or recuperate.

Day 10

Make the most of your last full day on Silhouette Island. After breakfast, depart on the Anse Mondon & Belle Vue hike with your guide. This beautiful hike through the National Park will take you around Silhouette’s north-western part to Anse Mondon, a small, secluded cove in the north of the island. Upon arrival you will have the chance to cool off on the beach or swim in the crystal-blue sea. You will pass a view point, aptly named ‘Belle Vue’, with stunning panoramic views of Silhouette’s sea-scape.

During the hike a number of endemic plants, birds, insects, and reptiles can be spotted, including the giant millipede, Seychelles Bulbul, and Seychelles Skink. The notorious and intrepid pirate Jean-François Hodoul also ventured into the pristine wilderness of the island before settling on Mahé, and legend has it that he buried his treasure on Silhouette, so keep your eyes peeled.

The hike takes about 2 hours to reach Anse Mondon, after which you will be spoiled with a 15 minute boat ride back to the resort so you can admire those spots that cannot so easily be reached by foot. Spend your last afternoon visiting the secluded sanctuary of Silhouette Spa, before perhaps visiting the dive centre for a supervised sunset snorkelling trip (with torch).  

Day 11

Unfortunately you have reached the end of your trip. The 45 minute boat ride will get you back to Bel Ombre jetty, where you will be transferred to the airport in time to connect to your international flight.

Although you might have had several busy days, we are convinced that you have had enough time to soak up the tranquil atmosphere along with the natural beauty and splendour, and leave these magnificent islands feeling refreshed and ready for the journey ahead!