Palms and peninsulas

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Suitably Seychelles

When early sailors – who, admittedly, also used to confuse dugong with mermaids – saw coco de mer seeds floating in the sea, they thought they were a woman’s disembodied buttocks. Take into account all the homemade rum they would have been drinking, and you can see why they might have come to this conclusion. These enormous nuts, which traditionally only grew on two islands in the Seychelles, are an example of island giganticism – the same phenomenon that explains giant tortoises and Komodo dragons. See them growing in the wild in Praslin’s Vallee de Mai.

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Eating, drinking and dancing

We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Seychelles.

Restaurants

Marie-Antoinette


No, you won’t have to just eat cake. Marie-Antoinette, set in a beautiful old colonial house on the outskirts of Victoria, is named not after the guillotined French queen, but after the restaurant proprietor, who is something of a monarch in the spice world. Try her delicious, zingy chicken curry.

Serret Road, Victoria, Mahé
+248 266222

Bon Bon Plume

Situated on what many think is the most beautiful beach in the world, Bon Bon Plume, which specialises in grilled fresh fish and seafood, is one of the best places on Praslin for a relaxed lunch. Get there by boat as the roads down to the coast are terrible and the drive will take ages. Ask your hotel to organise it for you.

Anse Lazio, Praslin
+248 232136


Chez Batista

It would be worth coming here for the sea views alone, but the restaurant is superfluously excellent, too. The day’s catch is usually the best dish, though Chez Batista also specialises in lobster. Ask for one of the picnic benches for the best views.

Anse Takamaka, Mahé
+248 366300


Fairyland

Part of a small hotel, Fairyland is built on a small jetty above the water – so it’s ideal for a romantic dinner. Delicious Creole and international cuisine.

Point aux Sel, Mahé
+248 371700


Kaz Kreol

This relaxed restaurant is right on the beach, so you can wiggle your feet in the sand while you eat. Pizzas from the wood-fired oven are excellent, as are the fresh fish and traditional Italian dishes. Closed Mondays.

Anse Royale, Mahé
+248 371680


Laurier

For the best Creole buffet – spicy octopus, crab soup, tuna cooked in saffron and coconut milk – on Praslin, head to this restaurant, part of an attractive guesthouse.

Anse Volbert, Praslin
+248 232241


Mahek

If it’s exquisite Indian dishes that you’re after, then look no further than this restaurant, part of the Coral Strand Hotel. Watch chefs toil over sizzling pans through the glass wall of the kitchen.

Beau Vallon, Mahé
+248 621000


Saffron

Part of the Banyan Tree Seychelles hotel, Saffron serves the best Thai and southeast Asian food on the island. The surroundings are authentically oriental, too.

Anse Intendance, Mahé
+248 383500


Vye Marmit

Set in a maginficent old plantation house in the craft village, this gourmands’ favourite, which serves up wonderful Creole cuisine, is where President Mitterand of France dined when he visited the Seychelles. Ask for a table on the veranda.

Anse aux Pins, Mahé
+248 376155


Zerof

Chef Andre Madderaine’s daily changing Creole menu is what brings people to this romantic terrace in La Digue.

Anse La Reunion, La Digue
+248 234439


Cafés

La Goulue Café


This cheap-and-cheerful stop on Praslin’s Côte d’Or rustles up everything from Creole specialities to chicken and chips.

Côte d’Or, Praslin
+248 232223

Gelateria Cristallo

Wonderful Italian-style ice cream – ideal for when the soaring temperatures start to get too much.

Market Street, Victoria, Mahé


Kaz Zanana

Delicious, light Cajun/Creole meals in artist George Camille’s Victoria gallery – a rickety wooden house dating from 1915.

Revolution Avenue, Victoria, Mahé
+248 324150