A tropical paradise with its year-round warm weather, pristine powder-white beaches, clear turquoise waters and lush tropical vegetation — Seychelles has long been a popular island destination.
A winner of many international accolades, the 115-island archipelago offers the perfect location for those dreamy pictures, whether you’re after a honeymoon haven or fun family getaway.
While there are plenty of reasons why you should visit Seychelles, here’s three that could tempt you even further to add the destination to your bucket list in 2018:
1) New direct air links from Europe
With 11 airlines already serving Seychelles, the Indian Ocean archipelago has never been more accessible to the world.
In 2018, three new airlines will add their names to the list of travel options to the island destination.
British Airways, one of the world’s leading scheduled international passenger airlines, will lead the way on March 24, 2018, becoming the only airline offering non-stop service between Seychelles and the UK
British Airways will be operating twice-weekly flights to Seychelles departing its main hub at London Heathrow airport.
As from May 5, 2018, Air France will launch thrice weekly flights to Seychelles from the Paris Charles Gaulle airport, using its new sister airline ‘Joon.’
Edelweiss Air will be also adding direct flights from a third German-speaking country to Seychelles, when it launches its once-weekly non-stop service from its base Zurich airport, on September 22, 2018.
2) A new island resort offering a combination of luxury and nature
Featuring some 71 lodgings including beach bungalows, villas, suites and private residence villas, the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is the latest tourism accommodation set to open its doors in 2018,
Planning to welcome its first guests on March 1, the resort is already generating media attention including being named one of the ‘Hot new hotels to check into in 2018’ by CNN Travel.
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is promising a luxurious resort holiday combined with the space and freedom to discover and learn about the islands’ natural surroundings — both on land and at sea.
Bicycle rides around the island, experiencing new dining concepts, learning about the island’s variety of vegetation and marine life at the resort’s interactive discovery centre, getting up close with the giant tortoises at the tortoise sanctuary, outdoor movie nights, fishing, snorkeling and diving, are but a few of the adventures awaiting guests opting for a tropical secluded holiday at the resort.
3) A burgeoning sports destination
Already a renowned beach destination with powder-white beaches and clear turquoise waters offering the perfect beach wedding and honeymoon setting, 2018 is positioned to increase Seychelles visibility as a sports destination.
The annual Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon, which sets off at Beau Vallon, one of the most popular tourist areas in the north of Mahé, targetting both local and international participants, is already scheduled for Sunday February 25, 2018. The challenging but rewarding marathon is recognized internationally through the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) label.
The Beau Vallon beach will again be in the limelight as Seychelles hosts for the first time, one of the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) Open Water World Cup series on May 20, 2018. The Seychelles government has signed a contract allowing the event to be held annually for four years in Seychelles, aiming to attract a large number of people from around the world.
After a five-year break Seychelles will also be hosting the fourth edition of the Seychelles Regatta, which is a sailing competition designed to take place in a relaxed atmosphere. The sailing competition is set to take place from May 27 to June 3, 2018, when the southeast trade winds kick in. Similar to past editions, the Seychelles Regatta is aiming to attract professional international skippers as well as local participants. For the 2018 edition, the participants will set sail from the Eden Island Marina. Praslin, Silhouette, Fregate are only a few of the islands being included on the itinerary.
A group of professional golf players on the European Senior Tour are also expected in Seychelles in December 2018 for a golf tournament.
