Both Mauritius and Seychelles will make for a great post-safari R&R. Mauritius has lovely beaches, but they also have some larger resorts and three golf courses (at least) that I am aware of. Although Seychelles does also have some larger properties like the two Constance resorts, there’s only one golf course which is on the island of Praslin (a part of Constance Lemuria). Seychelles also has a higher focus on conservation and wildlife. They are proud to boast their unique biodiversity so it, to me, feels a bit more of a natural tie in to the theme of being on safari. If you fancy golf as a part of your post safari R&R, Mauritius will be great. If you plan to head to the beach and wish for a truly unique experience, I think Seychelles is a great option.
You should note that roughly May – October is the SE Monsoon Season in Seychelles. You can expect higher winds this time of year and relatively choppier waters. Otherwise, temperatures are great and although it can rain, it tends to be relatively drier this time of year.
If you have 4-5 nights to spend, I suggest staying at one property. As a previous poster noted, Praslin Island is a great place to enjoy. Two stunning beaches there (Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette [Anse Georgette is right behind the golf course at Constance Lemuria]) plus immediate access to Vallée de Mai for the endemic Coco de Mer (worthy of a visit and only naturally occur in 3 of the islands in the Seychelles and the seeds can grow to be 40 lbs). I stayed at Raffles on Praslin and remains one of my favorite spots in the Seychelles. You can also access La Digue via a public ferry from Praslin as well as book yourself a boat charter to take you to Curieuse Island for free roaming tortoises, Cousin Island for beaches and birding and St. Pierre for snorkeling.
Depending on your budget, if you wish to consider other higher end properties, Six Senses on Felicite Island would be fantastic. Unlike Mahé, Praslin or La Digue, Six Senses is uninhabited except for the people staying at the property. It’s a newer property, super sexy and dishes out some amazing experiences.
Fregate Private will be closed for a good portion of 2021, but depending on when you are traveling, this may also come into play. The original conservation project of the Seychelles, this place is teeming with wildlife. Over 5000 free roaming tortoises, tons of birds and other wildlife combined with stunning beaches. Like Felicite, it’s private and very exclusive.
I was also privileged to stay at North Island. Another successful conservation story, ultra-luxury and rated in the past as the world’s most exclusive beach resort. Overall stunner.
Everything I have noted is within the inner-granitic chain of islands which are the most photographed areas of the Seychelles with the big boulder beaches. If you wish to explore the outer coraline islands, I suggest you take a look at Blue Safari.
Kota Tabuchi - Africa Director - Travel Beyond