Where Is Seychelles?

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Seychelles Islands

Whether you’re coming to Seychelles for the beaches, a honeymoon hideaway, celebrity spotting, or just for an exotic vacation, you’re sure to find something on this dreamy group of East African islands to surprise you.

Though they’re one of the top luxury island destinations in the world, many people aren’t quite sure where they are.

I wasn’t either until I came here for myself, and now I can answer this one important question, where is Seychelles? For this and other info about the Seychelles islands, read on.

Where are the Seychelles?

The Republic of Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa. And when I say off, I mean way off. Like 1600 km off the coast.

Seychelles is north of Madagascar, Mauritius and Reunion – a group of islands known collectively as the Vanilla Islands.

Seychelles is part of Africa. It’s the smallest country in Africa, the least populated and has the highest income.

Though really, Seychelles is a universe (some would say paradise) unto itself. The islands are famous for being a celebrity hideaway and a romantic honeymoon destination.

Is it Seychelles or the Seychelles?

If you’re wondering if it’s Seychelles or ‘the’ Seychelles, it should be just Seychelles, except clearly I don’t always follow this rule, and if you’re wondering if Seychelles is singular or plural, it’s both.

Snorkelling in Seychelles

When I was in Seychelles I met an Italian journalist on a day-long snorkel island-hopping excursion that included the tortoise-filled island of Moyenne.

The journalist’s name was Simone, he was staying at the Kempinski Hotel for one night and then the Four Seasons Seychelles. And he only spoke Italian so that was the end of the conversation.

For a moment I was seriously jealous because I heard the Four Seasons is amaaazing. The only resort on little Desroches Island, it’s 5-star luxury all the way.

But then I remembered I was in Seychelles and couldn’t feel jealous of anyone.

Check out the Four Seasons Desroches here.

North Island, a Celebrity Seychelles Hideaway

If he’d been staying at North Island where Prince William and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, had their honeymoon I might have been even more jealous.

How Do You Get to Seychelles?

Now let’s get to another important about Seychelles: How do you get here?

Getting to Seychelles

Getting here takes some work so it’s a good thing it’s worth it. My route from Toronto was through Abu Dhabi, a 13-hour flight.

From Abu Dhabi it was another 4 hours to Seychelles. Plus an overnight in Abu Dhabi.

You can also go through Dubai, or probably a million other ways, but it’s unlikely to be quick.

Facts About Seychelles, But Not Too Many Because I’m Not Wikipedia

The main island of Seychelles is Mahe and the capital is Victoria, which is billed as the smallest capital in the world.

Mahe was settled by the French in 1770 and Britain snatched it in 1814. There is still a Creole influence evident today.

Actually I do have some pretty intriguing sound bites about the island so read Seychelles facts to learn more. 

Beaches of Your Dreams

Here’s more information about where Seychelles is located. It’s in the land of beautiful beaches. The water is that gorgeous crystalline turquoise of the tourist brochures, although I did have to swim over a few seaweed patches.

Seychelles beaches are the colour of sparkly white eyeshadow mixed with the softest shade of taupe.

Some beaches, like the stunning Anse Source d’Argent in La Digue, has round primeval looking boulders, worn smooth by time. It’s truly gorgeous.

Some people say the sand of Anse Source d’Argent is pink, and while I suppose it may have a pinkish hue, I didn’t look at it and say “Wow, that is one pink beach.”

Whatever colour the sand is, National Geographic once named Anse Source d’Argent the most beautiful beach in the world.

Seychelles, a Celebrity Honeymoon Destination

Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt

Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt honeymooned in Seychelles after their wedding in 2000. They stayed at the luxurious Fregate Private Island resort.

George and Amal Clooney

Obviously Brad was bragging to George Clooney, because then George and Amal visited Seychelles after their Venice wedding.

Salma Hayek and Francois-Henri Pinault

Personally I thought having a destination wedding cancelled out getting to go on a honeymoon, but clearly not if you’re wealthy and famous, because Salma Hayek and her billionaire husband Francois-Henri Pinault came to Seychelles after their fabulous wedding in Venice, too.

Nicky Hilton and James Rothschild

Salma Francois-Henri stayed at the ultra luxe North Island, a private island resort. (Yes, the same swanky resort that Will and Kate honeymooned at.)

It’s also where Nicky Hilton and James Rothschild stayed after their Botswana safari honeymoon.

But I’d still like to stay at the Four Seasons.

Seychelles Location Conclusion

So now that you know where the Seychelles are and how to get here, not to mention who honeymooned here, don’t you think you should put it on your wish list? (Stellar beaches guaranteed. Italian journalists optional.)

Or check out Seychelles tourism, who hosted my trip.