Get Away from almost all of It
Written: Oct 31 '01
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Very small and isolated from the bustle of the world. Unspoiled, by and large.
Cons: Quite expensive for a relatively undeveloped country.
The Bottom Line: If you're looking for an exotic vacation, worth a look, but better, nearer and cheaper can be found from most parts of the world.
|
|
|
| jedison's Full Review: Seychelles |
I visited the Seychelles for a week in October 2001. I visited as much out of curiosity as anything else, and I love getting off the beaten track and seeing unusual places.
As advertised, the Seychelles is a nice setting, with a small-town feel that is quite charming. The culture is Creole, a mix of the many people from around the world who have come to live here (from early African slaves and French colonists to the sister of Tom Hanks). There are no natives, the islands were uninhabited when first settled a few centuries ago. The fish and curry dishes are delicious, as is the tropical fruit, but on the whole the cuisine is simple and not all that inexpensive. Even a takeout meal from a cheap hole in the wall sort of place will set you back US$4-5, and prices go up considerably from there. If you do find yourself on Mahe, you simply must try the delicious Anse Soleil cafe, right next to the Anse Soleil resort and with a view of a marvelous beach and the sunset.
As an American travelling not long after the events of September 11, 2001, it was a relief to be in a place that felt far removed from the drama and fear going on around the globe. My wife and I stayed at a small place called La Desirade, in a small studio right on the beach on the southeast coast of Mahe, the main island. At $85 a night or so, this was on the cheap end of what's available on the island. Many of the resorts are upwards of $200 a night (including breakfast), and some are much more than that.
Mahe reminded me a bit of Kauai, with everything stretched out along one road that circles the island. We rented a car, which is necessary if you want to get around and don't want to ride the hourly bus that gets quite packed. After much bargain hunting I rented a small jeep for about US$50 a day.
We also took a day exploring Praslin (with the forest of Coco-de-Mer, a UN world heritage site that's not quite up to its billing, but the cocos have to be seen to be believed, in all their erotic grandeur) and La Digue. La Digue was a delight, small enough to get around by bycycle and with the feeling of a tiny tropical paradise. If I ever go back to the Seychelles, it will be to spend time there rather than the larger islands.
In short, it's a nice place but nothing spectacular, especially considering how expensive it is. It's no less expensive than Hawaii, and in my opinion not as beautiful. If I were in the area and wanted a tropical, beach-type vacation, I would try the coast of Kenya or Mauritius. If you live in the U.S. and want to get away to an island paradise, Hawaii and the Carribean are better bets, and the Cook Islands are no further and more beautiful.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Sep - Nov
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
jedison
|
|
Member: James Edison
Location: Alameda, CA, USA
Reviews written: 45
Trusted by: 2 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.