Valentine’s Day, or St Valentine’s Day as it’s sometimes known, originated around a third century Roman saint and martyr, Valentinius, who wrote letters to his followers that are said to have been signed off ‘from your Valentine’. Since the middle ages his name has been associated with chivalry and courtly love. The day is usually celebrated with a romantic dinner, chocolates and red roses.
More than 35 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and more than 50 million red roses change hands worldwide each 14 February. But, if
you want a Valentine’s Day to remember why not consider a romantic break in the lap of luxury in one of the most spectacular holiday destinations in the world – the Seychelles.
Located just south of the equator some 1500 kilometers off the coast of east Africa the Seychelles−officially the Republic of the Seychelles−is a unique destination. It is actually a micro-continent made up of 115 islands with it’s own continental shelf and a variety of islands types. The geography ranges from the three main mountainous, granitic islands Mahé, Praslin and La Digue to smaller granitic islands, and coral cays and atolls – including the remarkable world heritage listed raised atoll Aldabra. This granitic characteristic gives rise to the beautiful beach formations, including one beach – Grande Anse – which is often voted the most beautiful in the world.
With over one hundred islands to explore, island hopping is a popular pastime while staying in the Seychelles. There are many options including high-speed catamaran ferry services, chartered sailing tours and helicopter flights to some of the more inaccessible outer islands.
For the adventurous holidaymaker there are many number of activities: why not try rock climbing on the abundant granite formations that form the backbone of the large islands; an afternoon spent horse riding through the forest trails and down to the beach to enjoy the sunset; scuba diving certification courses; snorkeling tours and mountain biking are just a few of the exciting activities packed in to this destination. Activities for those not so inclined to adventure also abound. The Seychellois are a blend of European–French and English– with African, Chinese and Indian elements combined resulting in a unique, vibrant Creole culture. The main languages are English and French with Seychelles creole being spoken mostly in the home.
The cuisine is likewise a blend of these cultures and, of course, takes full advantage of the freshest-of-fresh seafood and locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs. With such an abundance of produce it’s no surprise the Seychelles offers some of the finest dining to be had anywhere in the world ranging across the spectrum from cafe dining to top class restaurants in the many resorts. A trip to the bustling Saturday markets in the capital Victoria is a must to soak up a slice of typical Seychellois life and to shop for locally made souvenirs. Also in Victoria is the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, and it is the place to see the impressive local architecture, which is also a hybrid of the many cultures, and visit a number of artist’s studios and galleries and local culture exhibits.
With so much on offer, any one of these blue ribbon villas is a perfect destination for a Valentine’s Day holiday to remember.
Private Island Villa 134, Seychelles
Located on Cousine Island−a few kilometers off the coast of Praslin the second main island in the Seychelles group−Private Island Villa 134 is where tropical paradise dreams come true. It is a private 25-hectare island making it the perfect location for an intimate Valentines Day retreat. You may hit the jackpot and be the only guests on the island.
The island is a combination of luxury resort and land and sea nature conservation area.
You will have the pleasure of snorkeling straight off the beach where you will see a dazzling array of tropical sea life, and you may be lucky enough to swim with a marine turtle.
A walk around the island is a must–it is only 1.4 kilometers in length, and 800 meters wide−as you will be rewarded with sightings of many of the re-introduced endangered bird species such as the Seychelles Magpie Robin and the Seychelles Bush Warbler.
Each private villa on the island is only meters away from the white sands and warm turquoise waters of the southern Indian Ocean, and each villa has deep shady verandas with traditional settlers chairs to relax in after returning from your swim.
Indoors, there is splendid furnishings and interior design complete with ceiling fans and air conditioning. The beds are romantically draped with billowing netting for that true tropical feel.
The luxurious bathrooms have showers and large spa baths. It is stocked with the same premier products as used in the spa.
Down by the stunning white sand beaches there are hammocks slung between the coconut palms reaching out over the water for you to while away your afternoons in true tropical splendor.
Of course, there are many other activities to fill your days while staying at Villa 134. Get active in the fully equipped gym, complete with yoga mats − with so few guests on the island, you’ll never find yourself in a queue for the rowing machine!
There is also a world-class spa facility housed in a thatched cottage with ocean views where you can choose to be either indoors or outdoors while being pampered.
Another bonus of your stay in Villa 134 is that there is no ‘menu’ as such at the restaurant in The Pavilion. You will enjoy individually prepared meals after your daily discussion with the chef. Of course, as befitting an island paradise, fresh seafood is a feature, and much of the fruit, herbs and vegetables are grown on the island. The remainder is sourced from nearby Praslin Island and is expertly prepared using the blend of Asian, French and Creole influences that make Seychellois cuisine unique.
Evenings often feature barefoot BBQ’s on the beach where you dine under the dazzling canopy of stars before heading back to The Pavilion to enjoy the library of books and DVDs for the use of guests.
The only way to reach Cousine Island is by helicopter or boat, and as there are no vehicles on the island, a stay in Villa 134 is the ultimate in romantic seclusion and is a blissful Valentines getaway for any couple.
[button link=”https://www.villagetaways.com/seychelles/villa-rentals-private-island-134.html” type=”icon” icon=”mail” newwindow=”yes”] Inquire Now[/button]Praslin Villa 126
Welcome to Praslin Villa 126 situated on the northwest corner of the second of the main Seychelles islands, Praslin. This opulent villa is actually a series of three suites – all private but interconnecting.
The architecture is pure ‘island fantasy’ making use of high ceilings with rafters of warm timber, the local pink granite and thatched roofs.
The attention to architectural detail is mirrored in the interior design that is finished with immaculate modern, tropical decor.
Each room is air-conditioned and has ceiling fans for those times you just want to open the folding doors wide and invite the tropics in.
Praslin Villa 126 in Praslin has three pools where you can swim up to the infinity edge to gaze out over the sapphire Indian Ocean and the immaculate sandy beach. After a swim in the warm ocean waters, you can enjoy a spa on the deck before indulging in a gourmet lunch at one of the resort’s four restaurants.
Afternoons can be spent on the exclusive 18-hole golf course, windsurfing or mountain biking around the extensive resort grounds, kayaking, or enjoying one of the full range of treatments at the palatial spa. After all this activity–or pampering–head back to the villa for a restful afternoon on the shady veranda followed by dinner in another of the restaurants.
With so many options right at your doorstep, it would be tempting to not leave the surrounds of Villa 126, but a whole world of activities awaits you on Praslin.
There is the UNESCO listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve in the Praslin National Park where you can go bird watching and see the carefully maintained remains of the natural vegetation that once covered the whole of the island. Here you will be able to see the famous Coco de mer palm tree that has the largest seed in the entire plant kingdom. This tree was once thought to be the Tree of Knowledge from the original Garden of Eden.
Just a short boat ride northeast of Praslin is Curieuse Island sometimes called the Island of the Giant Tortoises. This island is a strictly controlled nature reserve–be sure to bring your own water and snacks–where you can spend a leisurely few hours hiking around the island and interacting with the giant tortoises that live there, some of which are over 100 years old.
After your day trips, return to your sumptuous suite to enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the veranda while savoring the glorious tropical sunsets before sitting down to dinner prepared by your own personal chef.
A stay in Villa 126, either as alone as a couple or with two other couples, will ensure that you spend your Valentines Day in the lap of tropical luxury.
[button link=”https://www.villagetaways.com/seychelles/villa-rentals-praslin-126.html” type=”icon” icon=”mail” newwindow=”yes”] Inquire Now[/button]Private Island Villa 117
Located midway between the main islands of Praslin and Mahé, Fregate Island is a private island resort that ‘wrote the book’ for luxury tropical island holidays. Seychelles Private Island Villa 117 is pure island style escapism with large villas featuring thatched roofs set in lush, tropical, leafy surrounds only meters away from the ultramarine ocean and pristine white beach.
The rooms feature romantic netted beds with ceiling fans and air conditioning for your comfort. There are unlimited lounging opportunities on the interconnected verandas that lead you into welcoming interior spaces featuring the best of international interior design.
It blends seamlessly with the rough hewn timbers that soar up to the vaulted ceilings. You will receive a complimentary massage on arrival, and then enjoy more spa and massage treatments by the beach under swaying palm trees.
After a leisurely day swimming in the pool, snorkeling just off the beach or kayaking around the island, there is no better way to kick off your evening than pre-dinner drinks in the sunken indoor/outdoor lounge pit at the Piazza overlooking the beach.
You can then enjoy your meal in any location you choose – dinner by the palm-lined pool or on the beach watching the sunset into the ocean. For a unique experience, why not opt for the Treehouse, a dining space created in the oldest and largest banyan tree on the island.
The island boasts seven beaches – including Grand Anse that is often voted the most beautiful beach in the word – and the opportunity to explore the island either on foot or on mountain bike or on especially designed buggies. Exclusive whole island rental can be arranged – what a great opportunity to organize your Valentines Day destination wedding in the historic chapel!
If you can bear to tear yourself away from all this utter luxury, a helicopter transfer to other islands can be arranged for you. You could take a boat trip to the nearby mountainous Silhouette Island to hike to the top of Mount Dauban some 740 meters above sea level, or take day trips to some of the spectacular outer islands for bird watching adventures.
Villa 117’s stunning location, architecture and range of activities and pastimes makes it the perfect destination for a Valentine’s Day getaway with that something special.
The Seychelles has long been the premier holiday destination with those ‘in the know’ and over the years has been the holiday destination of choice for celebrities such as Bill Gates, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Hollywood Royalty Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. This is hardly surprising given the beautiful beaches, stunning private islands, picture-perfect weather almost all year round and unique local culture. Any of these villas could be the matchless destination for your romantic Valentine’s Day holiday. Don’t wait–book now!