Just for a second (no cheating), imagine ditching your smartphone, email and dare we say it, Pokemon Go for a few days and going truly wireless.
Would you, rather could you, take a digital-free trip without any media connections? Digital detox getaways are the new buzz, with hotel groups and resorts globally now catering for no-device trips. Luckily, for South Africans brave enough to go cold-turkey on digital connections, the ultimate digital-detox destination is not too far out of reach.
Described by locals as being a thousand miles from anywhere, the Seychelles is the perfect place to do nothing but relax and rejuvenate. If azure blue waters and tropical surrounds are not reason enough to ditch the digital devices, consider these five reasons to take a digital detox holiday in the Seychelles.
1. Beaches
With 115 islands, the Seychelles is renowned for its beautiful beaches. The surreal beauty of beaches on Praslin, La Digue, Frégate Island, North Island, Bird Island and a dozen other islands is picture perfect with blue waters, white sandy beaches and swaying palms. Some of the top beaches to consider are:
Mahé: Beau Vallon Beach, Anse Intendance, Petite Anse and Port Launay
Praslin: Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette, Côte d’Or
La Digue: Grande Anse, Anse Coco, Anse Source D’argent
2. Underwater wonders
With six marine national parks from which to choose, The Seychelles offer as much beauty beneath the surface as it does above. This quality makes it the ideal holiday hotspot for divers and snorkel enthusiasts. Ditch your hunt for Pikachu and embark on a hunt for whale sharks and hawksbill turtles, stingrays and puffer fish. If you are adventurous at heart and like to stay above water, relish in the many water sport activities on offer such as parasailing, waterskiing, kayaking and jet skiing.
3. Take a hike
If you can bear to tear yourself away from the beach, don your walking boots and get to know this tropical paradise by taking to one of the many walking and hiking trails found throughout the islands.
Do consider:
Glacis Trois Freres Trail – This easy route only takes around 45 minutes each way. At an elevation of 300 metres, this coastal trail on Mahé Island provides amazing views over the Ste Anne Marine Park and Victoria. Look out over the La Digue and Praslin islands.
Vacoa Nature Trail – It takes a mere 30 minutes to complete this easy circular trail. Experience the impenetrable mangroves by the Dauban River, a series of foot bridges and a sheltered kiosk as well as great introduction into the immense granite boulders.
Cassedent Trail – If you feel up to a more physically challenging hike, the Cassedent Trail is the ideal option. The trail takes you along the ridge of a mountain base, ascending and descending along the way in a series of climbs. Along the way, hikers navigate across a series of foot bridges. Upon reaching the end of the trail around three hours later, travellers can cool off in the soothing waterfall and take a moment in the shady cave, which provides the idyllic setting for a peaceful rest and a possible picnic.
Vallée de Mai (a Unesco World Heritage Site) - The legendary Vallée de Mai is one of two Unesco World Heritage Sites in Seychelles, and was once believed to be the original Garden of Eden. This hauntingly beautiful primeval forest is home to about 6 000 Coco de Mer trees.
4. Eden Island
Eden Island is an exclusive development and luxury marina in Seychelles, lying 3.5km from the capital Victoria. Think food, retail therapy and cocktails, while watching yachts sail through the harbour.
Some top activities include:
Eden Aquarium: Situated on the ground-floor corner of the Eden Plaza Shopping Mall, the aquarium showcases Seychelles’ smaller marine life and beautiful coral varieties.
Bravo: One of the coolest spots on the island, this open-air restaurant is ideal for a morning coffee, breakfast or cocktails in the evening.
Boardwalk Bar: This is the place to be on a Friday night. Look forward to a nice ambiance on the deck area close to the sea, tasty cocktails and great music from international DJs.
5. Discover Victoria’s secret
Do take a day to explore Seychelles’ capital Victoria. While it will only take two hours to walk through the area there is much to discover.
Highlights include: Life in Victoria: The streets are rarely busy, except on Saturday mornings, and there are many small shops where you can refuel with samoosas.
Outdoor market: The market consists of colourful stalls stacked with fruits, vegetables and spices. In the mornings you will have your pick of the day’s catch laid out.
Adapted from a press release for IOL