Safe and Secluded – A Summer in the Seychelles

Secluded Retreats

For those reading this now, it’s safe to say that we are all familiar with the term ‘Social Distancing’ and the ‘2 meter rule’. Over the past year, we have had to adapt to this new way of life in order to protect ourselves and those around us. However, the Seychelles Archipelago, in the Indian Ocean, has always provided guests with private and spacious holiday retreats for those visiting the islands. Unlike large scale, storey-high hotels and resorts, the Seychelles offer home-from-home style accommodations that, more often than not, are situated on their own individual plots of land.

The Seychellois Islands are renowned for having the ultimate paradise locations, being that they are home to a plethora of secluded retreats offering outstanding luxury and privacy. Whether you stay on a private island such as Denis, Sainte Anne Island (plus many more), or choose to visit the main and larger islands of Mahé or Praslin, you’ll be met with an array of luxurious, hand-picked private and quiet locations to choose from. Whether it be small boutique hotels on the larger islands, to guest houses or villas. 

The Sainte Anne Resort & Spa, on Sainte Anne Island, has just 87 villas, each one individual and designed with plenty of outdoor space plus private pools – perfect destinations for post Covid trips – ensuring your holiday will be a safe and enjoyable stay.

Entry Requirements

Of course, although open for travel and having a rapid vaccination roll-out, there are still requirements that must be taken and followed before visiting the Islands. Those travelling to the Seychelles must complete a PCR test within 72 hours prior to their departure, the test has to show a negative result, and those travelling must present their negative certificate from the PCR and with it apply for entry in order to board the flight. 

“No visa is required for entry into Seychelles, all visitors must, however, apply for entry through the Health Travel Authorisation platform at seychelles.govtas.com“. “This health authorisation is essential for travel and will be required at check-in. Visitors will not be allowed to board a flight otherwise.”

Regardless of your vaccination status, all visitors must hold a valid travel health insurance to cover potential Covid-19 related costs, such as quarantine and treatment (should it be necessary). 

As stated by GOV.UK “There will be no quarantine requirement and no restriction on movement for most visitors upon entry to Seychelles.” However, “All passengers will be temperature checked at all ports of arrival. If symptoms of COVID-19 are found to be present, tests will be conducted. Those found to be positive will be quarantined and re-checked.”

As well as arrival checks, before departure Covid-19 PCR testing facilities are available for tourists on the Islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Though, appointments may be required as various health centres offer the tests on different days and times – an appointment will need to be booked at least 5 to 7 days prior. 

Good to Go

With all the right procedures and safety measures in place, and facilities readily available to those making the trip, the Seychelles is as prepared for UK travellers as it can be. The Seychelles archipelago is a country that thrives from the tourist industry, and therefore have, and will continue to do their utmost to maintain a decrease in cases, a safe place for tourists and have their islands bouncing back from the destruction of the Coronavirus. 

From this coming Summer, we are confident that travelling to the Seychelles will be a safe option for holidaymakers, with your long-awaited slice of paradise now a reality, get ready to dust off your suitcase and experience the beauty and vibrancy that is the Seychelles.