Dream Destination: Seychelles

Paradise Islands: Staying, playing and living the dream in the breathtaking Seychelles… the trip of a lifetime 

Turquoise bays, tropical forests, white sand beaches, coral reefs, palm trees, glorious sunshine… if anywhere lives up to paradise, it’s the Seychelles. As well as that natural beauty, it’s home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of the most spectacular golf courses you’re ever likely to play.

Rodney Wright’s par 72 layout at the luxury Constance Lemuria resort is a bucket-list course with the signature of signature holes. The tee is perched among the clouds on a rocky ridge with a green way, way down below and the gorgeous Anse Georgette – one of three beaches at the resort – beyond that (pictured).

There’s an unbelievable finale, too, in the form of a meandering par-5 played from another elevated tee to a fairway hugged by trees down the left and water all the way down the right. The course is just one of the many attractions and activities at Constance Lemuria, where you can unwind in style thanks in three pools, a relaxing spa and various watersports – most are complimentary as is the golf, enabling you to play as much as you want.

With so much to see and do, you probably won’t want to leave the resort which o ers three excellent restaurants – the beach-side The Nest, the Legend which serves up a superb evening bu et and the clubhouse DIVA overlooking the course. If you do want to spread your wings, visit neighbouring island La Digue – reached by a quick ferry ride – and featuring the estate of Anse Source d’Argent, where you’ll find giant tortoises and one of the most photographed beaches in the world overlooked by colossal rocks.

Admittedly, it’s a long trek (12 hours) to get there, but there’s only a three-hour time difference so jet lag shouldn’t pose a problem. Plus, travelling will be much easier when British Airways fly direct from London to capital Mahe from March. You then have a 15-minute connecting flight to Praslin, which is an adventure in itself.

GETTING THERE

From March 24, there’s a new direct ights service to the Seychelles with British Airways; return ights start from £869. Or you can fly with Emirates (Heathrow-Dubai and Dubai-Mahe, Seychelles) before hopping across to Praslin island with Air Seychelles. We recommend Airport Parking and Hotels (APH), which offer a wide range of parking at all major airports in the UK. One week’s Meet & Greet at Heathrow costs from £79.

To book, visit www.aph.com or call 01342 859442.

BEST TIME TO GO

It’s a year-round destination, but you’ve got to remember it’s a tropical island so the weather is somewhat unpredictable and showers, downpours even, can occur at any time. Playing golf is particularly comfortable in winter (Jun-Sept) with 22°C temperatures.

TRY IT YOURSELF

Seven nights’ B&B in a junior suite, ights and private car return airport transfers costs from £1,995pp based on stays between May 8-Jul 13.

Contacts: 02890 232112 | www.chakatravel.com | www.constancehotels.com | www.seychelles.travel