Hello there, I’m Oliver, CEO of SAFARI.COM. I’ve always believed that the best way to understand our guests’ experiences is to step into their shoes—or, in this case, climb into their helicopter seat! My wife and I recently traveled to the Seychelles, choosing to stay on the charming island of La Digue. Everything was arranged by our Seychelles specialist, Lana, who put together an itinerary that proved both luxurious and delightfully down-to-earth. If you are interested in booking a safari to the Seychelles, you can contact her directly via WhatsApp above or email here [email protected]
When I gave my wife the choice between the iconic Four Seasons in Mahé and a more rustic retreat on La Digue (often lauded as the best island in the Seychelles), she immediately picked La Digue—and I wasn’t about to argue. Not only was it a fraction of the cost, but it offered an authenticity rarely found in more commercial resorts. It also reminded me that “luxury” can have many faces: sometimes it’s defined by personal connection and immersive local charm. We planned a 5-day itinerary which we initially thought might be too long, but by the end we didn't want to leave! A summary of our trip, day-by-day is available below.
How to get to La Digue
Visitors usually start by flying into Seychelles International Airport on Mahé. From Mahé, you can either take a short domestic flight to Praslin and then hop on a 15-minute ferry to La Digue, or opt for a direct ferry from Mahé to La Digue, which takes about two hours. And if you’d prefer a more exclusive experience (as we did!), private helicopter charters are also available.
Different types of lodges
La Digue has many lodging options, but these three are ones we know well and trust to maintain a certain level of comfort and service. Secret Villa, perched on a steep 300m hill, is not for everyone—but those who appreciate its open-air rooms, farm-fresh meals, and stunning views will love it (just be prepared for a workout going up and down). Half-board is the only realistic option given the hill. In contrast, Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie is closer to town, offering a spacious, luxurious retreat with a fantastic waterfront restaurant. Meanwhile, Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel provides a charming, more compact setting—complete with its own ocean-view restaurant, bar, and pool—and usually costs around 40% less than Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie. We personally chose Secret Villa for its truly unique atmosphere!
The main activities
Cycling is the island’s signature activity—rent a bike and pedal along quiet roads to uncover hidden coves and local hangouts at your own pace.
La Digue may be small, but it offers plenty of ways to explore its stunning beaches. You can hop on a bike and take a long, leisurely ride along the island’s scenic roads, stopping at hidden coves and lesser-known sands along the way. If you prefer a bit of a workout, there are picturesque hikes that reward you with panoramic views and secret shorelines. For a truly special experience (and the one we chose), renting a private speed boat allows you to beach-hop in style, soaking in La Digue’s breathtaking coastline from a whole new vantage. The UV from the sun can be intense, and some boats don't offer a lot of cover, we rented the boat from midday but would suggest renting after 2pm.
Half-board, self-catering or bed & breakfast?
Certainly, if you opt for a more remote location—like we did—half-board becomes the only practical option. While you could theoretically stay out all day, cycling to and from your accommodation for each meal quickly gets inconvenient—especially if you’ve been swimming or just sweating in the heat and want to freshen up. However, if you’re staying nearer La Passe, you could consider self-catering, thanks to the supermarkets and delis nearby, or even bed & breakfast. In that area, there are also several good restaurants (we particularly liked Le Nautique, Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie, and Fish Trap), making dining out a much more appealing choice.
Here’s a very usefulGoogle Maps resource marking several of the island’s beaches, restaurants, and other notable landmarks—including Secret Villa, where we stayed.
Day 1: Arrival & Settling In
Our journey began in Mauritius, where we boarded a short Air Seychelles flight (about two and a half hours) to Mahé. From there, we transferred to the Domestic Terminal and met the friendly ZilAir team. After a quick safety briefing, we were whisked away to their gorgeous EC-120 Colibri helicopter—a model renowned for its excellent safety record.
During our drive out to the helipad, I learned that our Swedish pilot had been flying here for over two years, knew La Digue like the back of her hand, and adored living right by the runway—talk about being immersed in your work! In mere moments, we lifted off and drifted above emerald islands and turquoise seas before touching down in La Digue.
A Note on Connectivity We believe in staying connected from the moment you land—especially during transit, which can be stressful—so we’re exploring the idea of providing free eSIMs for all our guests. As soon as we arrived at Seychelles International Airport in Mahé, we tested the Airalo eSIM that Lana had provided us via a QR code, and it worked like a charm, so this could be something we roll out in the near future.
Secret Garden Villa: A Rustic Gem La Digue famously restricts cars, so we hopped into one of the island’s rare vehicles (used mostly for transporting guests or building materials) and were driven to our hideaway, the aptly named Secret Garden Villa near Anse Gaulettes. Nestled into the hillside, Secret Villa embraces nature to the fullest. Our open-air suite, called the Black Pearl, boasted sweeping sea views and a gently swaying mosquito net over the bed—like sleeping in the breeze without sacrificing comfort or cleanliness. It won’t suit everyone (it’s quite rustic!), but if you appreciate earthy charm and direct communion with nature, it’s a dream.
A fabulously unique experience; bedroom is immersed in nature and open-air at Secret Garden Villa!
On arrival at Secret Villa, we were greeted with a platter of fruit mostly grown on-site, followed by a tangy passion fruit cocktail. Before long, we dozed off under the watchful eye of a friendly cat, only to be woken by the dinner bell. Our hosts served succulent fish, colorful vegetables, and mouthwatering battered eggplant. The warm hospitality and freshness of every ingredient set the tone for the days ahead. A cup of real lemongrass tea (straight from the garden, naturally) concluded a perfect first day.
We received a lovely fruit platter on arrival; but as it turns out you get this every day at Secret Villa and what it makes extra special - it's all grown there.
Day 2: Exploring by Bicycle
We slept in until 9am and ventured downstairs to the dining area, directly under our suite. A simple but tasty breakfast awaited: fruit, eggs, and tea. We arranged for bicycles to be dropped off at Secret Villa—by far the best way to see La Digue.
A quick word to the wise: Secret Villa sits atop a steep 300-meter incline. You have to be reasonably fit or at least unfazed by a mini-hike each time you come and go. But the panoramas and unique atmosphere are well worth it.
This steep-incline makes coming and going from the villa challenging; so we really suggest doing half-board if you stay. In our opinion it's such a special place, it's worth it!
Northern Loop & L’Ôrangerie After a leisurely bike ride around the northern tip of La Digue, we stopped at Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie for a midday snack. This upmarket resort impresses with its elegant design and prime location—ideal if you prefer easy access to restaurants, amenities, and the island’s main attractions without the added rustic elements. We sipped on refreshing cocktails, took in the magnificent ocean views, and enjoyed the friendly service. If you’re looking for a polished, hassle-free stay on La Digue, Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie might just be your perfect match.
The view from our table at Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie where we had lunch before cycling to the east side of the island
Anse Patates, the shades of blue in the ocean water and the general beauty is astounding. This beach is just before the northern tip on the east side of the island.
Island Hospitality One of the most enchanting aspects of La Digue is the warmth of its people. Everywhere we went, folks greeted us with a genuine smile or a friendly remark. They seem delighted to share tales of island life, and it’s a reminder that true luxury often lies in human connection and a heartfelt welcome.
Seeking Calm on the East Coast As the wind picked up on the western side, we cycled back around the northern tip toward the east, passing through Anse Severe. There, a curious tortoise ambled along the beach—truly a pinch-me moment! Nearby, casual beach bars offered bodyboards, fins, and lively music, epitomizing the easygoing island culture.
We were rather surprised to find this chap casually hanging out on the sand.
A hilarious sign that we only saw on day 3, which indicated this was not a one-off event!
He came to greet us on the other side of the road, magic moment
We arrived at Chez Jules along Anse Banane—a simple, no-frills eatery perched right on the beach. While the food was deliciously straightforward (fresh calamari and local produce), the real highlight was trying the local island beer, Seybrew, for the first time. Crisp and perfectly refreshing in the tropical heat, it quickly became our favorite beverage on the island, and we found ourselves ordering it many times throughout our stay. With its laid-back atmosphere and unbeatable ocean views, Chez Jules made the perfect spot for an afternoon retreat, complete with a refreshing swim just steps away from our table.
Enjoying a local beer "Seybrew" at Chez Jules on the east side of the island
Day 3: Gastronomic Delights & Island Vibes
We had a slightly later start, indulging in breakfast around 9:30am. My wife and I then cycled to the western side of La Digue to have lunch at Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel—immaculately kept, with a restaurant deserving of its glowing reputation. Their fish and veggie tacos were superb, and I savored the memory of my very first trip to La Digue 15 years ago, when a “salad” might have been four slices of tomato. How far the island’s culinary scene has come!
A picture taken from Le Nautique restaurant; both days the tide was low at lunch-time as you can see!
After lunch, we popped over to Fish Trap for a cold beer, then pedaled back slowly, stopping for a sundowner at Karim’s bar. My wife is Turkish, and “Karim” means “wife” in her language—a fun linguistic coincidence that sparked plenty of laughter between us.
Embracing the Pace One reason we love La Digue is its relaxed, healthy lifestyle. The roads are mostly bike paths, so you’ll get your fair share of exercise. If you prefer a gentler approach, e-bikes are available. Either way, it’s a welcome break from car-bound travel on Mahé.
After Karim's bar we had a short cycle back to the Secret Garden Villa, and then a mini-hike up the hill!
Back at Secret Villa, our host, Gérard, shared how he built this little retreat six years ago, pouring heart and soul into every detail. Most of what’s on your plate is grown right there on the property. Dogs, cats, and even a cow wander happily in the grounds. Rustic, yes, but also wonderfully refreshing.
Day 4: A Clockwise Boat Tour Around La Digue
We woke up on our final full day in La Digue determined to see the island from an entirely new perspective. Lana had arranged a small boat for us, departing at noon from the ferry area in La Passe—a 20-minute cycle from Secret Villa (the uphill return trip definitely helps burn off all the delicious local meals). With the midday sun at its peak, we slathered on sunscreen, donned our sunglasses, and met our skipper, Kevin, at the dock.
The most exquisite scenery alongside the bike track on the way to the ferry.
Taken a few minutes later, just past Anse Patates
Circling the Island
Kevin proposed a clockwise route around La Digue, starting from the north and following the coastline down the east side. It’s incredible how quickly you realize just how compact the island is once you’re on the water. Even though we cruised at a leisurely pace, we managed to complete a full loop in about an hour and a half—snorkeling, swimming, and snapping photos along the way.
Anse Coco & the Eastern Beaches
Our first main stop was Anse Coco, perched at the eastern tip. There are multiple ways to get here (including a challenging hike), but arriving by boat felt effortless. We jumped into the water and swam ashore to explore the natural pools. Unfortunately, it was low tide, so the pools were less dramatic, but we still relished the chance to wade in the clear waters. Back aboard, we skirted past Petite Anse and Grand Anse, two legendary stretches of sand adorned with the huge granite boulders that make the Seychelles so iconic.
A peak at the right side of Grand Anse from the boat
My wife in the water after our swim from the boat to Anse Coco and back to the boat again
Anse Marron: A Tiny Paradise
Rounding the southeastern bend, we reached Anse Marron, a hidden gem that instantly became our favorite. It’s tiny, pristine, and ringed by rugged stone formations. Kevin skillfully nosed the boat close to the beach, so we had only a short swim if we wanted to wade onto the shore. By this point, the tropical sun was strong, and we decided to keep moving—but vowed to return here someday for a longer visit with a cooler box and more time to savor the solitude.
Note: If you want to reach Anse Marron by foot, you typically need a special guide who knows the tides—similar to the hike down to Anse Coco from the south. The boat option is by far the easiest and most scenic approach.
The smallest of the beaches we saw; just exquisite and boats can also get far closer
Admiring the boulders a short while after Anse Marron
A Bird’s-Eye View from the Sea
Cruising onward, we passed the island’s tiny helipad (where we had landed on Day 1) and marveled at how different La Digue looks from the water—lush hills rising above palm-fringed beaches, with bicycles and pedestrians replacing most cars on the roads. Kevin kept our pace slow, letting us take in the dramatic coastline and giving us plenty of time to snap photos.
Return & Lunch at The Nautique
Eventually, we completed our circuit back at the ferry area. We hopped on our bicycles and headed straight to Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel restaurant for lunch (round two, since it was so good the first time!). This time, I tried the beef tacos, while my wife opted for the Asian chicken burger. Both were hearty and delicious—the perfect reward after our sun-soaked adventure at sea.
Got a photo of Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel from the boat, shortly before we went there
Sunset Bar & a Soothing Massage
On the way back to Secret Villa, we decided to treat ourselves to a fresh coconut at the Sunset Bar in Anse Severe—a quick pit stop that also included a second meeting with the friendly resident tortoise. Upon returning to our villa, my wife enjoyed an in-room massage that Lana had arranged. She declared it one of the best she’s ever experienced—a high compliment, indeed! Meanwhile, I relaxed on the open-air terrace, sipping a Seybrew and taking in the panoramic views of La Digue’s lush, undulating landscape.
Stopping at Sunset Kiosk, what a lovey place to enjoy a fresh coconut (they were incredible) and stare gently at the ocean
It was the perfect grand finale to our four-day stay: a reminder that this tiny, car-free island is bursting with adventure and serenity in equal measure. And seeing it by boat gave us a whole new appreciation for La Digue’s intimate scale and natural wonders.
Day 5: Back home
We woke up early as our flight to Mauritius from Mahé left at 9.30am.
So we rose at 5.45am, had a light signature fruit platter and some toast with delicious jam, then got a transfer to the helipad. By this stage we were relieved to go down the hill for the last time, and not on foot! The helicopter arrived and we boarded swiftly for the 15-min back to the main island. That feeling when you first take off and track closely along the ocean is always my favourite! We were very sad to leave the island, and vowed to return at least once per year!
The helicopter landing in La Digue, shortly before we boarded and flew to Mahé
Reflections
It’s rare to find a place that so seamlessly blends a rustic, eco-friendly ethos with genuine warmth and subtle touches of modern luxury. La Digue’s lack of cars, its friendly locals, and the natural wonder of its beaches remind us that even in a glamorous destination like the Seychelles, sometimes it’s the down-to-earth aspects that make a trip truly luxurious.
From helicopter transfers and hidden coves to exquisite local dishes and everyday bicycle rides, our four days on La Digue were a revelation. My wife and I returned to Mahé (and eventually Mauritius) with sun-kissed skin, delicious memories, and a renewed appreciation for the simple things that make travel extraordinary.
Should you wish to explore Seychelles in the near future, trust me when I say that La Digue is a jewel worth discovering—one that will linger in your heart long after you’ve left its shores.
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