Why Choose Praslin & La Digue Over Mahé?
- Miles Willis
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
The Seychelles Islands for Discerning Travellers**
When most people think of the Seychelles, the first island that comes to mind is Mahé. It’s the largest, the most developed, and home to the capital city, Victoria. But for travellers who value tranquillity, natural beauty, exclusivity, and the feeling of being truly “away from it all,” the real magic happens once you sail or fly beyond Mahé.
Praslin and La Digue are the two islands that consistently win the hearts of discerning holidaymakers. These islands offer a gentler rhythm, more intimate hotels, world-famous beaches, and an unspoilt atmosphere that many visitors believe is the true essence of the Seychelles. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family beach holiday, or an island-hopping adventure, here are the best reasons to stay on Praslin and La Digue rather than Mahé, and why booking with IslandStays ensures a seamless and exceptional holiday.
1. World-Famous Beaches That Surpass Mahé
Mahé offers lovely beaches, but the most iconic shores in the Seychelles are found on Praslin and La Digue.
Praslin
Anse Lazio, often named among the world’s top ten beaches, is the island’s showpiece. Powder-white sand, towering granite boulders, and crystal-clear water make it postcard-perfect.
Anse Georgette, a more secluded stretch of paradise, is reachable via a scenic forest walk or through the Constance Lemuria Resort.
La Digue
Anse Source d’Argent is arguably the most photographed beach on earth. Shallow turquoise water, glass-clear lagoons, and dramatic granite formations make it a natural masterpiece.
Grand Anse and Petite Anse offer wilder surf and long stretches of untouched nature.
These beaches are calmer, more cinematic, and far less crowded than Mahé’s busier coastline. For travellers seeking images and memories worthy of a luxury travel magazine, Praslin and La Digue simply win.
2. A Slower Pace & Authentic Island Lifestyle
Mahé is vibrant, lively, and wonderfully diverse—but it is still the main island, with traffic, bigger towns, and more commercial activity. Praslin and La Digue offer something different: island time in its purest form.
Praslin
Relaxed but still offering high-end resorts, golf, and excellent dining, Praslin strikes a balance between convenience and seclusion.
La Digue
A world without cars. Guests travel by bicycle, electric cart, or on foot. Chickens wander across the road. Fishermen sell their catch along the beach. The pace of life is blissfully slow.
Travellers who want to disconnect and truly breathe the island atmosphere will appreciate the gentle, authentic lifestyle that makes these islands feel unique.
3. A More Exclusive Resort Experience
While Mahé hosts some of the Seychelles’ most luxurious resorts, many discerning guests prefer the exclusivity and intimacy of the properties on Praslin and La Digue.
On Praslin
You’ll find:
Boutique luxury hotels
Beachfront lodges with only a handful of rooms
Resorts integrated beautifully into nature
Properties such as those around Anse Volbert, Cote d’Or, and Anse Takamaka offer intimate luxury with greater privacy than many Mahé resorts.
On La Digue
Accommodation ranges from charming island guesthouses to boutique beach retreats. It is one of the few islands in the world where you can stay steps from some of the best beaches on the planet, without large-scale development or crowds.
For honeymooners, couples, and nature lovers, Praslin and La Digue offer true escapism with a high-end feel.
4. Access to the Vallée de Mai – A UNESCO Wonder
Praslin is home to the mysterious Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a primeval palm forest and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the only place in the world where the rare Coco de Mer grows naturally—a palm species with the largest seed in the plant kingdom.
Walking through the Vallée de Mai feels like stepping into a prehistoric world. The peaceful forest trails create a memorable experience you simply can’t get on Mahé.
5. Exceptional Island-Hopping Convenience
The Seychelles is made for combination holidays—and Praslin and La Digue make island hopping effortless.
Praslin is only a short 15-minute flight or 1-hour ferry from Mahé.
La Digue is just a 15-minute ferry ride from Praslin.
From these islands, it’s easy to visit Curieuse Island (home to giant tortoises), St Pierre, and Coco Island for snorkelling.
This makes Praslin and La Digue the perfect base for travellers who want to explore multiple islands without long transfers.
6. Better Snorkelling & Calmer Swimming Conditions
Mahé’s beaches are beautiful, but many have strong surf and deeper drop-offs. Praslin and La Digue offer gentler lagoons, coral reefs close to shore, and protected bays where marine life thrives.
Top spots include:
Anse Lazio (Praslin)
Anse Volbert (Praslin)
Anse Source d’Argent (La Digue)
Coco Island Marine Park
For families, beginner snorkellers, and anyone who loves spending hours in the water, these islands offer calmer conditions and more underwater variety.
7. A More Romantic & Peaceful Atmosphere
Many honeymooners and couples begin on Mahé for convenience—and then regret not staying longer on Praslin or La Digue.
These islands offer:
Quiet beaches with few people
Charming sunset viewpoints
Romantic beachfront dining
Luxury resorts that feel private and intimate
Couples who want a relaxed, dreamy island escape will find Praslin and La Digue much closer to the idyllic Seychelles experience.
8. Ideal for Families Who Want Nature & Space
Families with children often prefer Praslin and La Digue because:
Beaches are shallower and safer
There are fewer roads and less traffic
Snorkelling is easier
The islands feel calmer and friendlier
Parents can relax while children explore beaches, nature trails, and the calm turquoise sea.
Why Book With IslandStays?
For more than 30 years, IslandStays has specialised in tailor-made holidays across the Indian Ocean. Discerning travellers choose IslandStays because:
We know the best resorts on Praslin and La Digue for couples, families, and honeymooners.
We design seamless island-hopping itineraries including ferries, flights, transfers, and hand-picked luxury accommodation.
We offer expert guidance on the best beaches, best seasons, and best-value resorts.
Our long-standing relationships with Seychelles hotels ensure excellent pricing, added-value deals, and flexible travel options.
If you want a holiday that goes beyond the ordinary, crafted with insight and attention to detail, IslandStays is your trusted partner.
Final Thoughts
Mahé is a wonderful introduction to the Seychelles—but Praslin and La Digue are where the islands reveal their soul. These two tropical gems offer unforgettable beaches, peaceful island living, unique nature experiences, and boutique resorts that appeal to discerning international travellers.
If you're seeking a truly extraordinary Seychelles holiday—romantic, tranquil, exclusive, and filled with natural beauty—Praslin and La Digue deserve to be at the top of your itinerary.
IslandStays is ready to craft your perfect island escape.
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