Quite honestly, if there was a place in the world where I’ve felt most relaxed and inspired to write it was at Mango Lodge on Praslin, the second biggest island of the Seychelles.
It’s a nice little hideaway. I enjoyed the ten minute steep walk to the lodges from the beach. You’d be surprised, not having a car was a good thing. It was one less thing to distract me from the beauty of this place.
The lodges are nestled in amongst the jungle canopy and each one has a balcony facing out to the Indian Ocean. Prepare for panoramic views.
I literally just sat there for hours soaking up the beauty and peace of this paradise. Here I really did feel the essence of the local saying ‘a thousand miles from anywhere’. In fact, I almost could have imagined I was part of some sort of Swiss Family Robinson / Robinson Crusoe fantasy, except I wasn’t battling for survival. I was just enjoying every second.
One thing that I really enjoyed was the breeze coming in of the ocean and up the hillside. It was so cooling and refreshing. It probably helped that the lodges were high up on the hillside and on stilts. Out on the balcony the cool air came right up through the small gaps in the wooden flooring. Being able to see straight down between them isn’t for the feint hearted.
So close to the equator the sun can be a powerful menace but all day long you will find shade on the balcony because when they were built they were positioned correctly. And when night falls the lodges cool enough to not need air conditioning. This is a first for me in Seychelles.
The lodges were great, with pretty much everything required for a tropical hideaway. Each had a small kitchen but breakfast was provided in the breakfast bar and it was possible to have dinner served in your lodge. However, I enjoyed several meals at the various establishments along the beach front. I would really recommend exploring those.
So what was the beach like I hear you ask.
One of the most beautiful beaches I’ve been to. My only regret is that I didn’t make the swim (you can get a boat) over to the bar on the island. Nothing better than a Takamaka Bay rum cocktail!
I’ll leave you with one thought. Imagine watching the sun go down on this paradise and chilling out the the evening view.
