We can’t help but marvel at every part of being airborne on the flight from Dubai to Mahe. However, there are some new features this time: a cabin crew member greets us with hand sanitizer, there are empty seats strewn about the plane, and the captain’s statement gently reminds us to keep our face masks on unless we’re eating for safety reasons.
On March 25, the Seychelles opened their doors to international tourism, making them a popular destination for travelers throughout the pandemic. It’s only a four-and-a-half-hour flight for UAE residents, and all you’ll need are valid hotel reservations for the duration of your stay, airline tickets, a PCR test, and a Health Travel Authorization form.
The United Arab Emirates and the Seychelles are among the world leaders in vaccination, and both have taken strong steps to prevent the spread of Covid-19 from the start of the pandemic for the safety of inhabitants and visitors. Accessibility for visitors to both sites has grown significantly easier as a result of both countries’ vaccination levels and current movement limitations.
Since reopening, there’s been a ‘flux of tourists’.
The Seychelles has always been a retreat for individuals seeking tranquility. Prince William and Kate Middleton of the United Kingdom, as well as a number of A-list celebrities, chose it as their honeymoon location. And today, the country’s exclusivity, several islands, and private villas are luring visitors seeking a vacation away from the crowds.
Another reason for the destination’s popularity aside from the honeymoon deals is that it is now the world’s most immunized. The Seychelles has the highest proportion of adults who have received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccination of any country.
I’m driven to the Fishermans Cove Resort, where I’ll be staying. Fishermans Cove Resort, with its 3 kilometers of beautiful ivory sand, offers the promise of genuine tranquility and endless fun. The guest rooms and suites are surrounded by lush tropical gardens and a tranquil atmosphere.
Fishermans Cove Resort is one of the greatest resorts in Seychelles, offering a variety of experiences and exceptional service during your journey. Fine Dining in Seychelles in its restaurants and bars allow you to taste delectable flavors and aroma while drinking exotic cocktails and taking in stunning sunset views over the Indian Ocean. It has two restaurants and two bars, so guests have plenty of alternatives.
The hotel places a strong premium on the health and safety of its guests and employees, which includes everything from sanitizing public areas to serving food safely. Guests and personnel alike are subjected to temperature screening at all entry points. Face masks are required for both staff and guests.
Before I enter my room in Mahe, Seychelles, the hotel staff informs me that the rooms must be cleaned in a specific manner and then sealed; if opened again for any reason, the rooms must be cleaned all over again, as per their standard.
Book an Executive Suite Ocean Front for those who want to be physically separated from the rest of the resort. Modern meets traditional Creole in these suites, which are located at sea level, with only a beautiful lawn between you and the Indian Ocean.
The interior décor is a glow of warm reds and cool natural tones that seduce honeymooners and loving couples into a world of their own, elevating these suites in Fishermans Cove Resort to the top of the Seychelles’ best suites list.
The most significant aspect is the privacy it provides. You are welcome to stay here for a few days without leaving your room. Despite the temptation, I wander out to explore the property’s enormous facilities, which include a gym, an infinity pool, and bars, all of which have panoramic views of the ocean and the island.
I visited the private beach after shooting photographs of the home. The hotel provides basic snorkeling equipment and finding a peaceful area to watch the sunset is simple.
Meanwhile, as travel has become less prevalent due to the pandemic, those who do go on vacation choose to remain longer. Seychelles launched a Workcation Retreat Program earlier this year in response to this demand.
The program, which is aimed towards anyone with a business or source of income outside of the Seychelles, permits anyone with a valid passport to live and work in the tropical paradise for up to a year.
As I get closer to the end of my trip, I run across my one real snag: PCR tests are required to return to the UAE, and they aren’t cheap or simple to come by in the Seychelles. A test at the Public Health Authority costs 2,500 Seychelles rupees ($162) per individual and must be scheduled five to seven days in advance, with results arriving in 48 hours.
Fortunately, some resorts can assist in arranging tests at short notice, which must be scheduled a day in advance and take 24 hours to receive findings. These tests cost 3,500 rupees and can be done in the comfort of your own home.
I enjoyed dinner at the Sunset Bar on my last night in paradise. With its pleasant and modern decor, the Sunset bar provides the right tone for enjoying unique beverages. One can relax and unwind with the best views of the Indian Ocean’s most stunning sunset, which will set the tone for a romantic evening on the pontoon deck as you toast with love.
I ask the bartender if the view ever gets old as the color shifts from bright orange to a dusky purple. With a shake of his head, he expresses his dissatisfaction “Sunsets in this area are never the same. It is truly a different world.”