You know that stressed feeling… when your shoulders creep up to your ears. And your heart rate ticks just a little higher. And even the sound of an email ping feels like a threat. Well, that’s the nervous system in overdrive. Studies show that taking planned time away from work, can reset how your body responds to stress. My prescription? A trip to Seychelles.
In the middle of the Indian Ocean there’s a country, Seychelles, that instantly disarms you as you land. Welcoming and utterly beautiful. The descent alone was instant honeymoon vibes. And if The White Lotus taught me anything, it’s how to recognise when you’ve arrived somewhere truly exquisite.
Comprising a chain of 115 islands scattered around gorgeous blue waters, Seychelles is known for its soft-sand beaches, reefs and jungle-like landscapes (just do a simple TikTok search). The main island, Mahé, is home to the capital city, Victoria, where you’ll find a blend of island culture, vibrant markets and natural beauty.
“…that perfect balance between modern comfort and easy barefoot charm.”
The islands enjoy a warm, tropical climate year-round (it felt like a humid day in Durbs), making it an ideal escape whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or a little of both. When we arrived at our hotel, Avani+ Barbarons Seychelles Resort, we were greeted with much-needed cold towels and a refreshing coconut ice lolly, instantly indicating we were on island time. We’d landed in the evening, so after a quick check-in, I slipped into my cool, bougie sheets and let the soft hum of the sea lull me to sleep.
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Greetings From Nature
The next morning, I woke to one of the most spectacular views I’ve ever seen. For instance, sun, waves and palm trees swaying lazily as if they, too, had nowhere else to be. Avani+ Barbarons sits right on the beachfront, so you wake up practically on the shore. The resort’s recent extension/refurbishment strikes that perfect balance between modern comfort and easy barefoot charm. Breakfast came with ocean views and fruit that tasted like sunshine.
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Exploring The Island
After breakfast set out to explore what makes Seychelles so iconic: its views, its wildlife sanctuaries that protect rare and endemic species and the colourful Creole culture that gives the islands their soul. Days one and two were filled with adventure: wandering through local markets; snorkelling in waters full of exotic marine life. Under the surface lies a world of colour; reefs, parrotfish, angelfish and curious clownfish weaving through coral gardens. If you’re lucky, like I was, you might spot a sea turtle gliding by, or even a gentle baby shark cruising in the distance. A once-in-a-lifetime moment that was totally unforgettable.
And far out in the outer islands, the Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains one of the most pristine marine ecosystems on Earth. Beyond the biodiversity, Seychelles offers another sensory adventure: its artisanal rum.
I had the pleasure of visiting the island’s pride and joy, the Takamaka Rum Distillery. It is Seychelles’ first and only commercial rum distillery, founded in 2002 by two brothers, Richard and Bernard d’Offay. The distillery is set on the historic La Plaine St André estate, a restored 18th-century plantation that now serves as a visitor hub with guided tours, tastings and a restaurant.
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Wellness In Paradise
The main reason for my visit, however, was to support my husband running the Seychelles Nature Trail 2025. The run is a unique race that winds through the island’s forested trails, offering runners a chance to literally trot in paradise.
Though I was there as a supporter, I couldn’t resist joining parts of the trail myself, phone camera in hand, to catch a few snapshots of my husband and travel companions mid-run. The trail was lush, slippery and wild. Climbing boulders to get the perfect vantage point became one of my favourite moments of the trip. There’s something special about moving through that kind of landscape – surrounded by nature at its most untouched – that reminds you just how beautiful the world can be. In supporting his adventure, I unexpectedly found a spectacular one of my own. My holiday to Seychelles was un-demanding. There was no pressure to rush or overschedule your days. You just swim, you walk, eat well and rest. And slowly, without effort, your breathing deepens and your nervous system recalibrates.
This isn’t a holiday you return from needing another holiday… it’s one you come back from feeling genuinely restored, calmer and more yourself.
Enjoy The Race Too
On 16 May 2026, the Seychelles Nature Trail Challenge returns for its third edition. A 22 km technical route through the Morne Seychellois National Park, the archipelago’s largest and most biodiverse protected area. With 1 200 m of elevation gain across rainforest, rocky mountain paths and coastal trails, it’s on track to become a sought-after event on the global trail running calendar:
All-Inclusive Race Packages
Comprehensive travel packages for South African runners are available through Ace Sport Travel, making it easy to experience this bucket-list event. Packages start from R49 990 per person, including 5 nights’ accommodation, breakfast and dinner daily, flights and transfers and race entry.
Rates depend on accommodation selected (Constance Ephelia or Avani+ Barbarons), and single supplements apply. Price excludes the Seychelles Tourism Environmental Sustainability Levy, which amounts to approximately R121.00 per person per night, payable at the hotel upon check out.
Book Your Spot Today
Online entries are open. Visit nature-trail for more information.
