A thousand miles from the nearest significant landmass, the Seychelles archipelago is a naturally isolated collection of paradise islands located in the Indian Ocean just south of the equator. Long been targeted by discerning travellers for its exclusivity and remote location, this tropical destination naturally lends itself to a socially distant holiday experience that feels exhilarating rather than precautionary.

After a year of lock-downs and living in social pods, the thought of international travel – to new destinations, crowds, cultures and unknown experiences – may seem simultaneously exciting and daunting for many. Travellers seeking authentic experiences away from bustling crowds and urban gatherings need look no further than Seychelles for a safe and sublime summer getaway.

Here are 5 reasons why Seychelles naturally lends itself to a socially distant holiday:

1. Empty Beaches
The mere mention of “Seychelles” instantly inspires thoughts of powder-soft, palm-fringed beaches, book-ended by majestic granite boulders and caressed by turquoise waters. Frequently listed among the best in the world, for all their fame Seychelles’ beaches have always remained fairly uncongested. Even during peak seasons, at the height of international travel, you would never find Miami-esque scenes of row-upon-row of sunbeds and beach umbrellas blocking the view of the ocean. Perhaps this is because there is no shortage of postcard-perfect beaches in Seychelles, that tourists do not feel obliged to flock to a single strand. In fact, it is not unusual to find smaller, less accessible coves completely deserted. And with certain beaches only accessible by footpath or boat, your sunbathing privacy is all but guaranteed.

2. Open Oceans
The ocean is entirely inseparable from island-living in Seychelles. Almost constantly in view, the sea provides so much more than just an important food source and significant contribution to the country’s GDP. Vast and finely-balanced ecosystems surround these islands, in a territory that spans over thousands of kilometres, inviting travellers to explore both the depths and the endless horizons of a country that is made up mostly of water. Activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, surfing and paddleboarding (none of which could be considered team sports) are popular among visitors. Sports fishing and sailing are also a favourite way to discover the destination and find yourself naturally drifting away from the crowd.

3. The Great Outdoors
There is certainly no shortage of safe, sunny, unpopulated spaces in Seychelles. Almost half of the country’s landmass falls within protected areas, making an escape to nature extremely accessible. The mountainous terrain of Seychelles’ inner islands is cloaked in tropical jungle and offer outstanding hikes and nature trails to those that wish to discover the unique fauna and flora that have flourished here for thousands of years – far-removed from human interference. A visit to the mysterious Vallée de Mai – a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Praslin – will make it quickly apparent how Seychelles’ endemic species, such as the Aldabra Giant Tortoise and pelvic-shaped Coco de Mer, have adapted in isolation to their unique environments, long before social distancing was a catch-phrase.

4. Designed for Privacy
While Seychelles has something to offer every travelling demographic, it is best-known- and well-equipped as a honeymoon destination. For decades, Seychelles’ traditional clientele have been actively seeking some alone time and an escape from the rest of the world. Most of Seychelles’ resorts and hotels have been designed to offer just that – long before the pandemic. Suites and villas have been set up with seclusion in mind, and service staff have been trained to be attentive, yet discreet. Some of the world’s most-watched couples (such as Prince William and Kate Middleton, Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt and George and Amal Clooney) chose to honeymoon in Seychelles for this very reason.

5. Demonstrable Safety
The Seychelles International Airport has been open since August 2020, and the tourism industry and service sectors have strict procedures and health measures in place to keep both visitors and the local population safe. These precautions are independently audited, mandatory operational requirements that have been in place for the past year, meaning that all industry stakeholders are now well-versed in the necessary health and safety procedures. A negative PCR test is required to enter the country, and guests’ wellness is monitored daily throughout their stay. It is required to wear a mask and frequently sanitise your hands when in public, but aside from these measures, visitors can enjoy a very “normal” island holiday. At present, Seychelles has the highest share of people vaccinated against Covid-19 of any country in the world and the mortality rate remains thankfully low. Few travellers have tested positive while in the destination, which proves that the measures taken by the tourism sector are effective at keeping people safe.

For many, the travel bug has been gnawing at our hearts and minds for far too long. As borders and flight paths begin to re-open, the global travel industry’s efforts to forge its way back to a new and safe state of normalcy might just be its biggest adventure yet. With open and transparent collaboration between all concerned stakeholders, and invaluable in-destination support from trusted travel partners like Mason’s Travel, holiday-makers should feel confident that the summer of 2021 might just be their best one yet!