New Year in the Seychelles: is it worth going, weather, hotels and prices

When winter arrives in Europe, tropical summer begins in the Seychelles. At the end of December, the archipelago welcomes guests with a warm ocean, green landscapes and a festive atmosphere. Instead of snow and frost, there are white-sand beaches, palm trees and sunsets over the ocean. The New Year holidays are considered one of the most popular periods for a holiday in the Seychelles. At this time, prices reach their highest level, and the best hotels are booked several months in advance.

We explain what weather awaits tourists, how much a holiday costs, where it is best to celebrate New Year and what is important to know before the trip.

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Is it worth going to the Seychelles for New Year

The end of December is a wonderful period for a holiday in the Seychelles. Despite the season of higher humidity, tourists are attracted by the warm ocean, picturesque nature and the opportunity to celebrate New Year in tropical surroundings. The main events take place at the resorts. Resorts organise gala dinners, parties, concerts and fireworks.

Why choose the Seychelles for a New Year holiday

• ocean temperature of about +28 °C, comfortable for swimming and snorkelling;
• an unusual opportunity to celebrate New Year on the beach;
• beautiful natural locations: granite bays, tropical forests and parks;
• boat trips, diving and excursions to neighbouring islands;
• an excellent choice of hotels and activities for romantic and family holidays.

What is important to consider

• the end of December is the most expensive period of the year in the Seychelles;
• the best resorts should be booked 6-10 months in advance;
• short tropical showers are possible;
• many hotel complexes introduce compulsory gala dinners, a minimum stay or special holiday rates.

If you want to celebrate New Year by the ocean and enjoy nature and a peaceful atmosphere, the Seychelles will be an excellent choice. Those expecting busy nightlife should remember that the main New Year programme takes place within the resorts.

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Weather in the Seychelles at New Year

The end of December and beginning of January are among the warmest periods of the year in the Seychelles. During the day, the air warms to +29-31 °C, while at night the temperature rarely falls below +25-27 °C. Despite the season of higher humidity, rain is usually brief and quickly gives way to sunshine.

The temperature of the Indian Ocean remains at +28-29 °C, so you can swim, snorkel and take boat trips every day.

At the end of December:

• daytime air temperature +29-31 °C;
• night-time temperature +25-27 °C;
• water temperature +28-29 °C;
• short tropical showers are possible;
• daylight lasts about 12 hours.

The weather on the three large islands of the Seychelles, Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, is similar, although the intensity of rainfall can differ even between neighbouring areas of the same island.

The New Year holidays are excellent for a beach holiday. The warm ocean is comfortable for adults and children, and on calm days there are good conditions for snorkelling and diving. If you are planning boat excursions, it is better to check the forecast in advance with hotel staff or local guides. Because of the strong sun, even in cloudy weather, remember to use sunscreen and wear a hat, and plan long walks for the morning or closer to the evening.

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How Christmas is celebrated in the Seychelles

Christmas is one of the main holidays in the Seychelles and an official public holiday. At the beginning of December, the streets of Victoria, shops, restaurants and resorts are decorated with lights and decorations. Palm trees, the ocean and tropical greenery instead of familiar winter landscapes create an unusual contrast.

For tourists, the main festive events take place in hotels. Most of them offer:

• dinners with Creole and international cuisine;
• live music and evening shows;
• themed decorations in restaurants and on beaches;
• Christmas cocktail evenings;
• children's entertainment and meetings with Santa Claus.

At large resorts, the programme often continues for several days and includes gastronomic evenings, workshops, open-air film screenings, yoga sessions and other activities.

Unlike European countries, Christmas in the Seychelles is celebrated peacefully and without noisy city festivities. During the day, tourists relax on the beach or go on excursions, and in the evening they gather for a festive dinner by the ocean.

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How New Year is celebrated in the Seychelles

New Year's Eve is the main event of the winter season in the Seychelles. The main activities take place within hotel complexes, so the impression of the celebration largely depends on the hotel you choose.

As a rule, the programme begins in the evening: guests are invited for a cocktail, followed by a gala dinner with entertainment.

What is usually included in the New Year programme

• welcome cocktail;
• festive gala dinner;
• live music or performances by artists;
• beach party or dance programme;
• countdown to midnight;
• fireworks or a light show;
• disco after welcoming the New Year.

Family resorts usually organise children's entertainment and animation, while hotels for couples focus on romantic dinners and an intimate atmosphere.

The most extensive programmes are offered by large five-star complexes. On Mahé, the New Year atmosphere can also be enjoyed outside the resorts, especially around Beau Vallon Beach, where restaurants and bars are open and evening events take place. On Praslin, La Digue and private islands, New Year is usually celebrated more quietly.

What is important to know in advance

In many complexes, the New Year gala dinner is compulsory and is paid for separately or already included in the accommodation price. In addition, a minimum stay of five to ten nights is often required for festive dates.

When choosing a hotel, pay attention not only to the room category but also to the programme. If concerts, parties or children's animation are important to you, it is better to clarify these details immediately.

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Where to celebrate New Year in the Seychelles: which island to choose

The choice of island largely determines the holiday format. Some travellers prefer a full programme and excursions, while others choose peace, seclusion and as much time by the ocean as possible.

• Mahé. The best choice for those who want to combine a beach holiday with excursions, restaurants and walks. The international airport, the capital Victoria and the famous Beau Vallon Beach are located here. Beau Vallon is the busiest place in the archipelago during the festive period.
• Praslin is chosen by couples and honeymooners. There are fewer tourists, more secluded beaches and the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• La Digue is a small island with a relaxed pace of life, where many people travel by bicycle. Visitors come for picturesque beaches, leisurely walks and the atmosphere of the real Seychelles.

Private islands
This option is suitable for those who value privacy, a high level of service and exclusive New Year programmes. The most luxurious gala dinners, gastronomic evenings and festive events in an intimate atmosphere take place on private islands. Among the best-known resorts on private islands are North Island, Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Denis Private Island, Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island and Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island.

Since the end of December is one of the most popular periods in the Seychelles, holidays on private islands should be booked in advance. The best villas are often fully booked long before the festive dates.

Where to see the most beautiful New Year fireworks

The Seychelles does not have large-scale city fireworks like Dubai or Singapore. Most fireworks are launched by the hotels themselves, so the most beautiful shows can be seen at large five-star complexes on Mahé and Praslin. Some boutique hotels organise intimate parties with live music and dinner on the beach instead of fireworks.

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island

Best Seychelles resorts for a New Year holiday

During the Christmas and New Year holidays, most hotels organise gala dinners, concerts, themed parties and special programmes for children. Below are several hotels where the festive atmosphere is especially bright.

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles Mahe

One of the best-known luxury resorts in the Seychelles is located on the southwestern coast of Mahé. Spacious villas with private pools, a high level of service and a picturesque beach create ideal conditions for a romantic holiday.

During the New Year period, refined dinners, evening shows, special gastronomic events and entertainment for the whole family are traditionally prepared here. During the day, guests can go snorkelling, take a kayak trip or relax in the spa.

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles Mahe

Constance Ephelia Resort

One of the largest holiday complexes in the archipelago is located within Port Launay Marine National Park. With two beaches, a wide choice of restaurants, swimming pools and activities, it is equally suitable for romantic trips and family holidays.

During the New Year holidays, guests can enjoy themed dinners, live music, festive shows and programmes for children, so the atmosphere is especially lively.

Constance Ephelia Resort

STORY Seychelles

This luxurious holiday complex on the famous Beau Vallon Beach is an excellent choice for combining a relaxing stay with the opportunity to explore Mahé. It is one of the best options for travellers who enjoy combining a peaceful holiday with an active life outside the hotel grounds.

STORY Seychelles

Kempinski Seychelles Resort

This five-star resort is located in the secluded Baie Lazare bay on Mahé. Its spacious grounds, wide beach and beautiful views make it a popular choice for a winter holiday.

For the New Year holidays, dinners, evening entertainment and special programmes for children are usually organised here. During the day, guests can go on island excursions, snorkel or spend time in the spa complex.

Kempinski Seychelles Resort

Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa

Savoy is located on the beachfront at Beau Vallon and offers spacious rooms, a large swimming pool, several restaurants and a good choice of activities. Thanks to its convenient location, guests can not only take part in hotel events but also walk along the promenade, visit restaurants and enjoy the New Year atmosphere of the resort area.

Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa

Mango House Seychelles

This boutique hotel from LXR Hotels & Resorts is suitable for those who prefer a peaceful atmosphere and modern design. It does not feel like a large tourist complex, so the holiday is more relaxed. During the New Year season, guests can enjoy special dinners, themed evenings and gastronomic events.

Mango House Seychelles

Canopy by Hilton Seychelles

One of the newer resorts on Mahé combines modern infrastructure, a convenient location and comfortable conditions for the whole family. During the Christmas and New Year holidays, themed dinners and entertainment events are held here, while the proximity to popular beaches allows guests to add excursions and walks to their holiday.

Canopy by Hilton Seychelles

Fisherman's Cove Resort

One of the oldest hotels in the Seychelles is located in the northwest of Mahé, just a few minutes' walk from Beau Vallon Beach. After renovation, Fisherman's Cove retained its intimate atmosphere while receiving modern rooms and public spaces.

New Year celebrations here are peaceful and free from unnecessary bustle. Guests can enjoy a festive dinner, an evening music programme and a romantic atmosphere by the ocean. Thanks to the convenient location, you can walk to the restaurants and beach bars of Beau Vallon and then return to the quieter surroundings of the hotel.

Fisherman's Cove Resort

Raffles Seychelles

This five-star resort on Praslin is a picturesque retreat surrounded by nature and created for maximum comfort. If you dream of spending New Year in complete seclusion, this resort is ideal. Spacious villas with pools, ocean views and one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago create an atmosphere of complete privacy.

During the New Year period, themed dinners, gastronomic evenings, music programmes and children's animation are organised here. During the day, guests can visit Vallée de Mai National Park, take an excursion to Curieuse Island or spend time on Anse Lazio Beach, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

Raffles Seychelles

How much a New Year holiday in the Seychelles costs

The end of December and beginning of January are the most expensive period for a holiday in the Seychelles. Tourists from around the world arrive in the archipelago at this time, so accommodation costs are noticeably higher than in other months of the year. Popular five-star resorts, family villas and private island resorts are booked especially quickly.

Several factors affect the final cost of the trip:

• hotel category and accommodation type;
• the island where the resort is located;
• the selected meal plan;
• transfer by speedboat, domestic flight or helicopter;
• compulsory festive gala dinners, which many hotels include in their Christmas and New Year programmes.

Price examples

To understand the budget, here are several approximate examples.

At the end of December and beginning of January, 7 nights for two people:

• Mango House Seychelles - from 8,700 US dollars;
• Constance Ephelia Resort - from 9,450 US dollars;
• Raffles Seychelles - 17,490 US dollars.

The final cost depends on the villa category, meal plan, transfer and booking conditions.

To get more attractive rates, the trip should be planned in advance. Many resorts open sales for New Year dates as early as spring.

Mango House Seychelles