A momcation at Club Med Seychelles? Say no more!
Images: Renate Engelbrecht
It was quiet as we strolled past the deserted family pool at 06:00. Soon, it would be abuzz with littles and laughter, luring parents and their kids to enjoy some quality family time while overlooking the azure Seychellois waters. While we were at Club Med Seychelles for a momcation, we couldn’t help but miss those little munchkins that would have never allowed us to lie in had they come with.
We walked down to the beach just to breathe in the Seychellois air and have a moment of quiet, which moms don’t get very often. It was blissfully beautiful. Soft waves slowly rippled in, lightly touching our toes. Not too far out, a luxury yacht lay on the peaceful water, giving us a glimpse of the high life, complete with a slide that takes its passengers straight into the warm water under it. But wait, we were living the high life… Just on the island of St Anne!
Scouting for the perfect family holiday
Visiting Club Med without the kids boasted the perfect scouting opportunity. In fact, we’ve been convinced that the resort and its offering justify two annual visits: One for a momcation (or perhaps even a dadcation, since Father’s Day is just around the corner). Then, a return visit with the family.
Living the best life on St Anne
Club Med Seychelles is located on St Anne Island, which is home to the resort exclusively. White beaches dotted with loungers and umbrellas lace the resort and as you walk beside the beautifully coloured water toward the Zen Pool and adult beach (yes, there is that too) you can spot various sea creatures from atop a meandering wooden bridge. It’s island vibes to the max at Club Med, with the benefit of it being all-inclusive. Walking about on the island, you’re bound to bump into one or two of the island’s resident Giant Seychellois Tortoises too – a must-see for anyone new to the island.
Pace yourself
With all food and drinks being included in your stay, we had to pace ourselves. In fact, we often opted for delicious mocktails during the day, in order to enjoy that glass of wine and perhaps a proper island-style Mojito at night. A cute little tag around our arms allowed us access to everything (except the spa, which, together with French champagne before 18:00 was at an additional cost).
Breakfasts were served at the main restaurant, spilling over to the pool area and offering magnificent views of the beach. The spread was almost intimidating, hence no breakfast was ever the same as we just had to try everything! Then, the day was our oyster. Lunch was often served in the same space. Alternatively, they had a local beach braai or lunch at the Zen Pool’s restaurant. Dinners also depended on the weather and the vibe, but always came with some kind of a theme, be it floral, all white or Club 45.
Keeping busy, but in a different light
Club Med Seychelles’ offering of activities is endless. From padel and yoga hikes, to kayaking in glass kayaks, sailing and standup paddling, we were certainly kept busy.
Access to other islands can easily be arranged by the Club Med Seychelles team and our day trip to Praslin and La Digue was a definite highlight. A quick boat trip back to Mahe, where you hop on a small Air Seychelles plane to Praslin, and later on a ferry to La Digue – it’s a full day’s outing, but worth every minute.
Praslin is known for the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Valée de Mai Nature Reserve, which draws many a tourist to explore the secrets of the Coco de Mer. Here, traces of a natural palm forest have been preserved in almost its original state. La Digue, on the other hand, boasts the perfect island escape, complete with rented bicycles, cocktails in coconuts, azure vistas and granite rock formations that will take your breath away.
Why Club Med is perfect for a Momcation
While moms would always wish they could share the experience with their kids and their family, Club Med is just as well equipped for a momcation as for an all-inclusive family holiday. Why? Because here, you get to do things (at no additional cost) only for you. Whether you want to learn to sail, Standup Paddle or play padel, there are instructors at your beck and call and you can do a different activity each day. You also get to spend time with yourself, in your own thoughts, and perhaps even work through something, come up with solutions to problems you’ve been struggling with, or just relax after a stressful couple of months. In fact, you might just go back home rejuvenated and revived.
For us, seeing other moms’ reactions to the experience was one of the highlights of the trip. Mom-alone, we all travelled to the island of St Anne, not knowing what to expect, but eager to find out what a momcation entails. And, we were all left speechless. Feelings of gratitude, love, appreciation, kindness, self-love and peace constantly lingered in the air, as well as a strong mom-bond between us all. From sipping Champagne in the shallow waters during Club Med’s signature sunset ritual, to dancing the night away during their evening events and jumping into the Zen Pool like teenagers, it was a riveting experience no mama would ever forget.
Go, get lost on St Anne Island and find yourself again. Go be who you are and keep that vibrant version of yourself close to the surface for all to see when you return. Then, bring the family!
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