Island Escape to La Digue: A Seychellois Homecoming

Finding Paradise: The Anse Marron Expedition

Today was an adventure, a true Seychellois exploration that took me deep into the heart of La Digue. It wasn't just about reaching a destination; it was about the journey, the challenges, and the incredible rewards that awaited at the end. This was a day to reconnect with the wild beauty of my homeland, a beauty I was eager to share with Hans.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at our guesthouse. Fuelled up for adventure, we set off towards the southern tip of the island, our destination: the elusive Anse Marron. I had heard whispers of this secluded beach, a hidden gem accessible only by foot, and I knew I had to experience it for myself. The thrill of discovering something so untouched and pristine was irresistible.


Anse Marron: A hidden bay in the Seychelles, featuring pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and breathtaking scenery perfect for relaxation and adventure.
The initial part of the trek was relatively easy, a gentle stroll along the coastline. The familiar scent of the sea filled the air, mingling with the sweet fragrance of tropical flowers. Hans, ever the enthusiastic photographer, was already snapping away, capturing the vibrant colours of the island. As we ventured further, the landscape began to change. The sandy paths gave way to rocky terrain, and the lush vegetation grew denser. It was clear that we were entering a different world, a world where nature reigned supreme.

The hike to Anse Marron is not for the faint of heart. It's a challenging trek that requires navigating through dense tropical forest and scrambling over massive granite boulders. I was so glad I had researched this in advance, and packed sturdy shoes, because the path was often slippery and uneven, demanding careful footing. But with each obstacle, our determination grew stronger. We were on a quest to uncover one of La Digue's best-kept secrets, and we were not about to give up.


Explore the breathtaking Tropical Forest of La Digue, a stunning park filled with vibrant flora and diverse wildlife in the heart of Seychelles.
As we ventured deeper into the forest, I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The sounds of the island – the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, the distant crashing of waves – were all so familiar, evoking memories of my childhood in Anse Boileau. I shared stories with Hans of my youthful escapades, of exploring hidden trails and swimming in secluded coves. He listened intently, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and admiration.

Navigating the tropical forest was an adventure in itself. The vegetation was incredibly lush, with towering trees forming a dense canopy overhead. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating dappled patterns on the forest floor. We passed by giant ferns, their fronds unfurling like delicate lace, and colourful orchids clinging to the branches of trees. I pointed out some of the native plants, sharing my knowledge of their traditional uses. I remembered my grandmother's stories, passed down through generations, of the healing properties of certain herbs and the importance of respecting nature's gifts.

The most challenging part of the hike involved traversing the granite boulders that lined the coast. These massive rocks, sculpted by the relentless forces of wind and waves, created a surreal landscape. We had to carefully climb over and around them, using our hands and feet to maintain our balance. There were moments when I felt a twinge of fear, but Hans was always there to offer a steady hand and words of encouragement. His presence gave me strength, reminding me that we were in this together.

As we scrambled over the rocks, the sun beat down on us mercilessly. I was grateful for the hat and sunscreen I had packed, but I had forgotten to bring a beach umbrella. We had also used up our water quicker than anticipated. The humidity was intense, and sweat trickled down our faces. But despite the discomfort, we pressed on, driven by the promise of the paradise that awaited us.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we heard the unmistakable sound of crashing waves. A surge of excitement coursed through me as we rounded a final cluster of boulders. And then, there it was: Anse Marron. The sight that greeted us was nothing short of breathtaking. A pristine beach, framed by towering granite formations and lush vegetation, stretched before us. The sand was powdery white, and the water was crystal clear, shimmering in shades of turquoise and emerald. It was even more beautiful than I had imagined.

The beauty of Anse Marron is more than just its stunning scenery; it's the feeling of seclusion, of being completely immersed in nature's embrace.

We had the beach all to ourselves. We wasted no time stripping off our sweaty clothes and plunging into the refreshing water. The coolness was incredibly welcome after our arduous hike. We swam and splashed around, feeling the tension melt away from our bodies. It was pure bliss.

Anse Marron is unique because it is divided into two distinct sections. One side faces the open ocean, with large waves crashing against the shore. Swimming here is not recommended due to the strong currents and lack of a coral reef for protection. However, the other side of the beach features a series of natural pools, sheltered from the open ocean by granite boulders. These pools are perfect for swimming and paddling, offering a safe and tranquil environment.

We spent hours exploring the rock pools, marvelling at the marine life that thrived within them. Tiny fish darted among the rocks, colourful sea urchins clung to the walls, and delicate starfish lay scattered on the sandy bottom. I felt like a child again, discovering the wonders of the ocean for the first time. Hans, with his underwater camera, was in his element, capturing the beauty of this underwater world.

After our swim, we relaxed on the beach, soaking up the sun and savouring the serenity of our surroundings. The only sounds were the gentle lapping of waves and the occasional call of a seabird. I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin and the soft sand beneath me. It was a moment of pure contentment, a feeling of being completely at peace with myself and the world around me.

As the afternoon wore on, we reluctantly packed up our belongings and began the trek back. The journey was just as challenging as before, but we were buoyed by the memories of our time at Anse Marron. We knew that we had experienced something truly special, something that would stay with us long after we left La Digue.

Back in town, our stomachs were rumbling. We decided to try BiBi Take Away & Cafe for dinner. I had heard great things about their authentic Seychellois cuisine. We ordered grilled fish and Creole curry, and sat at one of the outdoor tables, soaking in the lively atmosphere of Anse Boileau. The food was delicious, bursting with flavour and spice. It was the perfect way to end our day of adventure.


Experience authentic Seychellois cuisine at BiBi Take Away & Cafe in Anse Boileau - where every dish tells a story.
The evening wasn't over yet, though. Before heading back to our guesthouse, we stopped by Gift Hub. I wanted to find a special souvenir to remind us of our trip to Anse Marron. I found a beautiful handcrafted wooden carving of a sea turtle, which I knew would be the perfect memento. Hans bought a custom t-shirt adorned with a local design.


Discover unique crafts, custom gifts, and local artistry at Gift Hub in Providence, the perfect spot for memorable souvenirs.
As we walked back to our guesthouse, hand in hand, I reflected on the day's events. The hike to Anse Marron had been challenging, but it had also been incredibly rewarding. We had discovered a hidden paradise, reconnected with nature, and strengthened our bond as a couple. It was a day that I would cherish forever.

I am so happy that Hans could experience the real Seychelles with me. It’s more than just beaches and resorts; it’s about the spirit of the island, the warmth of the people, and the untamed beauty of the landscape. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. We plan to explore Grand Anse Beach and the Vanille-Plantagen, and perhaps enjoy a drink at Gecko Bar.

But before I drift off to sleep, I must share one more tidbit about our culinary journey today. While BiBi Take Away was a delight, we also considered dining at The Boat House Restaurant and La Perle Noire Restaurant. The Boat House, with its emphasis on fresh seafood and Creole specialties, almost lured us in with the promise of a relaxed ambiance and stunning ocean views. La Perle Noire, known for its authentic Italian cuisine, was another tempting option, offering a celebration of flavors in a vibrant setting. Ultimately, the casual charm of BiBi won us over, but I have a feeling we'll be sampling the delights of The Boat House and La Perle Noire before our trip is through!


Experience exquisite local cuisine at The Boat House Restaurant in Beau Vallon - where breathtaking views meet delicious flavors.

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at La Perle Noire Restaurant in Beau Vallon—where every meal is a celebration of flavor.
Goodnight from La Digue!