Anse Cocos, La Digue, Seychelles by Jean-Marie Hullot via Flickr Creative Commons

The shopping in the Seychelles isn’t anything to write home about, but that’s because it’s not a priority or reason for a visit. The capital of Victoria has the best shopping, including an interesting market and boutiques selling unique perfumes and teas, but it’s only worth seeing if you’re staying in the area on Praslin. Most large hotels have good souvenir stores and Natty Seychelles souvenirs can be picked up from most islands, with local handicrafts—basket ware, jewelry, coco-de-mer nuts—popular buys. Bartering is the norm at the markets as long as you stay firm, but smile.

The best shopping options in Victoria are Kenwyn House (Rachel St., Victoria, Mahé), a historic locale with high-end jewelry, and the Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, which has many gift shops and fresh produce. Praslin Island is the next best option to Mahé for shopping, with many stores directly on the main beaches and in the hotels. You can find similar items as those in Victoria, including expensive jewelry, basketry, pottery, sea shells, and coco-de-mer palm nuts.

Vanilla is also a very popular product in the Seychelles, but whatever you do; avoid buying protected items like the coco-de-mer on the black market as these need a certificate of export. If you’re unsure, consult with your hotel’s concierge or front desk. Seychelles shopping hours are usually 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturday.

Spas

Most of the high-end hotels have excellent spas if you’re looking to be pampered. Cerf Island Resort, on the island of the same name (just offshore from Mahé), has an excellent reputation with all treatments. Paradise Sun Hotel (Praslin) is also a top-draw, along with Sainte Anne Resort & Spa (Sainte Anne). Deals are often incorporated with hotel suites, but they are also open to non-staying guests.

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