Seychelles - Mahe (the resort)

Our second stop was the main island of Mahe, where we spent a relaxing couple nights at the Hilton Northolme.

Where La Digue is easy to get around on a bike, Mahe is the opposite. Just like other places, the transportation means are: (1) hiring a car, (2) catching a taxi, or (3) utilizing the ONE bus that goes around the island. In the end, we chose to relax at the resort, and only did a complimentary excursion to Beau Vallon beach.

Here are some pictures we took at Hilton Northolme:

There is a pretty nice public infinity pool. We spent hours there. The good thing was, not too many people were utilizing the public spaces, which made those hours very relaxing. We didn't have to fight for lounge chairs.

I joined a book club, and had to read this. At least the view was nice.

We stayed in the Pool Villa, which also had an awesome infinity pool. Every morning, we'd wake up around 4-5 am (jet lag), open the window to look out onto the horizon, and waited for the sun to rise. Or I'll look out to the horizon, while Wayne spent the hours agonizing over the Warriors' scores on his iPad. Totally understood his frustration. I try to organize vacations around family holidays, my work schedule, his work schedule, the destination's weather, and sports schedule. Something has got to give, and between the Giants, Warriors, and 49ers....I decided he can do w/o sports once in awhile.

At 5 am, checking the scores because he was blocked from streaming it.

All dressed for the day and happy. How he looked after the Warriors won the last game before advancing to the finals.

James Bond on vacation

Villa's infinity pool - sun setting

The island of Mahe reminded me of a more serene, and unspoiled combination of the Hawaiian islands. It's like the best of Hawaii, 60+ years ago, all meshed into one Mahe. Beau Vallon beach is comparable to Lanikai Beach but much more pristine. The mountains are a reminder of those in Kauai. The sleepiness is comparable to that of Big Island. The scenery of the drive is like Maui's road to Hana. After visiting Mahe, I felt bad for our 50th state, which sort of lost its paradise....

Other notable mentions... First, the resort has a stray cat issue. There were multiple full grown cats that were the size of American kittens. One night, we took our dinner to go instead of eating at the restaurant, and as we were walking back to our room, a group of cats smelled the food and followed us. They were giving us the Shrek's "Puss in Boots" stare and were meowing as they trailed us to the room. That was the first time I feared cats! 

The cats in front of our villa's entrance

Second, you know you're older when you bring travel sized booze to the resort, and it tasted SO BAD, that you'd rather buy a drink during happy hour. I did everything I could to make it taste good. I got ALL the free limes that was available, and used ALMOST all of the sugar that was complimentary for the coffee....and still, it was horrible!

We tried to bring enough alcohol for the trip, but forgot how bad absolut vodka is. Needless to say, after a reminder, we brought the vodkas home. If anyone wants some travel sized absolut vodkas...let me know.