While the native men pound out a deep, incessant rhythm on their goatskin drums, two accompanying women perform the traditional dance known as the motia. Although their erotic movements and brilliant attire is certainly eye-catching, all limelight is given to the blissful couple who takes centre stage beneath the arching palm fronds. It’s their special day, and one that will long be remembered. After all, there’s hardly a more romantic spot to tie the wedded knot than on one of the Seychelles.

This archipelago of one hundred and fifteen plus islands is located 1600 kilometers (990 miles) off the east coast of Africa and sprawls pristinely over the Indian Ocean. The chain is divided into two distinct groups, and range from granite composition and clusters on many inner islands, to low lying cays, sand spits and coral atolls on the outermost. Although some are untouched and uninhabited, many boast enchanting accommodations that hug up to sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. It comes as no surprise that a number of these exotic havens have also become popular wedding and honeymoon haunts.  Here are just a few of the five star matrimonial magnets that lure love struck couples.

Frégate Island Private

This secluded island destination encircled by a thriving coral reef is just a twenty minute puddle jump from the main hub of Mahé. All you need is love for the magic to unfold –the other romantic ingredients are provided.



Strands of sandy shoreline ring this emerald gem and meld with the lush vegetation that drapes its interior core. Billowing coconut palms and takamaka bamboo thrive alongside stands of sangdragon where rare avian species hang out. Colonies of giant tortoises lounge beneath their shady limbs, and not too far beyond, is the beautiful blue, riddled with sea life. Fourteen thatched roof villas offer pristine ocean lookouts and two others snuggle amidst garden blooms. Balmy breezes flow through sliding glass doors to opulent interiors, rich with Asian décor. Here, you’ll find every luxurious nuance to successfully turn your island fantasy into reality; Thai silk furnishings, Egyptian cottons, and fine antiques uniting seamlessly with primal conveniences like satellite TV and an assortment of DVDs. Although sports and activities are just footsteps away, many love bugs find it hard to tear themselves away from these dreamy abodes. http://www.fregate.com/

North Island Lodge

A true castaway experience is in store for couples who make the quick flight (or hour long boat ride) from Mahé to this uninhabited granite isle.



Yes, good things come in small packages and this exclusive resort, hosting a mere eleven villas, pays homage to this saying. Nine of these lush huts, created by surrounding indigenous timber, are spaced discreetly beneath the palms, where each fronts a ribbon of sandy shoreline. The other remaining two provide royal privacy and lots of pampering perks from their view boasting bluffs. Although the exotic setting conjures up images of Gilligan and Crusoe, the provided perks could parallel a stay at the Taj Mahal. ‘Punkah punkah' fans oscillate above canopy draped beds, sunken marble baths and over four thousand square feet of zen-like living space. Freshwater rock pools, hand-crafted wooden decks and covered massage pavilions are finishing touches to these private sanctuaries. Throw in a private butler service, state-of-the-art gym, delectable dining and champagne picnics –and what better way and place to celebrate your love!  http://www.north-island.com/villas.html

Sainte Anne Resort

Another solo islander and just helicopter minutes from Mahé, is the Sainte Anne Resort. As well as a haven for honeymooners, the embracing land has been deemed a protected marine park and surrounding waters are home to over one hundred and fifty species of fish. Meandering pathways lace three quarters of this lush landscape and offer couples an up close encounter with flora and fauna. The remaining tropical topography is splashed with red tiled rooftops of the resort’s Spanish-style villas. Like scattered rubies these eighty-seven gems sprawl over a kilometer where they link up to pools, spas, restaurants and silky shorelines.



Private gardens and gazebos lead the way into each handsomely designed residence where every creature comfort has been considered. Here, couples will not only enjoy a quiet reprieve but will also revel in their private view of the sea. Packages are available for those on a marriage mission and can include everything from registrar's services to cake and Champagne – just to make sure that your day is Seychelles special!  http://www.beachcomber-hotels.com/en/hotels/sainteanne/hotel.htm

Banyan Tree

Great intentions and positive outcomes are provided at this Mahé Island resort that nestles in Intendance Bay. As well as drinking in spectacular views couples can cozy up with first class comforts when booking in to any one of the fifty-four pool-clad villas. The Plantation-style interiors are infused with colonial touches and topped off with contemporary elegance. Asian, Thai and Indonesian influences are also reflected to create a deliciously eclectic blend. Quality time can also be shared at the award winning Banyan Tree Spa where traditional treatments revive and rejuvenate.



Intimate weddings can be set up on the beach or in the wedding gazebo and if you can afford to splurge, go for the gusto honeymoon and book a stay in the Presidential Villa. This secret hideaway not only comes with its own cove by the water’s edge but is swathed in lavish luxuries like a private infinity pool and an outdoor jet tub and shower. It’s obvious, no expense has been spared and you’ll definitely be experiencing Seychelles in top notch style. http://www.banyantree.com/

Lemuria Resort

This posh place not only perches close to one of the world’s most breathtaking beaches but is also in close proximity to the only eighteen fairways of golf greenery on the Seychelles. Though you may very well be drawn to both of their sand traps, the offerings at Lemuria will cast an alluring spell. 



Eighty-eight grass-thatched pagodas pay homage to luxury loving pleasures and from their sensational vantage point provide seascape panoramas. Indigenous wood and stone have been creatively brought indoors to the minimalist interiors where nothing shy of the best is provided. Stylish refined luxury comes to mind whether booking into one of the Junior or Senior Suites, a sumptuously appointed 2 bedroom Pool Villa or la crème de la crème three bedroom palace el-Presidential-style. The high tech fitness centre offers every remedy to maintain your pre vacation weight and when it comes to serenity the spa entices with an assortment of tantalizing treatments. While fronted by tranquil lagoons and backed by one hundred hectares of palm groves it’s one more heavenly sanctuary and romantic haven that typically spells ‘Seychelles.’ http://www.lemuriaresort.com/