So this week is the countdown to the infamous CARNAVAL INTERNATIONAL DE VICTORIA and with only ONE day to go until the party really heats up, we thought, what better a way to showcase the sizzling atmosphere than to take you on a journey through a few of our favourite cocktail haunts and happy hours.

 

“HAPPIEST HAPPY HOUR”

Marlin Bleu Restaurant, Eden Bleu (Mahe)

 

Other than the magical sundowners we enjoy all to regularly beachside at Le Nautique HQ, we feel that the extended happy hours offered at Eden Bleu hotel are some of the best value for money cocktails in the Seychelles.

Located at the popular shopping and dining precinct of Eden Island, enjoy a selection of tasty cocktails, buckets of beers and selected wines for half price every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The view across the pool to the marina and mega-yachts beyond gives Marlin Bleu a luxurious St Tropez vibe. We recommend the “Creole Daisy” cocktail if you’re a gin lover like we are – yum!

Here’s a funny picture of our Grandad enjoying Marlin Bleu’s “Marina Sunset” on his birthday (it was quite strong but super tasty… and following on from A LOT of wine).

 

“TIKI-TASTIC”

Trader Vic’s, H Hotel (Mahe)

Recently opened at the H Hotel, Beau Vallon, this funky Polynesian themed restaurant and bar is the latest additional to the famous international “Trader Vic’s” chain and home of the original “Mai Tai”.

Whilst we haven’t had the pleasure of dining there yet, we can 100% recommend the cocktail bar which sports a HUGE selection of tasty tropical cocktails (including their famous Mai Tai) and all served in an array of funky themed glasses, coconuts or sharing fish-bowls.

Lots of fun to be had for all, with booty-shaking Latino rhythms plus a decent residents discount if you show your Seychelles ID card at the cashier. Tiki-tastic for sure and you can guarantee that we will be back for a few more “Suffering Bastards” (thats a cocktail by the way) and another round of “Mai Tai Waves” (below picture).

 

“WHERE’S THE RUM?”

Takamaka Rum Distillery (Mahe)

Takamaka Rum is a staple in the Seychelles and is now making waves across the globe.  Made locally at the Trois Freres Distillery in Au Cap (just a short drive from Anse Royale – how convenient), you can literally soak it all up during their distillery tour where you can sample their entire range.

 

Our favourite picks are the Coco Rum and Takamaka Dark, both equally tasty either on the rocks or with a mixer. There are also the aged rums, Takamaka Extra Dark and the premium La Plaine St Andre white and dark, plus the cocktail go-t0 Takamaka White Rum.

We also highly recommend you arrive hungry and stay for a bite to eat at the beautiful restaurant in the old, restored homestead. Ingredients for the restaurant are sourced directly from the homesteads garden or neighbouring suppliers, ensuring that the menu is fresh and tasty – the perfect blend of traditional and contemporary creole flavours. Our pick is the seafood bouillbaisse – delish!

 

“POOL PARTY PARADISE”

Domaine de L’Orangerie (La Digue)

Whenever we visit La Digue we always, always end up sipping cocktails at the Domaine de L’Orangerie pool bar. Perfectly placed at the edge of the glistening infinity pool overlooking the azure Indian Ocean and Praslin beyond, the pool bar allows you to soak up the sun, sip your cocktails and relax without even leaving the pool – magic.

We were in La Digue over the weekend for Jose and Michelle’s wedding anniversary and yes we again ended up at the Domaine de L’Orangerie pool bar #standard. The barman tested his latest cocktails on us – the sweet “Coco de Mer” with its fresh coconut rim (blue cocktail pictures above) was a sure fire hit with the ladies, whilst the men enjoyed the smooth and sharp taste of the chilli margarita.

 

We of course will continue to seek out new cocktail experiences around the islands and report back (what a hard job we have!!), however if you have any recommendations or places you would like us to test out then please let us know – we would be happy to hear from you.

In the meantime, cheers and happy Carnaval to you all 🙂