Steve and Taylor are passionate about travel and there’s nothing they like better than a spot of tropical island-hopping. Trouble is, they both think their destinations are better. We’ll leave you to decide who wins – let the Battle of the Paradise Isles commence…
Why visit the Seychelles or Hawaii?
Steve: Hawaii offers beautiful beaches and stunning luxury resorts, captivating volcanic landscapes, warm and welcoming people, plus each island has its own identity and experiences – you can also easily travel between them, too, which I absolutely loved.
Taylor: You go to the Seychelles for some of the world’s best voted beaches, plus species of animals you won’t find anywhere else in the world and 115 islands offering nothing but uncapped tropical islands. David Attenborough knew it was beautiful enough to feature it on Planet Earth ll.
Compare stopovers…
Steve: Stopover options to Hawaii are amazing. I flew via Seattle and loved spending time in the Pacific Northwest. However, with options such as Los Angeles, San Francisco or Las Vegas, you really are spoilt for choice.
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Taylor: The best stopover en route to the Seychelles is Abu Dhabi, fusing the modern metropolis of the Middle East with its complete alter-ego of laidback lifestyle in the Seychelles. I don’t think there’s a better combination than watching the Grand Prix on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, then hiring a bicycle on the island of La Digue in the Seychelles to discover hidden coves and breathtaking views.
What’s your favourite hotel?
Steve: Wow, it’s hard to narrow it down. I really like the Wailea region of Maui and one particular hotel stood out – The Four Seasons Resort Maui. It’s only one of two AAA Five Diamond hotels on Maui. We went for a swim in the sea here and were joined by a local turtle which was an amazing experience. The hotel has the largest suites on the Island, plus the views are fantastic.
Taylor: There are many stunning resorts in the Seychelles that I could recommend. The Six Senses Zil Pasyon is situated on its own island and features private villas with private pools. Earlier this year it won the Editor’s Award for Best New Hotel in the World by Ultratravel – the luxury pages of the Daily Telegraph, but I’ll let you be the judge.
Name your favourite beach…
Steve: Mine would have to be Waikiki on Oahu. It’s just so iconic and what could be more Hawaiian than learning to surf on Waikiki Beach?
Taylor: My favourite beach has got to be Anse Lazio on the island of Praslin. It’s often regarded as one of the top 10 beaches in the world.
Name a WOW factor excursion…
Steve: Without doubt, watching the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park! Yes, it’s an early start, but so worth it, the views and memories created at 10,000 feet up will sit with me forever, and something I’d recommend everyone does when they visit Maui. Someone I was with had tears of joy, they were so taken aback at the view.
Taylor: Jump on a luxury catamaran and spend the day sailing the sparkling Seychellois waters. Enjoy all day snorkelling, water sports, island stops and tasty Creole barbeque food.
What’s a must have food?
Steve: Kalua Pig! Yum! If you like pulled pork, you’ll love it too. Slow-cooked underground, it retains a fantastic smoky taste. You will always be left wanting more. Wash it down with a Mai Tai cocktail.
Taylor: Hmmm, my favourite… Hilton Seychelles signature Cinnamon and Mango muffins are to die for! Make sure you enjoy a Seychelles Fish Curry before though, absolutely delicious.
Which wildlife experience is wildest?
Steve: What could be wilder than watching migrating whales in the Pacific Ocean arrive from Alaska? Until you see them up close it’s difficult to gauge just how HUGE they are. I’m not surprised they keep coming back to Hawaiʻi, mind you.
Taylor: Wildest wildlife experience has got to be between January–March when giant tortoises head to the Seychelles to nest. With up to 500 nesting each year, the sight of a hawksbill turtle hatching is an experience you must witness.
Where will I find a true picture of paradise?
Steve: I have two… Kualoa Ranch or the Road to Hana. Kualoa Ranch on O‘ahu is where many famous movies have been filmed and the backdrop is amazing. You really feel like you are in a scene from Jurassic Park. However, if you hire a car and drive the Road to Hana on Maui you can explore all those hidden waterfalls, local villages and rainforest environments along the coastal route. Your camera will soon be full of incredible images.
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Taylor: Visit the Vallee de Mai. Dense green jungle with monstrous trees reaching the height of over 30 metres and no signs of human life. It’s home to the coco de mer palm tree that is only found on the island of Praslin, recognised by its suggestive male and female seeds that bear resemblance to human reproductive body parts. With so many legends and stories, Vallee de Mai is seen as a true picture of paradise.
It’s fair to say that both paradise isles offer incredible island experiences, from sunrises on a volcano to turtle nesting, surfing to luxury private villas. All that’s left is for you to decide… Hawaii or the Seychelles?
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