Tips for Overcoming Homesickness in the Seychelles

Published on October 4, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

The Seychelles, with their white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation, are often considered a paradise on earth. Yet, even in this idyllic setting, it’s not uncommon for expatriates and long-term travelers to experience homesickness. This feeling of nostalgia and disconnection can affect your well-being and your ability to fully enjoy your stay in this enchanting archipelago.

Homesickness in Seychelles can be particularly intense due to the geographical isolation of these islands. Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, thousands of kilometers from the continents, Seychelles can sometimes feel cut off from the rest of the world. Additionally, the time difference with many home countries can complicate communication with loved ones back home.

However, there are effective strategies to manage this feeling and transform your Seychelles experience into a rewarding and fulfilling adventure. In this article, we’ll explore practical advice and tips for overcoming homesickness, allowing you to fully enjoy the unique beauty and culture of Seychelles.

Create Your Haven: The Art of Establishing a Comforting Routine

One of the keys to combating homesickness is creating a sense of familiarity and stability in your new environment. Establishing a daily routine can help you feel more grounded and reduce anxiety related to change.

Start by structuring your days around regular activities. For example, you could begin each morning with a walk on the beach, followed by breakfast with fresh tropical fruits. This simple habit can become a soothing ritual, allowing you to connect with the natural beauty of Seychelles while maintaining consistency in your daily life.

Also incorporate elements from your previous life into your new routine. If you used to practice yoga or meditation at home, continue this practice in Seychelles. Not only will this help maintain a connection with your past, but it can also be particularly beneficial for managing stress and anxiety related to expatriation.

Don’t forget to include relaxation and leisure moments in your schedule. Seychelles offers numerous opportunities for enriching activities, such as scuba diving, hiking in national parks, or simply reading a good book on a secluded beach. By regularly planning these activities, you create moments of joy and anticipation that can counterbalance feelings of nostalgia.

Stay Connected to Your Roots: Maintaining Bonds Despite the Distance

Maintaining strong connections with loved ones back home is crucial for managing homesickness. Fortunately, modern technology offers many options to stay in touch, even from an archipelago as isolated as Seychelles.

Schedule regular video calls with your family and friends. Choose a time that works for everyone, taking the time difference into account. These virtual appointments can become precious moments to look forward to. During these calls, share your experiences in Seychelles, but don’t forget to show interest in their daily lives too. This will help maintain a sense of connection and belonging.

Use social media and messaging apps to share photos and anecdotes from your life in Seychelles. This allows your loved ones to visualize your new environment and feel more involved in your adventure. Plus, it can spark interesting conversations and remind you of the privilege of living in such an exceptional place.

Create a blog or online journal to document your Seychelles experience. Not only will this allow you to share your adventures with a wider audience, but it will also help you reflect on your personal journey and appreciate your growth over time.

Remember that communication isn’t limited to electronic means. Occasionally send postcards or small typical Seychelles gifts to your loved ones. These tangible gestures can be greatly appreciated and strengthen your bonds despite the distance.

Immerse Yourself in Seychellois Culture: Immersion as a Remedy for Homesickness

One of the best ways to combat homesickness is to fully immerse yourself in the local culture. Seychelles, with its rich Creole heritage and unique island lifestyle, offers many opportunities to feel like an integral part of the community.

Start by learning Seychellois Creole, the local language. Even though English and French are widely spoken, mastering a few phrases in Creole will open new doors and allow you to form deeper connections with locals. Enroll in language classes or use language learning apps to progress at your own pace.

Actively participate in cultural events and local festivals. Seychelles celebrates many holidays throughout the year, such as the Creole Festival in October, which highlights Creole music, dance, and cuisine. These events are excellent opportunities to meet locals and other expatriates while soaking up the festive atmosphere of the islands.

Explore Seychellois cuisine, known for its exotic flavors and multicultural influences. Visit local markets, like the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market in Victoria, to discover fresh produce and local spices. Dare to try new dishes in traditional restaurants or, even better, learn to cook some Seychellois specialties. Sharing meals is an excellent way to build connections and feel at home.

Get involved in volunteer activities or community projects. Seychelles has many environmental conservation and sustainable development initiatives you can contribute to. For example, you could participate in sea turtle protection programs or beach cleanup projects. These activities will not only help you feel useful but also allow you to meet like-minded people.

Build Your Social Circle: Forming Connections in Your New Community

Building a strong social network in Seychelles is essential to combat feelings of isolation and homesickness. Although the archipelago is relatively small, with a population of about 98,000, there are many opportunities to meet people and form lasting friendships.

Join expatriate groups present in Seychelles. These communities are often an excellent gateway to meeting people who are experiencing similar situations to yours. Look for groups on social media or online forums dedicated to expatriates in Seychelles. These platforms often organize meetups, outings, or activities that will allow you to socialize in a relaxed setting.

Participate in sports or leisure activities. Seychelles offers an ideal setting for many outdoor activities. Whether you’re passionate about diving, sailing, hiking, or yoga, you’ll certainly find clubs or groups sharing your interests. These activities are not only excellent for your physical and mental well-being but also provide a natural way to meet people with similar passions.

Don’t hesitate to start conversations with your neighbors and local shopkeepers. Seychellois people are generally welcoming and open to discussion. A simple daily hello can evolve into deeper conversations and invitations to local events. This approach will help you feel more integrated into your neighborhood and develop a sense of belonging.

Consider taking classes or participating in workshops related to Seychellois culture. Whether it’s Creole cooking classes, local craft workshops, or traditional dance lessons, these activities will not only deepen your understanding of local culture but also help you meet people who share your interests.

Take Care of Your Well-being: Balancing Body and Mind Under the Seychellois Sun

Homesickness can affect not only your emotional state but also your physical health. Taking care of your overall well-being is crucial to overcoming these challenges and fully enjoying your life in Seychelles.

Adopt an active lifestyle by taking advantage of Seychelles’ exceptional natural setting. Regular physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, the happiness hormones, which can help combat feelings of sadness or anxiety. Options are plentiful: swimming in crystal-clear waters, hiking in national parks like Morne Seychellois, or even beach yoga sessions at sunset.

Pay special attention to your diet. Seychellois cuisine, rich in fresh seafood and tropical fruits, offers many healthy options. Try to incorporate local foods into your diet, not only to discover new flavors but also to benefit from their nutritional properties. A balanced diet can significantly impact your mood and energy levels.

Don’t forget the importance of sleep. Climate change and time differences can disrupt your sleep cycles. Establish a regular sleep routine and create a restful environment in your accommodation. Consider using blackout curtains if morning light wakes you too early, and invest in a good fan or air conditioning to manage the tropical heat.

Take time to mentally recharge. Meditation or mindfulness practice can be particularly beneficial for managing stress and anxiety related to expatriation. Seychelles offers many peaceful places to practice these techniques, whether on a secluded beach or in a tropical garden.

Don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional if you feel homesickness is seriously affecting your well-being. Seychelles has a quality healthcare system, and many practitioners are accustomed to treating issues specific to expatriates.

Explore Your New Home: Rediscovering Seychelles with Fresh Eyes

Sometimes, the best remedy for homesickness is to remind yourself why you chose to live in Seychelles. Rediscovering the archipelago with fresh eyes can rekindle your enthusiasm and appreciation for your new home.

Plan regular excursions to explore the different islands of the archipelago. Each island has its own character and unique attractions. Visit Praslin to discover the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage site and habitat of the famous coco de mer. Explore La Digue by bicycle, stopping at its iconic beaches like Anse Source d’Argent. These getaways will remind you of the diversity and exceptional beauty of Seychelles.

Deepen your knowledge of Seychellois history and culture. Visit museums like the Seychelles National History Museum in Victoria, or explore historical sites like Mission Lodge on Mahé. Understanding the rich and complex past of Seychelles can help you develop a deeper connection with your adopted country.

Participate in tourist activities you may not have tried yet. Whether it’s a glass-bottom boat tour to observe marine life, a deep-sea fishing session, or a guided tour of the Morne Blanc tea plantations, there are always new experiences to have in Seychelles. These activities can help you see the islands in a new light and rekindle your sense of adventure.

Get involved in protecting Seychelles’ unique environment. The archipelago is renowned for its conservation efforts, particularly for protecting sea turtles and rare birds. Participating in these initiatives can give you a sense of purpose and belonging, while contributing to preserving the natural beauty that makes Seychelles so special.

Keep a journal of your discoveries and experiences. Write down the small moments of joy, unexpected encounters, spectacular sunsets. This practice will not only help you fully appreciate your life in Seychelles but also create a lasting memory of your adventure.

Overcoming homesickness in Seychelles is a process that requires time, patience, and effort. By creating a comforting routine, staying connected with loved ones, immersing yourself in local culture, taking care of your well-being, and continuing to explore your new environment, you can transform your expatriation experience into a rewarding and fulfilling adventure.

Remember that homesickness is a normal reaction to a major life change. It’s a sign that you’ve left behind people and places that matter to you. But with time and the right strategies, you can create a new “home” in Seychelles while maintaining a precious connection with your home country.

Seychelles, with its incomparable natural beauty, rich culture, and relaxed lifestyle, offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and discovery. Embrace this new phase of your life with openness and curiosity, and you might discover that your decision to settle in this tropical paradise was one of the best you’ve ever made.