The Seychelles are a unique archipelago of 115 islands in over 400,000 square kilometres of Indian Ocean just south of the equator and to the north of Madagascar. Some islands are small coral or granite outcrops barely big enough to land on, others that are a little larger have exclusive resorts and the largest of all is the main island of Mahe. Each island offers discrete attractions and a holiday in the Seychelles is one of the most sought-after destinations, scoring right up there the pleasure principle.
As with Mauritius to the south, the main languages spoken in the Seychelles are English, French and Creole. After the post-independence political instability, the Seychelles is now prosperous owing not least to tourism. The main islands within the Inner Island chain are Mahe, Praslin and Silhouette. Mahe Island is the largest with a population of 65,000 and has the highest mountain ranges in the Seychelles and, interestingly, the world’s smallest capital, Victoria. The rich tropical scenes that are an intrinsic part of the Seychelles are beautifully portrayed by the country’s most famous artist, Michael Adams. His colourful bring the jungle to life and can be seen at has a studio-gallery in Anse aux Poules Bleues to the south of Mahe.
The Seychelles archipelago’s second-largest island is Praslin Island , a 15 minute flight from Mahe. Its main claim to fame is the Vallee de Mait’s World Heritage Site where the endemic coco de mer palm trees grow. The scarcity of this “coconut of the sea,” shaped like a woman’s buttocks, means that it is now a protected species. As with the vast majority of the Seychelles, the area is an unspoilt landscape rewarding of exploration on foot, by bicycle or car. Numerous boat cruises, ornithological and photographic excursions are available from both Mahe and Praslin.
Bird Island is situated approximately 60 miles from Mahe consisting of 170 acres of corals and pristine white sand beaches. The tiny rocky Cousine Island (6km off the west coast of Praslin) is owned by a South African who is dedicated to restoring the island’s original state (with much of the island cordoned off). To this end, over 2,000 native trees have been planted while twelve threatened magpie robins have been introduced. Other nesting bird species include fairy terns, sooty terns, shearwaters, Seychelles brush warblers and fodies. Remarkably, there are also four roaming giant tortoises (of great value). Fregate Island is renowned for its varied walking trails though ancient jungle, over granite outcrops and along its white sand beach coastline. Again, much of the island is given over to conservation projects in protecting the aforementioned endangered magpie robin. Recreation pursuits include watersports such as SCUBA diving, fishing and boating on yachts, catamarans and motor cruisers.
La Digue Island conforms to many people’s rendering of a perfect tropical paradise escape with enclave beaches of fine white sand enveloped by seas of turquoise and aquamarine. The highly rated Anse Source D’Argent beach is reached by bicycle. Other inviting swimming bays include Petit Anse with its photogenic smooth beach boulders and iconic overhanging angled palms. The west coast, south of La Passe, is protected by a reef and thus an ideal sheltered snorkelling locale.
In short, the Seychelles offers a true paradise experience and we have chosen only the best locations with beauty and privacy in equal measures.
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