ABOUT SEYCHELLES |
1. Welcome to the Seychelles
The Seychelles situated in the Indian Ocean offers a holiday experience as unique as it is varied, drawing on the amazing diversity of 115 pristine tropical islands. The Seychelles is an ideal destination for today’s discerning travelers seeking a tranquil yet vibrant destination, unspoiled by commercialism. The granitic islands of the Seychelles, which are the only mid-oceanic granite islands in the world, lie between 4 – 10 degrees south of the equator and 1000 miles off the east Africa coast. Together with other islands of coral formation, the Seychelles consists of 115 magnificent tropical islands of truly striking beauty, spread like gemstones across more than a million miles of ocean.
Forgotten for centuries by all but the most intrepid Arab sailors, pirates and adventurers, the Seychelles remained uninhabited until the late eighteenth century when the French made the islands their home. The Seychelles was ceded to Britain in 1814 remaining a British colony until Independence in 1976.
The Seychellois people represent a colorful blend of different races. Representatives from almost very race on earth have at one time or another contributed something of their own customs and cultures to the islands, realizing a successful fusion of ethnic diversity into a harmonious Creole nation whose lingua franca is Kreole but where English and French are also the official languages. The result is a common culture enriched by the influences of the many continents and clearly visible throughout the domains of language, architecture, music and cuisine. Today, the Republic of Seychelles has a multi-party political system with an executive President as head of state and government.
2. Mahe Island Seychelles
The fertile, granite island with verdant forests, towering peaks and over 60 white sandy beaches enjoys diverse flora and fauna with striking endemic species to be discovered by excursions as well as on walks and trails through the lush countryside.
North Mahe, which is home to the famous Beau Vallon beach, tends to be more populous than other regions of the island, discreetly featuring a range of hotels of all sizes, guesthouses and villas.
South Mahe presents, in contrast, a wonderfully pastoral aspect and is home to some of the island’s prettiest beaches and villages too, all made accessible by an efficient network of roads.
Victoria, which is one of the smallest capitals in the world, has managed to retain much of its original charm and character with outstanding examples of traditional architecture a busy market, shops, boutiques and service providers. Numerous hidden coves and bays can be visited on snorkeling expeditions with some even explorable by semi-submersible.
3. Praslin Island Seychelles
Praslin’s original name of “Isle de Palme” bears eloquent testament to its reputation as home to the Vallee de Mai UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the famous Coco-de-Mer grows wild on palms 40 meters tall and some 200 years old. Seychelles’ second largest island, Praslin, lies 40 kilometers north-east of Mahe and is accessible by Air Seychelles domestic flights in 15 minutes or by catamaran ferry in 45 minutes.
Praslin, divided by a ridge of hills intersected by a road that leads through the Vallee de Mai, possesses some of Seychelles’ most striking beaches such as Anse Lazio, which is widely acclaimed to be the most beautiful beach on earth.
Featuring the only 18-hole championship golf course in the Seychelles and a luxurious Casino, Praslin also has a rich assortment of hotels and guesthouses whose strong tradition of Creole hospitality over the years has proved a strong favorite with visitors.
Praslin Island is ideally situated for holidaymakers wishing to island hop to several nearby tropical destinations such as La Digue, Chauve Souris, Curieuse, St Pierre, Cousine and the island bird reserves of Cousin and Aride. Praslin Island is also a haven for nature lovers seeking rare endemic species or for those wishing to explore the island’s network of footpaths.
4. La Digue Island Seychelles
La Digue Island, situated 45 kilometers from Mahe Island and 7 kilometers from Praslin Island Seychelles, is the fourth largest island in Seychelles. Celebrated for its granite boulders that seem to have been sculptured by a divine hand to adorn beaches of breathtaking beauty such as Anse Source D’Argent. The island La Digue Seychelles where more traditional modes of transport such as bicycles and ox-charts still hold away, is accessible mainly by traditional ferry arriving and departing from the quaint jetty of La Passe. La Digue’s authentic island style accommodation is mainly situated on the west coast while the east remains more or less untouched.
At the L’Union Estate, visitors to the Seychelles will have the opportunity to view some of the traditional local industries of times past while nature lovers will have the opportunity to seek out the rare black paradise flycatcher once feared to be close to extinction but now protected in the La Digue Veuve Reserve which is home to two extremely rare species of terrapin. The island La Digue serves as an ideal stepping-stone to the nearby islands of Grande Soeur and Petitie Soeur, Felicity, Coco and Marianne.
5. North Island Resort Seychelles
The North Island in the Seychelles provides an eco-friendly island experience where a philosophy of ‘barefoot luxury’ aims to provide the very best in seclusion, location and accommodation. The exclusive and tranquil villas at the North Island Resort are handcrafted from natural elements to an astonishing degree of perfection and further complimented by individual plunge pools and a health spa commanding breathtaking views of one of the island’s stunning beaches and the surrounding verdant hillsides.
6. Sainte Anne Island Resort Seychelles
The Sainte Anne Island in the Seychelles which is situated in the National Marine Park features luxurious sea facing villas nestling in an exceptional property spread over more than a kilometer along the island’s two main beaches and offering total intimacy. An unmatched gourmet experience within refined yet relaxed surroundings combined with a world-class spa promises the ultimate indulgence of mind, body and soul. The exclusive 5 star Sainte Anne Resort Hotel & Spa forms part of the Beachcomber Mauritius & Seychelles resorts.
7. Activities and special interests for visitors to the Seychelles
Endemic Birdlife
A destination of unbelievable beauty and diversity, Seychelles nurtures a kaleidoscopic array of unique flora and fauna, safe within the boundaries of its virgin world. Seychelles is home to some of the most spectacular seabird colonies in the world and the names of such islands as Praslin, La Digue, Bird, Aride, Fregate, Cousin and Aldabra have become bywords for the optimum in bird watching opportunities. Within the islands there are 13 species and 17 subspecies that occur nowhere else on earth. Some of the many birds found in the Seychelles are: Seychelles scops owl, magpie robin, paradise fly catcher, Seychelles white eye, black parrot, white-throated rail, and the Seychelles warbler.
Sailing
With so many granitic and coral islands to explore, all within easy sailing distance and offering an exceptional choice of lagoon picturesque bays with secure moorings, options for the travelers itineraries are limitless. Cruise among the Inner Islands of Seychelles and enjoy dazzling white beaches fringed by turquoise waters where you can snorkel and enjoy the spectacular underwater treasure house of the Seychelles’ Marine Parks. The guests visiting the Seychelles are invited to explore the hidden island paths and enjoy exotic Creole seafood delicacies in traditional out-of-the way restaurants.
Mind, Body and Soul
Seychelles welcomes its visitors to the idyllic refuge for mind, body and soul set within the balmy, protective atmosphere of untouched isles that have nurtures a variety of unique flora and fauna. The gentle and naturally welcoming environment found at the Seychelles makes this destination an ideal place in which to relax and rejuvenate amid surroundings of astounding natural beauty. Few places worldwide provide the opportunity for revival, as does Seychelles, offering the very nest in island-style living and an opportunity to rediscover balance and harmony in nature’s rhythms.
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