Discover the sumptuous delights of the Seychelles
Seychelles, Petit Police, Mahé Island (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
There can be few places on earth that inspire romance, luxury and exotic visions of paradise than the Seychelles, and once you’ve discovered the soft white sands and clear blue waters for yourself there’ll be no turning back.
I first went to the Seychelles two years ago and have every intention of returning in the near future. There truly are some incredible locations and idyllic sights, and from activities such as yacht rental and snorkelling to more horizontal pursuits like hammocks and cocktails, the Seychelles offer an incredible getaway for couples, groups and families alike.
Below are just five of the locations that I encountered on my first trip to the islands. Suffice as to say that you’ll no doubt find many more indelible scenes of beauty when you visit, however for now, I hope the following does enough to whet your appetite.
La Digue
This is the third largest inhabited island of the archipelago and has plenty to do for visitors looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Indian Ocean. As there’s no airport on La Digue, arrival is usually by ferry boat although if you’re on your sailing holidays then peaceful anchorages are readily available. Even though the island is just 10kms square it is a haven for trekkers and cyclists, with a splattering of guest houses and hotels and a wealth of marine life in the crystal clear shallows to enjoy. La Digue is a great destination for anyone looking for peace and tranquillity.
Praslin
We’re moving up in scale as Praslin is the second largest of the Seychelles’ islands although a scenic drive around the entire island will only take you a couple of hours. Unlike La Digue, Praslin does have its own small airport although getting here by boat is still the grandest way to arrive. Again, as you’d expect from an Indian Ocean island, there are plenty of white sand beaches and places of natural beauty with the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve proving to be one of the ‘must visit’ locations for lovers of tropical birds such as the black parrot which is unique to the Seychelles.
Mahé
The largest island in the colony is home to both the capital of the Seychelles, Victoria, and the country’s very own international airport making it a great starting point for boat charters. Even though Mahé is the biggest island it still only measures 8kms across so touring the whole place by car is easily possible in a day. Thanks to its natural beauty Mahé has proved to be a haven for artists and you’ll find plenty of local studios and galleries displaying paintings and crafts inspired by the natural environment. The island is also home to plenty of French colonial culture and if you’re looking for beaches then there are almost 70 to choose from.
Curieuse Island
Just off the north coast of Praslin, Curieuse is renowned for its Coco de Mer palms which are considered to be the country’s cultural icons. Another reason the island is unique is because of its red coloured soil which when combined with the palms presents a magical sight. However, the real magic of Curieuse Island is in the tranquil vistas and protected wildlife, and if you’re interested in conservation then the marine national park is packed-full of fascinating creatures ranging from turtles and tortoises to parrot fishes and black parrots.
Morne Seychellois National Park
This is the highest peak in the Seychelles and as such can be found on the largest island, Mahé. If you’re lucky enough to consider boat charters as a holiday activity, then once you’ve explored the coastline make sure you disembark and explore on-land because there are a wide range of trails and guided walks available that almost rival a life afloat. The actual peak itself is almost 1000metres above sea level so make sure you pack your sturdy walking boots alongside your flip-flops if you want to really take advantage of the climbs and those all-important views from the top.
Biog: Nicola is looking forward to her next visit to the Seychelles where she’s intending to learn how to Scuba dive to make the most of the sights underwater.
