SEYCHELLES

COUNTRY SEYCHELLES

INTRO TEXT WITH OVER 100 BEAUTIFUL TROPICAL ISLANDS IN THE ARCHIPELAGO, THE SEYCHELLES IS THE PERFECT DESTINATION FOR A ‘GET-AWAY-FROM-IT-ALL’ HOLIDAY.

Tantalising white-sand beaches are dappled with the silhouettes of swaying palms, the sapphire Indian Ocean laps gently at the shore, and amid banyan trees and fairy terns, you lay swaying in your hammock, wondering where else in the world there could possibly be a place as idyllic as this. Just a few degrees south of the equator, the 115 granite islands of the Seychelles are a luxurious sanctuary, where hopeless romantics come to idle away a couple of weeks in bliss and families can delight in exploring jungle pathways and discovering giant tortoises. The two main islands are Mahé and Praslin. Lined with sugar-white sands and with mystical granite peaks rising from the ocean, Mahé is the largest of the islands. Come here to picnic at picturesque coves and swim in azure lagoons. Some of the world’s most endangered species reside in the forest interior, including the Gardiner’s Seychelles frog, tinier than a human finger tip. Anse à la Mouche and Turtle Bay boast fine white sands and crystal clear waters, while Sunset Beach is named for its delivery of the most outstanding sunsets.

EXPLORING THE ISLANDS

ISLAND-HOPPING One of the joys of visiting the Seychelles is discovering the diverse geography, character and history of each island. Island hopping is a great way to do this and we recommend taking in Cousin Island, a beautiful nature reserve and home to some of the Seychelles’ rarest birds, and Praslin’s Vallée de Mai, known as the original Garden of Eden.

LA DIGUE Easily accessible from Mahé, Praslin or Félicité, this quintessential island paradise is best explored by bicycle, the mode of transport favoured by many locals. Enjoy a tour of the fascinating old vanilla and cinnamon plantation at L’Union Estate, meet its giant tortoise residents and then head to Anse Source d’Argent, considered one of the best beaches in the world.

DIVING AND SNORKELLING The Seychelles boasts some of the world’s most fascinating marine life, from eagle rays and lion fish to hawksbill turtles and whale sharks. There are snorkelling spots and dive sites perfect for all levels, so you can explore the underwater world to your heart’s content.

WHEN TO GO

FESTIVAL KREOL An annual celebration of the music, dance, arts, crafts and food of the islands, Festival Kreol in October is the highlight of the cultural calendar in the Seychelles. Centred on Mahé and Praslin, there is a real party atmosphere, with street performances, fashion shows and entertainment throughout the night. A short hop from Mahé by plane, or less than an hour by boat, you’ll fall upon some of the whitest beaches in the world on the exotic island of Praslin. Framed by granite boulders and takamaka trees, the talcum powder sands of Anse Lazio are some of the most stunning on the island, and cobalt waters invite you to swim and snorkel all day, before rewarding yourself with a refreshing bottle of SeyBrew lager. Praslin is one of only two islands in the world where the rare Coco de Mer grows, deep in the Vallée de Mai’s prehistoric forests, and a guided walk into the jungle is definitely worth the effort.

Take a day trip to the island of La Digue for a more authentic Seychellois experience, in which locals travel by bicycle or ox-cart and fishermen stroll past traditional Creole houses with their day’s catch in hand. For nature, head north west of Mahé to Silhouette Island, where a melting pot of endangered birds and animals find sanctuary in the magnificent National Park.

GETTING THERE

Flying time from the UK is approximately 10 hours nonstop, 12 hours 50 minutes via Abu Dhabi or 13 hours 20 minutes via Dubai.

British Airways Non-stop departures from Heathrow twice a week.

Emirates Daily departures from Gatwick, Heathrow and a choice of regional airports, all via Dubai.

Etihad Airways Daily departures from Heathrow and Manchester via Abu Dhabi. From Mahé there is easy access to Praslin Island, with a regular 20-minute flight operated by Air Seychelles.

Félicité Island is accessed via a 20-minute helicopter flight from Mahé, or a 20-minute boat transfer from Praslin.

Silhouette Island is 45 minutes by boat from the Bel Ombre Jetty in Mahé, or 15 minutes by helicopter from the airport. Note: All our inclusive holiday prices are based on Etihad economy flights.

1. Constance Ephélia (p94) 2. Carana Beach Hotel (p96) 3. Anantara Maia (p97) 4. Raffles Seychelles (p95) 5. Denis Private Island (p96) 6. Six Senses Zil Pasyon (p94)

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SILHOUETTE ISLAND PRASLIN

SEYCHELLES

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60 miles north of Mahé

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FÉLICITÉ ISLAND

LA DIGUE

1 VICTORIA

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MAHÉ