The Seychelles archipelago, located in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean is certainly one of the most beautiful places in the world. 115 coral and granite islands which look like they’re straight out of paradise will leave you breathless. But what makes the Seychelles different from other tropical islands is their seclusion.
The islands are littered with private, milky white beaches and stunning nature, relatively untouched by man. Even though in recent years the Seychelles have gathered some international attention, it still isn’t littered with tourists as some other similar locations.
They say the Seychelles are ‘unique by a thousand miles’; such is the distance to their nearest neighbours on the East coast of Africa. This is a country made up of over one hundred tropical islands, scattered over a million square kilometres…with lots and lots of beautiful beaches!
This is a natural paradise of fabulously fair weather, mercifully free of malarial mosquitoes, and with glorious tropical forests, woodlands and beaches unspoilt by the rigours of the modern world.
The Seychelles, keen to preserve the character and natural beauty of their island home, have encouraged low-impact, high quality opportunities for holidays here. The result is an inspiring choice of small and absolutely private island hideaways, set among deserted beaches and sandy pathways to be explored blissfully alone, in dreamy seclusion.
The inner islands tend to be the granitic islands, with dramatic boulders rising from the crystal waters along the shoreline. The outlying islands are mainly coral atolls, natural enclaves for absolute peace and relaxation surrounded by startlingly clear seas that are pure joy to dive, snorkel and swim.
Mahé
The best place to start your Seychelles experience is the central and largest island – Mahé. Mahé is the economic and cultural hub of the Seychelles, and the most populated island with 90% of the total population.
Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles is located on Mahé, is a town you’ll fall in love with quickly. The city is littered with lush tropical vegetation, especially in the national botanical gardens, which even has some giant turtles!
With lots of hotels and private apartments for rent, accommodation is easy to find. But what really makes the island great is its diversity. Whether you want to take a hike through calm nature, dance the night away in a club, or relax on a beach, Mahé has it all.
Praslin
Only 15 minutes away from Mahé, the more laid back and sleepy island of Praslin will seduce you with relaxing charm. Less populated and less developed than its neighbor, Mahé, Praslin still has a lot to offer.
Whether you head north or south, east or west, you’ll stumble upon one of Praslin’s beautiful dreamy beaches, and when you get there you’ll want to stay there for the rest of your trip. When you’re done relaxing at the beach, why not go to play golf at Praslin’s 18 hole championship course?
An alternative is scuba diving, which is also one of Praslin’s specialties. Praslin is also a great point to explore other islands as well, as it has numerous hotels and beach resorts where you can stay, is trafically well connected, and is relatively close to some other interesting islands, such as Cousine Island, St. Pierre, and Curieuse.
La-Digue
When you’re done exploring Praslin, an half hour boat or plane ride will take you to an island untouched by time, La-Digue. The island is a heaven for those of you who are in love with nature, and want to get a feel of life as it once was in the Seychelles.
Even though the island is small enough for everything to be in walking distance, the preferred choice of transportation which the locals use is oxcarts. Taking an oxcart ride around the island is magical, as you get to absorb all the beautiful tropical nature around you and experience the Seychelles in a new, unique way.
The island is also a famous rock climbing, and scuba diving spot. What more can you want!?
Plan a Dream Trip to the Seychelles
There are so many beautiful islands in the world like The Maldives and French Polynesia, and with 112 islands left to go, you can see why the Seychelles are truly a unique, wonderful place. The excellent, year round warm weather, which averages at 27 degrees Celsius, lush tropical nature, clean sea, milky beaches, the cool shade of the palm trees, and a sense of intimacy all guarantee that you’ll want to keep travel to Seychelles year after year.