The Seychelles are truly
paradise, with extraordinary beaches on almost every island, and they are
virtually deserted. The forests are beautifully lush and green, and the
underwater sights are amazing with more fish than you could ever dream
of, whilst the colors of the sea will leave you spellbound. Another wonderful
and man made sight is the lack of high rise hotels, as buildings have to
be lower than the palm trees.
In addition if you want to
see Green and Hawksbill turtles, then at certain times of the year you
can do just that. So if it is nature trails and hiking that fascinates
you, then Silhouette Island with no roads, and lots of trails would be
perfect for you, especially because the thick vegetation means lots of
wildlife.
If fishing, especially fly
fishing is your thing, then get yourself to the bonefish flats near Alphonse,
where you will catch literally dozens of fish. Add to this the historic
and famous coco de mer on Praslin at the Vallee de Mai, and the millions
of sooty terns on Bird, and you can see this is a paradise for nature lovers.
On the other hand, if you
love beaches, then some of the best beaches in the world are to be found
in the Seychelles, and for me it's a toss up between Anse Lazio on Praslin,
Bird Island beach which goes all the way round and is almost deserted,
and Anse Victorin on Fregate, which probably wins the vote due to the exclusivity
of Fregate, and the white sand, turquoise sea, and the fact it is cut off
by rocky headlands on either side. These are just three, and you will realize
it is difficult to set them apart when you have been there.
Whilst I personally don't
dive, but I do snorkel, I am reliably informed that the diving at Alphonse
is just the best, but Desroches has the coral, and La Digue has the colourful
fish, but to be truthful from the moment I walked into the water at Anse
Lazio on Praslin and was immediately surrounded in knee deep water by hundreds
of brightly coloured fish, I've never failed to be astounded by the snorkeling
everywhere in the Seychelles.
Where you stay in the Seychelles
is very dependent on your budget, and probably the greatest luxury is to
be found at the resort on Fregate, home of the best beach too!! Here you
stay in a villa with views to die for with your own Jacuzzi overlooking
the ocean, it is pure pampered luxury, but it is not the only island with
only one resort. Alphonse, Bird, Desroches,
and Silhouette are all like this, if you want
crowds go to Mahe!!
Praslin,
and La Digue are a half way house with affordable
hotels, and not many people.
Seychelles
Restaurants - People often ask about the food in the Seychelles, and
what it's like. It is a real fusion of flavours, best described as Creole.
It features lots of coriander, chillies, ginger, lemongrass, pepper, and
fresh herbs, blended into curries. Fish is in profusion, and seafood, particularly
look out for Tuna, red snapper, kingfish, parrotfish, or octopus served
raw and thinly sliced. It's great just book and go!!
The Seychelles is a group
of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, located near Madagascar, the Maldives
and Mauritius. The nation, a republic, boasts two UNESCO World Heritage
Sites, consisting of the island of Aldabra, the world's largest coral atoll
and Vallee de Mai on Praslin Island, which has been compared to the Garden
of Eden.
A haven for divers -- both
snorkel and SCUBA -- Seychelles has six national marine parks, where coral
islands are rich with more than 1,000 different species of fish. The turquoise
water, clean white sand beaches and exotic plant and animal life make Seychelles
a popular holiday destination for weddings and honeymoons as well as attractions
for sailors and divers.
One of Seychelles' best-known
beaches is Anse Lazio on Praslin Island. Framed
by huge rocks on both sides, Anse Lazio beach is shaded by picturesque
coconut palms leaning out toward the gently rolling waters of Chevalier
Bay.
Mahe
Island is the largest of the Seychelles, and location of the capital,
Victoria. The international airport as well as 90% of the population can
be found on Mahe Island.
Perhaps the most renowned
holiday resort in Seychelles is the Banyan
Tree, a family of romantic luxury resorts with locations also in the
Maldives, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia and China, although each location
is uniquely fitted to its culture and geography. Other highly recommended
resorts are operated by Constance (Lemuria
Resort on Praslin Island), Le
Méridien, and Taj. In addition, you will soon see them joined
by Four Seasons, Southern Sun, the Crown and Champa Group, Universal Enterprises
and Per Aquum.
The Banyan Tree, on Mahe
Island, covers about 117 hectares of dramatic coastline and its 800
meters of beach frontage overlooks what has been called one of the world's
ten most beautiful beaches.
Popular land-based activities
include hiking along well-marked nature trails followed by pampering tired
muscles in luxurious spas at five-star resorts. The Lemuria
Resort on Praslin Island sports a championship
18-hole golf course recognized by the PGA, providing challenges for amateur
and professional golfers.
Remarkable animals formerly
found but now nearly extinct on these holiday islands include the giant
tortoise and saltwater crocodile (caiman). Birders will be happy to see
a Seychelles Flycatcher, Kestrel, Blue pigeon, Sunbird, Swiftlet, White
Eye or Scops Owl. Seychelles are popular with fisherman, eager to catch
such magnificent trophies as sailfish and marlin. Seychelles waters are
also rich with shark, giant barracuda, rainbow runners and wahoos.
All residents of the Seychelles
are immigrants, with the largest ethnic groups composed of French, Africans,
Indians and Chinese. The two official languages are French and English.
The islands were probably first discovered by Portuguese sailors in the
16th century.
They were colonized by France
in 1756, who named the archipelago after a government official, Jean Moreau
de Sechelles. The Seychelles were ceded by Britain in 1814 and became an
independent republic and member of the British Commonwealth in 1976.
Flying time to the Seychelles
from the USA is about 30 hours, making it more popular with Europeans than
North Americans. But its world-class scenery, diving sites, as well as
its luxurious holiday resorts and cuisine, not to mention the friendly
locals, make the Seychelles Islands well worth considering as a holiday
destination for anyone who does not have to worry about budgets.
Seychelles is a group of
about 115 islands, located northeast of Madagascar. There are five
main islands; Mahé, Praslin,
La
Digue, Frégate, and North Island. Much of Seychelles is
protected sanctuaries devoted to preserving and amazing array of flora
and fauna. The giant Alabra Tortoises are fascinating and should
not be missed when visiting the islands, Birds huge bird colonies can be
found on certain islands
While tourism is absolutely
their main industry, the Seychelle Islands are a relatively unknown vacation
hideaway. If you are looking for a snappy nightlife you might be
a little disappointing. One of the charms of the Seychelles is that
they are not commercial and overdeveloped. The group of islands offer
the perfect Honeymoon getaway.
Beau Vallon
This beach is located on
the island of Mahé on the northern side,
and is one of the more popular beaches on Mahé. This long
and sandy beach has magnificent views of North Island and Silhouette.
There are various diving and water sport centers as well a Teddy's Glass
Bottom Boat Tours.
Anse Royale
This beach is the longest
on Mahé and it provides beaches that are
protected in most cases from choppy seas and provides a safe and comfortable
swimming experience. This makes for very favorable conditions for
swimming and beach fun from May to October.
Intendance Beach
This is a very wide beach,
which provides huge swells that are favored by surfers. Multi-directional
currents make it a little challenging at times to swim and the Banyan Tree
Resort will notify swimmers of dangerous conditions with flags. Anse
Intendance is one of the spots that turtles still nest.
Photography by Dino Sassi
-
Marcel Fayon, Photo Eden
LTD
Anse Cimitiere
Cimitiere is a very hidden
beach and is quite hidden. Monsoon season is from May to October
and is a time of large waves and dangerous surf. There are a few
natural swimming pools created by protecting rocks on the beach.
If you are looking for a nice change there is the inland forest that can
be explored by horses from the Riding Centre Utegangar.
Port Launay
This is one of the most beautiful
beaches on Mahé and is located on the west
side of the island. This beach will have the largest population of
beach goers on weekends. Swimming is great here and the beach is
very well maintained.
Rated as one of the top 10
most beautiful beaches in the world, Anse Georgette is located on the island
of Praslin. Only accessible by boat the beach
offers the luxury of the Lemuria Resort. This is a favorite of Honeymooners
because of the intimacy of the private beach.
Anse Bois de Rose
This beach is known for its
fishing and there is a great spot for swimming located next to the hotel
Coco de Mer.
Anse Source D'Argent
This beach is one of the
most popular beaches in the Seychelles. Huge granite boulders separate
it from Anse Lazio and make this a hotspot for filming and photography.
This beach is a favorite for magazines as well as TV travel programs.
Anse Bamboos
Located on the island of
Frégate, Anse Bamboos has the main hotel on the island. It boasts
of has some currents but they are not too dangerous to swimmers and there
is a lifeguard stationed here for your safety. Sun chairs with large
shade umbrellas line the beach for your comfort.
Anse d'Est
Anse d'Est is located on
the east side of North Island and this is where large coral beds are located
just off the beach. The North Island Lodge offers a swimming pool,
restaurant, library and diving center.
Denis
Island Seychelles Denis Island Seychelles
is located on Denis Island in the Seychelles, surrounded by white sandy
beaches, Casuarina trees, and coconut palms. Hotel amenities include
onsite laundry facilities, a health club, and billiards. Staff offer currency
exchange and assistance with queries, and the front desk has a safe-deposit
box. The onsite restaurant serves a variety of Creole-style dishes. Half-board
and full-board rates are available. Snorkeling, fishing, and bird watching
are available on site. Cottages: The cottages are located on one
floor and are all air-conditioned. Amenities include minibars, tea and
coffee makers, safes, desks, welcome amenities, and bathrobes.
Desroches
Island Resort Set on one of the idyllic
Amirantes Islands, part of the group of the Republic of Seychelles, this
hotel is a paradise for divers who can discover one of the most beautiful
coral gardens of the Indian Ocean from the island's fine sandy beaches;
coconut groves surrounding the lagoon are three kilometres from the hotel.
Guests can choose between the private beach, outdoor pool, tennis court
and fishing center for recreation. Situated on an outdoor terrace in front
of the swimming pool and beach, the onsite restaurant uses local vegetables
and serves Creole and European cuisines. Guests can enjoy a range of activities
on the beach, including windsurfing and laser mini-sails. There are also
organized boat excursions to other Islands in the Amirantes.
EDEN
ISLAND SELF-CATERING - VACATION & HOLIDAY RENTALS
Frangipani
@ Eden Island Stunning Marina facing "penthouse"
apartment. This luxuriously finished and furnished property features two
large bedrooms, each with king size beds and en suite bathrooms. It has
an open plan "Miele" kitchen, dining and living area leading onto a covered
sea facing marina terrace. The apartment is air-conditioned throughout,
offers plasma TV's in the living area and main bedroom with DStv. It has
a weber gas BBQ on the terrace and includes the exclusive use of a golf
cart for travel around Eden Island.
LEscape,
Eden Island L'escape is a luxury 1 bedroom
apartment right at the water's edge on Eden Island, Seychelles, offering
uninterrupted views of the azure blue Indian Ocean and the mountains of
Mahe. With every creature comfort, from satellite TV to a daily cleaning
service and your own personal EPV to explore the unique resort island with,
L'escape has all the ingredients for the perfect island getaway. Your view
from the main living area is nothing short of spectacular, and you'll spend
many a blissful hour staring out at the ocean, boats and mountains beyond
while lazing on the main patio's furniture or perhaps preparing the day's
catch on the Weber barbecue.
Patatran
Village, La Digue A charming small hotel on
the rocks above Anse Palate. Patatran is a tiny, idyllic village - 18 chalet-style
bungalows amongst the rocks and vegetation that overlook peaceful Anse
Palate beach. You can choose from spacious air-conditioned Superior or
Standard rooms, all of which have their own balconies that command stunning
views over Coco, Felicitie and Sisters Islands. Full breakfast and à
la carte lunches are served in the restaurant and the bar is open all day.
A fine table d'hôte menu is available four evenings a week, à
la carte three evenings a week, and there is regular entertainment to complete
the charming, romantic atmosphere. Transfer time from Praslin is around
45 minutes.
Expert Tip: James Bond author, Ian Fleming,
stayed at the original Northolme Hotel in 1958. He was inspired to write
the short story collection, 'For Your Eyes Only' with some of the tales
set in the Seychelles.
Banyan
Tree Seychelles, Mahé Island The Banyan Tree Seychelles
is a resort of stunning villas surrounded by lush tropical vegetation,
nestled at the foot of a mountain on the island of Mahe. The resort covers
an area of approximately 117 hectares on the island's southwestern coastline
with a fabulous palm tree lined beach frontage of 800 meters. In the restaurant
Au Jardin D'Epices guests can sample an exotic dinner menu including traditional
Creole recipes, Mediterranean cuisine and dishes from Mauritius and South
Africa all made with fresh local ingredients. Guests can eat on the romantic
outdoor terrace, which overlooks the Indian Ocean. In Saffron, dishes from
South East Asia are served in an contemporary setting with exotic furnishings
and an authentic South East Asian feel.
Hilton
Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, Mahé Island The Hilton Seychelles Northolme
Resort & Spa is set in tropical gardens and overlooks a beach and the
ocean on Beau Vallon Bay. This two-storey hotel, built in traditional Seychelles
style, has 40 villas. The hotel spa is perched on giant granite boulders
overlooking the sea and offers a range of holistic treatments, a steam
room and a yoga pavilion with Ayurvedic massage and beauty treatments available.
Complimentary refreshments are served at the outdoor pool at noon and a
sandy beach is adjacent to the hotel. Sightseeing tours are available.
Les Cocotiers Restaurant is open for dinner and serves Creole specialities
and international dishes on a terrace overlooking the Indian Ocean. The
Hilltop Restaurant has show cooking and offers buffet meals for breakfast
and dinner and also features ocean views. The Ocean View Bar has an all-day
snack menu.
Le
Meridien Fisherman's Cove, Mahé Island The crystal blue sea is
the home of many tropical fish and makes Le Meridien Fisherman's Cove the
perfect destination for snorkelling or diving enthusiasts. This property
is nestled in the heart of paradise, on the southern tip of Beau Vallon
and the north side of Mahe Island with view of Silhouette as well as the
North Island. Le Cardinal Restaurant offers fine cuisine, an extensive
buffet and excellent wine in an elegant, yet relaxed, environment whereas
the Le Bourgeois Restaurant serves fresh seafood and Creole dishes. Le
Cocoloba Bar and Lounge is the perfect spot to unwind, sip delicious tropical
cocktails and watch the sunset. Zen Fitness & Spa Centre offers a wide
choice of beauty treatments and massages.
Constance
Lemuria Resort Of Praslin The tropical style Constance
Lemuria Resort of Praslin combines traditional island materials with an
ecologically aware design and is situated one kilometre from the Cousin
Island Nature Reserve. Guests can choose from a wide range of therapeutic
treatments at the spa centre, or soak in the spa tub, take a sauna or steam
bath. There are yoga and aerobics sessions and a fully equipped gym. The
outdoor pool has an adjacent terrace with sun beds and there is a private
beach. Children can join in the fun at the supervised Turtle Club and the
pool has a children's area. The hotel has an 18-hole championship golf
course with a clubhouse and golf shop and there is a boutique for gifts
and souvenirs. Active guests are well catered for with tennis, windsurfing,
catamaran and dinghy sailing, snorkelling, pedalos and kayaks free of charge...
Paradise
Sun Hotel, Praslin Island The Paradise Sun Hotel is
located on Praslin Island, Seychelles, six kilometres from the Vallee de
Mai national park and the Anse Lazio Beach. The Casino Des Iles is located
one kilometre away from the hotel. The hotel includes an onsite swimming
pool and offers beach volleyball, nightly entertainment every weekday,
and a dive centre (surcharge). Wireless Internet is offered in the property's
public areas and concierge services are available from the front desk.
Paradise Sun Hotel offers a breakfast buffet each morning and an a la carte
dinner in the Main Restaurant. A buffet dinner and an a la carte lunch
are served in the Beach Restaurant and the hotel offers half-board rates.
Hilton
Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa Silhouette Labriz Silhouette is located
on the white-sand beach of Silhouette Island, 20 kilometres from Mahe.
Guests can ease into the day at the full-service health spa, which houses
a fitness suite, steam room and sauna, and offers a range of indulgent
massage and beauty treatments. Sun-worshippers can head to the private
beach or relax on the terraces with cocktails from the poolside bar. Active
guests can practise their serve on the tennis courts, take scuba diving
lessons or try their hand at windsurfing. Diners can choose between four
restaurants: Le Grande Case offers traditional Creole dishes; the Grill
& Teppanyaki is located by the lagoon and offers grilled favourites;
the All-Day Dining restaurant overlooks the pool and serves international
fare and Creole specialities; and modern Mediterranean dishes are served
at the Italian Restaurant.
