The Seychelles are 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 Aldabra Island, the world’s largest coral atoll, and Vallee de Mai on Praslin Island, which has been compared to the Garden of Eden.
A paradise for divers, both snorkelers and SCUBA divers, Seychelles has six national marine parks, where the coral islands are rich with more than 1,000 different species of fish. 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 the best known beaches in Seychelles is Anse Lazio on the island of Praslin. Framed by massive boulders on either side, Anse Lazio beach is shaded by picturesque coconut palms that lean toward the gently rippling waters of Chevalier Bay.
Mahe Island is the largest of the Seychelles and the location of the capital, Victoria. The international airport, since more than 90% of the population is on the island of Mahe.
Perhaps the most renowned 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 suited to its culture and geography. Other highly recommended resorts are operated by Constance (Lemuria Resort on Praslin Island), Le Méridien and Taj. Plus, you’ll soon see Four Seasons, Southern Sun, The Crown and Champa Group, Universal Enterprises, and Per Aquum joining them.
The Banyan Tree, on the island of Mahe, covers around 117 hectares of spectacular coastline and its 800 meters of beachfront overlook what has been called one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world.
Popular activities on land include hikes along well-marked nature trails followed by pampering tired muscles at luxurious spas at five-star resorts. The Lemuria Resort on Praslin has a PGA-recognized 18-hole championship golf course, offering challenges for both amateur and professional golfers.
Notable animals formerly found but now nearly extinct on these holiday islands include the giant tortoise and the saltwater crocodile (alligator). Bird watchers will be happy to see a Seychelles Flycatcher, Kestrel, Blue Pigeon, Sunbird, Swiftlet, White Eye or Scops Owl. The Seychelles are popular with anglers, eager to catch such magnificent trophies as sailfish and marlin. Seychelles waters are also rich in sharks, giant barracuda, rainbow runners and wahoos.
All Seychelles residents are immigrants, with the largest ethnic groups made up of French, African, Indian and Chinese. The two official languages are French and English.
The islands were probably 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 Great Britain in 1814 and became an independent republic and a member of the British Commonwealth in 1976.
Flight time to the Seychelles from the US is approximately 30 hours, making it more popular with Europeans than North Americans. But its world-class scenery, dive sites, as well as its luxurious vacation resorts and cuisine, not to mention the friendliness of the locals, make the Seychelles Islands worth considering as a vacation destination for anyone who doesn’t have to worry about budgets.
