.JPG "Anse Takamaka")
The Seychelles are one of nature’s treasure-troves. An archipelago of 115 islands spread across 1.3 million sq. km of azure Indian Ocean. Similar to the Galapagos Islands, the Seychelles are isolated by distance and, as a result, exotic flora and fauna have evolved which, in numerous cases, are unique to the islands. The Seychelles are for the visitor with empathy for nature, seeking to escape the pressures of hectic everyday life and wanting to be lulled by peace and tranquillity.
Mahé, the capital island, is the only island that shows any real signs of commercial activity. Victoria is one of the smallest capitals in the world and its colourful market and colonial architecture are worth exploring. The interior of Mahé is a rugged granite mass, swathed in tropical forest and exploration cannot fail to enthral. Hotels occupy some of the best beaches, but quiet coves and bays punctuate Mahé's coastline and effort in their discovery is well rewarded.
Praslin is a haven of peace and tranquillity, the relaxed and unhurried pace here seldom changing. The beaches are some of the most wonderful that nature provides; white soft sand contrasting against ocean blues. Recently, Anse Lazio on Praslin's Northwest coast was voted #17 in TripAdvisor's 25 Top Beaches in the World! The coves and bays deserve discovery and a day of exploration by bicycle or car is well rewarded. Praslin is also famed for the exotic Coco de Mer palm which grows wild on the island.
The idyllic outlying islands of the Seychelles archipelago, accessed by scheduled flights or helicopter from Mahé, define the desert island holiday; palms and tropical vegetation, encircled by dazzling beach and fringed by living reef. There is generally only one property per island and a towel, a book, simple water sports and a stroll around the island are about the limit of occupational therapy. Yet a stay on these islands could not be more complete.
The accommodation on all the islands is elegant yet understated and the cuisine is excellent and imaginative. Each island and lodge has its own special character but the theme throughout is one of empty beaches, romantic solitude and escapism. Island-hopping is simple, due to the frequent inter-island flights, and is the recommended method of exploring these jewels of the Indian Ocean.
