To imagine the Seychelles is really to think of your image of the tropical island of your dreams; a deserted, soft white-sand beach lapped by gentle, turquoise water and fringed by dense coconut palms. The Seychelles are some of the most beautiful islands in the world and due to careful growth, this natural beauty has been protected and preserved. On land the Seychelles are home to rare species of bird and tree, including the amazing coco de mer palm and the black parrot, as well as abundant orchids, hibiscus, frangipani and bougainvillaea. In the seas surrounding the islands of the Seychelles, many areas of which have been designated marine national parks, over 150 species of tropical fish are to be found as well as abundant coral. The pace of life is slow and relaxed, even on Mahe but particularly on the smaller islands. The Seychelles is also known for its racial harmony and their people are a mixture of African, European, Indian, Chinese and Arab. The beauty of the islands and the relaxed way of life have attracted artists over the years and today you are more than welcome to visit them at home and in their studios. A luxury holiday to the Seychelles offers you not just the archetypal idyll of palm-fringed beaches but also a relaxed and harmonious approach to life.
Facts
Capital
Victoria
Airport
One to two hours on the boat from Mahe, or about 20 minutes by helicopter.
Size
455 square kilometresCurrency Seychelles rupee (£1 = 8 Rs)
Population
73,000
Temperature
The Seychelles fall outside the cyclone zone. The seasons divide into May to October, when the south-east trade winds blow and November to April when the winds are from the north-west which can bring rain, particularly in January. January is the wettest month, July and August are the driest months. The temperature is pretty constant throughout the year, ranging between 24 and 31 degrees Centigrade and humidity is around 80 percent.
Local highlights
The famous coco de mer found in the Vallee de Mai on Praslin. Paintings by numerous local artists including Michael Adams and Christine Harter to be viewed and purchased. Local handicrafts include batik, pottery, clothes and boxes made from local wood. The amazing beaches of the islands including Anse Lazio on Praslin and Anse Source d`Argent on La Digue. Cousin Island off Praslin is home to several endangered species of birds and the black noddies. Walks on the islands. Toddy made from coconut palm. Local beers are called Seybrew and EKU. Creole dishes include a great range of fish from kingfish to grouper, carri coco (a meat or fish curry with coconut cream) and tec-tec soup.
Getting out and about
Driving is on the left. Mini mokes are usually the form of transport in the Seychelles and probably only necessary on Mahe and Praslin. On Praslin and La Digue cycles make a great form of transport.
Travel arrangements
How you get there
Air Seychelles flies from London Heathrow to Mahé. The flight time is about 10 hours. The flights do not operate daily Emirates flies from London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow via Dubai. The flight time is about 13 hours in total. The prices we offer you allow for a stopover in Dubai, making the Seychelles and Dubai an excellent two-centre holiday option. Once you reach Mahé we have included the most appropriate type of transfer to your hotel, either by boat or plane. Details can be found under the individual hotel descriptions.