The Seychelles are recognised as one of the world’s last unspoilt natural havens. The clear blue sea, coral reefs and the mythical Coco de Mer Palm, which hangs tantalisingly over white beaches, beckons visitors to enter this Garden of Eden. This is an archipelago where people and nature live in effortless harmony and every childhood dream you may have had about being marooned on an exotic island, will come to life in this enchanting escape. Seychelles has the most pristine underwater vistas in the world. The only company you can be guaranteed of is that of the manta rays, parrot fish, box and trumpet fish. Due to the waters being so clear around Seychelles, diving can be enjoyed all year round, although the best months are April and October.
Why Visit Seychelles?
- Eleven species of birds are found only in the Seychelles, including some of the rarest such as the magpie robin and the brush warbler.
- Magnificent, white palm fringed beaches
- Diving and snorkelling in some of the clearest water on earth
- Approximately half of the Seychelles land area is devoted to conservation and natural reserves
- A cosmopolitan culture and vibrant social atmosphere
- A wide variety of fauna and flora
- No malaria or other tropical diseases are found in the Seychelles
- The Seychelles is situated outside the cyclone belt
FACT FILE
The Seychelles archipelago is a group of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean north east of Madagascar, including the world’s largest atoll, a world heritage site, Aldabra. There are 41 granite islands characterised by a narrow coastal area rising to form rocky outcrops and indigenous forest and the coralline islands compose of 74 low coral reefs covered in thick vegetation. |
|
While the Seychelles Archipelago occupies 400 000 sq km of the Indian Ocean, it consists of only 455sq km of land. The islands are all beautiful and there is something of interest for everyone.
 |
Seychelles boasts 75 indigenous species of plant, 13 species and 17 sub-species of resident birds and the world’s smallest frog. Aldabra is home to some 150 000 giant tortoises. Also unique to the island is the Coco de Mer (the world’s largest nut), a seductively shaped bi-lobe growing on tall palms in a mysterious ancient forest. |
The main island, Mahe, is home to 90 percent of the 81 000 people who inhabit the islands. The land rises steeply from the shores to densely vegetated peaks, and is surrounded by coral reefs and white sandy beaches where tourists soak up the sun. The views across the island and out to sea from the higher elevations are nothing short of astounding. Mahe’s best beach is Beau Vallon. Across the bay is the St. Anne Marine National Park, which comprises five islands.
 |
Here you will find some of the world’s best snorkelling.
A further 20km across the sea is Silhouette Island. It is the third largest island and the slopes rise steeply to its 750m peak. Mont Pot a Eau, is home to the famous carnivorous pitcher plant, whose leaves form a natural water receptacle with a lid. |
The most relaxing beach is Praslin, known as the island of Romance. It can be reached in 15 minutes by air or less than one hour by boat. The island is home to the wondrous coco de mer palm, which grows in this area. La Digue is just east of Praslin and has some of the most stunning beaches of the whole archipelago.
| It is here that the last 30 pairs of the paradise flycatcher are to be found. The island is reachable by boat and helicopter and cycling is the most common form of transport once you get there. Praslin and La Digue are surrounded by a number of smaller islands, which are also beautiful and have pretty beaches. |
|
CURRENCY / CREDIT CARD
The currency unit is the Seychelles Rupee (Rs), which is divided into 100 cents. Traveller’s cheques are widely accepted and command better exchange rates than cash. American Express, Visa, Access and Master Card are the major credit cards accepted, and to a lesser extent, Diners Club.
CLIMATE
The climate is tropical with high humidity and temperatures vary between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius. During the southeast monsoon, between May and September, the weather is cooler and dryer, the hotter months between November and April, being caused by the northwest monsoon. Most rain falls in December and January, and the Seychelles is situated outside the cyclone belt.
PASSPORT /VISAS
To enter the islands, you must have a valid passport, an onward return travel ticket, accommodation and sufficient funds for your stay. No visa is required to enter the country – a visitors permit for 30 days is issued free of charge at the airport. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for visitors coming from infected areas.
GETTING THERE
The national airline is Air Seychelles (HM). Kenya Airways, British Airways, Air Mauritius and Air France also service the island. Yachts, boats and helicopters can be hired for island hopping. Air Seychelles undertakes flights to various inner islands and IDC to the outer islands. |
|
There are regular daily flights between Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Internal transport between the network of small islands is conducted by boat or plane. On the islands themselves, the easiest way to get around is by bike or on foot.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
All visitors are responsible for their own international travel and medical insurance. You are strongly recommended to obtain the necessary travel insurance prior to your departure, which must include cover in respect of emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses and repatriation expenses.
DEPARTURE TAX
There is a departure tax amounting to USD40 per person over the age of 12, payable in foreign currency upon departure.
HEALTH
There are no serious health risks found on these islands. Medical facilities are limited but include a large hospital in Victoria and clinics on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. There is no malaria, yellow fever or bilharzia on the islands.
WHAT TO PACK
Formal dress is seldom worn. Lightweight clothing is suitable year round, with a jersey or jacket for the chilly evenings from June to September. Men are required to wear long trousers in the evening. Sun protection and hats are strongly advisable, as is a pair of sunglasses and a high UV sunscreen.
 |
WHERE TO STAY
We have featured only one of the many properties available in the Seychelles, as this encompasses the level of accommodation, standards and cuisine of properties in this island getaway. We would be delighted to discuss this property, along with the variety of top quality properties that are available. |
NORTH ISLAND - SEYCHELLES
This island is a place to relax and unwind far from the pressures of mankind.
| North Island private sanctuary is a 20-minute helicopter flight from Mahe, the main island of the Seychelles. It is one of the most beautiful islands in this area. The island had been uninhabited for over thirty years until it opened in April 2003 and is now a rare sanctuary for both wildlife and discerning travellers. The Island’s natural habitats are diverse. |
|
Critically endangered Seychelles fauna and flora are being re-introduced over time.
The ‘barefoot luxury’ villas on North Island are unashamedly aimed at providing the best in seclusion, location, accommodation and facilities. 11 guest villas ensure each guest’s total privacy, but the essence of North Island remains a sustainable, ecologically sensitive utilisation of a rare precious natural treasure.
The guest villas are designed to create a sensorial experience of the Island and ambient simple warmth.
 |
Each villa has a ylang-ylang thatched roof, and has been hand-crafted on the Island from wood, local stone and glass. Each villa measures 460 square meters, and are completely self-contained, comprising a luxuriously proportioned bedroom, a writing and change room area with a huge en-suite bathroom, marble bath, inside and outside showers. |
Air-conditioning in the bedrooms, overhead punkah fans and fully retracting sliding windows for 270-degree views, provides a cosy environment for the enjoyment of balmy ocean breezes. There is an additional study that can also be used as a second bedroom, if required. A small kitchen leads off the expansive sundeck and lounge area. A private plunge pool and ‘sala’ finishes off your villa.
Activities are many and varied in and around the island. Snorkelling and scuba diving can be undertaken in the clear water on the reefs in and around North and Silhouette Islands, mountain bikes, island buggies and hiking trails get you around the island at your own pace, while massages in the privacy of your own villa round off the experience.
With four beaches located around the Island, you are assured of a superb year-round tropical beach and island experience. The extensive facilities include 11 incredible guest villas; a central dining room, lounge and library, a gym, a world-class dive centre and operation; as well as a breathtaking 45m long and narrow swimming pool, nestled into a granite outcrop.
|
