Seychelles

Unique is an overused word. It has appeared in the pages of so many holiday brochures that it has lost any real meaning. That is unless you are describing Seychelles.

When applied to our glistening islands ‘unique’ magnificently and triumphantly reclaims its true meaning. Not just once but over and over again.

The 115 pristine islands that sparkle in the middle of the Indian Ocean are one of the world’s greatest treasures. A place where natural purity and authenticity are perfectly cocooned from the pernicious influences of commercialism. A place where tranquillity and simplicity can be found and innocence rediscovered. A place like no other and another world entirely.

Visa requirements	Irrespective of the nationality of the visitor and his or her family members, there are NO VISA requirements to enter Seychelles.
Languages spoken	There are three official languages in Seychelles: Creole (a lilting, French-based patois), English and French. Many Seychellois also speak fluent Italian or German.
Currency used	The local currency is the Seychelles Rupees (SCR)
Places	Mahé, the largest and most populated island, is the centre of commerce in Seychelles, and is home to the capital of Victoria, the international airport, many large hotels and resorts, a diverse selection of small hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments. Mahé is also home to the highest mountain in Seychelles, and the islands topography offers clients a nice variety of picture perfect beaches, mountain vistas and lush tropical forests. Mahé is also the cultural and historical hub of the country, boasting an array of attractions for visitors. Praslin, the second largest island is more sparsely populated and offers a laid back experience for visitors. The Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is found here, and this prehistoric forest is a beauty to behold any fortunate enough to visit. Surrounded by many satellite islands, Praslin offers the opportunity to island hop and visit many of these on day trips, including Curieuse, Cousin, Cousine, Felicité, the Sister Islands, and of course, La Digue. La Digue is a popular destination for tourists due to its unique charm and stunning scenery. This is island lifestyle at its best, and life remains laid back at its core. The favoured mode of transport is the bicycle or ox-cart, but the island is small enough to get by on foot. La Digue is home to the world famous beach, Anse Source d'Argent, a magical landscape of sculptural boulders and pristine beach – possibly the most photographed beach in the world! The island is also home to L'Union Estate. This coconut plantation and mill is a living example of what life was like in Seychelles 200 years ago. Other Inner Islands that offer accommodation include: Denis Island Silhouette St. Anne Cerf Island Round Island Outer Island: Speckled in the Seychelles waters lie the magnificent outer islands. True paradise awaits anyone who ventures beyond the beaten path and discovers these jewels of creation. Only two of these islands feature private luxury resorts, where the ultimate in indulgence awaits visitors to these paradisiac oases. These are Desroches and Alphonse Islands. For the adventurous traveller, the other uninhabited outer islands atolls – the ultimate in untouched and pristine natural splendour - can be visited courtesy of private yacht charter (speak to a Masons Travel Representative).These include Poivre, the St. Joseph Atoll, the Amirantes Group, African Banks, the Farquhar Group and , of course, the iconic Aldabra Atoll.

Sports & nature

Sport: Island hopping whether by boat, plane or helicopter promises a true sense of the islands’ diversity. Each has its own character: a timeless miniature world, flourishing in splendid isolation far from the hubbub of modern life. Nature trails wind their way through granite peaks and lush mist forests, and hidden coves harbour secrets that few, if any, have discovered. Scuba dive in an ocean of kaleidoscopic colours and swim alongside 40-foot long, plankton-eating whale sharks or skim the surface of the turquoise waters on water-skis, a kayak or a catamaran. Indeed, if the world’s best fly-fishing can’t tempt you why not, from the comfort of the boat, enjoy unrivalled deep-sea fishing instead? Your catch could include marlin, sailfish, green jobfish and skipjack tuna.

Nature: Safe inside the boundaries of one of nature’s last sanctuaries, the spectacular diversity of endemic and indigenous species is almost impossible to comprehend. Nowhere else on earth will you stumble upon the Jellyfish Tree, the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, the world’s smallest frog, the heaviest land tortoise, the world’s largest fish and the Indian Ocean’s only flightless bird. The islands also boast some of the most spectacular seabird colonies in the world, where there are 13 species and 17 subspecies that occur here and only here.

Nightlife info

Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the local clubs and bars where you can dance to the latest music until the small hours. Most large hotels have public bars and often host their own programmes of evening entertainment where you can try local dances such as the Sega and Moutia. You can even test lady luck at casinos on Mahé and Praslin.