If you want a great beach getaway which gives you a chance to get away from the stress of modern life – without completely doing away with your mod cons – the Seychelles could be the perfect place for you. An archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, it offers spectacular beaches, beautiful vistas, unique wildlife and a taste of a more relaxed way of life.
The geography of the Seychelles means you can be particular about where you stay on your holiday. If you’re looking to be pampered on a luxury resort, consider staying at the Kempinski hotel at Baie Lazare; alternatively, if you want to escape from the pull of Facebook, Twitter and text messages, look into staying somewhere like Bird Island. There are no phones at this resort, which offers a real desert island experience.
Wherever you choose to go, island hopping is part of the Seychelles experience, so you can easily go and explore.
Diving
The Seychelles is a top destination for experienced divers, with its clear waters and abundance of marine life. For those who have never been diving before, there’s no better place to start! The Cap Ternay Marine National Park is a must-see for marine-life enthusiasts, while the many old shipwrecks in the bays are now habits for fish and coral and are great for exploring.
Mahe
Mahe is the biggest island in the Seychelles, and is home to 90 per cent of the country’s population. Along with the Morne Seychellois National Park, a large protected wildlife area well worth exploring, Mahe is also home to the capital, Victoria. Here is where you will find the best shopping, bars and restaurants in the Seychelles, so is well worth at least one visit to get a real feel for life as a local. At night, try out the great open-air bars and clubs or simply head down to the beach and enjoy some drinks with the locals.
Praslin
For nature enthusiasts, Praslin is a paradise. The Seychelles’ second-largest island, its beautiful scenery and unique flora and fauna has earned it the title of ‘the real Garden of Eden’. The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is the jewel in the crown, a preserved palm forest inscribed with UNESCO World Heritage status.