Experience barefoot luxury in the Seychelles

Located in the Indian Ocean beneath the equator, to the north-east of Madagascar, this archipelago offers some of the best beaches in the world. Ribbons of silky soft sands lapped by topaz waters and backed by a vast landscape of lush hills and indigenous flora… it’s a honeymooner’s paradise and one for the bucket list. Whittle away the hours soaking up the rays, dive beneath the azure waves to discover some of the Indian Ocean’s finest coral reefs and witness extraordinary wildlife in its natural habitat; A holiday to Seychelles is brimming with pinch-me moments and needs to be seen to be believed.
 
Scattered like jewels in the Indian Ocean, each of Seychelles’ wonderful islands offers a totally different experience so don’t limit yourself to visiting just one isle. The main island, Mahé is the most developed and is home to the capital and the majority of the entire country’s population. Here you’ll find a plethora of activities including hiking in Morne Seychellois National Park, where you will discover unparalleled beauty in the form of mountains and beaches as well as a wealth of first-class resorts. 

Praslin, a close second for the most popular isle in Seychelles is where you’ll find those postcard-worthy palm-fringed beaches bordered by large granite boulders. Home to the famed Anse Lazio and Anse Geogette beaches which frequently make the top 10 for lists of the best beaches and most beautiful destinations worldwide, Praslin is a great locale for those seeking a tranquil escape on the sands. Here you’ll also find Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of only two places in the world where the rare coco de mer palm grows. 
 
Seychelles is also home to a number of private islands such as Denis Island, North Island and Zil Pasyon each of which are dominated by a five-star resort that offers an unparalleled holiday experience. Island hopping is commonplace and encouraged to ensure that visitors see as much of Seychelles’ stunning scenery as possible. Every corner of every island has a story to tell and there’s always an educated guide or friendly local willing to help you discover a new chapter.

This small African Republic has set the bar for ecotourism among other island nations. Almost 50 percent of the country has been set aside as protected lands providing ample opportunity for visitors to experience nature in its most varied and exotic forms. So safe and stripped back is Seychelles that Hawksbill turtles nest on its sands in broad daylight – a process which is normally carried out under the cloak of darkness. Seychelles is also the only spot where you’ll find indigenous Aldabra Giant Tortoises. Protected under governing law, you’ll find creeps of these gentle giants on the Aldabra Atoll but if you want to make the journey to the furthest point in the Seychelles’ archipelago, be sure to book in advance as numbers are heavily restricted to protect the land and shell-backed locals. The theme of limiting visitors to any space on Seychelles is common and is why you’ll always have a secluded stay. Even during high season, the beaches are empty offering privacy to every traveller.

Below the Indian Ocean’s glittering surface, you’ll find a marine metropolis of colourful coral reefs habited by shoals of exotic fish. As with the nature on land, many of Seychelles’ marine areas in its oceanic zone are protected as nature reserves to ensure its habitants can flourish undisturbed by hordes of fishermen and tourists. It’s thanks to this conservation that underwater experiences are so unique. A popular past-time for visitors is to snorkel in the shallows but for the more confident swimmers, diving is an absolute must. Offering a diverse experience from wall dives to wrecks, no two scuba expeditions will be the same. In this corner of the world there are around two million species of marine animals living in its corals. You can expect to see a plethora of brightly coloured fish including lionfish, parrotfish and emperor angelfish as well as rays, barracudas, sea turtles and the majestic, yet harmless, Djibouti whale shark. Be sure to pick up an underwater camera at departures for this one… trust us, you’ll want to have a constant memory of a dive in these parts.