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the Seychelles

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Average daytime temperatures in the Seychelles (°C):

If you’re a lover of paradise beaches with powdery sands lapped by

azure waters, the 115 islands which make up the Seychelles are blessed with hundreds of them. Beyond the beach, there’s no shortage of scenic hikes, vibrant townships and natural wonders to explore in this sublime Indian Ocean archipelago.

Known as ‘the land of perpetual summer’, much of the islands that make up the Seychelles remain uninhabited to this day, with many remaining as nature reserves, however the three main islands are a melee of hotels, bars and restaurants - not to mention the picture-perfect beaches.

Seychelles Statistics

Population 97,000

Capital Victoria

Currency Seychellois rupee

Official language Creole, English & French

Time zone GMT +4

Flight time: 10 hours from London

Introducing theSeychelles

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As an increasingly popular tourist destination, you can now fly direct to the Seychelles with British

Airways, or via a connection stop in Dubai or Abu Dhabi with Emirates and Etihad to name a few. Now even more accessible and affordable, the Seychelles is a great place to spend quality time – whether its with the family, as a couple or travelling solo.

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Discover theSeychelles

Island-hopping is always a favourite for visitors and the islands of Praslin and La Digue are just 15 minutes away by plane or an hour by ferry. There, you will find excellent opportunity for swimming, snorkelling, hiking, golfing, sailing and more.

• The Seychelles is home to the heaviest and oldest land tortoise in the world.

• Victoria is the world’s smallest capital city.

• James Bond author Ian Fleming used the islands as inspiration for his stories.

• The first settlers arrived in the 18th century.

• Moyenne Island is believed to be haunted by a spirit guarding buried treasure.

• Almost half of the Seychelles landmass is occupied by national parks and reserves.

Interesting facts

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A taste of the Seychelles

Octopus curry in coconut milk

Diced octopus is boiled and added to coconut milk, spices and saffron to create this popular delicacy, but most families have their own unique twist on the traditional Seychellois staple.

Grilled fish with creole sauce

Known locally as pwason griye, grilled fish is commonly served as catch of the day in local

restaurants, mainly in the form of red snapper or rabbitfish. It’s usually enjoyed with rice and

chutney and is cooked in a variety of spices.

The Seychelles fuses creole gastronomy with the freshest ingredients to create tantalising spicy dishes made with local produce including fish and fruits. Here are a few that we think

you should try:

Octopus curry

Grilled fish

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Ladob

If you fancy something other than seafood, ladob is a dish made of sweet potatoes, breadfruit and plantain. For a sweet twist on this savoury dish, it can be made with coconut milk, nutmeg, sugar and vanilla and enjoyed as a dessert.

Banana in coconut milk

This classic dessert consists of plantain or banana cooked in coconut milk until tender and

lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Ladob

Banana in coconut milk

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How to experience thebest of the Seychelles

Visit the botanical gardens in Victoria Seychelles National Botanical Gardens are centuries old and boast an entire host of exotic plants over the 15-acre site, plus you’ll see plenty of wildlife, including giant tortoises and flying foxes. There’s plenty of fascinating architecture to see in Freedom Square too.

Explore the sands of Beau Vallon This horseshoe-shaped bay has calming surf and clear waters perfect for the children to play in, along with an abundance of reefs and snorkelling spots. Relax, unwind and sip on fresh coconut water while you lay on the white sands.

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Discover Vallee de Mai National Park This UNESCO World Heritage Site on Praslin Island is

often described as the Garden of Eden due to it's alluring mystical aura. Discover the unique coco de mer fruit

palm in the prehistoric rainforest and hike the marked trail for the chance to see rare species including the

black parrot in their natural habitats.

Visit La Digue Island For a glimpse into traditional life - tiny La Digue has a population of just 2,000 and is the smallest of the three islands. It’s home to the iconic granite boulder beaches that the Seychelles are famed for, and everyone travels around the island by bicycle, which are free to hire from the hotels.

Try somethingdifferent...

Experience the oceans

Get active

Explore the islands

Island hopping Visit Mahé, Praslin and La Digue for their pristine

beaches, coral atolls and mountainous granite rocks. Swim at the idyllic L’Archipel beach and cycle to Anse

Source D’Argent on a whistle-stop tour.

Try the Morne Blanc walking trail Hiking is a great way to discover the highest mountain on the island, and a 45-minute climb will reward you with incredible panoramic views of Mahe’s west coast and Port Launay Marine Park.

Fly fishing and scuba diving The coral reef-filled waters of the Seychelles make it perfect for fly fishing and diving. The best fishing spots can be found on Alphonse Island, and the best times for snorkelling are April through to May and October through to November as the water is clear and calm.

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TC Recommended:theSeychellesTake a look at some of our Travel Counsellors’ recommendations for a unique, once in a lifetime

experience in the Seychelles. To share your special holiday memories, upload your images to your social media account using the hashtag #TCexperience

It’s such a friendly place, and safe to walk around even at night time. The best time to visit is between October and May, the sea is calm and warm and conditions are ideal for diving and water sports.

Chris, Travel Counsellor

The resorts have so much to offer, you can try anything from rainforest trekking to beach yoga and creole cooking.

Brenda, Travel Counsellor

The main island of Mahé is the perfect island for eco-tourists with its incredible unspoilt surroundings. We also visited Praslin and then took a short ferry ride to La Digue, where we visited Anse Source d’Argent. If you visit it’ll become clear why it’s the most photographed beach in the world! If you’re visiting the Seychelles, try to go to at least two of the three main islands, I can’t recommend it enough!

Alice, Travel Counsellor

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Spending money

Ferry to Praslin (one way)

SR 792/£45

Daily car hire

SR 622/£35

Wondering how much spending money you’ll need for your travels? Here’s a rough guide to the price of some things you might buy or do on your holiday:

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Three course meal for two in a restaurant

SR1540/£87

Taxi journey (5 miles)

SR 245/£14

Local Beer

SR 45/£3

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Honeymoons inthe SeychellesThe Seychelles is a dream honeymoon destination, with the white-sand beaches, crystal waters

and alluring sunsets making it ones of the most romantic spots in the world. It’s unsurprising that Prince William and Kate Middleton chose North Island for their own honeymoon, alongside a whole host of other famous faces who have visited the islands for a romantic escape. Here are a few of our top experiences for newlyweds:

• Unwind with a couple’s massage overlooking the Indian Ocean.

• Hire a convertible mini moke and explore the island.

• Enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner on a secluded beach.

• Go snorkelling and discover the incredible marine life up-close.

Constance Ephelia, Mahé

Choose from a suite or a villa with incredible views, a private terrace, pool or even your own private gym. There’s plenty for newlyweds at this idyllic resort, why not treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the spa that overlooks the ocean, take in spectacular views and dine under the stars or enjoy a romantic movie in your own private area on the beach with a bottle of champagne? Hillside Villa

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Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Mahé

With a choice of suites and rooms ranging from hilltop ocean view to serenity villas, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Find zen with a guided mountain meditation, or head out on a couples' snorkelling trip. Here, you and your partner will be able to help replant a rescued coral fragment and then explore the vibrant marine life in the nearby bay.

Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Felicite

This tranquil resort is located on Felicite, a private island fringed with coral beaches and towering granite rocks. Unwind in unadulterated serenity in one of the 30 pool

villas and three- and four-bedroom residencies on offer. During your stay, try a romantic island-hopping trip with

access to exclusive beaches or soar through the skies on a scenic helicopter tour.

Serenity Villa

Pasyon Pool VIlla

Where to stay

Grand Beach Pool Villa

Beachfront Pool Villa

Junior Suite

The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach, Mahé A boutique beach resort in a sublime setting with an uber-luxe spa, Yoga and fabulous gastronomy including Eden, a hub of creole dining.

Banyan Tree Seychelles, Mahé Sublime views of the Indian Ocean combined with

jaw-dropping scenery make this tranquil retreat one of the Seychelles' most renowned properties. Expect charming

Colonial décor and rustic design that seamlessly aligns with the surrounds. Enjoy award-winning Thai cuisine at Saffron,

take a dip in the turquoise infinity pool, and choose from several room and suite options with ocean and beach views.

Coco de Mer Hotel & Black Parrot Suites, Praslin Nestled on private white sand beaches, the relaxed Coco De Mer Hotel & Black Parrot Suites has sand terraces, hammocks slung between palms, sun loungers and a saltwater pool suspended over the ocean. Set amidst rare Coco de Mer palms, it’s a dream hotel for nature enthusiasts with exotic fauna including mango and avocado trees, seasonal turtle spotting and fish feeding. The boutique hotel is an intimate retreat with 51 rooms and suites channeling a beach house aesthetic, all hosting balconies or terraces to unwind on.

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Pool Villa

Sanctuary Pool Villa

Oceanfront Pool Villa

Constance Lemuria, Anse Kerlan Find paradise at this elegant resort set amidst swaying

palms and bamboo. There's the wonderful Constance Kid's Club, an indulgent spa and the only 18-hole golf

course in the Seychelles.

Hilton Seychelles Northolme & Spa, Mahé Set amongst the Glacis lagoons, the Hilton Northolme Resort & Spa offers plenty of activities including some of the island’s best snorkelling. Discover hundreds of species of fish as you swim in azure waters at the nearby PADI dive centre, take an excursion on a glass-bottom boat and try your hand at kayaking or windsurfing. A weekly programme of activities helps guests to make the most of the island from hiking in the National Park and visiting the capital of Victoria to thrilling helicopter rides.

Hilton Seychelles Labriz, Resort & Spa, Silhouette Island Arrive by helicopter or boat at this award-winning resort,

the only one on Silhouette Island. Encounter the mystique of the island with guided nature tours, fishing, sailing and

five-star dining.

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