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Destination:

Seychelles


The Islands

Mahé is the largest island in the 115-island chain, as well as its economic and political center, home to 90% of Seychellois. All international flights will arrive in Mahé. The country's only town, Victoria, is one of the world's smallest capitals. It’s charming, leisurely and quiet, with an interesting mix of French and British colonial architecture and an ornate Hindu temple.

 

Mahé has more beaches, hotels and tourist facilities than the other islands. The best snorkeling is at Launay Marine National Park. Divers will want to visit Ste. Anne Marine National Park, while Morne Seychellois National Park provides beautiful scenery, good hiking, and great views from its peaks.

 

The other two principal islands are Praslin and La Digue, both gorgeous granite islands with their own considerable charms, about 15 minutes from Mahé by air.

 

Desroches Island, a coral island 143 miles southwest of Mahé (a 40-minute flight) is exclusive and remote, attracting celebrities and royals. Just 3.8 miles long and edged with white sandy beaches, it has only one resort – though a second resort is in the works – and some of the best diving in the Seychelles. We chose to stay on North Island, a spectacular 20-minute helicopter ride from Mahé. This island sanctuary is small and private, ecologically well-protected, and totally pristine, with a unique landscape of granite boulders and a tiny gem of an eco-lodge. As I said – paradise.