The Indian Ocean’s Galápagos: The Seychelles Archipelago

The Seychelles, a breathtaking archipelago, consists of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. Initially claimed as a French colony in the 18th century, it subsequently changed hands between the French and British until achieving independence in 1976. The diverse heritage of its population, stemming from extensive intermarriage among European colonists, Asians from China, India, Malaya, and indigenous African peoples, has cultivated a rich mosaic of cultural identities.

The archipelago is celebrated for its verdant vegetation, countless immaculate beaches, coral reefs, nature reserves, and a remarkable array of marine life and rare species, including the giant Aldabra tortoises. The Seychelles is divided into two primary groups of islands: the Inner Islands, home to some of the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on the planet, and the Outer Islands, characterized by their coral atolls and reef islands. The majority of visitors choose to stay in the Inner Islands, where most high-end resorts are located, although chartering a yacht offers the freedom to explore the Outer Islands.

Our offerings in the Seychelles encompass both the untouched inner and outer island resorts as well as the foremost luxury accommodations on Mahé, the main island. Since 2002, we have specialized in custom-tailoring honeymoons, family adventures, and post-safari retreats in the Seychelles, securing preferential rates at many of the archipelago’s top resorts.

Mahé: Gateway to the Seychelles

Mahé serves as the entry point for travelers to the Seychelles and stands as the archipelago’s largest and most developed island. Its capital, Victoria, resides here amid the lush mountain rainforests of Morne Seychellois National Park and stunning white sand beaches such as Beau Vallon and Anse Takamaka. Mahé acts as the central hub for embarking on island hops and day trips to explore the smaller islands within the archipelago.

The island hosts several prestigious international resort and hotel brands, including the Four Seasons, Banyan Tree, and Kempinski, offering luxurious accommodations for visitors.

The Inner Islands: A Submerged Paradise

The Inner Islands stand as the remnants of a submerged mountain range situated atop a shallow plateau. This natural marvel is adorned with lush tropical vegetation that cascades over the edges like elevated gardens, overlooking pristine silver-white beaches and crystal-clear lagoons. These islands are renowned for their remarkable granite reef formations, draped in soft corals and sponges, teeming with an abundant and vibrant marine ecosystem. Divers can explore a variety of impressive dive sites, including the awe-inspiring gatherings of plankton-consuming whale sharks during October and November. Among the multitude of islands, we highlight some exceptional choices for those seeking a luxurious escape to this idyllic haven.

North Island: Unrivaled Luxury and Natural Beauty

North Island epitomizes unparalleled natural beauty and luxury. It gained prominence as the honeymoon destination for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, featuring just eleven luxury villas. This secluded sanctuary boasts four radiant white beaches enveloped by warm azure waters and serves as a conservation success story, restoring natural habitats and reintroducing endangered species. In 2020, North Island joined Marriott’s luxury collection, setting a new standard for opulent beachfront living with impeccable service, privacy, gourmet dining, and memorable activities.

Fregate Island: A Sanctuary for Giant Aldabra Tortoises

Fregate Island is a must-visit for those eager to encounter the majestic giant Aldabra tortoises, known for their impressive lifespan of up to 150 years. The island’s conservation initiatives have successfully increased the tortoise population from 150 to over 2,000. Additionally, its beaches serve as crucial nesting sites for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle and the endangered green turtle, highlighting Fregate’s dedication to environmental preservation.

Praslin: Pristine Beaches and Unique Flora

As the Seychelles’ second-largest island, Praslin is a haven of untouched beaches, lush jungles, and the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This reserve is the home of the Coco de Mer palm, whose fruit is revered for its unique properties. Anse Lazio beach, often lauded as the world’s most beautiful beach, is a must-visit for beach aficionados.

Exploring More Inner Islands

For those with time to explore further, Silhouette Island, declared a National Park in 2010, offers a sanctuary for endemic birds. Curieuse Island is another spot to marvel at the Aldabra tortoises. Denis Island and Félicité Island, with the latter hosting the eco-luxury resort Six Senses Zil Pasyon, are also noteworthy destinations within the Inner Islands, each offering its unique charm and beauty.

Exploring the Outer Islands

Situated to the southwest of the archipelago, the Outer Islands feature flat landscapes with elevated coral reefs, creating a diver’s paradise with a variety of underwater experiences. These range from canyon explorations and numerous wreck-diving sites to thrilling drop-off dives. Encounters with large grouper species, including the spotted potato bass, migrating manta rays, and even the occasional hammerhead shark, are not uncommon. Venturing to the Outer Islands is an adventure in itself, revealing numerous undiscovered treasures.

Aldabra Atoll: A Diver’s Dream

The vibrant and diverse marine life of the region includes a dazzling array of corals, over 900 fish species, ribbon-tailed stingrays, and the plankton-feeding whale shark. The Aldabra Atoll, recognized as the second largest coral atoll on the planet and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to an impressive population of giant tortoises. This underwater haven attracts divers of all skill levels, and for those with a passion for diving, live-aboard cruises to this secluded spot are available.

The Enchantment of Other Outer Islands

Cousin Island serves as a sanctuary for various land birds, such as the endangered Seychelles warbler. Bird Island is renowned as a crucial breeding site for turtledoves, frigate birds, and other seabirds, which annually gather there for nesting. Desroches Island boasts the luxurious Four Seasons Resort, offering an exquisite retreat in the Seychelles.

Completing an African safari with a stay at one of the Seychelles’ most exclusive resorts, surrounded by the warm hospitality of the Creole people, offers an unparalleled ending to an unforgettable journey.