SEYCHELLES
Seychelles, a nation made up of 115 tropical island tucked faraway in Indian Ocean is all about seeking
the quietest beaches on earth or may be even a ‘sea’ for yourself. The first recorded landing dates back to 1501 and for two centuries the “original Garden of Eden” served as the ultimate hideout for pirates. This came to an end when in 1770 the French established a settlement with 15 whites, 5 Malabar Indians and 8 Africans resulting in unique cosmopolitan populace with French twang. Defeat of Napoleon made Seychelles a British colony that gained independence in 1970.
Present day Seychelles is a quiet paradise on earth with calm azure waters that focuses on ecological and environmental friendly tourism. Mahe is the biggest and most popular island with Praslin and La Diague being a short chopper ride away. Its charm lies in
exclusive private islands or ‘one island-one resort’policy. Seychelles has plenty of choice where ultra luxury and expansive accommodation is concerned. The big ones include Sainte Anne’s resort, Taj Denis Island (good option for vegetarians) as well as properties on Cousine, Fregate and Felicite islands. However the best option is Relais and Cateaux run Chateau de Feuilles at Praslin—a nine-room resort spread over five hectares that offers exclusive access to pristine island called Grand Soeur. Among the spas the one by Clarins is packed through out the year.
Rude food is at its appropriate best in Seychelles. The endemic Coco de Mer Palm is all about plants getting graphic. The suggestively shaped male and female parts of the tree follow travellers everywhere right from passport stamp to expensive souvenirs.
Next star attraction is spice plantation tour where one can curate a personal collection of nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. In the pecking order breadfruit occupies a place of pride, which is essentially a sweet potato cooked with coconut. Legend has it that visitors who eat it come back again.
Evenings in Seychelles are about enjoying Moutia dance that was once banned by upright French for being too sexually brazen. Then there is Sega dance, which involves hip swaying to tune of guitars. Every October the nations plays host to Creole festival that shows off rich local culture and cuisine but its popularity is due to the fact that it keeps islanders and tourists partying till dawn.
Seychelles is a botanist’s delight, an aqua sport enthusiast’s heaven, a party popper’s Mecca for its exclusive elite parties, a art collector’s ideal destination and a peace lover’s dream come true where the term pin drop silence acquires a meaning.
A trip to Seychelles is like no another. One gets used to the sun, tanking up on the wine and no
traffic jams, as there is only one traffic light that too in capital city of Victoria.
Life in lap of luxury is Seychelles.