Seychelles. Travel guide. What to do ? Hotels , beaches .................
13:27 Seychelles. Travel guide. What to do ? Hotels , beaches ................. | |
 The Seychelles were disputed between France and Great Britain during the age of colonialism, with Britain ending up in control in 1814 after the Napoleonic Wars. The islands achieved independence in 1976; however, free elections did not occur until 1993. The politics of this island group remain in something of a state of flux, although this should not bother the tourist seeking a relaxing beach vacation. No visa is required for all nationalities, though all foreigners must have a passport valid for at least 6 months, and must have proof of accommodation bookings before arrival. Visitors without pre booked accommodation are likely to be compelled to book accommodation at the airport for the length of their stay before being allowed to leave the airport. An initial entry permit is granted for 1 month but can be extended for a maximum of 3 months at a time up to a maximum of 1 year in total. Climate: Seychelles is hot and humid, with an average yearly temperature of 84°F (29°C), and average sea temperature rarely dropping below 81°F (27°C). However, the heat is usually mitigated by refreshing sea breezes, especially by the beaches. The cooler season in Seychelles is during the southeast monsoon season (May to September) and the warmer season is during the northwest monsoon (November to March). April and October are "changeover months" between the two monsoons, when the wind is variable. The northwest monsoon season tends to be warmer with more rain, while the southeast monsoon season is usually drier and cooler. Visit the beaches. Many of the beaches are untouched by man's influence and are refreshingly uncrowded. They offer clear blue skies and a tranquility you will rarely find. A hike along the coastline from Beau Vallon to Anse Major will take about 1.5-2 hours and your reward will be a small deserted beach that's fit for a king. The scenery along the hike is breathtaking. Not all beaches are suitable for swimming depending on the time of year, due to the seasonal winds. Do not ignore warning signs indicating that a beach is hazardous for swimming, no matter how it seems to you. Vallee de Mai is a national park and world heritage site, home to amazing flora and fauna, including the world's largest seed: the coco de mer. Entrance fee: Free for residents, 315 rupees (~20Euros) for foreigners (Sept 2010). Aldabra Atoll: The world's largest coral atoll that stretches about 22 miles east to west and encloses a huge tidal lagoon. Aldabra is the original home of the giant land tortoise and tiger sharks and manta rays can also often be seen here. Watersports: The warm Indian Ocean waters make Seychelles the perfect place for the water enthusiasts. Explore on board a yacht, power boat, catamaran or sailboat. Windsurfing is also popular and the best time for this activity is usually around May then in October, at the start and end of the trade winds. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing are also extremely popular and can be done almost anywhere in Seychelles. Baie Ternay is superb and easily acccessible by glass bottom boat tour from Beau Vallon beach - leave yourself an empty day and walk the beach for a 'last minute' booking - great deals can be bartered. Snorkeling (provided you have your own gear - some hotels lend masks, snorkels and fins to guests) is FREE and there are many great spots: off some of the small beaches at Glacis, past Mouse Island at Anse Royale, along the reef at Port Launay (near Ephelia Resort). Often spotted are a wide array of tropical fish, sea turtles, eagle rays and more! Land Sports: Golf, tennis, squash, badminton, horseback riding, biking and hiking are some of the recreational activities available on the Seychelles Islands. Bike rentals and walking tours are great ways to sightsee and since distances are relatively short and the scenery is beautiful, walking is probably the best way to see the smaller islands (La Digue, Praslin), while walking along the main road can be quite intimidating as the roads are narrow and local cars/busses drive quite quickly. On Mahe it is not advised to ride bicycles, and there are no rental shops within sight. Bird watching is also popular and the islands are home to many of the worlds most treasured and rare species of animals. The best place to do so is Cousin Island which although only 1 km (0.6 miles) in diameter, is home to more than 300,000 birds, but many unique species can be found at ease on Mahe. So ! There are many hotels in Seychelles and I want to tell you about some of them. 1. Four Seasons - Mahe Brilliantly green coastline reveals tree-house villas perched on a jungled hillside. Lounge by your plunge pool, then stroll to the powder-sand beach, one of the best on the island. Revel in days of barefoot ease, serenaded by tropical birdsong and scented by cinnamon trees and frangipani. Recharge the spirit with storybook adventure, exploring jungle and sea. With refreshing warmth and devoted attention, Four Seasons awakens the joy of fresh discovery. The 67 villas and suites of Four Seasons Resort Seychelles reflect the symphony of contrasts that characterises the island's natural surroundings. These expansive accommodations are grounded in traditional Creole design featuring natural timber and brick, with views that soar above rocky granite outcroppings to the azure waters of the Indian Ocean or the island's verdant landscape. All villas and suites feature expansive outdoor spaces that open up to a lush tropical oasis, where coconut, mango, jackfruit and cinnamon trees kiss the air with a heady fragrance. Prices $120-$450.  2. Banyan Tree - Mahe Picture the sun on your skin, sand at your feet and time on your hands. At Banyan Tree Seychelles resort, located on the picturesque south-western coastline of Mahé Island, 60 exquisite Creole-style villas welcome you along with unspoiled beaches of the Indian Ocean. Banyan Tree Seychelles, a tropical haven surrounded by flora and fauna, is perfect for a tranquil getaway or for the vacation of a lifetime. Prices $100-$400. 3. Dhevatara Beach Hotel - Praslin Dhevatara is the expression of our take of Barefoot Luxury, a new concept to the current trend of a gilded luxury tourism segment. Instead, we believe that high standard of service and respect for Nature can coexist, that the conscious traveler expects an authentic experience, that real luxury is quality time and the chance to take off your shoes and just be yourself. The surrounding lush forests and the Indian Ocean provide the perfect back drop for you to do this. Our ambitious target is simply to provide you with the place and the conditions for harmony to be found and enjoyed. And let Nature do the rest. Each of our ten individually designed Suites offers a different feel and ambience to meet our Guests personal taste and preferences. Our architect team idea was to pay a tribute to the Seychelles cultural and historical background that shows through the choice of styles and materials: in fact we find both African, Victorian, Indian and Nature inspired touches reflected in the Suites décor: just like the Seychelles. Prices $110-$390. 4. Maia Resort and Spa - Anse Louis When it is time to pause your frenetic pace and rediscover senses dulled by the incessant demands of life, there is a place called Maia Luxury Resort & Spa - offering something more than just breathtaking views, unsurpassed service and astonishing accommodation. Maia offers you a place to restore your self. Stop. Stay. Begin again. 12-acres of award winning garden burst with life and colour, delighting senses of sight and scent with beautiful trees and herbs, fruit trees and greenery bearing exotic spices such as cinnamon, and extra-ordinary flowers such as orchids, blossoming hibiscus and heliconias. Our green-fingers paradise is home to over 300 different species of exotic and endemic plants tended to by 18 passionate full-time gardeners and in August 2008, the South African Landscapers Institute gave our gardens their highly prestigious award for 'Best Landscape and Turf Maintenance in Africa.' Prices $100-$350. 5. Raffles Praslin From across the continents of Europe and Asia, the legend of Raffles now extends to the enchanting islands of the Seychelles, cradled at the heart of the Indian Ocean. Raffles Praslin Seychelles presents an all-villa Seychelles luxury resort nestled within the stunning island of Praslin that was once declared the rediscovered Garden of Eden. This Seychelles hotel seeks to present guests with an escape where warm native Seychellois hospitality is infused with the enchanting touch of Raffles. Taste the exotic flavours of the breezy Curieuse Restaurant, the traditional cuisine and Mediterranean delights of Losean. Enjoy lazy evening siestas on the Danzil Lounge Bar or the Takamaka Terrace Lounge while sipping a signature Raffles cocktail or classic wine. Only a fifteen minute flight away from the Mahé International Airport of the island’s capital Victoria, this Seychelles resort opens a portal into a myriad of adventures. Surrender to the sun-kissed allure of Anse Tamaka’s powdered sands, on to which spill the eighty-six spacious villas fashioned to assure lavish comfort. These private abodes offer a choice of whispering, opal-hued oceans and lush green hills threaded with roaring waterfalls and tinkling streams. Be immersed in the relaxing therapies of the exclusive Raffles Spa, which coupled with the soothing embrace of unsullied nature, rejuvenate both body and spirit. Discover the island’s bounty of flora and fauna in the mystic prehistoric forest of Vallée de Mai and the islands of Curieuse and La Digue. Embark on an undersea exploration of the vibrant coral beds at the Curieuse National Marine Park. Revel in the intimacy and solitude of world-renowned beaches such as Anse Lazio. Find beautifully-crafted souvenirs in the shopping streets of Victoria. With all this and yet more to discover, Raffles Praslin Seychelles offers travellers not only the ultimate tropical retreat, but also blissful intoxication for all the senses. Prices $120-$430. | |
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