These islands have been selected as one of the “50 Places You Must Visit in Life”, and National Geographic comments “A man who loves the landscape should grow old here”
Located in the western part of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands with pristine white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, lush tropical forests, a wide variety of rare flora and fauna, granite landscapes, and numerous luxury hotel resorts.
Seychelles enjoys a pleasant tropical climate throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 24 degrees to 33 degrees. The islands are located outside the cyclone belt and therefore do not experience extreme weather, making it a perfect place to visit. It is a romantic paradise for honeymooners, a treasure archipelago for scuba divers and a great destination for adventure seekers looking for a variety of exciting activities.
You can explore its rare ecosystems such as the Vallée de Mai, home to the Coco-de-Mer, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aldabra Atoll, where rare species of flora and fauna can be found. Also, you can stroll along some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, indulge in spa treatments and local wellness programs at luxury resorts, and then take a cultural journey.
With the diverse influences of Africa, Europe and Asia, the Seychelles boasts a vibrant cultural heritage, with colorful Creole architecture, authentic Creole cuisine, traditional music and dance performances bringing this beautiful archipelago to life.
From marine conservation to sustainable hotel operations to local community support, the Seychelles practices a holistic approach to sustainability throughout the country, which makes the journey in the Seychelles all the more rewarding.
The three main islands
The Seychelles was uninhabited until it was discovered by Europeans in the 16th century. It then came under British control at the end of the 18th century after a two-century long struggle between Britain and France. In 1976, Seychelles gained independence from Britain and became an independent and sovereign state. Today, Seychelles has evolved from a predominantly agrarian society to a diversified market-based economy, with a particularly strong tourism services sector due to its unique natural resources. It is the only African country classified by the World Bank as a high-income economy.
Large and small islands spread over an oceanic extent of 1,400,000 square kilometers, each with its own distinctive character, combine to form the Seychelles family. Of the 115 islands, 41 granite islands known as the inner islands concentrate the main tourist facilities of the Seychelles. Granite is one of the quintessential representatives of the Seychelles. These giant rocks are fragments of the ancient super-continent Gondwana, which is now 75 million years old. The granite islands are not only home to tropical forests but also boast their own unique species such as Coco-de-Mer and Jellyfish tree. The remaining 74 islands are coral islands, known as outer islands, scattered like stars in the distant expanse of the Indian Ocean.
Mahé (approximately 150 square kilometers) is the largest island in the Seychelles archipelago. The capital, Victoria, and the Seychelles International Airport, as well as numerous tourist facilities and stores are located on this island. Pristine forests wind their way down the lush mountain slopes to more than 60 beaches. The most famous of these is Intendance Beach, a spectacular 800-meter-long stretch with deafening waves, where sea turtles regularly come ashore to lay their eggs every year. In addition, Beau Vallon Beach is also stunning, ranking as the third most beautiful beach in the world. The northern part of Mahé is the main center of commercial activity, while the picturesque villages in the south offer another picture of quiet and peaceful life. Victoria, the world’s smallest capital, is steeped in history, with Creole elements everywhere. Take a stroll on the sandy beaches of the sea, go hiking in the Morne Seychelles National Park, and pick up a few trinkets in the markets of Vitoria. From international five-star resorts, boutique hotels and fully-equipped villas to value-for-money self-catering apartments, Mahé offers a wide range of accommodation options.
Seychelles’ second largest island, Praslin, is located 45 kilometers northeast of Mahé and can be reached by domestic flight (15 mins) or fast catamaran ferry (60 mins) from Mahé. The island is home to the national park Vallée de Mai, the world’s smallest cultural heritage site and one of the most popular attractions in the Seychelles. A green labyrinth of lush trees, the park is home to more than 7,000 of the world-famous Coco-de-Mer, laden with heavy fruits that take up to at least over 20 years to ripen. The park is also home to many valuable flora and fauna, including the Seychelles black parrot, of which there are fewer than 100 in existence. Anse Lazio on the northeast part of the island is known as one of the most beautiful beaches on earth, about 1 kilometer long, with crystal clear water.
Located just 7 kilometers from Praslin, La Digue is an “island where time stands still” because of its rustic atmosphere. Take a bike tour around the island and discover its quaintness, or hike along the coastline through forests, rocks and sandy beaches; Anse la Source d’Argent is one of the island’s most famous beaches, with its dramatic granite boulders. Travel to the Veuve Nature Reserve to encounter the rare Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher and tortoise. At Union Estate, get up close and personal with traditional local industries.
Sustainable travel
Among the world’s many island destinations, Seychelles is particularly known for its pristine marine environment and thriving coral reefs. This is inextricably linked to the country’s commitment to marine conservation and sustainable development.
Seychelles was the first country to enshrine the protection of environmental resources in its constitution, with some 56% of its territory designated as protected areas and a ban on non-biodegradable plastics on the island. Seychelles promotes the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label within its hospitality industry. Applicable to hotel accommodation establishments of all sizes, this is a sustainable tourism management and voluntary certification programme that recognises and rewards tourism businesses that are implementing best practices in sustainability within their operations.
The Seychelles believe that sustainability is not just a philosophy – it is a way of life. From exquisite luxury villas to rustic beach bungalows and tropical treehouses, whatever your taste or budget may be, there’s a variety of unique sustainable accommodations to pick from in Seychelles. Whether you’re travelling with family, planning a romantic retreat, or seeking an adventurous island getaway, there’s sure to be an eco-resort committed to minimizing its impact on the environment by implementing sustainable practices. Such initiatives range from recycling and composting to making use of greywater treatment and solar power.
By far the most sustainable stay in Seychelles you could ever have would be at Cosmoledo Eco Camp, a guaranteed magical jungle castaway in the Cosmoledo Atoll where eight shipping containers have been repurposed as sea-facing ’eco pods’, designed perched on removable plinths so as not to disturb the powdery-soft sand. The recycled theme continues through to the tables constructed from tree trunks and hanging lamps made from fishing nets and not to mention all cleaning products used are fully biodegradable.
Located in the south of Mahé on two of the most beautiful beaches, and overlooking the marine national park of Port Launay, Constance Ephelia Resort enjoys a unique location set within 120 hectares of land with luxurious and rare vegetation. Saving energy and water, recycling, composting and protecting fauna and flora are some initiatives that have enabled this Indian Ocean Constance establishment to receive the Green Globe certification.
Kempinski Seychelles Resort located in southern Mahé in Baie Lazare, has adopted some sustainable practices including having its own on-site water-treatment plant to recycle water. The resort has also invested in a number of green technologies for water and energy conservation and its Plant-a-Tree Programme is another initiative introduced to offset some of its operational carbon emissions while aiming to restore natural habitats, protect indigenous wildlife and educate guests about Seychelles’ biodiversity. To reduce plastic use within the establishment, the resort has replaced plastic straws with corn starch or paper alternatives and cardboard and wooden dining packaging have taken the place of takeaway and disposable ones.
Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa is the only resort on Silhouette Island, a marine national park since 1987 and home to a huge diversity of native fauna and flora. Guests can go on a selection of nature trails where they can marvel at the untouched equatorial mist forest full of botanical treasures such as orchids the pitcher-plant, and the incense tree. The hotel has several eco-friendly projects, making it leading green resorts in the country.
Hotel L’Archipel located in the North-East region of Praslin, has installed energy management systems in refurbished rooms helping to save up to 30 per cent on air-conditioning energy consumption. The hotel has solar panels with an annual production of over 100,000 kilowatts and implemented bio-technology cleaning in the restaurant and kitchen operations ensuring a hygienic and safe environment for guests and staff. In an effort to save the seas of Seychelles, Hotel L’Archipel no longer serves straws with drinks in line with the country’s initiative to ban single-use plastic straws.
Located 400km south-west of Mahé, Alphonse is one of the few of the 72 outer islands of the Seychelles to offer accommodation for tourists. With 22 Creole-style chalets and 5 suites, the 1.74km2 triangular-shaped island offers accommodation comparable to that of a luxury hotel. Visitors can enjoy the day’s fresh catch and the island’s own fruits and vegetables at every meal.
Alphonse Island is dedicated to protecting and restoring the pristine natural habitats found within its boundaries. Through ongoing conservation efforts, the island actively engages in habitat restoration projects, including the preservation of mangroves, the eradication of invasive species, and the conservation of endangered flora and fauna. These initiatives safeguard the island’s unique biodiversity and contribute to Seychelles’ larger ecosystem.
The island employs solar panels to generate a significant portion of its electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, eco-friendly infrastructure practices are implemented throughout the island, including the use of sustainable building materials and energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting and low-flow water fixtures sourced by two desalination plants.
Alphonse Island prioritises responsible waste management practices to minimise its impact on the environment. Comprehensive recycling programs are in place, ensuring that materials like plastic, glass and paper are recycled rather than discarded. The island also promotes a ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’ ethos among its guests, encouraging them to participate in waste reduction initiatives and make mindful choices during their stay.
Local community engagement is of high importance to the resort. The resort actively collaborates with nearby villages, providing employment opportunities, skills training and fair wages. Additionally, Alphonse Island supports community development projects, such as education initiatives, healthcare services and infrastructure improvements. By involving local communities, the island fosters a sense of shared responsibility and ensures that the benefits of tourism are distributed equitably.
As part of the Blue Safari experience, Alphonse Island strongly emphasises marine conservation and research. The island actively supports initiatives to protect fragile coral reefs, monitor marine species and promote sustainable fishing practices. Guests could participate in educational programs, snorkelling excursions, and awareness campaigns, raising awareness about the importance of preserving the marine environment.
Seychellois Creole culture and lifestyle
The Seychellois are a colourful and harmonious blend of different nationalities, all of whom have brought something of their own customs and cultures to the islands. The result is a culture enriched from many continents. From grand old houses with steep roofs designed for comfortable living in the tropic, a mixed cuisine featuring Indian curry, Chinese rice dishes and French aromatic blends of garlic and herbs, to the traditional moutya dance during the long warm starlit evenings with a modernized version incorporating fiddles, guitars and even synthesisers, the Creole Culture is showcasing its heterogeneous charm.
The essence of Creole tradition beams and gleams in the heart of Au Cap at Domaine de Val des Pres Craft Village. On this vast property which includes a classic Plantation House, an art and craft village, a Creole restaurant, and an art gallery, visitors are welcome to share a taste of the Seychellois island style of living.
The experience is a unique opportunity to learn local dances, assist in the kitchen by preparing spices for grilled fish, grating coconut for fish stew or desserts like la daube or nougat while also learning how to prepare traditional papaya jam and condiments like pickles known as “asar” locally.
The first few steps onto the driveway instantly take you to colonial Seychelles, where the bright blue paint on the old ‘Grann Kaz’ welcomes you to its compound. Whether you are familiar with Seychelles’ heritage or not, a sense of nostalgia lingers in the air.
A walk through the old colonial house is a quick history lesson of that period and the lifestyle that derived from it. Pictures and artefacts of the people who used to occupy the land lay in every little corner. Visitors that require a bit more clarification on the findings from inside the now-standing time capsule are met by some lovely attendants who are well-versed in the story of Domaine de Val des Pres.
The journey continues to the back of ‘Grann Kaz’, down the brick stairs to ‘Lakwizin Tradisyonnel,’ which stores all the necessities of a typical Creole kitchen. On a Tuesday, you will most likely be captivated by the pungent smell of chilli prepped for local ‘Asar’ by Mrs Gina Havelock. ‘Asar’ is a local delicacy that can be served as a salad and comes in different flavours. That kitchen is the place where the process of preparing traditional Creole food is demonstrated to visitors.
On the far right, across the lush green garden, lies ‘Lakaz Roza’, famous for its traditional exterior and newspaper-covered interiors. Surrounding the two leading houses, are about 13 colourful kiosks, occupied by local artisans. The goods include beautiful hats, purses and baskets out of raw materials; paintings, towels, pareos and vakwa bags made of dry palm materials of different shapes and sizes; as well as the local Seychelles tea, handcrafted home décors, boat maquettes, ceramics, stuffed toys, printed textiles and souvenirs made in Creole fashion.
The Creole Festival, which has been in existence since 1985, takes place every October on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, with the aim to showcase and celebrate the different aspects of Seychellois culture as experienced through music, dance, arts, crafts, cuisine, customs and the general way of life.
One of several indications for locals that the wheels of the festival have been set in motion is when local artist, Joe Samy’s famous melody, ‘Lasezon Kreol in Refleri’ graces the local radio channels.
There are some key activities which take place during the one-month-long celebration which never fail to appear on the calendar of events.
Fon Lanmal is a great opportunity to let fashion perform a significant role in articulating the culture. This fashion event is one where aspiring young Seychellois designers, especially students, can have the chance to thrive and show off their latest creations in clothing and accessories often crafted from local raw materials.
Selebo is a traditional and modern musical spectacle where everybody sings and dances until early hours of the morning. Different groups dance, sing, recite poems, story tell and play traditional games to showcase our culture from back in the days.
Tifin brings out customs in regards to how weddings were traditionally held, from the attire of the bride, groom and bridesmaids, delicacies and refreshments served to the ‘romans’ songs sung. A real Tifin wedding ceremony is held during the Creole Festival where a local or foreign couple is chosen to tie the knot the old-fashioned way.
Forever present on the programme of activities is the leading event Laserenad, the biggest parade of the year with a chosen theme to represent and endorse Creole culture. Some of the themes on display have to do with pirates, slavery, old architecture, traditional dances, the ocean and the environment. Both the young and old participate in the dancing and singing of the Laserenad, colourfully dressed in clothes traditionally of a time already far gone.
Moman Kreativite gives Young Seychellois the opportunity to discover, develop and demonstrate their talents through different forms of art namely story-telling, poetry, drama, singing and traditional dancing.
Attracting a large crowd between 10:00m and 6:00 pm, Dimans Kreol Borlanmer is an activity, which takes place by the beach. The line-up consists of Creole music, water sports such as pirogue and raft races, traditional games, coconut tree climbing competitions and much more. During all this happening you can have a wonder between stalls set up to explore, appreciate and buy local products and taste typical and authentic local dishes and drinks.
All of the best-known artists from Seychelles and their Creole-speaking neighbours get together for what is called, Lakadans – an extravaganza that presents a musical journey, through a compilation of rhythms both traditional and modern, before a large, enthusiastic crowd dancing well into the night.
The calendar of events will be published on the Festival Kreol Sesel or Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts Facebook pages.
*Resources: Tourism Seychelles