Seychelles
Paradise on Earth is what they call this archipelago that lies in the middle of the Indian Ocean, a thousand miles from Africa. Seychelles' warm waters, high standards of service and friendly people draw visitors year after year. Islands like Mahè, Praslin, La Digue, Aldabra and Desroches are every bit as enchanting as their names. Wherever you go, you will always find gorgeous beaches and upscale restaurants. For honeymooners, the romance of Seychelles promises the experience of a lifetime.
Mahè is by far Seychelles' largest island and home to its capital, Victoria. Here you will find the international airport, the fishing and commercial ports, most of the population and several resorts, hotels and casinos. Its powdery white beaches, lush vegetation, coconut and cinnamon plantations and forested peaks make the Seychelles an enchanting, magical place. Surrounded by coral reefs, the clear azure water is perfect for water sports. Take an island helicopter tour for a spectacular bird's-eye view of the island.
Seychelles is one and a half hours behind Indian Standard Time. The currency is the Seychelles Rupee. English, French and Creole are widely spoken.
Mahe South Coast Cruise
Cruise from Victoria, along the east coast to the south, tracing the same routes pirates used centuries ago. At Anse Royale, continue to Anse Forbans, Cap Maison, Anse Marie Louise, Capucin, Petit Boileau and Pointe Police. You will stop at some point to do a little snorkeling and exploration. Enjoy a barbeque lunch on board.
A Reef Safari
Board a catamaran at Victoria’s marina, and cruise to the middle of the harbour where you can feed the fish and go exploring underwater. Savour a delicious traditional Creole buffet on board, after which you may nap on the beach or go swimming. Sip on a ‘petit rum punch de Iles’ before heading back to the hotel.
A Discovery tour of Mahe
Set off to Victoria, where you will see the court buildings, the clock tower and the local market. Drive across the Sans Soucis mountain pass, with a halt at the historic Mission Lodge. After a Creole lunch, continue to the Jardin du Roi plantation, where you will explore the adjoining area.
Exploring Praslin and la digue
Praslin is Seychelles’s second largest island. Visit Valée de Mai, the only place where the giant Coco de Mer palm grows in its natural state. Head to Anse Lazio beach, then cross to La Digue. From the jetty, take an ox cart to L’Union Estate to see the copra sheds, the giant land tortoises and the plantation house.
A visit to Praslin
Visit an oyster farm, where giant clams are bred, and black pearls are cultivated in the Black Lip Pearl Oyster. Here, you have the chance to shop for pearls at the jewellery boutique. Continue to Vallée de Mai. Stop for a Creole lunch, and continue to the beach at Anse Lazio.
A Vallée De Mai guided tour
Spend half the day at Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will be able to see the Coco de Mer palm, and one of the world’s rarest birds, the Black Parrot.
A Day at Vallée De Mai
Spend the day at the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, admiring the Coco de Mer palm, and the rare Black Parrots. Later, head to Anse Lazio, where the beaches invite you to linger for hours.
A tour of La Digue
Set off to Baie Sainte Anne Jetty and make the half-hour crossing to La Digue Jetty. Take an ox cart to L’Union Estate for a tour of the copra sheds, the giant land tortoises and the plantation house. Continue in a ‘camion’ (an open-sided canopied truck), to Anse Source d’Argent beach, known for its impressive granite formations and pristine beach. After a Creole lunch, take a siesta on the beach.Taj Denis Island *****
The spectacular Taj Denis Island is a 375 acre coral island set amidst the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. It is, without exaggeration, one of the planet's most magical, romantic retreats, blanketed by lush tropical foliage and ringed with powder soft beaches, all set amidst turquoise waters.
LOCATION
Taj Denis Island is a quick 30 minute flight from Mahé.
AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
Each cottage has its own private sea facing verandah and courtyard, amidst casuarina and coconut trees. Alongside are pathways that meander through the coconut groves into the interior of the island. There are 25 Deluxe Cottages.
Denis is an excellent fishing location and is renowned for its abundance of game fish. Chartered fishing boats operate daily from the lodge on request.
Affiliated to the lodge is a professional dive centre that provides dive excursions for beginners and advanced divers alike. The protected underwater life around the island makes for fabulous dives
DINING
The resort's restaurant is known for its international and Creole cuisine. The seafront restaurant serves local and international specialties and boasts a well stocked bar.
SPECIALS
Taj Denis Island is perched at the rim of the Seychelles plateau, where its shallow waters meet the ocean's depths. The resulting diverse ecosystem has changed little since the island was discovered.
EXCLUSIVELY FOR KUONI'S CUSTOMERS
A complimentary bottle of wine.
Seychelles
We suggest you spend the first day of your holiday exploring beautiful Mahè, at the heart of the Seychelles. The largest of the 115 Seychelles islands, Mahè boasts of 60 beautiful beaches and numerous sandy coves. The famous Intendance beach in southern Mahè offers half a mile of powder white sand and huge breakers. Explore the Anse Major nature trail that follows part of the rocky coastline of northwest Mahè and leads to the small secluded beach of Anse Major. Visit the popular resort beach of Beau Vallon. Also visit the Seychelles National History Museum, the colourful Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, the Tea Factory and the Victoria Clock Tower.
Next, you could explore the neighbouring islands of Praslin and La Digue. Each of Seychelles' islands is unique in character and ambience, and as most of these are within easy travelling distance of each other, we recommend that you stay on at least two islands during your holiday. Transfers between the islands are mainly by light aircrafts and most transfers originate from Mahé.
Attractions on Praslin include the Black Pearl experience, the Art Gallery at Café des Arts, the George Camille Art Gallery, and Vallée de Mai - a UNESCO World Heritage site. Must see attractions on La Digue Island include the Barbara Jensen studio, the Granite Boulder, the Green Gecko Gallery, and the L'Union Estate. There are many other facilities in Seychelles for activities like big game fishing, diving, snorkelling and fly-fishing.