In an overcrowded world that is becoming more polluted by the day, Seychelles is fast gaining recognition for the integrity of its unique ecosystems and for the vast potential of its tourism industry.

There are several excellent reasons for this awakening of interest and each of them points to a unique treasure that Seychelles possesses, treasures which, together, place it head and shoulders above other island destinations.

The Seychelles Islands’ recently refreshed brand, 'The Seychelles Islands…another world' echoes the grand diversity, awesome natural beauty and cultural vibrancy that characterise the Seychelles holiday experience.

Since that distant time when Seychelles’ 115 granite and coral islands became scattered over a secluded corner of the Indian Ocean, they have remained sanctuaries for some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on earth. So rare, that the Vallée de Mai which nurtures the legendary coco-de-mer, was once thought to be the original site of the biblical Garden of Eden.

Seychelles’ dynamic, new promotional initiative reflects the long-standing national pride in conservation. Much of its inspiration springs from the pristine nature of its environment where almost half of a limited landmass has already been set-aside as nature reserves and sanctuaries for an astounding array of flora and fauna amongst which may be counted some of the rarest species on earth.

The campaign’s newly adopted slogan, 'The Seychelles Islands…another world', is the embodiment of the concept that Seychelles remains one of the purest, most environmentally intact destinations on earth offering great a diversity of experiences and accepting a mere 140,000 visitors a year.

Certainly, one of Seychelles’ greatest assets is the exotic assortment of its multitude of islands and the variety they offer to visitors wishing to take in a selection of islands during the course of their stay.

Each isle has its individual geography and character extending from granite boulders to coral reefs, from untouched forests and bird sanctuaries to private resorts and hideaways and, in this respect, never has the visitor been more spoiled for the sheer choice of unspoiled island venues.

Out of all of Seychelles’ islands currently only 16 have hotels, several of which offer the most luxurious amenities and all of which possess their own natural charm. They offer everything from the opulence of world-famous 5-star resorts to the picturesque charms of affordable smaller hotels, Creole guest houses and self caterings. Celebrated hotel chains such as Banyan Tree already operate a hotel on the islands with many others including Shangri-la and Four Seasons looking to open their doors in the near future. The islands of Bird and Denis located to the north of Mahé, Frégate to the east and Desroches and Alphonse to the south each offer diverse and unforgettable island experiences. Those fortunate enough to travel to the islands of the far south will be rewarded by the heart-stopping beauty of Cosmoledo, Farquhar and the jBird,ewel in Seychelles’ crown, Aldabra, with its magnificent lagoon and teeming wildlife. An efficient network of inter-island boat, plane and helicopter transfers will accommodate almost any itinerary affording the visitor the opportunity to explore and discover the unique features of each island.

Equally, the wonderful variety of Seychelles’ flora and fauna with its high proportion of endemic species nurtured within one of nature’s last pristine sanctuaries makes it an exciting destination for naturalists, ornithologists and eco-tourists alike. Nowhere else on earth are to be found unique specimens such as the jellyfish tree, with only eight surviving examples; the wondrous Coco-de-mer; the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, and thirteen species and seventeen subspecies of bird life. The Vallée de Mai, once thought to be the original site of the Garden of Eden, and legendary Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll, are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the smallest frog to the heaviest land tortoise and the only flightless bird of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles boasts an amazing array of endemic and indigenous species waiting to be discovered along its several nature trails.

With 115 diverse islands spread across an area of 1,400,000 square kilometres of sparkling waters, one can well understand seafarers who believe that God created Seychelles with the sailor in mind. Chartering a yacht provides perhaps the most rewarding way of discovering the hidden treasures of the archipelago at one’s own pace and whim, cruising in cyclone-free waters and enjoying a dazzling array of inner islands with golden beaches fringed by warm, turquoise waters. Further afield, the virgin territories of the Amirantes and the southern island groups offer unparalleled opportunities for big-game fishing and diving amid turtles, mantas and dolphins in places where few have gone before.

It should not be overlooked that Seychelles has some of the richest fishing grounds in the world and you do not have to venture far from the shoreline to break fishing records. Cast your fly-lines on the magnificent shallow flats of Alphonse or one of the islands in the Amirantes group, and chances are you will land several energetic Bonefish to challenge the record books. The outer islands of Seychelles have become the epicentre of salt-water fly-fishing.
International sport and recreational fishermen enthusiastically return to Seychelles’ waters that already boast several world records for Pacific Bonito and Dogtooth Tuna. The abundance of Wahoo, Bonito, Dorado and several species of Tuna make a day’s fishing trip an unforgettable experience, allowing you to savour the finest tasting fish on offer anywhere in the world.

With so many islands scattered across the Indian Ocean between 4º and 10º south of the Equator, it is little wonder that another of Seychelles’ outstanding resources lies in the impressive diving opportunities it offers to experienced and novice divers alike. Myriad dive sites promise a marine extravaganza as diverse and vibrant as it is unique. This living aquarium enjoys comfortable year-round temperatures of between 24º and 30º Celsius and lies outside the cyclone belt. Colourful reef fish, octopus, lobster and turtle flash in the shallows surrounding the inner islands, while more adventurous dives offshore include the ‘Ennerdale’ wreck and rocks that are the playground for larger groupers and stingrays. Imagine the thrill of swimming with whale sharks, those gentle giants of the sea that are regular visitors to Seychelles’ waters, or diving the spectacular coral walls of the outer islands. The dedicated and accredited diving centres of most hotels and island resorts offer everything from one-day introductory courses to international diving instructor certificates.

No account of Seychelles’ riches can be considered complete without mention of its reputation as ‘the islands of love’ and it is little wonder that that lovers are inspired to take their vows and wed in this gentle and romantic atmosphere. Sensual Seychelles creates the idyllic ambience for an unforgettable wedding day or honeymoon beneath swaying palms alongside silken waters fringed by the silver-soft sands of discreet island hideaways.

All in all, you can’t get much further away from the Madding crowd. And it’s amazing how blue skies and white beaches can clear the mind and inspire the imagination. That is why as a venue for small conferences and select company incentives, Seychelles represents a powerful partnership of business and pleasure. Its excellent communications infrastructure and reliable air links to Europe, Africa and Asia, Seychelles can offer environmentally friendly corporations rewarding investment opportunities.

Seychelles has all this to offer and more but perhaps its most enduring attraction is the security it offers and its enviable pace of life amid the tranquillity and multi-racial harmony of the islands.

Here, cocooned within the reassuring atmosphere of a large family, there is still ‘time to enjoy’ the finer things of life and to appreciate the elements of a truly refreshing Creole culture and enviable island lifestyle.


Getting there:

Seychelles International Airport or Aéroport de La Pointe la Rue as it is known locally is located on the island of Mahé, Seychelles near the capital city of Victoria. The airport is 11 kilometres south-east of the capital and is accessible by the Victoria - Providence Highway. There are frequent bus services from the bus station in Victoria, with taxi ranks outside the terminal available to all locations on Mahé Island and several tour operators coach services namely Creole Travel Services and Mason's travel which also links passengers to the ferry terminal at the Old Port (Vieux port) for inter-island ferry services and to the New Port (Nouveau port) for cruise holidays.

A domestic terminal is located a short walking distance north of the International terminal and offers domestic inter-island flights with a peak of a departure every 10–15 minutes at busy times which corresponds with international arrivals/departures and every 30 minutes at other times.