Seychelles, 3rd

Palm-fringed silvery sands, turquoise seas, misty mountain peaks and coral reefs coupled with tropical sun, starry skies and delightful people, the Seychelles are an idyllic escape for discerning travellers. A haven for those interested in natural history, the guide gives fascinating coverage of the islands' biodiversity, from mangroves, turtles and birds to nature reserves and conservation projects. Seychelles' many secrets like the coco de mer palm forest, island bird sanctuaries and Creole cuisine are all revealed.

Lyn Mair is an expert on Indian Ocean ornithology and nature.
 
Lynnath Beckley is a marine scientist who writes papers for international journals.

The Seychelles has a short, but fascinating, history of explorers, pirates and settlers. The Creole people, a harmonious mélange of African, European and Asian descent, have a happy-go-lucky lifestyle and, although global travel has come to them, they maintain their traditions of language, music, dance and food. The Seychellois are almost nonchalant about the beauty that surrounds them.

The Seychelles has an ambience of remoteness far from the rush of everyday life back home. It is a modern country with accommodation ranging from exclusive island lodges to small family-run guesthouses. Island hopping can be accomplished with ease using fast ferries, aeroplanes and helicopters, and what better way to explore than in your very own (or chartered) yacht? However, there is more to the Seychelles than basking in the sun and going home with a golden tan. The Seychelles has many secrets, discovered only as you explore the islands – coco de mer palm forests, the busy little capital of Victoria, picturesque La Digue, island bird sanctuaries, weather-beaten glacis, the local market, Creole cuisine. . . After a day’s exploring, savour the Seychelles evening. Sip a Seybrew on a beach coloured by a fiery sunset, wait for the southern constellations to grace the enveloping night, and plan another perfect day in paradise.

 

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Excerpted from Seychelles by Lyn Mair, Lynnath Beckley
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