 Seychelles offers a holiday experience as unique as it is varied, drawing on the amazing diversity of 115 pristine islands to ensure that every visitor goes back with his or her very personal memories. The vast majority remain timeless miniature worlds, flourishing in splendid isolation far from the stresses and strains of a hectic planet. Natural purity with an authentic touch is the cornerstone of a philosophy that echoes the needs of today’s discerning travellers for a tranquil yet vibrant destination, unspoiled by commercialism, where they can feel secure and rediscover their inner needs for simplicity, authenticity and innocence. It is equally a statement of our intention to safeguard our precious island home and its exceptional environment, taking great pains to assure that tourism development is both ecologically sustainable and in the best interests of the local community. For these reasons we take pride in the new momentum being given to Seychelles tourism by a variety of exciting new products. They represent not only affordable exclusivity but also offer unique benefits that set them apart from those of other tropical destinations and provide the visitor with a refreshing individually-tailored tropical island experience that is welcoming, fulfilling
HOW TO GET THERE
The national airline Air Seychelles (HM) operates scheduled flights from London, Paris, and Rome in the European sector. Regional and peripheral sectors include Mauritius, South Africa and Singapore. Qatar Airways (QR) and Emirates (EK) fly to and from Seychelles providing connecting flights to various worldwide sectors through their hubs in Dubai and Doha. Other airlines flying to Seychelles include Air France (AF), Kenya Airways (KQ), Condor (DE), Air Austral (UU) and Air Mauritius (MK). Visitors arriving in private aircrafts are welcomed at Mahé International Airport after having cleared all relevant formalities with the Civil
Aviation Authority (CAA).
ISLANDS
MAHÉ
This fertile, granite island with verdant forests, towering peaks and over 65 beaches enjoys diverse flora and fauna with striking endemic species to be discovered by organised excursions as well as on walks and trails through lush countryside. North Mahé, home to famous Beau Vallon beach, tends to be more populous than other regions of the island, and discreetly features a range of hotels of all sizes, guesthouses and villas. South Mahé presents, in contrast, a wonderfully pastoral aspect and is home to some of the island’s prettiest beaches and villages too, all
made accessible by an efficient network of roads. Victoria, one of the tiniest capitals in the world, has managed to retain much of its original charm and character with outstanding examples of traditional architecture, a busy market, shops, boutiques and service providers. Numerous hidden coves and bays can be visited on snorkelling expeditions with some even explorable by semi-submersible.
LA DIGUE
La Digue, lying 45 kilometres from Mahé and 7 kilometres from Praslin is the fourth largest island in Seychelles, celebrated for its granite boulders that seem to have been sculpted by a divine hand to adorn beaches of breathtaking beauty such as Anse Source D’Argent. The island, where more traditional modes of transport such as bicycles and ox-carts still hold sway, is accessible mainly by traditional ferry arriving and departing from the quaint jetty of La Passe. La Digue’s authentic island-style accommodation is mainly situated on the west-coast while
the east remains more or less untouched. At the L’Union Estate, visitors will have the chance to view some of the traditional local industries of times past while nature lovers will have the opportunity to seek out the rare black paradise flycatcher (Veuve), once feared to be close to extinction but now protected in the La Digue Veuve Reserve which is also home to two extremely rare species of terrapin. The island serves as an ideal stepping-stone to the nearby islands of Grande Soeur and Petite Soeur, Félicité, Coco and Marianne.
PRASLIN
Praslin’s original name of “Isle de Palme” bears eloquent testament to its reputation as home to the Vallée de Mai UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the famous Coco-de-mer grows wild on palms 40 metres tall and some 200 years old. So impressive is this forest that it led General Gordon (of Khartoum) to state his conviction that this was the site of the original Garden of Eden. Seychelles’ second largest island, Praslin, lies 40 kilometres north-east of Mahé and is accessible by Air Seychelles domestic flights in 15 minutes or by catamaran ferry in 45 minutes. Praslin, divided by a ridge of hills intersected by a road that leads through the Vallée de Mai, possesses some of Seychelles’ most striking beaches such as Anse Lazio, widely acclaimed to be the most beautiful beach on earth. Featuring the only 18-hole championship golf course in Seychelles and a luxurious casino, Praslin also has a rich assortment of hotels and guesthouses whose strong tradition of Creole hospitality over the years has proved a strong favourite with visitors. The island is ideally situated for holidaymakers wishing to island hop to a handful of nearby exotic destinations such as La Digue, Chauve Souris, Curieuse, St. Pierre, Cousine, and the island bird reserves of Cousin and Aride. It is also a haven for nature lovers seeking rare endemic species or for those wishing to explore the island’s network of footpaths. The amazing diversity of Seychelles’ 115 islands offers visitors an ever-widening choice of spectacular venues for an unforgettable tropical vacation. There are two categories of islands: the granitic “Inner” that cluster around the principal islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, whose verdant
peaks climb skywards from virgin forests and powder soft beaches, and the “Outer”, a sparkling array of flat, coralline islands extending westwards towards the coast of Africa that includes legendary Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The “Inner Islands” are the cultural focal point of Seychelles where lives the majority of the population while the “Outer Islands” remain miniature worlds, little touched by man, thus offering a unique and incomparable island experience. Of all Seychelles’ islands only 16 have hotels, some
of which offer luxurious amenities and the ultimate 5-star experience while others offer the homely comforts of beachfront or hillside chalets,
an authentic Creole ambiance and hospitality. Each offers its own natural charm and appeal, assuring the visitor of a memorable tropical experience.
Island hopping is seamless in Seychelles with scheduled and chartered aeroplane and helicopter flights and marine ferry services available to make
ALPHONSE
Alphonse is a triangular coral atoll sheltered by the crystalline waters of a turquoise lagoon situated southwest of Mahé. This exclusive island resort offers the spacious comfort of 25 air-conditioned thatched chalets and 5 sumptuous executive villas, each affording a splendid view of the ocean. The island offers an array of marine adventure facilities and services as well as the best salt-water fly-fishing in the world.
ANONYME
Privately owned Anonyme Island is a granitic island situated only a stone’s throw from Mahé where six chalets have been conceived to offer privacy, elegance and luxury. The island offers excellent personalised service combined with fine cuisine and a scenic setting that commands spectacular views of the other Inner Islands and the breathtaking tropical sunrises.
BIRD
Bird is the most northerly coral island, surrounded by sparkling white beaches and crystal blue waters. 24 individual beachfront bungalows offer a “back to nature” experience amid the gardens of an ancient coconut plantation, a bird sanctuary, a nesting site for turtles and the informal atmosphere of authentic island life, enriched by the presence of the world’s largest giant tortoise, Esmeralda.
CERF
Mahé’s closest neighbour, situated a mere 4 kilometres or so away, lies at the heart of the Ste. Anne Marine Park and is renowned for the good swimming and snorkelling opportunities it offers as well as for its several excellent beaches. Home to a population of well-established settlers most of whom commute to Mahé, Cerf now boasts two accommodation establishments that highlight the many charms of this quaintly traditional island.
COUSINE
Approximately six kilometres off the west coast of Praslin, Cousine Island offers a tropical island holiday experience with a degree of privacy found in very few places on earth. With four individual old French colonial style villas, exclusivity is the order of the day as a maximum of only ten guests are accommodated at any one time. Each villa nestles amid the natural vegetation and is positioned to ensure maximum privacy. A private nature reserve, Cousine is home to five of Seychelles’ endemic birds as well as to a variety of other endemic fauna and spectacular marine life.
DENIS
Denis Island lies north of Mahé and comprises 25 distinctive, well-appointed cottages. The gentle, romantic ambience of this ‘island at the edge of the world’ makes it ideal for honeymoons, while its glimmering beaches are just made for soaking up the tropical sun and azure sea. An excellent cuisine, inspired by fresh harvest from the ocean and the home grown produce of the island farm will please the palate of the most exacting gourmet. Situated on the edge of the Seychelles Bank, Denis Island is also an ideal base for thrilling deep-sea fishing expeditions.
DESROCHES
Remote and unspoiled Desroches Island, lying in the shade of a plantation of coconut palms and surrounded by 14 kilometres of breathtaking beaches, is situated 250 kilometres from Mahé. The resort boasts 20 junior suites arranged in a manner that reflects an authentic Creole architectural style whilst its surrounding islands are renowned for spectacular diving and big game fishing adventures.
FÉLICITÉ
This private island off La Digue caters for 16 guestsin two luxury bungalows and four chalets set againsta backdrop of lush vegetation and spectacular,steep granite outcrops and allows you to experiencetotal “island ownership”, privacy and comfortthroughout your stay.
FRÉGATE
This idyllic tropical hideaway is the most easterly of the granitic islands and offers the ultimate private island experience. Featuring only 16 luxurious villas, seven outstanding beaches and some of the rarest flora and fauna on earth, Frégate offers refinement and elegance, breathtaking natural beauty, exquisite gourmet cuisine as well as a complete range of water sports and recreational activities.
NORTH
North Island provides an eco-friendly island experience where a philosophy of “barefoot luxury” aims to provide the very best in seclusion, location and accommodation. There are eleven villas, each one handcrafted from natural elements to an astonishing degree of perfection and further complimented by individual plunge pools and a health spa commanding break-taking views of one of the island’s stunning beaches and the surrounding verdant hillsides.
SILHOUETTE
The exotic, forgotten world of Silhouette represents Seychelles at its pristine best and boasts surrounds of unspoiled beauty, proposing a relaxing atmosphere perfectly in tune with the rhythms of nature. A new 116-room, 4-star hotel is scheduled to open its doors in 2006.
SAINTE ANNE
Sainte Anne, situated in the National Marine Park features 79 luxurious sea-facing villas nestling in an exceptional property spread over more than a kilometre along the island’s two main beaches and offering total intimacy.
An unmatched gourmet experience within refined yet relaxed surroundings combined with a world-class spa promises the ultimate indulgence of mind, body and soul.
CHAUVE SOURIS
This tiny granite island rises proudly from the sea just a stone’s throw from Praslin’s famous coast of Côte d’Or to offer an intimate hideaway that blends seamlessly with its environment and provides a cocoon of tropical comforts suspended between granite rocks, turquoise ocean and cerulean sky.
Location- Geography
• Western Indian Ocean
• 1600 km off the east coast of Africa
• The archipelago stretches between 4° and 10° south of the equator
• 115 tropical islands spread over an area of 1,400,000 km²
Inner Islands are largely granitic,(41granitic and 2 coralline), and are situated on the Seychelles plateau. Amongst them:
• Mahé, principal island, is home to the International Airport and capital Victoria - the gateway to Seychelles
• Praslin, second largest island, home to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vallée de Mai
• La Digue, a step back in time, where ox-carts and bicycles are still the main modes of transport
• Silhouette, North, Frégate, Bird and Denis Islands, a little more isolated, also fall within the Inner Islands group
Outer Islands, totaling 72 in all, are situated beyond the Seychelles
plateau and consist of low-lying sand cays and coral atolls. The Outer Islands fall into five distinct groups:
• Amirantes group (Desroches Island)
At 6°south, stretch from African Banks to Desnoeufs. Other islands in this group are Remire, Desroches, St Joseph's atoll, d'Arros, Poivre and Marie-Louise.
• Southern Coral group
Comprises fish-rich Platte island lying 6°south and Coëtivy, home to a prawn-farming project, at 7° south
• Alphonse group (Alphonse Island) 7° south, comprises Alphonse with its own satellite islands of Bijoutier and St François.
• Farquhar group 10°south, consists of the atolls of Providence and Farqhuar, each composed of small islands
• Aldabra group The island of Assumption and the atolls of Aldbabra, Astove and Cosmoledo occupy the most south-westerly part of Seychelles territory. Aldabra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest raised atoll in the world, situated 9° south.
HISTORY-Chronology
851 • Seychelles appears on Arab maps
1502 • Seychelles appears on Portuguese maps following voyage by João de Nova
1609 • The first British expedition lands on Mahé
1650-1730 • Seychelles becomes a favourite haunt for pirates
1742 • First French expedition to Seychelles by Lazare Picault
1744 • Lazare Picault's second voyage to Mahé and Praslin
1756 • French take official possession of Isle Séchelle (Mahé)
1768 • Expedition by Marion Dufresne, explores Praslin and discovers Coco-de-mer1770 • First French settlement established on Ste Anne island
1778 • L'Etablissement du Roi established on site of present-day Victoria
1811 • The British take possession of Seychelles
1835 • Slavery is abolished
1903 • Seychelles becomes a Crown Colony independent of Mauritius
1914-1918 • Seychelles suffers economically during World War 1
1939-1945 • Seychelles becomes an important refuelling base for British ships and flying boats.1964 • Two political parties are formed, the SPUP and SDP
1967 • Universal suffrage introduced in Seychelles
1972 • The International Airport is opened on Mahé
1976 • Seychelles becomes a Republic within the Commonwealth
1977 • `France Albert René becomes President of Seychelles
1982 • Aldabra proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site
1983 • Vallée de Mai on Praslin proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site
1991 • Return to multiparty democracy in Seychelles
History
Ancient travelogues bear witness to the Arabs' knowledge of the islands from as early as the 9
century. Certain of their graves point to visits to - and perhaps even a settlement of - a place they named jaza'ir az zarrin, the golden isles. It was Portuguese navigator João da Nova who made the first recorded sighting of Seychelles in 1501, followed by a further sighting of the Amirantes group by the celebrated Vasco da Gama in the following year.
On early Portuguese maps, Seychelles appeared as the Sete Irmas or Seven Sisters but it was not until1609 that a ship of the English East India Company first landed on her shores.
Following a succession of expeditions, a French settlement was finally established in 1770 by 'fifteen whites, five Malabar Indians, and eight Africans.' The islands remained in French hands until the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, evolving from these humble beginnings to attain a population of 3500 by the time Seychelles was ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Paris in 1814. The islands were a favorite pirate lair between the 16 and17 centuries.
Under the British, Seychelles slumbered for the next 161 years as a backwater colony building a
population of some 7000 by the year 1825. Important estates of coconut, food-crops, vanilla and other spices were established. During this period Seychelles saw the establishment of Victoria as its capital and numerous colorful troublemakers from the British Empire were exiled to the Seychelles.
Seychelles was granted independence from Britain in 1976 and became an independent Republic within the Commonwealth. The Republic of Seychelles is now a thriving multi-party democracy with a comprehensive infrastructure for education, health and community services.
People and Culture
The cosmopolitan Seychellois are a colorful and harmonious blend of different races which stem from African, European and Asian roots, all of whom have brought something of their own customs and way of life to the islands. The result is a charming Creole culture enriched from many continents. Despite being a British colony, the original early French influence remained strong. African slaves were brought in to work the land and after the abolition of slavery they were liberated.
Language
There are three official languages: English, French and Creole. Creole is spoken by everyone and is an adaptation of 17 Century French with additional words and expressions coming from African languages and from Madagascar. It has been elevated to national language status, earning the same respect as English and French. Today Creole is a written as well as a spoken language.
Population
According to the 2002 census, the population of Seychelles stood at around 81,000 with 70,000 living on Mahé, in particular around the capital Victoria, 8,000 on Praslin and the remainder on La Digue and scattered among the rest of the islands.
Religion
Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion, but there are also Anglican, Protestant and Seventh Day Adventist churches together with smaller Muslim, Hindu and Bahá'i communities based on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Mass and other parish feasts are colorful occasions when Seychellois dress up in their Sunday best and socialize.
Architecture
Creole architecture is another important cultural aspect of the islands. The designs of some of the grand old houses, with their steep roofs and shutters to catch the island breezes, are representative of an architecture adapted for comfortable living in the tropics. Today's architecture attempts to assimilate traditional styles.
Music and Dance
Music and dance are an integral part of all Seychelles festivities. Creole music and dance have their roots both in African, Malagasy and European cultures. The music is played to the accompaniment of drums such as the Tambour and Tamtam and simple string instruments. Foreign influence has introduced the violin and guitar, both of which play a prominent role in today's music. The popular local dance, the Sega, danced to the rhythm beaten on the drums, features an energetic shuffling of the feet and swaying of the hips. The colorful lyrics recount simple daily events. The traditional Moutya is an erotic dance derived from the days of slavery when it was perhaps the only way for the slaves to express themselves, something they did brazenly with slow and suggestive movements at gatherings on the beach under the moonlight.
One foreign dance import is the Kamntole, which is danced to the accompaniment of banjos,
accordion, violin and triangle and which is faintly reminiscent of a Scottish reel. One component is the Contredance, an import from the French court. This dance is accompanied by banjo, triangle and the instructions of the ‘Komandan’ or Commander who calls the sets.
Cuisine
The broad range of Creole cuisine is an eloquent reflection of the diverse ethnic mix of the islands. It features the subtleties and nuances of French cooking, the exoticism of Indian dishes and the piquant flavors of the Orient. Grilled fish marinated in a sauce of crushed chilli, ginger and garlic is a favorite as are octopus and chicken curries prepared with coconut milk.
A dazzling array of fresh fish is readily available and is easily transformed into a wide selection of succulent dishes with the help of condiments, fruits spices and herbs on sale in the local markets. Many hotels and restaurants offer various forms of Creole cuisine and international dishes. Creole cuisine is resourceful, echoing a time before supermarkets. Chatinis, made from grated green fruits offer a tasty accompaniment to fish or meat dishes while mangoes, golden apples, and coconut products, heart of palm, tubers and local delicacies such as octopus and fruit-bat form an impressive culinary array.
Arts and Crafts
Seychelles is an artist's paradise - where inspiration and creativity go hand in hand with the sensual scenery and the relaxed harmony of the Seychellois.
Seychelles' artists exercise their skills across a broad spectrum and their works range from the small memorabilia through to magnificent collectors items.
Local products available include:
Books, paintings, stained glass, coconut shell and husk products, works featuring sea-shells and corals, clothing, gold and silver and other forms of jewellery, as well as products made from recycled materials, fibers, bamboo, metal and pottery.
A tour around the principal islands will allow the visitor to savour the rich artistic expression on displaying the many charming galleries and out-of-the-way workshops.
Bazar La Brin
In August 2005, STB launched the first Bazar La Brin, or Sunset Market, at the Beau Vallon beachfront, providing local vendors and artisans with an opportunity to sell their wares, Seychellois with an additional chance to do their shopping, and tourists to enjoy the vibrant Creole atmosphere with a chance of interacting with locals. The Bazar, which showcases a wide range of local arts and crafts, also features stalls offering authentic Creole food and beverages with local musicians also contributing to the ambiance.
Festival Kreol (October)
The Festival Kreol, is held annually at the end of October. It is a manifestation of Seychellois and Creole identity and a celebration of the culture of the islands as experienced through music, dance, arts, crafts and cuisine. True to the Creole spirit of sharing and of openness, it offers a fascinating week filled with color, sounds, flavors and fragrances from a corner of the Creole world that treasures its traditions. For further information please consult: www.seychelles.net/festivalkreol
SUBIOS 2006
SUBIOS, Seychelles' annual Underwater Film and Image Festival, since 1989, has played an important role in promoting the islands as a diving destination and also in sensitizing the local population to the beauty and fragility of their unique environment. SUBIOS 2006, due to be held between 6th and 12th March, is being re-energized by the organizers, STB, to make a bigger splash than ever before. The Festival will continue to feature photographic and videographic competitions with prizes being offered in five categories: 'Best Image', 'Best Video' and 'Best image of Seychelles' that will open to visitors and locals alike with winners being selected by public vote. There will also be 'Best Video of Seychelles', open to visitors and locals alike with winners selected by panel and a further, special category, 'Best Unedited Video of Seychelles,' open only to local participants.
Activities planned for the hotels during SUBIOS 2006 will include presentations, film shows, displays and dedicated soirées. There will even be a SUBIOS 'Iron Man and Iron Woman' - style competition with running, cycling and swimming legs. The festival's grand finale will take place on a Sunday in central Victoria and will feature school floats, film shows, open-air music played by a selection of bands, artists' galleries as well as authentic Creole food stalls featuring Creole cuisine along with a wide range of handicrafts. For further information please consult the SUBIOS website: www.subios.com
Seychelles Sailing Cup
The very first Seychelles Sailing Cup will be taking place in Seychelles from 21 to 29 January 2006. This first international event of its kind to be staged in Seychelles, this is a handicap sailing race open to amateurs and professionals on any type of sailing boat: catamarans, mono-hulls, maxi yachts as well as traditional rigs. This exclusive contest is for all lovers of sail, racing, blue water, and desert islands — all those who love to combine adventure on the sea with the luxury of staying in the world's finest hotels and enjoying idyllic evenings on the beach.
Currency, Banks and Foreign Exchange Regulations
The local currency is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR), made up of 100 cents. Notes come in denominations of SCR10, 25, 50 and 100; coins from SCR5 downwards.
Important Information:
Visitors are required to use only foreign currency when making payments in hotels and guesthouses and when paying for other hospitality-related expenses such as hiring of cars or boats, dive centres, the services of tour operators or travel agents, entrance fees to reserves and main parks, patronage of casinos and domestic transfers within Seychelles.
Small incidental purchases in restaurants outside hotels, shopping (excluding duty free shops) and taxi fares are payable either in foreign exchange or in local currency (Seychelles Rupees).
Visitors are advised not to change large sums of money at one time but, rather, smaller amounts proportionate to their needs.
For those limited needs foreign currency may only be exchanged at banks, authorized money dealers at the Seychelles International Airport or with the hotel cashier. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Seychelles. Banking hours are from 0830 to 1400 on weekdays and from 0830 to 1100 on Saturdays. It is a criminal offence to change money with an unauthorized person.
Credit Cards
MasterCard/Access and Visa Cards are widely accepted. American Express and Diners Club to a
lesser extent. ATM facilities are available at major banks on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
Shopping
Shops are open from 0900-1600 during weekdays and from 0800-1200 on Saturdays. Shops in Victoria, Mahé, are closed on Sundays.
Hours of Business
Seychelles office hours are Monday to Friday 0800 to 1600.
Tax and Tipping
Restaurant and hotel bills normally include a VAT of 7%. Tips for exceptional service are warmly received.
Electricity
220-240 volts AC 50 Hz. Seychelles uses the British standard square three-pin 13 amp plug. Visitors from countries other than the United Kingdom should bring adaptors.
Time Difference
Seychelles is four hours ahead of GMT, three hours ahead of European summertime and 9 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (U.S.)
Communications
Seychelles enjoys modern, efficient telecommunication services with 19000 telephone lines currently in use. There are two competing GSM networks, Cable and Wireless and Airtel. Payphones are available in most districts on the Inner Islands. International roaming agreements exist between Seychelles and most countries. SMS offers a limited service.
Internet service providers, Internet cafés, postal and courier services are located in central Victoria.
Postal services and internet cafes are also available on Praslin and La Digue.
The international dialing code into Seychelles is +248
Cable & Wireless: Tel: (+248) 28 40 00 • Fax: (+248) 32 27 77
Airtel: Tel: (+248) 60 06 00 • Fax: (+248) 60 16 02
Water
Tap water meets W.H.O. specifications and is safe to drink throughout the country.
Bottled mineral water is widely available.
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