Sunday, December 5, 2010

Seychelles Holidays - The Epitome of Luxury

The 115 perennially warm islands of the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean could offer the perfect destination for a luxury holiday.

Boasting huge swatches of sand nestled between imposing rocks, as well as a unique culture influenced by a melting pot of nations and religions and gorgeous natural scenery, the Republic of Seychelles, as it is officially known, is among the contenders for the best holiday location in the world.

Its most popular destinations are the inner islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, although holidaymakers regularly go on excursions to the unspoiled outer islands of the Seychelles too.

Mahe is the largest of the islands and attracts many visitors thanks to the fact that the capital of the Seychelles, Victoria, and 90 per cent of the republic's population are based on the island.

It boasts dramatic mountain scenery and is something of a haven for nature lovers due to its wide array of flora and fauna. Indeed, the 3,045-hectare Morne Seychellois National Park is a popular tourist attraction on Mahe and is a great location for long, scenic walks.

Other Mahe sights include a variety of religious and historical buildings and monuments, such as the Domaine de Val des Pres craft village and the imposing Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.

Praslin, meanwhile, is less busy than Mahe but is no less interesting than the larger island. It hosts the Vallee de Mai nature reserve - a UNESCO World Heritage site - and the Praslin Museum, which lets visitors try out traditional activities such as grilling breadfruit and de-husking coconuts as well as displaying a wealth of intriguing artefacts relating to the long history of the Seychelles.

La Digue is more laidback than Mahe and Praslin and as such is perfect for those in search of a truly relaxing Seychelles holiday. It is home to rare species such as the ultra-rare black paradise flycatcher, the cave swiftlet, the waxbill and two types of terrapin and resolutely holds fast to the traditions of yesteryear, offering a fantastic escape for those weary of the hustle and bustle of modern life.

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