This isolated island paradise offers fine beaches, turquoise seas and warm weather. As a result of their extraordinary history, the Seychelles are also rich in rare plants which flourish nowhere else on the planet. No less than 81 species are unique survivors from the luxuriant tropical forests that covered the islands until humanity's belated arrival two centuries ago. Outstanding amongst these is the coco-de-mer (sea coconut), native to Praslin, which grows in the Vallée de Mai. Its seed is the largest in nature.
The Seychelles are also a major attraction for birdwatchers. Up to two million sooty terns nest on Bird Island, and on Aride can be found the world's largest colonies of lesser noddies, roseate terns and other tropical birds.
After French colonial rule, under which the islands were named after the royal accountant Vicomte Moreau de Séchelles, the islands were annexed by Britain. For 150 years, isolated from the rest of the world and all but ignored by the major European powers, the Seychelles developed their own traditions, language and culture. The islands became a Crown Colony in 1903. Internal self-government was granted in 1975 and independence a year later.
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The Seychelles are probably the most evocative of all tropical island destinations; not only because of the swaying palms, the turquoise water and the powdery white beaches, but because these islands remain exclusive and elusive.
It’s all about the integrity of the experience. This is a tropical island that is still wild and green and largely untouched. Tucked away in colonial plantation-style bungalows in Intendance Bay, guests get the charm and the authenticity of wooden houses with verandas from the days of French plantations, with the signature luxury of Banyan Tree resorts.
You get the beach, the turquoise waters, the swaying palms and the jungle-clad mountains, but you also get a private pool with your villa, a comprehensive spa and a choice of six different dining options.
A successful combination of romance, exotic sensuality and local style.
Photos of Banyan Tree Seychelles
Prices from:
£3,295 pp in low season
£3,859 pp in high season
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A private island paradise.
How extraordinary it must have been to be a traveller in the 1700s. Sailing on the vessel Etoile, French explorer Denis de Trobriant sited this small fertile island (par of the Seychelles) in 1773, landed on its blindingly white beaches and in the name of the King of France buried a bottle containing the Act of Possession. It was never found, but Denis was inhabited by French settlers and it became a plantation island. First sugar, and then copra – the dried flesh of coconut were exported, and beyond that nothing much changed on Denis except the owners who were always French until the island was acquired by Michael and Kathleen Mason in 1999.
More a sanctuary than a hotel, Denis is simply a collection of 25 cottages with lofty ceilings in the Creole tradition that nests near the ocean, tucked away in their own patch of tropical jungle. They have verandas facing the sea and each have a private courtyard with a separate entrance to the open air bathroom featuring an alfresco shower. What more could you possibly want?
A private island paradise.
Photos of Denis Island
Prices from:
£3,199 pp
Stay 6 Pay 5 for selected dates
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