1. 80 NOVEMBER 2014 COTSWOLD STYLE COTSWOLD STYLE NOVEMBER 2014 81
T
he Seychelles
archipelago is paradise on
earth and I will remain
forever enthralled by its
purifying effect. The Seychelles are a
cluster of over one hundred granitic and
coral islands lapped by the clear
turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
It is pure heaven on earth.
Whilst the inner granitic islands such
as Mahe, Praslin, Silhouette and North
play host to luxuriant, tropically forested
hills dropping down to stunning
beaches, the outlying coral islands such
as Desroches, Denis, Alphonse and Bird
are flatter with groves of palm and
casuarina trees.
Ringed by powdery white beaches and
dazzling coral reefs teeming with marine
life, the islands make ideal bases for
some world renowned scuba diving and
deep-sea fishing. These hideaway
retreats weave a magical blend of
exquisite isolation and complete
tranquillity – perfect when seeking your
own secluded corner of paradise.
The much awaited time had come
when the anticipated moment of arrival
and next far-flung adventure was nigh,
with the promise of exploring the
famous emerald ‘Gardens of Eden’.
Excitement mounted as the plane
approached Mahe flying above the
scores of glistening islands below.
Island hopping by boat between these
heavenly hideaway islands took my
breath away, with dramatic granite rocks
towering from snowy soft sand bays
fringed with swaying palms. In my
opinion Praslin’s beaches are the most
beautiful in the world showcasing nature
at her most luxurious. I spent the day in
a dreamy shipwrecked fantasy sprawling
on powder soft virgin white sand and the
sheer bliss of dipping into the soothing,
seductive and warm, gin clear Indian
Ocean.
The Seychelles are known as ‘The
Galapagos of the Indian Ocean’, a
conservation hotspot boasting two
UNESCO world heritage sites: Vallee de
Mai is home to the endangered Coco de
Mer tree only found in the Seychelles
and Aldabra Atoll which is home to the
world’s largest population of giant
tortoises, as they have remained isolated
and protected from human influence.
Praslin’s Vallee de Mai is an untouched
emerald forest entwined with primeval
palms and every step was a journey back
to prehistoric time. Giant palm
umbrellas cast a vast iridescent canopy
overhead with towering tree trunks
disappearing out of view, creating
distorted beams and shards of sunlight
to bounce to the forest floor. The path
undulated past tumbling waterfalls over
boulders of moss with serpentine vines,
Ajourneyofarchipelagonglory
tangling and exotic birds, (including the
endemic black parrot), geckos, skink,
several chameleons and insects flittering
through the canopy. The Coco de Mer
palm nut is a mysterious shiny, black seed
resembling a huge gorilla’s bottom. It is
actually the largest seed in the plant
kingdom.
There are spas with tailor-made
treatments, adventures galore and plenty
to explore whether that be an aerial
island hopping experience by helicopter
or a journey to Aride Island - home to
one of the most important seabird
populations in the Indian Ocean. You
can hike to find the hawksbill turtles of
Silhouette Island who inhabit a remote
secluded cove. Alternatively you can
follow the Duke and Duchess of
Cornwall’s lead and head for pure island
bliss on North Island, arguably the most
stylish beach resort in the whole of the
Indian Ocean and only accessible by
helicopter.
The Seychelles is perfect for those
searching the ultimate idyllic hideaway.
Ifyouwouldliketofind
yourownsecluded
cornerofparadisefor
someheavenly
relaxation,itinerariescan
betailor-madeforyouby
WorldOdyssey–formoreinformationon
anythingtodowiththeIndianOcean,other
far-flungshoresoranywhereontheplanet,
pleasevisitwww.world-odyssey.com–follow
us@World_Odyssey,likeusonFacebook
and/orcalloneofourtravelspecialistsfor
adviceon: 01905731373.
THE SEYCHELLES
Self-professed adventuress Lucy Garbutt is
spellbound by the hypnotically beautiful Seychelles
Travel
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