Seychelles

The largest of the 115 Seychelles islands, Mahé is the international gateway to the archipelago and houses the country's capital, Victoria. The island has a mountainous interior with lush forested slopes that give way to a multitude of spectacular beaches. One of the most popular beaches is the west coast jewel, Beau Vallon, ideal for swimming, water skiing, wind surfing, parasailing, diving and snorkelling. Anse Intendance beach is another stunning palm-lined attraction. Other activities include: tea and vanilla plantation visits in addition to a trip into Victoria to peruse local markets and enjoy excellent Creole inspired cuisine.

Praslin Island is one of the Seychelles' most popular destinations with its beckoning coastline of secluded coves and ancient forests. The island is home to Anse Lazio, described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world that offers the ultimate in relaxation and is a haven for watersports. Anse Volbert Beach (also known as Côte d’Or) is also a key hotspot with an idyllic beachfront and a collection of bustling shops, restaurants and bars. Other attractions include the UNESCO Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve with its rare birds, gigantic palms and coco-de-mer seeds, a boat excursion to Curieuse Island, or a trip to Zimbabwe Viewpoint. Praslin offers a range of delights for sunseekers, nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Nestled east of Praslin and west of Felicite Island, La Digue, the fourth-largest island in the archipelago is a haven of tranquility with palm-fringed shores, turquoise waters and pink granite rocks contouring the coastline. The best way to explore the island is how the locals do it - by bicycle. L'Anse Source D'Argent, one of the world's top beaches is a major draw, perfect for sunbathing and snorkelling. Other attractions include a visit to the two villages La Passe and La Reunion, the La Pass to Grand Anse Trail for hikers, the La Digue Veuve Reserve is a sanctuary for the rare paradise flycatcher and divers or snorkellers can spot emperor angelfish, starfish and turtles.

The largest park in the archipelago covering 20% of its location on the island of Mahé, the Morne Seychellois National Park is a hiker's paradise. Trail up an ascent from Danzil village, past tea plantations with sweeping views of the stunning coastline, this is one of a number of remarkable hikes available for both experienced and moderate climbers. There are 12 different trails that cover 15 kms of different ecosystems from mangrove swamps to dense forests. Home to incredible species of birds, reptiles, chameleons, fruit bats and the majestic Aladabra Giant turtles that laze on the beach or granite boulders. Discover a spectacular natural wonder.

Sainte Anne Marine National Park, located 5km from the capital city Victoria, comprises 6 islands off the northeast coast of Mahé Island. As well as Sainte Anne, the Park covers five other islands: Moyenne, Round, Long, Cer and Ile Cachée which only make up one fifth of the entire area – most of which is coral reef. All the islands boast pristine beaches with the most awe-inspiring marine life. See breathtaking coral gardens, home to reef sharks, pipefish, bottlenose dolphins as well as the much-loved turtles via a glass bottom boat. Snorkel or dive amidst the largest seagrass meadow in the country with colourful and vibrant reefs. Enjoy a guided tour and soak up the magic of Sainte Anne Marine National Park.

One of the Seychelles' two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, in the green centre of Praslin Island lies the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. The ancient palm forest is home to the endemic Coco de Mer palm, which bears the largest seed in the world and is famous due to its unusual form. Only 9.5ha in size, the Vallée de Mai is one of the world’s smallest heritage sites and is described as the biblical 'Garden of Eden' due to its lush natural landscapes of immense beauty. Attractions include hiking and guided walks through verdant forest trails to spot the rare Seychelles black parrot, mammals, crustaceans, snails and reptiles.

The world's second largest coral atoll, part of the Aldabra Group of islands in the Indian Ocean that are part of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles, lies the Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remote island is only accessible by private boat and with the permission of the Seychelles Island Foundation. Four large coral limestone islets belong to this reef atoll, which surrounds a torqouise lagoon. Attractions include guided tours to spot the giant tortoises (the largest number in the world), critically endangered hawksbill turtles, blacktip sharks, manta rays and greater flamingos. This is truly a dream destination for nature and ocean lovers.