Destination:
Seychelles

The popular holiday island of Praslin lies 21 miles (34km) north-east of Mahé in the Seychelles archipelago, a popular stop for cruise liners and a vacation destination for honeymooners and beach lovers. Visitors to Praslin Island have a choice of two ways to get to the island. The first option is by boat from Mahe Island. There are a number of ferries and high-speed catamarans operating between Mahe and Praslin Island and fast catamarans make the crossing in just 45 minutes.

Praslin Island also has a small airport, Iles des Palmes Airport, which is only serviced by Air Seychelles. Visitors to the Seychelles wishing to get to Praslin by air can either book a ticket on one of the scheduled flights to the island or on a chartered flight, which generally tend to go to more than one of the islands in the Seychelles group.

Once on Praslin, the island's favourite beach, Anse Lazio, is one of the world's most exquisite, but the entire island is ringed with beautiful secluded beaches, sporting coral reefs and crystal clear waters. Praslin is known for being the exclusive home of the rare 'coco de mer' palm, that produces the world's largest nut, and delights ornithologists with glimpses of some of the world's rarest birds, like the black parrot and fruit pigeon. Several large resort hotels have been developed on the island, but this has not interfered with the natural beauty or abundant flora and fauna, or its reputation as being as close to the Garden of Eden as one can get. There are a few villages sprinkled across the island, housing the permanent population of a few thousand souls, most of whom work in the hotels and resorts or depend on fishing for a livelihood.

Despite the fact that it is heavily populated and well-developed, the island of Mahé, the largest of the Seychelles archipelago, contains plenty of hidden treasures, not least of which is a legendary pirate's cache purportedly buried at Bel Ombre. The southern end of the island still sports deserted beaches, and even the busy northern urban enclave, which includes the international airport and capital city, Victoria, exudes laid-back charm.

Forming the backbone of the island is a spectacular mountain range that includes Morne Seychellois, the island's highest peak. Around the peak is one of the island's beautiful national parks, offering good hiking and stunning scenery. More than 60 idyllic beaches fringed with swaying palm trees can be found along the shoreline, offering a host of activities from excellent dive centres to various watersports operators. There are several interesting sights to see, particularly in friendly Victoria. Although not renowned for its nightlife, Mahé is the liveliest island after dark and resorts like the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort and Casino, several nightclubs and restaurants that serve up traditional Creole delights provide the evening entertainment.

With post-card-perfect sandy beaches, tangled jungles and swaying palm trees, La Digue Island is the ultimate image of a tropical island getaway. A few minutes east of Praslin by boat, La Digue is the fourth largest of the Seychelles' inhabited islands with a population of about 2,000 people and an area of roughly four square miles (10 sq km).

Though it is a popular Seychelles holiday destination, La Digue Island has managed to avoid the enthusiastic tourist development that threatens some areas of Praslin and Mahé. La Passe is the only real settlement on the island, with a small casino and a quaint jetty where both rickety fishing boats and sleek yachts are moored.

Life on La Digue clings to Creole traditions more than other islands, and tourists can buy fresh fish direct from fishermen on the quayside, play dominoes late into the night at local bars, or accompany residents to Mass wearing Sunday best. The laidback feel of the island is personified in the main mode of transportation, the slow-moving ox cart.

Urban life is only a small part of a holiday on La Digue Island; 40 percent of the island is devoted to nature reserves, enjoying the protection of National Park status. Most of the island's population lives on the low eastern plateau, with the rest given over to local flora and fauna (like the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher and the Aldabra Giant Tortoise).

As far as beaches on La Digue Island go, Anse Source d'Argent is by far the most popular. Voted among the top beaches in the world numerous times, Anse Source d'Argent is still only one of many beautiful beaches on La Digue.

Outdoor activities are a must on La Digue, and visitors can enjoy climbing Eagle's Nest Mountain, taking bicycle tours of the jungle, or horseback riding on the L'Union Estate.