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Teresa Sullivan, co-founder of
Mango African Safaris,
gives her advice on Seychelles travel in the following interview.
That's Teresa at right...and no, that's NOT a pet lion about 30 feet away!
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| What's the best time of the year to go to Seychelles? |
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It's always a great time to visit the Seychelles
because the islands are blessed with a warm tropical climate year round.
There are two major weather patterns that affect the area.
The north-westerly trade winds blow from October - March keeping it warm and serene.
There are monsoon rains during this time of year that usually consist of short sharp showers that are preceded
and followed by sunny weather. From May - September the south-easterly trades blow through bringing cooler and windier conditions,
though the temperature rarely falls below 23 degrees Celsius (74 degrees Fahrenheit).
The transition periods of April and October tend to be the calmest and hence the best visibility for divers
but diving is possible throughout the year.
| What's special about Seychelles compared to the Maldives or Tahiti? |
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Human beings only set foot on the Seychelles 200 years ago. Today, you will find no buzzing resorts,
designer label stores or all-night entertainment. Instead, you can enjoy comfort, hospitality and the
opportunity to relax and revive amid nature's own luxury. The local culture blends British, French,
African, Arabian, and Indian influences. You will see, and taste, their influences in the island's cuisine and architecture.
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With 115 islands scattered over 1,400,000 square kilometers of warm crystal clear waters, Seychelles
offers an ever-expanding kaleidoscope of experiences to the visitor seeking quality and diversity.
Renowned for having some of the most breath-taking beaches on earth, Seychelles also offers world-beating
opportunities for diving, sailing, fishing, trekking and island-hopping.
Praslin Island is the home of a World Heritage Site, the fifty acre
Vallée de Mai
(reputed by some as "the garden of Eden",
famous for its unique collection of coco-de-mer palms.
These ancient trees produce the world's largest plant
seed - the double coconut - and the small forest is where almost all of the surviving trees rub their elegant giant leaves together.
Seychelles has been a holiday destination for celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, and Pierce Brosnan.
Paul McCartney & Heather Mills honeymooned on Fregate Island, a private island resort that even kept the paparazzi
at bay for a few days.
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| Where in Seychelles can we get the most for our money? |
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Sunset Beach Hotel
is situated in a beautiful rock promontory on the northwest coast of the main island, Mahe.
A pathway leads down to a secluded cove with a pleasant beach, while an attractive pool and sundeck above the rocks offer
an alternative venue for sunbathing and swimming. With only 12 deluxe rooms, 8 suites, and a fabulous two bedroom villa,
guests are ensured an intimate and low key experience.
The Hotel L'Archipel
is located North-East of Praslin Island (the second largest in the archipelago), at the end of the
famous Côte d'Or, in a colorful and exotically scented tropical garden. All 23 rooms and 7 suites have outstanding ocean
views and are luxuriously furnished. Activities such as windsurfing and canoeing, as well as complimentary boat transfers
for snorkeling, are offered. Add in the private white sand beach and you have a wonderful resort option without breaking the bank.
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| What are your favorite "hidden gems" of the Seychelles? |
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Desroches Island Resort
is only a one hour flight from the main island Mahe.
Set in a coconut grove on the edge of a white sandy beach, its 20 well appointed junior suites are arranged ten on either side of the central restaurant,
bar and lounge area and
are connected by a covered walkway. Two restaurants specialize in carefully prepared and scrumptious dishes using fresh
produce from the island's plantation, spice garden and catch of the day.
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Despite being just 5kms long, the island
has 14kms of beautiful secluded white sand beaches. The island staff hangs hammocks in the shade of palm trees throughout
the island for those seeking a break from the sun. Seychellois hospitality excels on the tiny but perfect island of
Desroches.
Taj Denis Island, a 375 acre coral island 30 minutes by air from Mahe, set amidst the azure waters of the Indian Ocean,
is one of the planets most magical and romantic retreats. The 23 cottages, designed in natural tones and textures,
seamlessly blend local Creole influence with a stylish, yet natural ambience. They are all beach side and have seas
facing verandahs. A fabulous array of freshly caught seafood, marinated meats, exotic salads and farm fresh vegetables
offer a delectable fusion of tastes enhanced by local herbs and spices. Barbeque nights and candlelit dinners on the
beach are personalized to the guest's preference. Taj Denis Island is truly a secluded luxury destination.
North Island Resort
is a short helicopter hop from Mahe. On this beautiful island there is an exclusive luxury lodge
unashamedly aimed at providing the best in privacy, location, accommodation, service, facilities, and service.
There are only 11 guest Villas (each at least 4890 sq. feet) located on a pristine beach. You are attended by your own
private butler who coordinates all aspects of your stay including meals, spa
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treatments, recreational activities
(even scuba diving is complimentary), and everything else you may need. Just ask, and it will magically materialize.
North Island is a once in lifetime resort experience.
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