Seychelles

From one picture perfect anse (beach) to another… and another, the Seychelles’ sugar-white sands are the kind of ‘wish you were here’ postcard destination that is talked about with an envious sigh or a pang of recollection. But there’s more to the islands than the wonderful beaches with flora and fauna galore on show, including the world’s smallest frog and some of the planet’s largest tortoises. Chart a course for Curieuse, home to the legendary coco de mer palm and a lush national park with a marvellous nesting sea turtle trail. Cousin is another island paradise known for its abundant birdlife; St Pierre’s attraction lies underwater, and is a snorkelling dream, while Aldabra atoll is ruled by its eponymous tortoise. And, of course, we have to mention Praslin’s lively shores fringed by waving palms and intimate hideaways.

Creole vibes deliver plenty of joie de vivre and this is evident both in the culture and food where fusion flavours historically anchor Seychellois cuisine, thanks to the legacy of traders from Eastern Africa and China to Europe and India. A fish and seafood loving nation, your onboard chef will gladly recreate delicious local dishes featuring tuna, snapper, barracuda, lobster, and more (we recommend the Creole octopus curry with side of hearts of palm salad). If a visit to Victoria, the capital, is on the cards, then do take a wander through the famous covered market to pick up some goodies before admiring the colourful architecture of the city’s iconic Hindu temple.

Also on Mahé, an excursion to Morne Seychellois National Park, which comprises 20 per cent of the island’s land mass, takes you from coastal mangrove forests up to the cloud-high peak of the country’s highest mountain. Walk up an appetite by following the Copolia trail to reach 497 metres and a panoramic 360-degree vista. Or get guaranteed adrenaline thrills with a skydive over Praslin’s stunning topography.