What separates Seychelles is its unique people, mostly a mix of African, Indian and some European backgrounds, speaking French and Creole, and offering a culture full of life. With this mix of races comes a harmony among the Seychellois people, who, after more than 200 years of settlers in their history, combine to make great food and beautiful new traditions. The women also got the best of each world; there is a popular saying that claims that the women have enough French in them to be quite shapely, enough English to be polite, enough Asian to be exotic, and just the right amount of African to be on the wild side. If you needed more motivation to visit this tropical melting point, there it is.
paradise is pricey
As proof of the rising popularity of Seychelles as a resort destination, an increasing amount of airlines now have direct flights to the capital of Victoria, on the island of Mahé. Coming from North America, however, you will probably have to do a stopover, or at least a transfer, on the way.One thing to note as you get ready to relax with your sweetheart (or friends) in Seychelles is that there is no sprawling urban center to disturb the purity and tranquility that the islands project. The total population of all the islands is approximately 81,000, while many of them remain uninhabited. Of the large archipelago, the main spots frequented by tourists are Mahé, Praslin and La Digue -- one of the most photographed islands in the world.
As your date of departure nears, the most important thing to keep in mind is that the cost for this seemingly untouched paradise is high. Prices for accommodation and activities like scuba diving are fixed, so don't think of Seychelles as a cheap destination. Splurging is required on all fronts to get the true island experience; you'll pay a hefty price for the peace and true relaxation amid the beautiful beaches, but most argue that it's worth it.
it's all about beau vallon
The vast majority of your time will no doubt be spent on Mahé, as the city of Victoria is the nation's economic and commercial center, with all the resorts, main restaurants and four casinos located there. If you booked a room in the one of the most opulent hotels, it's best to do it as part of a package tour, but there are other options where accommodation is concerned, from cheap guesthouses to midrange inns. Whatever you choose, it will most probably be located in the Beau Vallon Bay area, only three miles from Victoria, where the best and most popular beach can be found.It is usually highly encouraged to get off your butt and do some exploring, but with such a relaxed atmosphere in Seychelles (Mahé in particular), it will be hard to escape Beau Vallon, the island's most popular resort beach. The resorts on Mahé are designed so that you hardly have to lift a finger, and if you're on a honeymoon, this could be the spot for you. There you'll find white sand beaches and crystal waters to explore to your heart's content, at rest or play.
exploring and more
Although Beau Vallon is great, it does not give you the full scope of all that Seychelles has to offer. Traveling throughout Mahé and on its surrounding islands will impress you even more than the resort at Beau Vallon. Buses, a rented car, or even a helicopter ride will open your eyes to more beautiful surroundings than you could ever imagine. Now if you can just pull yourself out of bed...Moving south from Beau Vallon down the island, you will see that as you distance yourself from Victoria, the beaches are in fact more stunning and secluded, though smaller than in the prime basking spots. The snorkeling is best across from little Île Souris on the east coast, where the clear water provides a gateway into another world. Within Mahé, there is also ample opportunity to do some cool motorized water sport activities, like "seadooing" just a little distance out from the beach.
To get the most of the natural sights, you must move off the island, either by boat or with an inter-island flight. The six islands that make up the Ste. Anne Marine National Park are close enough to Victoria to constitute a memorable day trip and provide some more great snorkeling and nice trails where, with a keen eye, you'll catch a glimpse of rare birds and giant tortoises. Only by organizing a tour will you be able to do this, but it is well worth the effort and a nice change from the open beaches.
praslin is priceless
More places to escape to include Praslin, the second of the Seychelles' major islands. If Mahé was not authentic enough, Praslin will surely please you with its scores of coco de mer trees (the coco de mer is essentially a double coconut and a famous Seychelles fruit) and flourishing fauna, like the rare black parrot. A bus can take you around the various beaches -- if you haven't already had your fill -- and more unimpeded snorkeling is possible as well.More relaxed trekking can be found on nearby Cousin Island -- a nature reserve teeming with wildlife and vegetation not found anywhere else in the world -- and at equally close La Digue, where biking along the beach is the preferred mode of transportation. If you've come to Seychelles with a sense of adventure, it is on these secondary islands where your thirst for excitement will be quenched.
curry and get some food
No vacation would be complete without a sampling of the native food. The seafood and Creole dishes are irresistible and unlike anything you've ever tasted, while the fruits release sensations never before felt. Must-taste dishes include carii coco , beef or fish curry with coconut milk, and daube , a sweet stew.You'll find many Indian influences in the food, with many meals bordering on the extremely spicy side. This is a curry lover's paradise; anything from octopus to barracuda fish can be curried, as only the Seychellois know how. If your stomach isn't lined with cast iron, the hotels and less obscure restaurants have menus from all over the world, a reflection of Seychelles' diversity.
a true garden of eden
These islands and their activities represent only the basics of what Seychelles has to offer. On a tropical vacation such as this, it must be stressed that it is up to you to plan out your stay and make it special. For some, it is simply a delight to relax, sip drinks by the beach and enjoy the sun, day in and day out, and perhaps go out to do some shopping at a one-of-a-kind craft store. Others might feel the need to spice it up and go on a trek or do some windsurfing. These islands cater to your every need, and most activities can be done year round with wonderful weather.Whatever type of person you are, deciding where to visit next may be difficult. Organized half or full day excursions can help you plan your time better, with meals included. There are many tours to choose from, taking you around various points on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. If you are confident in your ability to find your own fun, you can customize your day trips, with a boat available for hire.
Whether you're starting a life together with your new wife, looking for adventure, or just in dire need of some deep relaxation away from it all, Seychelles will come through. The breathtaking sites and near perfect combination of ocean and beach are enough to make first-time visitors of this lesser known resort return years later. Come for the sand, stay for the food and explore what is truly an island paradise.
tips for the trip:
Resources:
http://www.aspureasitgets.com/default.htm
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/africa/seychelles/index.htm
http://www.sey.net/gen_main.htm
http://www.journeymart.com/DExplorer/Africa/Seychelles/default.asp?SubLink=DExplorer%2FAfrica%2FSeychelles%2FciPeople_Inc.htm.
http://www.destinationplanner.com/africa/seychelles/culture.html
Vacation Packages
0 comments:
Publicar un comentario