Praslin, Seychelles Hotels and City Guide

Praslin, Seychelles Travel Guide

Only four decades ago this tropical paradise was virtually unknown but since the international airport was opened on Mahé island by Queen Elizabeth II in 1971, it has become a desirable destination for those wishing to step off the world on to talc white beaches fringed with shady takamaka trees and coconut palms growing at impossible angles. The yachting fraternity, anglers, divers, treasure hunters and honeymooners (including Royals) flock to this sultry playground, where luxury hotels, exclusive lodges on private islands, guest houses, small hotels, beach bungalows and B & Bs will suit all tastes and ensure a memorable stay. Camping is not permitted.

Botanists, marine biologists, ornithologists, entomologists, ecologists and geologists are attracted to this Garden of Eden by rare and often unique flora and fauna endemic to the islands and fabulous sculpted granite features. Artists abound, inspired by the sublime beauty of Seychelles, selling their works at art galleries scattered throughout Mahé. Architects design buildings based on the grand plantation houses of the French and British colonists, practical for the tropical climate.

Dramatic granitic mountains, lush jungles, mist forests, mangrove swamps, and coral reefs all support a plethora of varied life in the Seychelles islands. Thankfully nearly half of the landmass is reserved as national park and most of the islands are uninhabited.

The islands are home to the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, the oldest giant tortoises, the wide-eyed fruit bat with a wingspan of a metre, the extremely rare jellyfish tree and the unique 30m-tall male and female coco de mer palms, the female variety producing the heaviest fruit, a double coconut weighing up to 20kg and resembling the lower torso of a woman.

Spectacular, unforgettable sunsets transform the sparkling azure sea into a shimmering blood orange seascape as it reflects the flaming sky. Silhouette Island from Beau Vallon becomes just that – a dark silhouette in a dazzling technicolour sea.

For a spiritual experience, don a snorkel and dip beneath the surface of the aquamarine waters of the marine national parks to enter a silent magical world where myriad jewel-coloured tropical fish swim in harmony between gardens of live corals of rainbow hues. It is here one sees Nature at its ordered best.

Seychelles Population and Recent History

The majority of Seychellois live on Mahé where most tourist resorts are found. The remote Outer Islands are divided into five groups made up of the Amirantes, 25 tiny coral atolls halfway between Mahé and Aldabara, and the groups of Alphonse, Farquhar, the Southern Coral Group, and Aldabra, the latter being the world’s largest coral atoll, a World Heritage Site.

The Seychelles became independent in June 1976 with Mancham at the helm. He was overthrown in a coup d’etat by René in 1977, Tanzanian troops on standby. Coups and counter-coups followed until free elections returned René to power in 1993. After his retirement in 2004, James Michel took over as President.

Seychelles Facts

Capital: Victoria on Mahé Island
Main Islands: Mahé, Praslin, La Digue
Population: 88,000
Area: 400,000 sq.km
Highest point: Morne Seychellois, 905m
Language: Kreol, French and English
Currency: Seychelles Rupee
Time Zone: GMT+4
Electricity: 240 AC, 3-pin square plugs
Telephone International Area Code: 248
Religion: Catholic
Spices grown: cinnamon, vanilla, lemon grass, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, patchouli

Hotels in Praslin, Seychelles