Paradise - a clichéd expression often used to describe many tropical islands, but the Seychelles gives a new meaning to the word because it is just that - turquoise seas, pristine white sandy beaches and lush tropical vegetation. If you are passionate about fishing, looking for the ultimate diving or snorkelling experience, an avid nature enthusiast or simply wish to laze your days away, look no further - Seychelles has it all!

The Seychelles archipelago comprises 115 granite and coral islands scattered over an area of 400.000 square kilometers in the Indian Ocean, 4 degrees south of the equator. Mahé, the biggest island (27 km by 8 km) can easily be explored by taxi - efficiently and inexpensively. Victoria, the capital is a small town with mixed colonial and modern styles and also affords the visitor a glimpse of local life. See the silver clock tower (a replica of Big Ben in London) and visit the many colourful stalls selling handicrafts, spices, woodcarvings and shells.

No trip to the Seychelles would be complete without a visit to at least one of the smaller islands. Praslin and La Digue being the two most visited by tourists due to their close proximity to Mahé. The former being the second largest inhabited island (11 km by 5 km) offering some of the finest hotels and guesthouses in the archipelago. Apart from its unsurpassed beaches, it is surrounded by a coral reef with an abundant fish life and a myriad of colourful corals.

La Digue (5km by 3 km) is accessible by boat from Praslin or Mahé. When stepping off the boat and being introduced to the island, one gets the impression that time has stood still, allowing you to experience the ultimate escape from civilization. Bicycles and ox-carts are the only means of transport on La Digue.

Cousin and Aride Islands are also worth visiting as they house numerous rare fauna and flora found nowhere else on earth.

Denis Island is the perfect spot for game fishing. Situated 80 km north of Mahé, the island is renowned for having the best fishing in the world. Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Barracuda, Bonitos and Kingfish are plentiful.

Desroches, in the Amirantes archipelago, south west of Mahé beckons the serious scuba diver. It rises 3.000 meters out of the clear blue water and is surrounded by 50 nautical miles of reef to explore.

Cousine Island and Bird Island, as the later name suggests, are home to numerous birds, especially marine species. Bird Island is also home to the world's oldest and wisest inhabitant, Esmeralda, a giant tortoise approximately 150 years old.

Cerf Island: L'Habitation is situated in the National Marine Park, 5 km across the waters from Mahé, Frégate Island's pure shores encircle a unique destination. It is a collection of sixteen luxury villas, each one crafted to provide guests with the highest degree of privacy and comfort, located on a remote tropical island in the Seychelles in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

North Island is most northerly of the inner granitic islands of the Seychelles archipelago. Stunning resort!

Anonyme Island: Only a ten minute boat ride by private boat from the mainland, Anonyme is close enough to enjoy the best in refined and luxurious island lifestyle and yet still remote enough in its setting to accord you blissful tranquillity and true exclusivity.

Alphonse Island is a small triangular shaped coral island strewn with coconut trees, boasting 3,6 km of coastline protected by a reef. Famous for fly-fishing!

Air Seychelles offers an excellent service between all the islands.

The Seychellois are descendents from diverse cultures - French and British settlers and their African slaves, Indian, Chinese and Arab in folklore and legends. A friendlier and more peaceful nation you will not find. Violence and crime are almost non-existent. A visit to one of the many Creole restaurants is another way to absorb the local culture. The cuisine is mainly seafood, served in an array of spicy and exotic dishes.

The Seychelles is believed to be the most environmentally conscious destinations in the world and they wish to keep it that way, therefore limiting the number of tourists visiting the island, so you will always be assured of a little piece of paradise all to yourself and not shared with the masses.

• Sainte Anne National Marine Park comprises of a small archipelago of granite islands, St Anne, Long, Round, Cerf and Moyenne, all offering a diversity of coral reefs, lush vegetation or beautiful beach spots.
• Beau Vallon Bay Beach, the most popular beach on Mahé and offering a multitude of water sport activities.
• The Botanical Gardens in Mahé where you can see the different fauna found on the islands. The Craft Village is also worth a visit if interested in the local handicrafts and arts and the Model Boat Building factory.
• Imperative to visit the stunning beaches of Takamaka and Intendance (Banyan Tree Resort and Spa) in southern Mahé.
• Vallée De Mai on Praslin, a primeval forest known, a primeval forest known as the Garden of Eden which is home to the famed Coco De Mer palm and the rare Black Parrot.
• While on Praslin a visit to the splendid beaches of Anse Lazio (considered to be the 5th most beautiful beach in the world), Anse Georgette, Anse Volbert, Anse Kerlan and Anse Boudin are a must.
• Cousin Island, a short boat trip from Praslin, is a haven to all types of birds, including the endangered Brush Warbler.
• Curieuse Island, adjacent to Cousin Island where you will also get a glimpse of the Coco De Mer, encounter Giant Tortoises and the ruins of the leper colony.
• Cousine Island is a private nature reserve, home to five of the Seychelles endemic birds as well as a variety of other endemic flora and fauna, and has the status of being the only island in the archipelago free of alien mammals. Cousine Island offers an exclusive island experience with complete privacy found in very few other places on earth.
• The Lemuria resort, which boasts an 18-hole golf course and health spa.
• Saint Pierre Island situated in front of Anse Volbert, offers phenomenal snorkelling possibilities.
• Aride Island: Worth visiting for Copra Sheds, Giant Land Tortoises and Colonial Plantation House.
• Anse Source d' Agent on La Digue, the most photographed beach in the world
• All the private islands!

• Getting there: Air Seychelles operates two flights per week to Mahé from Johannesburg more frequency during high seasons). Flight duration is 5 hours. Air Seychelles offers great honeymoon specials - please let us know before you inquire for prices!
• Visas: Not required by all nationalities.
• Currency: The local currency is the Seychelles Rupee (SR). The following banks operate in Mahe: Barclays, Habib Bank, Bank of Baroda, Nouvobanque, Banque Francaise Commerciale and Seychelles Saving Bank. They are open between 08h30 and 14h00 and do not close for lunch. On Praslin and La Digue there are branches of Barclays Bank, Bank Francaise and Seychelles Savings Bank. Banks at the airport are only open for international flights. MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Diners Club and Barclaycard are widely accepted in the larger hotels, restaurants and shops. Smaller establishments do not always accept credit cards. As of 1st November 2008 the local authorities decided to float the Seychelles Rupee, with exchange rates being determined by market forces. In line with this, any service booked and consumed locally can now be paid either in Seychelles Rupees or any convertible currency at the prevailing exchanger rate of the date of transaction. 
• Health: No malaria or tropical diseases. Large and efficient hospital in Victoria. Clinics on Praslin and La Digue. Take mosquito repellent (no malaria though!)
• Language: Creole is the official language. English and French widely spoken.
• Climate: Monsoon climate with temperatures varying from 25°C to 30°C. The dry season from May to October and rainy season from November to April with high humidity and winds.
• When to go: All year around.
• Clothing: Lightweight cotton clothes are standard. Walking shoes are useful for exploring the islands. Some hotels and restaurants require men to wear long trousers in the evening.
• Time: GMT + 4
• Power supply: 230v AC 50HZ; 3-point square pins.
• Customs Allowance: 200 cigarettes and 1 liter of alcohol.
• Luggage Allowance: 20 kg on international flights and 10 to 15 kg on domestic flights (soft luggage).
• Tipping: Not widely expected, but warmly received for personal service.
• Shopping: Polite bargaining is accepted. The Coco De Mer may not be purchased without the correct permit.
• Read On: A Guide to the Seychelles: Bradt by Lyn Mair.
• www.seychelles.com - The Official Destination Website for Seychelles