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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 8 NOVEMBER 2015 45 Travel Seychelles The Seychelles is a collec- tion of the most picturesque 115 islands in the world. The three main islands of Praslin, La Digue and Mahe, as well as the outlying islands, offer the traveller a unique getaway with perfect white sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters. The small population of 85,000 people means that much of the area is untouched and there is scarcely a person to be seen on the numerous beaches – a far cry from the Mediterranean ones where crowds of people are fighting for the same patch of sand. What to do? With such a dreamlike setting, the Seychelles is, unsurprisingly, a choice place for a honeymoon. But there's much more to do than simply cracking open a bottle of champagne with one's loved one in a luxurious hotel. Having earned a reputation as a paradigm of ecotourism, the Sey- chelles is a top spot to watch birds and giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Venture inland on jungle trails and indulge in fine dining or enjoy the laid back way of life of the Indian Ocean. The underwater life is no less interesting and attracts divers of all levels. There are great opportunities for island-hopping between the 16 islands that currently offer ac- commodation. These range from sumptuous 5-star resorts to rustic island lodges and cozy beachside bungalows. On your way, you will discover such gems as the legen- dary Vallée de Mai, home to the legendary Coco-de-Mer – a gi- ant palm tree indigenous to the Seychelles that grows up to 34 metres and produces double co- conuts of up to 30kg. Journey by boat to discover the underwater world of tropi- cal coral reefs at one of the Ma- rine National Parks of Seychelles. You will see an amazing variety of marine life, including corals teeming with fish. You can en- joy a delicious Creole lunch, and spend the afternoon swimming or simply lazing in the sun. Catch a glimpse of the oldest elephant tortoise in the world, the Aldabra giant tortoise, that makes its home on the Seychelles island of Aldabra Atoll. There's also golf, horse-riding and guided nature tours where to enjoy some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on earth. Not forgetting the mellow Seychelles nightlife where you can take in a casino, some local bars and fine restaurants offering unforget- table Creole and international cuisine. Where to stay? For the ultimate in luxury ac- commodation try the Frégate Is- land resort, www.fregate.com. A 20 minute flight away Mahé, the private island boasts outstanding natural beauty, tropical interiors and abundant nature fringed by seven powdery, white beaches. Stay at one of 16 villas or the Presidential Villa and experience the luxury of space, security and seclusion within a tropical is- land. The spa is a natural jewel, surrounded by natural fresh wa- ter pools and waterfalls, offering panoramic vistas of the sea. Occupying tiny Round Island, the Round Island Luxury Vil- las, www.round-island.net, is an exclusive property comprising three luxurious private two-bed- room villas as well as a spacious traditional three bedroom island mansion set apart in its own private grounds. Services are discreet to maintain the island's offering of seclusion and escap- ism. Enjoy fine dining, overlook- ing the swimming pool or dine on contemporary fusion cuisine with a Seychellois kick. Small is by no means a worse option. The Albizia Lodge, www. albizialodge.sc, offers just seven self-contained rooms, each with a private balcony with sea views. Have breakfast in the garden while listening to the chirping birds while the concierge ar- ranges a diving trip for the rest of the day. The family-run hotel is just a five-minute drive from Anse Royale Beach, a rich snor- keling site. If being on a sensational beach is more important to you than a luxurious hotel room, then head to the Anse Soliel Beachcomber, w w w . a n s e s o l e i l b e a c h c o m b e r . hotelsone.com, a simple, lit- tle, 14-room guesthouse/hotel perched above a breathtakingly beautiful beach on the gorgeous south-east coast of Mahe. Where to eat? The restaurant at Château de Feuilles, www.chateaudefeuilles. com, is perched atop the tran- quil grounds of Relais and Cha- teaux, offering an amazing view of a dozen of the most beautiful surrounding islands. The Creole style dishes include house specialties, including fried giraffe crab and crayfish grilled with garlic butter. Grab a Creole BBQ at Les Lauriers Hotel, www.laurier- seychelles.com where the chef prepares his fish and meat spe- cialties right before your eyes. Local vegetables, curries and desserts ensure there is some- thing for everyone. No other hotel in Seychelles takes Creole cuisine as seriously as Pêcheur Restaurant, located at the La Digue Island Lodge. The restaurant has sandy floors and a high, pointed thatched roof and serves delicious Creole cuisine in a spacious, airy restaurant with a view of Praslin and the magnifi- cent sunsets. How to get there? Emirates offer regular services from Malta to the Seychelles. Flights departing from Malta on 20 November and returning on 10 December, with a stop over in Dubai, were priced at €858, including taxes, at the time of going to print. Total flight time is approximately 12 hours. Let the islands seduce you Catch a glimpse of the oldest elephant tortoise in the world, the Aldabra giant tortoise, that makes its home on the Seychelles island of Aldabra Atoll The Seychelles is home to the legendary Coco-de-Mer – a giant palm tree that grows up to 34 metres and produces double coconuts of up to 30kg Frégate is a private island of outstanding natural beauty; a uniquely peaceful setting of verdant, tropical interiors and abundant nature fringed by seven dream beaches, each a brilliant sweep of powdery white sand sentinelled by giant, iconic granite boulders Perfect white sands, turquoise waters and a small population guarantees seclusion and escape from day-to-day life