Seychelles travel guide - Wikitravel Time Zone UTC+4 The Seychelles [1] are a group of 115 islands, only a few inhabited, in the Indian Ocean that lie off the coast of East Africa , northeast of Madagascar . Understand[ edit ] The Seychelles were disputed between France and Great Britain during the age of colonialism, with Britain ending up in control in 1814 after the Napoleonic Wars. The islands achieved independence in 1976; however, free elections did not occur until 1993. The politics of this island group remain in something of a state of flux, although this should not bother the tourist seeking a relaxing beach vacation. Get in[ edit ] No visa is required, but Seychellois (pronounced se-sel-wa) authorities make sure you are not entering to stay for good. Therefore, the following items MUST be presented to the immigration officer: A passport valid on the date of entry to and exit from Seychelles. Your return ticket. Your hotel voucher. At least 150 USD per day. They will ask for cash, show them.

If you have credit cards, show them - you may be asked for the credit balance you have. A statement of good health and a statement that you are not importing plants or infected animals (The flight attendants in your flight will provide you these papers). Visitors without pre-booked accommodation are likely to be compelled to book one at the airport for the length of their stay before being allowed to leave the airport. An initial entry permit is granted for 1 month but can be extended for a maximum of 3 months at a time up to a maximum of 1 year in total. See the official travel web-site [2] . By plane[ edit ] The only international gateway to the Seychelles is Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) near Victoria . Air Seychelles [3] . International service is also available from Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines [4] ), Nairobi (Kenya Airways [5] ), Dubai (Emirates [6] ), Abu Dhabi (Etihad [7] ) and Doha (Qatar Airways [8] ), and regular charter services from Frankfurt (Condor [9] ).

Centre of Victoria By boat[ edit ] The strict controls imposed on cruising yachts in the early 1990s have been gradually lifted and rules and regulations are no longer so complicated. However, some restrictions remain in force, mostly for the sake of environmental protection as most of the islands are surrounded by coral reefs near the surface. By plane[ edit ] Air Seychelles [10] operates multiple daily flights between Mahe and Praslin. Over two dozen flights vary in frequency from 15 minute to 2 hour intervals, depending on time of day. On Mahe the flights depart from the modest domestic terminal, located just next to the international terminal. The tiny airport on Praslin is modern and comfortable. Air Seychelles also operates once daily or several times per week between Mahe and the islands of Bird, Denis, Fregate, Desroches and Alphonse. Assumption Island and Coetivy can be reached by air charter. By helicopter[ edit ] Zil Air provides charter helicopter flights to/from most of the inner and outer Seychelles islands. It is the only scenic flight operator in the Seychelles.

Scenic flights can be booked to cover the main islands of Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and the surrounding smaller islands of (among others) Cousine, Félicité, Grande Seour, Curieuse and Bird Island. By boat[ edit ] As of June 2013, online bookings and e-ticketing has been made possible for trusted ferry operators in the Seychelles by Seychellesbookings. Cat Cocos and Inter Island ferry offer their routes between Praslin, Mahe and La Digue through this site, making live seat availability and reservation accessible online for the first time. They also offer a range of discounts on Island accommodation, restaurants and activities to complement ferry bookings. Cat Cocos operates 2 catamaran ferries (With a 3rd ferry coming into service in 2013) serving multiple daily crossings between Mahe and Praslin and a daily crossing extension to La Digue. The sailing normally takes one hour. Non residents should budget roughly between €90 and €100 per person (price at July 2013) for a same day return ticket from Mahe to Praslin.

Tickets can be purchased from the Cat Cocos office, opposite the pier, on the same day before travel subject to availability. Alternatively, e-tickets can be purchased online at Seychellesbookings. Similarly, Inter Island Ferry operate a route betwen Praslin and La Digue with 8 daily departures taking only 15mins in crossing time. Tickets cost around €15 for an adult single, and can be purchased at the office or online with Seychellesbookings. Most arrivals at Praslin are timed to coincide with Cat Cocos departures to Mahe. Belle Serafina, a small schooner ferry makes the passage between Mahe and Praslin or La Digue in 3-4 hours, usually departing weekdays shortly around 12 from Mahe and heading back at 5AM from La Digue to Mahe. In November 2013 the price for the passage was 20 euros. Schedules and routing need to be confirmed by phone.

It is also possible to take small boats from Mahe direct to La Digue, although departures can be unreliable, there is limited wet weather cover and the journey takes about 3 hours (but that's cheaper than an Indian Ocean Island cruise!) By car[ edit ] Driving in Seychelles is on the left side of the road. The roads on Mahe are low-traffic, mountainous, narrow roads, so caution is generally advised. The roads usually have steep drops or low walls on the side instead of curbs, which can make driving on the narrow roads stressful, especially if driving a large vehicle. If you are used to driving on the right and you arrive on Mahe seriously jet lagged, a taxi to the hotel may be a good idea, even if you eventually plan to rent a car. There are also few places where one could pull over to admire the view, study the map or such. Whenever you see a combination of wide curb and an interesting stop, you should take advantage of the situation. The traffic situations on the roads can change rapidly. There are no sidewalks, so keep your eyes open for pedestrians.

Also you should know that even on narrow winding mountain roads a buss or a truck might be coming at you just behind the next tight turn. Keep to the left and slow down whenever a hairy situation develops. Around Victoria you should also be prepared for sudden traffic jams. Having a car is really a good idea and makes life much more simple. For as little as 100 rupees worth of gas you can see the entire island of Mahe in a couple of days, including stops at beaches and whatever else catches your eye. There is free parking in 'downtown' Victoria on Mahe, and if you go with a B&B or self-catering option for accommodations its by far the easiest way to pick up groceries. A car will also allow you access to the stores where locals do their regular shopping, and the prices are more reasonable as compared to the small convenience stores along the beaches. You can only rent on Mahé and Praslin. You can find a small car (eg: Hyundai Atos) for around €35-€45 per day, but keep in mind that renters must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license, and have at least three years of driving experience.

There are several car hire counters outside the arrivals hall at Mahe international airport, which provides a convenient way to compare prices. Prices can be negotiated, with the better rate available for rental periods of 3 consecutive days or more. The 'excess' payable by the customer in the event of a claim, ranges from €300 to €1000 depending on the company, so choose carefully and ask the right questions. Taxis are a popular means of transportation for both short trips and day rental and can be obtained almost anywhere. Taxi prices for non-residents (approx. 20 rupees/1.3Euros per km as of Sept 2010) on a relatively long trip, can easily exceed the cost of hiring a small car for a day. By bus[ edit ] Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) runs daily bus services on the islands of Praslin and Mahe from morning to evening on nearly every available road on the island. The bus usually passes by every 15 minutes. Although the bus will get you there, the schedules aren't tight and the drivers are a bit bold on the very narrow roads if you're a nervous passenger.

Climate[ edit ] Seychelles is hot and humid, with an average yearly temperature of 84°F (29°C), and average sea temperature rarely dropping below 81°F (27°C). However, the heat is usually mitigated by refreshing sea breezes, especially by the beaches. The cooler season in Seychelles is during the southeast monsoon season (May to September) and the warmer season is during the northwest monsoon (November to March). April and October are "changeover months" between the two monsoons, when the wind is variable. The northwest monsoon season tends to be warmer with more rain, while the southeast monsoon season is usually drier and cooler. Talk[ edit ] Languages spoken in the Seychelles are Seychellois Creole , English and French . With the smallest ability in French or English you'll be able to get around just fine, and a little effort, even a few basic phrases, will assist. Culture[ edit ] Seychelles is not well-known as culture destination, but those who spend their entire vacation on the beach do miss out on several interesting sights.

The Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple in Victoria is the centre of Hinduism on the islands. The temple is beautifully decorated and the ceremonies of the temple are interesting to see. Visitors are welcome, and discreet photography is allowed. Footwear should be removed and left in the vestibule. Please turn off your phone and avoid loud talking. Seychelles Natural History Museum in Victoria is small, inexpensive and interesting. Visitors will learn about the unique nature and geology of the islands. The ruined youth village of Cap Ternay is located at the end of a narrow one lane road on Mahe. This quiet and eerily beautiful place is best enjoyed by those who spend a bit of time beforehand reading about the site's history. Nature[ edit ] Vallee de Mai on Praslin is a national park and world heritage site, home to amazing flora and fauna, including the world's largest seed: the coco de mer. The remote paths far from the entrance are less crowded and offer the best views, but can be rough and steep. Wear sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle. It is also a good idea to start the visit with a guided tour so that you can fully appreciate the unique features of the park.

Entrance fee: Free for residents, 315 rupees (~20Euros) for foreigners (Sept 2010). Beaches on the Seychelles also good for activities other than swimming and tanning. Especially during low tide one can spot interesting wildlife there. Find a deserted beach and move quietly, and you may be rewarded by sightings of ghost crabs, leaping blennys, flying fish and many other species. Do[ edit ][ add listing ] Visit the beaches. Many of the beaches are untouched by man's influence and are refreshingly uncrowded. They offer clear blue skies and a tranquility you will rarely find. A hike along the coastline from Beau Vallon to Anse Major will take about 1.5-2 hours and your reward will be a small deserted beach that's fit for a king. The scenery along the hike is breathtaking. Not all beaches are suitable for swimming depending on the time of year, due to the seasonal winds. Do not ignore warning signs indicating that a beach is hazardous for swimming, no matter how it seems to you. The conditions on the beaches depend on the strength and direction of wind, absence or presence of a protective reef and the tide.

One should not worry, however, because Seychelles has beaches in abundance, and if the conditions on one beach are not good, a perfect beach may be only 5 minutes drive away. Aldabra Atoll: The world's largest coral atoll that stretches about 22 miles east to west and encloses a huge tidal lagoon. Aldabra is the original home of the giant land tortoise and tiger sharks and manta rays can also often be seen here. Watersports: The warm Indian Ocean waters make Seychelles the perfect place for the water enthusiasts. Explore on board a yacht, power boat, catamaran or sailboat. Windsurfing is also popular and the best time for this activity is usually around May then in October, at the start and end of the trade winds. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing are also extremely popular and can be done almost anywhere in Seychelles. Baie Ternay is superb and easily acccessible by glass bottom boat tour from Beau Vallon beach - leave yourself an empty day and walk the beach for a 'last minute' booking - great deals can be bartered.

Snorkeling (provided you have your own gear - some hotels lend masks, snorkels and fins to guests) is FREE and there are many great spots: off some of the small beaches at Glacis, past Mouse Island at Anse Royale, along the reef at Port Launay (near Ephelia Resort). Often spotted are a wide array of tropical fish, sea turtles, eagle rays and more! Land Sports: Golf, tennis, squash, badminton, horseback riding, biking and hiking are some of the recreational activities available on the Seychelles Islands. Bike rentals and walking tours are great ways to sightsee and since distances are relatively short and the scenery is beautiful, walking is probably the best way to see the smaller islands (La Digue, Praslin), while walking along the main road can be quite intimidating as the roads are narrow and local cars/busses drive quite quickly. On Mahe it is not advised to ride bicycles, and there are no rental shops within sight. Bird watching is also popular and the islands are home to many of the worlds most treasured and rare species of animals.

The best place to do so is Cousin Island which although only 1 km (0.6 miles) in diameter, is home to more than 300,000 birds, but many unique species can be found at ease on Mahe. Nightlife: Do not miss most popular Nightclub "Lovenut" in the centre of Victoria, 100 metres walk from central Taxi station. Also entertaining are "Tequila Boom" at (Bel Ombre) and "Katiolio" (near Anse Royale) night clubs. "Katiolio" was one of the first nightclubs to open on Mahe and boats an open-air that is directly beside the ocean. International Charter Group: [11] . Yacht charter and sailing, one of the worlds largest yacht charter companies, can take care of all charter requirements, from bareboat to crewed in the Seychelles. Operating from nine offices worldwide (USA, Spain, UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Caribbean, Honk Kong and Dubai). Hiking There are several maintained hiking routes on the main island of Mahe and a few on Praslin.

The Seychelles tourism office has a few descriptions of the hiking routes with maps available to be purchased. Check out openstreetmap [12] for some hiking tracks around the islands. Seychelles also has numerous markets, art galleries and shops, colonial Creole-style plantation houses, and the main island of Mahé has six museums, a botanical garden, and several national monuments. The market downtown Victoria has a good selection of local produce, and spices for sale that are all grown locally and 100% authentic. Learn[ edit ] The University of the Seychelles [13] has a medical degree for Americans. Public education has been free and mandatory for a ten years period of primary schooling, for children ages six to 16 since 1980. Primary education is followed by five years of secondary education. Seychelles does not provide education at university level, but there is a teacher training college and a polytechnic institute, and as mentioned above, the University of Seychelles - American Institute of Medicine does exist. Because of the absence of higher education facilities, many students study abroad, mostly in the United Kingdom.

Work[ edit ] Working and doing business in the Seychelles can be difficult due to the the humidity and heat. Forget about wearing a suit or anything resembling one; rather, opt for a light cotton shirt and pants. The atmosphere in the Seychelles is relaxed and it can take a lot of effort to achieve very little. Tourism is one of the most important sectors of the economy. In fact, about 15 percent of the work force is directly employed in tourism, and employment in banking, transportation, construction, and other activities is closely tied to the tourist industry. Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] The islands' currency is the Seychelles rupee (SCR). To get the best rates, use credit cards as much as possible, and get your cash from ATMs. However, it is also possible to buy rupees from the airport and from several banks. Credit cards and European debit cards are widely accepted, with the notable exception of gas stations. Petrol must be paid with cash. Trading in foreign currency, long illegal, was legalized in November 2008, and the currency freely floated. This has also wiped out the previously wide-spread black market, which offered up to twice the official rate.

The £ buys around 21-22 Rupees on Jan 2012. Shopping[ edit ] The best place for shopping is Victoria, the capital, and more specifically the market at the city centre. There are also a few outlets on the island, Praslin, but few shopping areas on the other islands. Larger hotels have boutiques but shopping in Seychelles is not one of the major attractions. Small grocery stores, usually run by the Indian community, are found all over the islands. These are, however, not particularly cheap, and have little or no local flavor. If doing self catering, the large hypermarket at the outskirts of Victoria is an option. The supermarket is boring, but also efficient and inexpensive. While visiting, be sure to buy the classic and traditional Seychelles souvenir, the coco-de-mer, or the 'nut of the sea,' a nut from trees native to the islands in the Seychelles - but this requires an export licence. Other locally made souvenirs, although not as unique, can be purchased like sea shell and pearl jewellery, textiles and straw hats, in addition to needlework & crochet, paintings by local artists and woodwork.

Tipping[ edit ] Most service providers already include a service charge of 5% - 10%. Tipping is not obligatory in the Seychelles, however, any extra change is greatly appreciated. Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] Seychellois cuisine has been greatly influenced by the islands' rich cultures. Creole cooking, varied seafood dishes, coconuts and curries are the most popular. The main product of the country, fish, is cooked in a variety of ways. Especially the red snapper is very tasty and well known to visitors. Cheapest food: Collect coconuts on the beach and learn how to open their terrible cover (not the shell, that's easy; they have a thick cover of natural fibres; to open it: hit the coconut very strongly many times on the edges, sooner or later the fibres break up). Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] Seychelles offers a fantastic nightlife scene that caters to tourists. The active nightlife is mostly located around the larger hotels and in addition to theatres, cinemas and discos, there are numerous fun and trendy restaurants.

If you enjoy a good beer you must try the local Seybrew beer, it tastes similar to a light Bavarian style beer and is a must to get you through those balmy days. You can save yourself a packet buying the beer from stores on the side of the road like the locals do rather than from hotels. A dark Takamaka Rum on the beach under the stars is the best way to end a day on the Seychelles. Sleep[ edit ][ add listing ] The Seychelles are not tolerant of backpackers turning up at the airport without accommodation booked. In such a situation, you will likely be taken to a counter where you will have to book & pay for accommodation for the duration of your trip before being allowed through immigration. Visitors need to provide details of their accommodation on their landing card (Hotel Name, address, phone number), and additionally, being questioned by the immigration officer about their accommodation details ("Is your booking at hotel <x> confirmed?" etc..) Most accommodations are relatively expensive and some islands have only one hotel. In fact, some of the islands aren't even permanently inhabited and accommodation can be found on fewer than 10.

Your best bet for a budget bed is renting an apartment or bungalow, which are available at better rates. Also keep in mind that hotel prices greatly increase and accommodation can be hard to find during the peak seasons from December to January and July to August. Holidays such as Easter can also get very busy. Most resorts can be found on the main islands of Mahe and Praslin . A few (very) high end ones, like the North Island , have their own private islands. Additionally, you will find an array of 'small hotels' which can be ideal as a get-together venue with that special feeling of exclusiveness. AVANI Seychelles, PO Box 626, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles, ☎ +24 8 4 673 000, [14] . checkin: at 12.00 pm; checkout: at 10.00 am. The Avani Seychelles Barbarons Resort and Spa is located in Mahe, Seychelles with an magnificent sea view. Ideal for couples, the resort offers beautifully designed rooms and suits for your preference.

Main resort activities include water sports, gym, horse riding and traditional cooking classes for tourists. USD 270. ((-4.683192),55.454335) edit Stay safe[ edit ] Try to avoid any dark lanes, and always be careful not to leave your bag unattended. Swimming alone on isolated beaches is not advisable. If you sail, avoid bringing valuables; if you have no choice, become adept at finding great hiding places. There is some social activity along a secondary road behind Beau Vallon beach (left from the Boathouse restaurant), but locals mostly seem content to admire their flashy cars and mostly ignore passers-by. There are newly instituted tourist police stationed at every beach on Mahe and are easily recognizable by their blue or white golf shirts, with a tourist police badge sewn on. They are very friendly and more than willing to help keep a good eye, even though you may not see them. They are honest and freely offer advice. Potential thieves are obvious (mostly due to lurking and just stand out from the locals) and tend to hide just off the beach or across the narrow streets near more out of the way beaches.

Jail terms are stiff and are strictly enforced since the island makes lots of money from tourism. Actual tourist scams are very rare, but it is advisable to check all bills at the restaurants and other establishments before paying. Stay healthy[ edit ] Chikungunya virus is a disease spread by mosquitoes, and causes flu-like symptoms. It is increasing in concern and although it is rare to die from it, the joint pain it causes can last for months. Insect repellent can help deter mosquitoes but not much else can be done as a precaution. The disease is native to East Africa and occasionally is introduced and quickly eradicated. Tap water is safe to drink on Mahe and Praslin, but water quality is variable in undeveloped areas. It is recommended to drink bottled water only and to avoid bodies of fresh water like lakes, rivers, ponds, etc. Respect[ edit ] The attitude towards manners and dressing are generally relaxed, and common sense and common courtesy are usually enough to keep one out of trouble. Shorts and T-shirts can be worn almost everywhere, although very revealing clothing, such as bikini tops, should only be worn on the beaches, especially if one is planning to visit a place of worship.

Dress shirt and long trousers are appropriate for a night out in Victoria or for a dinner in an upscale establishment. Nature is a treasured aspects of the islands. Do not litter or disturb wildlife or plants. Contact[ edit ] The Seychelles Tourism board is a great point of reference and they will be able to answer any and all questions you might have. Their website is Embassies/consulates[ edit ] There are only six embassies/High Commisions and another dozen or so consulates. The Chinese embassy is an attraction itself while the multilevel, colonial-era Victoria House on the corner of Francis Rachel & State House Streets is home to several of these consulates. Belgium, Victoria House, Victoria, ☎ 224434. edit France, Victoria House, Victoria, ☎ 382500. edit Greece, Victori, ☎ +248 373050 (fax: +248 373456). edit India, Le Chantier, ☎ 4610301. edit Mauritius, Anse aux Pins, ☎ 376441.

edit Netherlands, Glacis, ☎ 261200. edit Try Comoros , Mauritius , and Madagascar Many tourists travel to these alternative destinations because of their similarity and the fact that they do not have as high of prices for accommodation, travel and other daily expenses, which incur in Seychelles due to the island's high exclusivity. Or viewed in another perspective: The Seychelles are small disperse mountainous islands with poor transport infrastructure, prices in the tourism related industry will always remain high as the infrastructure will never be able to cope with mass tourism numbers. The common perception of Seychelles only offering an expensive accommodation, however, is an unfortunate one as you truly are likely to find accommodation to fit into almost everyone’s budget. Some establishments will offer you a double room for two persons starting at €65. At this cost you will not have many luxuries, but you will have the Creole hospitality that has made these islands so famous.

Welcome to the Official Destination Website for the Seychelles Islands - Geography Geography You are here: Home » Discover » Geography Geography The Seychelles' 115 granite and coral islands extend from between 4 and 10 degrees south of the equator and lie between 480km and 1,600km from the east coast of Africa in the western Indian Ocean. This Indian Ocean republic occupies a land area of 455 km² and an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.4 million km². It represents an archipelago of timeless beauty, tranquillity and harmony that is famous for its world-beating beaches and for its great diversity which rolls from lush forests down to the warm azure ocean. Of these 115 islands, 41 The Inner Islands constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74 form the 5 groups of low-lying coral atolls and reef islets that are the Outer Islands.

Seychelles is home to no less than two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the legendary Vallée de Mai on Praslin where the wondrously shaped Coco-de-mer nut grows high on ancient palms and the fabled Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll, first seen by early Arab seafarers of the 9th century A.D. Seychelles, one of the world’s very last frontiers, promises adventure and breathtaking natural beauty in pristine surrounds still untouched by man. Geography of Seychelles, Landforms - World Atlas Print this map Located in the Indian Ocean , Seychelles is an archipelago of nearly 155 islands, most of which are uninhabited. There are two regions within the archipelago: the granitic islands and the coralline outer islands. The granite's are the only islands composed of granitic rock in the world, as well as the oldest islands; conversely, the coralline islands are mainly younger. The island of Mahe is the largest of the group, and has a rocky landscape with a narrow coastal strip. The central part of island consists of a range of hills that rise upwards of over 2,000 ft.

(609 m). The highest point of the country is Mt. Seychellois 2,969 ft. (905 m), and the lowest point is the Indian Ocean (0 m). There are no significant lakes or rivers. Seychelles Map / Geography of Seychelles / Map of Seychelles - Worldatlas.com The Republic of Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean , northeast of Madagascar . Pre- European colonization the islands were known by Arab navigators on trading voyages, but were never inhabited. Eventually Seychelles was settled by France in the 18th century, but it wasn't long before the British fought for control. A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. Although the new governor to the islands was British , he governed according to French rules, and allowed previous French customs to remain intact. Slavery was completely abolished in 1835, and the island nation subsequently began to decline as exportation decreased.

The anti-slavery stance was taken very seriously by the British government, and conditions started improving when it was realized that coconuts could be grown with less labour. In the late 19th century, Seychelles became a place to exile troublesome political prisoners, most notably from Zanzibar, Egypt , Cyprus and Palestine . Independence for the islands came in 1976, after the Seychelles People's United Party was formed and led by France-Albert Rene, campaigning for socialism and freedom from Britain . Socialism was brought to a close with a new constitution and free elections in 1993. President France-Albert Rene, who had served since 1977, was re-elected in 2001, but stepped down in 2004. Vice President James Michel took over the presidency and in July 2006 was elected to a new five-year term. Upon independence in 1976, economic growth has steadily increased, led by the tourism sector and tuna fishing. In the past few years, the government has also created incentives for foreign investments.

Per capita, Seychelles is the most indebted country in the world and currently had a population of 90,024. See Also Constance Lemuria Golf Resort - Seychelles, Indian Ocean, Praslin Island, Seychelles Constance Lemuria Golf Resort The Resort The Resort On the small island of Praslin, thirty miles from the main island of Mahé, Constance Lémuria is the first five-star Deluxe hotel and eighteen-hole golf course in the Seychelles. Extending on the slope of a hill overlooking Anse Kerlan’s two coves, the hotel enjoys panoramic view of the lagoon and the neighbouring island of Mahé. The hotel enhances this beautiful site by blending totally into the luxuriant vegetation, palm groves, wooded hills and dramatic boulders formations. Everything at the hotel is in total harmony with the environment and in accordance with the strict conservation regulations that protect the outstanding beauty of the Seychelles. Accommodation comprises exclusively of Luxury Suites and Villas, hidden in the tropical greenery and less than fifteen metres from a beach preserved in its pristine state. Constance Lémuria offers a refined cuisine blending flavours from the Seychelles with traditional recipes of the French cuisine.

The Health & Fitness Centre provides a wide range of treatments in small elegantly appointed bungalows and includes a sauna, jacuzzi, steam bath, spa, fully equipped fitness room and a USpa by Constance spa as well as a Shiseido spa treatments. Additional activities include tennis, a full range of watersports, fishing and cruises to neighbouring islands. Constance Lémuria Resort is also a full golf hotel, boasting its own 18-hole championship course - Green fees are complimentary for guests! This spectacular layout borders the enchanting beaches of Kerlan and Grand Kerlan Coves. The first 12 holes run through the soft shade of a palm grove, while from the 13th hole, the course climbs over the steep slopes of a thickly wooded hill, providing breathtaking vistas. Several artificial lakes, acting as water reservoirs, affect play on nearly every hole, as does the soothing ocean breeze. For more details and photos on this destination, use the tags above ...

Constance Lémuria Resort Constance Lémuria Resort LEMURIA RESORT Accommodation comprises exclusively of Luxury Suites and Villas, hidden in the tropical greenery and less than fifteen metres from a beach preserved in its pristine state - no umbrellas or deck chairs here, keeping the vista totally unspoilt and virtually untouched. Thatch roofed, the suites open onto spacious shaded outdoor living areas facing the Indian Ocean. Inside, the subtle decor projects an atmosphere of mellow comfort and serenity by using traditional materials and raw fabrics of natural hues. The "Villas by Lémuria" have been designed to offer privacy and exclusivity. Each one of the eight units is a true private residence comprising two bedrooms with private bathrooms, a large living room, a gazebo and an outside dining area tucked in lush greenery around a private pool. In addition, each villa has its own open air bathroom and private butler service. Constance Lémuria Resort offers a refined cuisine blending flavours from the Seychelles with traditional recipes of the French cuisine. Near the water’s edge, The Beach Bar & Grill serves a lunch buffet displaying spicy Creole cuisine and seafood. The Legend restaurant provides a wonderful candlelight setting where to enjoy dinner buffet.

Overlooking the fairways, the Sea Horse serves modern French cuisine. The Health & Fitness Centre provides a wide range of beauty and body treatments in small elegantly appointed bungalows. Facilities also include a sauna, jacuzzi, steam bath, spa, fully equipped fitness room and a Shiseido Pavilion. Additional activities include tennis, a full range of watersports, fishing and cruises to neighbouring islands.

Accommodation 5 Star Deluxe Relais & Châteaux Golf Resort • 250 acre beachfront property 88 Junior Suites (52 m2) + 8 Senior Suites (115 m2) • 8 Villas with private pool (725 m2) + 1 Presidential Villa (1.250 m2) All Suites/Villas with A/C, minibar, safe, TV/DVD, Direct dial phone with voicemail, tea/coffee making Facilities and en-suite bathrooms with separate bath, shower and toilet Amenities Room service • Laundry service • Excursion and car rental • Lémuria Private Collection shop • Helicopter & Deluxe car transfers to airport • Car rental • Private car for excursions • Library (Books, magazines, CD/DVD's and games) Dining The Legend Restaurant (Breakfast buffet, Dinner buffet & theme evenings) • The Legend Bar • The Beach Bar & Grill (Seafood & buffets) • The Seahorse Bar & Restaurant (Modern French cuisine) • The Pool Bar (Sunken pool bar) • Picnic baskets Health & Fitness Centre Sauna, jacuzzi, steam bath • Gym • Massage service • Hairdresser and bodycare • Shiseido Pavilion Leisure

 Complimentary: Tennis (2 floodlit courts) • Sailing (Laser & Hobiecats) • Pedalos • Watersports (Windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling) • Golf At a fee: Scuba diving & PADI diving school • Cruises & Deep sea fishing • Turtle Club (Kids' club) • Golf, diving and tennis lessons • Mountain bikes Constance Lémuria Golf • Championship Course Rodney Wright & Marc Farry (2000) 18 holes - 6,076 yds - Par 70 Designed by Rodney Wright, responsible for the famous Mauna Lani Course in Hawaii, and co-designed by French champion Marc-Antoine Farry, the Lémuria Course offers a great and fair challenge to players of all levels.

This spectacular layout borders the enchanting beaches of Kerlan and Grand Kerlan Coves. The first 12 holes run through the soft shade of a palm grove, while from the 13th hole, the course climbs over the steep slopes of a thickly wooded hill, providing breathtaking vistas. Several artificial lakes, acting as water reservoirs, affect play on nearly every hole, as does the soothing ocean breeze. • The Golf Academy Golf in the Seychelles Golf in the Seychelles No other courses on the island of Praslin, but tere is another golf course on the main island of Mahe, gateway to the Seychelles. • Seychelles Golf Club (1960's) 9 holes - 4.922 yards - Par 68 Tucked away on the Southeastern coast of the island of Mahe, this challenging little 9-hole golf course beckons you to its spectacular fairways. Spread over just 50 acres of what was a mangrove swamp barely five decades ago, this nine hole course is deceptively short. The holes are repeated over the back nine from totally different tee-boxes but played to the same greens and pin positions.

The fairways, some of which are treacherously narrow, are lined mostly by tall, swaying coconut palms and the odd, strategically placed takamaka and casuarina tree. These have stood silent witnesses to the numerous hooks and slices as well as many spectacular drives and miraculous escapes. The banks of the water hazards are populated by a tribe of red crabs dedicated to crawling away with mishit golf balls! The course is also a sort of bird sanctuary and one can often spot rare migratory birds while walking to their next shot. Seychelles Islands Seychelles Islands The Republic of Seychelles comprises 115 islands covering 455 km² in the Indian Ocean. This archipelago of outstanding beauty extends a few degrees south of the equator and lies between 480km and 1,600km from the east coast of Africa. Of these 115 islands, 41 Inner Islands constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74 form the 5 groups of low-lying coral atolls and reef islets that are the Outer Islands.

The granitic islands of the Seychelles archipelago cluster around the main island of Mahé, home to the international airport and the capital, Victoria, and its satellites Praslin and La Digue. Together, these Inner Islands form the cultural and economic hub of the nation and contain the majority of Seychelles’ tourism facilities as well as its most stunning beaches. Seychelles is home to no less than two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the legendary Vallée de Mai on Praslin where the wondrously shaped Coco-de-mer nut grows high on ancient palms and fabled Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll. Seychelles is a comparatively young nation which can trace its first settlement back to 1770 when the islands were first settled by the French, leading a small party of whites, Indians and Africans. The islands remained in French hands until the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, evolving from humble beginnings to attain a population of 3,500 by the time Seychelles was ceded to Britain under the treaty of Paris in 1814. Under the British, Seychelles achieved a population of some 7,000 by the year 1825.

Important estates were established during this time producing coconut, food crops, cotton and sugar cane. During this period Seychelles also saw the establishment of Victoria as her capital, the exile of numerous troublemakers from the Empire and the economic repercussions of the abolition of slavery. Seychelles achieved independence from Britain in 1976 and became a republic within the commonwealth. In the evolution of its society, Seychelles has remained faithful to its multi-ethnic roots. For over two centuries, the islands have remained a melting pot of different races, traditions and religions from the four corners of the earth. Inspired by its grand diversity of cultural influences, ethnic diversity with racial harmony remain the mainstays of today's vibrant yet tranquil Creole nation for which harmony is a way of life. Seychelles has an estimated population of 90,000, composed of people who have emigrated to the island. The largest ethnic groups are those of African, French, Indian, and Chinese descent. French and English are official languages along with Seychellois Creole, which is primarily based upon French.

Address & Contact Seychelles - Climate Lies With a GDP per capita ranking the country 62 of 229 countries in the world, Seychelles is ahead of Hungary, Poland, Russia, Argentina and many others. Seychellesï¿½ main industries are tuna fishing, followed by tourism. While Seychelles officials view global warming as an opportunity to obtain money from western countries, their biggest problem is piracy: ï¿½Piracy is a serious threat to tuna fisheries management ï¿½ The countryï¿½s revenues have dropped by 30% over the past year due to attacks from pirates based in Somalia ï¿½ The press quotes the pirates as saying that international fishing vessels, including some belonging to Seychelles, illegally fish in Somali watersï¿½ [ ] While they are trying to scam money from ï¿½richï¿½ countries (several countries in the EU have lower GDP per capita than Seychelles) for the phony issue of climate change, their real problem is pirates. Seychelles Drought With a population of 88,000, Seychelles is composed of several small tropical islands north of Madagascar off the coast of Africa.

ï¿½The climate of Seychelles is tropical, having little seasonal variation. Temperatures on Mahï¿½ rarely rise above 29 C. or drop below 24 C. The southeast monsoon from late May to September brings cooler weather, and the northwest monsoon from March to May, warmer weather. High winds are rare inasmuch as most islands lie outside the Indian Ocean cyclone belt; Mahï¿½ suffered the only such storm in its recorded history in 1862. Mean annual rainfall in Mahï¿½ averages 2,880 millimeters at sea level and as high as 3,550 millimeters on the mountain slopes. Precipitation is somewhat less on the other islands, averaging as low as 500 millimeters per year on the southernmost coral islands. Because catchment provides most sources of water in Seychelles, yearly variations in rainfall or even brief periods of drought can produce water shortages.ï¿½ [ ] The following figure shows annual precipitation for Seychelles from the NOAA Global Historical Climate Network (GHCN) database (plotted at ).

The recent ï¿½droughtï¿½ (many countries would love to receive > 1600 mm) is not as bad as in the 1930s. Seychelles is part of the Southern African Development Community. The following figures are from a SADC report [ ]. Seychelles is one of the rainiest parts of the area (it is shown below expanded in the box). Note that the high end of the rainfall scale is anything over 500 mm. The following figures show Seychelles rainfall for Oct-Dec (right) and Jan-Mar (right). Most of Africa would be happy to get so much rain. Seychellesï¿½ drought problem ï¿½ a lack of groundwater and a lack of reservoirs to store rainwater. A 2010 article in the Seychelles Nation Online: ï¿½The funny thing is that we get so much rain in Seychelles ï¿½ a little over two metres of rain falls every year over the main granitic islands. Technically, this should be more than enough to supply us with all the water we need for our homes, and even hotels and other industries.

The trouble is, how do we store all this rainwater to use in times of drought? The PUC has a very, very limited reservoir capacity, as we all experience daily. In recent years, our solution has been desalination, but the desalination process uses a lot of energy ï¿½ we could, at fairly low cost and minimal impact to the environment, build a medium-sized reservoir at Mare Aux Cochons that would alleviate a lot of our problems. Other small reservoirs could be built on some of the larger rivers that donï¿½t dry up during times of drought.ï¿½ [ ] Antarctica / Greenland Ice Melt The main potential for sea level rise due to global warming comes from melting ice in Antarctica and Greenland. Alarmists say this will inundate tropical islands, but the evidence is lacking. Antarctica The following figure shows the approximate boundaries of areas that have warmed or cooled over the past 35 years. [ ] The mass balance has been increasing.

A 2006 paper (Wingham et al, ï¿½Mass Balance of the Antarctic Ice Sheetï¿½ Royal Society 2006) states: ï¿½Mass gains from accumulating snow, particularly on the Antarctic Peninsula and within East Antarctica, exceed the ice dynamic mass loss from West Antarctica. ï¿½ 72% of the Antarctic ice sheet is gaining 27G29 Gt yrK1, a sink of ocean mass sufficient to lower global sea levels by 0.08 mm / yrï¿½ [ ] (See: for more info on Antarctica) Greenland There are only two stations in Greenland with long-term data in the NOAA GHCN database ï¿½ Godthab Nuuk and Angmagssalik. The following figure shows the annual average temperature for the last 100 years (plotted at ). Although there were some ï¿½warmï¿½ years in the 2000s, there is no warming trend in 100 years of data.

The following figure (left) shows ï¿½ice sheet elevation change rate (dH/dt) in cm/year, derived from 11 years of ERS-1/ERS-2 satellite altimeter data, 1992 to 2003. The spatially averaged rate is 5.4 +/- 0.2 cm/year, or 5 cm/year when corrected for isostatic uplift.ï¿½ [ ~wsoon/MattCronin-Mar21-07-d/Johannessenetal05-GreenlandIceFinal.pdf ] The report also states: ï¿½An increase of 6.4 T 0.2 centimeters per year (cm/year) is found in the vast interior areas above 1500 metersï¿½. The decrease at low elevation after 2000 is due to increased adjacent sea surface temperatures. ï¿½ The above figure (right) shows Greenland melt runoff from a 2006 paper (Box et al: ï¿½Greenland Ice Sheet Surface Mass Balance Variability (1988-2004) From Calibrated Polar MM5 Outputï¿½, Journal of Climate, Vol.

19, No. 12) [ ] The Greenland melting was at least as large in the 1930s-1940s. (See: for more info on Greenland) With Antarctica having a slight net uptake of water, and Greenland having a only slight contribution to sea level that is no greater than during the 1930s/40s, Jumeauï¿½s claim that sea level will be drowning people in Seychelles is a lie.

Question: The Seychelle Islands lie in which body of water?
Answer: Indian Ocean