Seychelles Holidays

Featured Hotels & Resorts in Seychelles

Below is a selection of hotels for holidays in Seychelles. If you can't find what you are looking for, feel free to give us a call on 068 56800 (Listowel) or 01 8077996 (Dublin) to discuss your requirements, alternatively you can view our holidays in other Indian Ocean and Sub Continent destinations.

Location

Situated in the Indian Ocean, 1600km (990 miles) east of Kenya.

Shopping

Local handicrafts include textiles (such as batik), fibers (such as basketwares, table-mats and hats) and wood (such as traditional furniture, ornaments and model boats). Pottery and paintings may also be bought. Special souvenirs might include jewelry made from green snail shells. Local tea can be bought in the shops or when visiting the tea factory on Mahé. Vanilla is cultivated as a climbing plant around the base of trees as it can be pollinated by hand. Pods can be bought in shops and used as flavouring. Cinnamon grows wild on all the islands. It can be bought as oil or in quills made from dried bark which can be freshly grated before use.

Geography

The Seychelles occupies a land area of 455 km. It’s 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.

History

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.

Climate

Seychelles enviable climate is always warm and without extremes. In this tropical haven the temperature seldom drops below 24 °C or rises above 32 °C. All but the remotest southern islands lie comfortably outside the cyclone belt making Seychelles a year round destination for sun worshippers and beach lovers.

Language

There are three official languages in Seychelles: Creole (a lilting, French-based patois), English and French. Many Seychellois also speak fluent Italian or German.

Currency

Seychelles Rupee (SR). It is recommended to take US Travellers Cheques. Credit cards are accepted in several restaurants, tourist shops and most hotels, but not everywhere. It is advised to exchange money within the banks, as hotels tend to give a worse exchange rate.

Electricity

240V 50Hz British-type plugs with 3 flat pins are used.

Banks

Many banks exist within Victoria in Mahé , in larger villages, and at the airport. Banks also exist on Praslin and La Digue. Most banks are only open in the mornings, but some also in the afternoon. General opening hours are: Mon-Fri 0830-1430, Sat 0830-1100.

Getting around

The main international airport for the Seychelles is located 6 miles south of Victoria on Mahé Island. All destinations can be reached on Mahé by coach and taxi. Car hire offices are also available at the airport but make sure you have a valid international E.U licence. Hiring a car is probably the best way to see the spectacular views of Mahé. Mini Mokes are the hire cars in the Seychelles, but take care as other drivers can be a bit of a danger.

Time difference

GMT +4 hours.

Tipping

The service charge is usually included within the price of a meal, however for good service an extra tip of 5 - 10% can be given. It is polite to tip the room boy and porter upon departure.

Water

Tap water is chlorinated, but bottled water is advised.

Visas

Visas are not required for visitors to Seychelles, but you’ll need an onward ticket, booked accommodation and sufficient funds for your stay - a one month Visitor’s Permit (extendable on application) will be issued.

Tourist information

www.seychelles.uk.com

What makes it so special?

The Seychelles is an archipelago of timeless beauty, tranquillity and harmony that is famous for its world-beating un-crowded, pristine beaches, some of which are framed by age-old granite boulders, and for its great diversity which rolls from lush forests down to the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. It is home to some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on earth and offers superb opportunities for swimming, snorkelling or pure relaxation.

Where to visit

Vallée de Mai is one of only two places in the world where you can see the weird and wonderful coco de mer palm growing in their natural state - the other is nearby Curieuse Island. This valley’s Eden-like forest is World Heritage listed and the very sight of sunlight filtering through its fronds will make you go all poetic.