Roland Lefevre
As one of Asia's premier beach hubs the Seychelles is no ordinary archipelago of 115 islands. Littered with natural and geological wonders some of the country's must-visit highlights are as follows.
Tipped to be one of the most picturesque corners of the Seychelles Baie Lazare earns its name from Lazare Picault, a Frenchman who explored the islands in the 18th century. Known for its pastoral and breathtaking beauty the popular seaside hamlet is home to the iconic Baie Lazare Church which is a stunning neo-Gothic structure devoted to the worship of St. Francis of Assisi. Top beaches in Baie Lazare include Petite Anse and Anse Soleil.
Occupying the north-western shorelines of Mahé' Beau Vallon is an attractions frequented by locals as well as travellers. A water sports hub for the masses the curving beachscape of Beau Vallon is ideal for jet skiing activities as well as water skiing thanks to the trade winds from the southeast. Boasting calm seas and breathtaking views of Silhouette Island the lifeguard patrolled beaches of the venue are ideal for families with young children.
As the most expansive national park in the entire country the Morne Seychellois National Park is another must-visit highlight in the Seychelles. Covering a whopping 20% of Mahe Island this idyllic natural reserve is lined with hiking trails that lay across tea estates and pastoral villages such as Danzil. Home to Bel Ombre village the secluded beach of Anse Major is another attraction at the Morne Seychellois National Park.
Regarded as one of the most stunning beaches in all of Mahe the tiny but isolated crescent shaped beach known as Anse Intendance occupies the southern coast of the island and is a well-known surfing hotspot as well. Known for its large waves and massive swells the surfer's paradise also enjoys strong trade winds from the south-eastern fringes of the island. A well-known turtle habitat beach lovers and shutter bugs should a not miss the chance to spend a relaxing afternoon at this iconic beach.
Famed as the premier national park in the Indian Ocean the Ste Anne National Marine Park was declared a protected reserve as early as 1973. A haven for water sports enthusiasts and marine life fanatics the venue is home to some of the most breathtaking coral reefs in the archipelago. Glass bottom boat rides are a popular method of exploring the underwater gardens of Ste Anne National Marine Park while snorkellers and scuba divers are welcomes to take a closer look at the marine life inhabiting the park. Round Island is another highlight at the park which houses ancient ruins, walking trails and a fantastic Creole restaurant. Visitors staying in luxury Seychelles resorts such as the AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa can book a tour of the marine park through the hotel.
A popular stopover for nature lovers and bird watching enthusiasts the Vallée de Mai National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site unlike any other in the Seychelles. Home to a prehistoric jungle this idyllic landscape is a thriving habitat for many bird species including the black parrot and the Seychelles bulbul. Lined with hiking and walking trails the park is an accessible nature reserve that can be explored on foot.
