Our Seychelles specialists are experienced and passionate about the country - between them they have spent many weeks a year researching new experiences and ensuring everything is of the highest standard. They know the Seychelles inside out.
Practical Information
Flying to the Seychelles for an island hopping holiday or after a safari is easy.
Air Seychelles operates direct routes from London and there are daily flights from Johannesburg and Nairobi which service Southern and Eastern Africa respectively.
Once on the islands you can base yourself at one hotel or, alternatively, you may wish to island hop, staying at two or three islands.
Accommodation types on the Seychelles
There is a wide range of accommodation on the Seychelles ranging from deluxe five-star hotels to tiny Creole guesthouses. We have selected small properties including boutique hotels, plantation houses and exclusive private island hideaways. Their locations range from the larger islands of Praslin and Mahé to sleepy La Digue and far flung Desroches.
The private islands are secluded hideaways with only one exclusive lodge.
Language
There are 3 languages in the Seychelles. English and French are widely used and understood and English is the language of commerce and law. However, the most commonly spoken language is Creole. This is a French patois which developed during the slave era when the French plantation owners needed to be able to communicate with African and Malagasy slaves. The vocabulary is similar to French, with additional words and phrases from Swahili and Arabic, but the grammar is simplified and the spelling is phonetic.
Food and Drink
Seychellois cuisine is influenced by African, Chinese, English, French and Indian traditions. The careful blending of spices is a major feature and much use is made of coconut milk and breadfruit. Breadfruit is prepared in similar ways to the potato (mashed, chipped, roasted and so on) but has a slightly sweeter taste. The main meal of the day is eaten in the evening and with so much of life in the Seychelles dominated by the ocean it is little wonder that many of the recipes include fish. Most restaurants offer a few items of what is termed 'international' cuisine, generally with a bias towards preparations of fresh fish and shellfish.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory, but it is appreciated for exceptional service. In restaurants a service charge of between 5 to 10% is often added to the bill so you will not be expected to leave an additional tip.
Money
The currency of the Seychelles is the Seychelles Rupee (SR), split into 100 cents. However, Seychelles Rupees are not accepted in most tourist areas so we recommend taking Euros with you. Diners Club, Visa, Access and Mastercard are widely accepted at the larger hotels, restaurants and shops.
Social Issues
Conservative casual wear is generally acceptable everywhere, but revealing clothes should be avoided since they may cause offence. Do not take pictures of people without asking permission. Photography is not allowed in airports. Places of historic and scenic interest may be photographed, but permission should be sought before photographing military installations, government buildings or other possibly sensitive subjects.
Under The Skin
Read
The travel guide 'Seychelles - A garden of Eden in the Indian Ocean' by Sarah Carpin, is a great way of introducing yourself to the history, culture and folklaw of the country. It also includes information about the best places to go for beaches, food, even how to get married in the Seychelles and much more.
Listen
'Welcome to Paradise' by Denzil.
Watch
'The Silent World' is a documentary by Jacques Cousteau's. This is one of the first films to show the underwater world in colour, through the use of underwater cameras.
Eat
A Creol Curry is delicious especially when eaten in a small local restaurant looking out to sea.
Drink
Most drinks have to be imported into the Seychelles which makes them expensive, however a locally made liqueur callel Coco d'Amour is worth a try if you have a sweet tooth!!
Word
'Konman sava' (How are you?).
Trademarks
Boulders, palm trees, turqoise waters, spa's, relaxation, luxury.
Do not miss out on the Coconut Maracas, which are a popular souvenir from the Seychelles.