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Mahe
At 59 square miles, Mahe is, by far, the largest island, and it is home to the capital, Victoria, the international airport, the fishing and commercial ports, most of the population and many resorts and hotels, plus four casinos.
Its powdery white, idyllic beaches, lush vegetation, plantations of coconut palms and cinnamon rise to forested peaks with unequalled views of the neighboring islands.
Surrounded by coral reefs the clear, calm waters invite relaxation and many water sports. Although it is the nation's economic hub, it has retained all of its natural beauty and charm.
Many tourists decide to stay at beautiful Beau Vallon Bay...but there is so much more to see and explore. Both island roads and public transportation are quite good and rental cars ubiquitous and fairly easy to manage (although the British driving on the left convention is observed)...making it very, very easy to sightsee the entire island...or you can take an island helicopter tour for a real bird's eye view.
Coach excursions will take the visitor to Mahe's attractions: the markets, the 100 year old Botanical Gardens (with giant land tortoises, coco-de-mer and orchids); the capital, Victoria, with its famous clock tower; the National Museum dedicated to island history, folklore and music; graceful colonial mansions and old plantations; and vibrant green jungles.
Mahe is also the center for craft artisans as well as fine art painters, sculptors and woodworkers. The pirate treasure dig at Bel Ombre has been worked for decades. It is supposedly the site of an 18th Century French pirate's share of the loot from a plundered Portuguese treasure ship. At Jardin du Roi, a renovated and now working plantation and spice garden there are walks, a museum and an excellent restaurant featuring, of course, interestingly spiced cuisine.
Morne Seychellois National Park can be visited and the summit ascended to view one of the most spectacular vistas in the world. Walking is the best way to get the feel of the island; many trails and nature walks are well posted and the capital, itself, is a walker's delight and an excellent chance to experience why the Seychellois are called the friendliest people on earth. With its incredible amount of daytime activities and lively nightlife, Mahe can truly offer something for everyone.
North Island
North Island - named after the renowned botanical illustrator, Marian North - is the most northerly of the Inner Islands of the Seychelles Archipelago. About 2.5 km long by 1 km wide, this granitic island is approximately 32 km northwest of Mahι and 5 km north of Silhouette.
Wilderness Safaris has undertaken an ambitious programme to re-establish the ecological balance of the island. The lodge is part of this ecotourism project, generating funds for and designed in harmony with conservation objectives. The lodge is built with materials, which blend with the island; meals will use fresh ingredients, many organically grown on the island; the health spa on the granite promontory will use only the latest marine-based skin products.
With only 10 villas, privacy is one of the chief attractions. Each self-contained villa provides a spacious sitting and dining room, leading onto a broad wooden deck with private plunge pool and breathtaking ocean view.
The secluded pool is fed by a deep, cool reservoir. Guests can explore the island on foot or guided by a resident ecologist. Snorkeling is outstanding and the island is near some remarkable dive sites. Sea kayaking and fly-fishing are on offer and there are some challenging hikes on Silhouette Island. |
