The Republic of Seychelles is a tropical haven of 115 islands, scattered across 1,374,000 sq km (530,000 sq miles) of the western Indian Ocean. The archipelago comprises 41 hilly, granite islands surrounded by 74 low-lying, coral islands. The islands are situated four to ten degrees south of the equator, 480 km to 1,600 km off the east coast of Africa.
Originally inhabited by 17th century pirates, the Seychelles was first settled by the French in 1770. It became a British colony in 1814 and gained independence in 1976. The Seychelles’ colonial past – coupled with its history of slavery and strategic location between the Gulf States, Africa and Asia – has resulted in a lack of indigenous culture, with today’s society reflecting centuries of French, British, African, Indian, Chinese and Arab influences. The official languages are French and English, though Creole is also widely spoken.
The islands possess an extraordinary, natural beauty that transcends their reputation for picture-perfect beaches. Both marine and land-based conservation projects are rife, with the islanders working hard to preserve their natural riches, including over 1,000 species of fish, the largest population of Aldabra giant tortoises and one of the largest seabird colonies in the world.
Mahé is the largest of the republic’s granite islands, covering an area of 142 sq km. Together with Praslin and La Digue, it forms the heart of the country’s economic, cultural and tourism hub. Protected by a wide coral reef, Mahé retains the feel of an undiscovered paradise with steep, tropical forests rising from small, private coves set against a towering backdrop of 1,000 metre granite peaks.
Mahé is home to a huge diversity of flora including many rare indigenous plants such as the Jellyfish Tree, the carnivorous Seychelles Pitcher Plant and the Seychelles Vanilla Orchid. The island is also the international gateway to the Seychelles and the transportation hub for excursions to all other islands within the archipelago. On the southwest coast of Mahé, just 17km (48 miles) from the international airport, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles occupies a remote hillside setting overlooking the beautiful bay of Petite Anse (Little Cove).
Some of the highlights and attractions within easy reach of the Resort include:
Vallée de Mai – one of the Seychelles’ two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located on the island of Praslin, a 15 minute flight from the Resort, this 650 million year old virgin palm forest was once believed to be the original site of the Garden of Eden. Famed for its 4,000+ rare Coco de Mer palm trees (the symbol of the Seychelles) and equally rare black parrots (the country’s national bird), the ancient jungle is strewn with prehistoric boulders and houses a myriad of birds, lizards and plants beneath its soaring canopy
Aldabra Atoll – the Seychelles’ second UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aldabra is the largest atoll in the world, containing one-third of all Seychellois land. It is the original home of the Aldabra Giant Tortoise, with over 150,000 still in residence on the island – the largest population in the world
Aride Island – one of the world’s most important nature reserves, home to breeding pairs of more than ten species of birds including the Magpie Robin and Brush Warbler
Le Jardin du Roi (Royal Garden) – magnificent gardens that showcase the Seychelles’ indigenous flora and fauna and chart the islands’ ancient story of spice cultivation
Mont Fleuri Botanical Gardens – established in 1901 by Queen Victoria, featuring a collection of native palms (including the Coco de Mer), a tortoise park and rainforest walk
Victoria – the country’s chief port and smallest capital in the world. Victoria is a charming and colourful city with a commercial hub that centres around the vibrant Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, named after a post-war Governor. Architecture hints at the Republic’s colonial past and includes a replica of London’s ‘Big Ben’ clock tower. Places of interest include the Seychelles Natural History Museum, the National Museum of History and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which dates back to 1859.
Victoria is also renowned as an arts centre, with a number of inspiring galleries and a thriving local arts scene. Head to Kenwyn House on Francis Rachel Street for the Republic’s largest single collection of local artworks as well as jewellery from South Africa and high-end fashion and gifts.
The Michael Adams Gallery – a further opportunity to experience the richness of Seychellois folklore and nature through inspiring local art. Adams’ and his daughter’s work is also displayed in the Resort's reception area and throughout the villas and suites
