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DWVC sells holidays in Seychelles
Added: (Sat May 10 2008)
The Seychelles is a promise of sun, sand and sea; scenic landscapes, enchanting gardens, virgin forests, fabulous sea-beds; a treasury of flora and fauna, exotic cuisine and a people whose hearts are as warm as their weather. According to those who know such things, the Seychelles is in the top ranks of the world's most romantic destinations.
As the Seychelles islands were unoccupied before the French period, its people have no common native ancestry. Here, Africans, Indian, Asians, Chinese, Europeans, and Arabs met in various circumstances, mingled and the times rolled. Today, Seychelles prides itself in the resulting rich Creole culture. The spoken tongues are Creole (French based), English and French. The people of Seychelles are warm, easygoing, welcoming and very friendly; their home being so isolated, they are keenly aware of how lonely life on the planet can be.
The 115 islands of the Seychelles stretch a vast 400,000 sq km. Only 33 of the islands are inhabited, with a population of about 82,000 (2005). About 56 other islands are strictly set-aside as Natural Parks and Reserves to preserve their incredible natural beauty and rare species of flora and fauna. This has put Seychelles on the world map as the country with the largest proportion of natural resources protected in conservation sanctuaries.
The islands fall within the inner and outer group of islands. The inner group are larger and more populous and are a fascinating formation of granite rock. On these islands, the green vegetation against the pink granite backdrop surrounded by the turquoise ocean is quite picturesque. The outer group comprises smaller coralline atolls with little or no population and host amazing botanical and wildlife resources.
Anse Lazio Beach, famous for its beautiful white sands speckled with pink granite, is Seychelles' best-rated shoreline. The waters here are excellent for deep sea diving and carry over 800 species of fish. Other good beaches are Anse Georgette, Anse Kerlan and Anse Volbert.
Praslin is the native home of a curiosity coconut, known as coco de mer. Also known as the love nut, its form is suggestive of the anatomy of the human female. This coconut is a protected species and is the world's largest seed. You may come across some people in the Seychelles who believe that it is not only a powerful aphrodisiac but that it is Eden's forbidden fruit itself. Emperor Rudolf II of Hapsburg, no doubt aware of the power of the coco de mer, on his deathbed requested for just a single nut and offered an excellent reward.
Nature lovers must take time to visit the Vallee de Mai garden, which is recognised as a World Heritage Site. This stunning site is filled with many rare and unique birds and plants. According to local legend, it is the original location of the Garden of Eden. The black parrot, Seychelles bulbul and the fruit pigeon are some of the very rare birds protected here, together with the coco de mer.
La Digue, which is the third largest of the islands, is 43 km from Mahe and 30 minutes boat ride from Praslin. The island's tranquillity and serenity is unsurpassed and among its attractions are beautiful beaches and landscapes, spice gardens, plantations and birdlife. Cars are restricted and they number probably not more than two-dozen. The roads are unpaved and the most reliable way of getting about is by bikes and ox-driven taxis.
La Digue's outstanding beauty has attracted many photographers and film producers. It is indeed one of the world's most photographed places. Some tropical wear fashion shots and international commercials you may be familiar with have been taken here. This quiet paradise has been highly praised by discerning honeymooners.
The Seychelles has 12 endemic bird species, which are found nowhere else. April marks the commencement of the breeding season, while the migration begins in October. The islands blossom to full life in May through to September when the nestlings hatch. Year round, birders are sure to have a good time.
A holiday to the Seychelles is ever timely and therapeutic. It presents an unmatched location for all kinds of water sporting all year round. To mention a few - wind surfing, angling - both deep sea and fly fishing, canoeing, sailing and yachting, water skiing, scuba diving, snorkelling, hiking, biking, walking, bird watching and swimming.
Scuba diving is an all time favourite for many visitors. The Seychelles Underwater Centre in Mahe gives excellent guidance on what to see, where and how to carry on about diving. Snorkelling is also favourable throughout the year and many hotels and resorts rent out masks, snorkels and fins, as well as give lessons for amateurs and first-timers.
Water skiing, sailing and yachting are year round activities. The seas however tend to be rougher between May and September during the southeast trade winds. Wind surfing is agreeable with the calmer November to April winds. The May to September period is favoured by the southeast trade winds and is good for big game fishing. Bottom sea fishing is best between November and February.
The Seychelles inspires love and poetry. And many are those who flock here, to find or bind themselves in love. There is no better place for the wedding and tropical honeymoon of your life. Whether, you want a religious or civil ceremony, the arrangements can be made. If for some inexplicable reason, after coming here love still eludes you, consider buying some Creole love potion and then plunge into the flow!
Seychelles enjoys a steady, warm and humid tropical climate with average temperatures at 29°C. There are two distinctive seasons, which are influenced by the monsoon winds. May to September is cooler and less humid, while November to March tends to be hotter, rainier and sometimes suffer heavy storms. Unlike other Indian Ocean Islands, Seychelles luckily falls outside the cyclone belt and does not experience devastating storms.
Members of Designer Way Vacation Club (DWVC) can get a weeks bed and breakfast for two in August at the Berjaya Praslin Beach Resort for just £441.
The resort lures visitors to its secluded beaches and carefully preserved natural environment. To complement the setting, Berjaya Praslin Beach Resort's well-appointed rooms reflect a rustic ambience enhanced by pool, garden or sea views. Set amidst coconut palms and beautifully landscaped tropical gardens, this beautiful resort is the ultimate hideaway.
If you want to book this resort simply contact your account manager at Timelinx’s reservations office on 0870 738 0080, alternatively you can log onto www.dwvc.com to see what else is available.