This summer, charter your own island getaway and soak in the sights and sounds of the Seychelles, an exclusive Indian Ocean retreat patronised by the rich and famous

The Seychelles may not be a newcomer on the list of dream vacations but it very much tops the list of the global elite. Since the islands’ international airport first opened in 1970, the economy has moved rapidly from cinnamon and vanilla production to tourism, which now occupies about 30 per cent of the archipelago’s workforce. 

Countless celebrities have chosen Seychelles to commemorate their weddings and take a break from their A-list lives: Salma Hayek and Francois Henri Pinault, Paul McCartney and Heather Mills, Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt, as well as Liz Hurley and Arun Nayar. George Clooney and his bride Amal Alamuddin chose it as their honeymoon destination. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cambridge honeymooned on the Indian Ocean paradise. 

It’s no coincidence. With strict privacy laws in place, Seychelles allows celebrities to holiday on their private beach without making headlines.


FOCUS ON PRIVACY

“More than the price point or upmarket services that a person will spend money on, luxury travel is experiencing the uniqueness of the destination, the serenity of the beaches, experiencing nature privately while having world class services,” Sherin Naiken, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, says in a one-to-one interview with Arabian Knight.

“We serve the best halal food and for those who are looking to enjoy their vacation privately, the Seychelles offers splendid vacation spots with utmost privacy,” she reiterates. 

“Seychelles offers the best sun, sea and sand experience you can ever imagine. It has the perfect climate, and a rich choice of activities which includes sailing, diving, snorkelling, fishing, hiking, golf, spa and wellness. Seychelles also offers exceptional eco-tourism adventures with so many rare endemic species of flora and fauna.”


A STINT WITH LUXURY

For guests with a finer taste of things, Naiken says that tourists can enjoy exceptional private island experiences with full butler service. One-of-a-kind island-hopping experience can also be enjoyed as one moves from Mahe to Praslin and from Praslin to La Digue, to name but two options.

Tourism numbers have gone up 15 per cent. “The reason for this rise in visitor numbers is the concerted effort by the Seychelles government and private sector to make the country known as the premier luxury travel destination in the world. The private sector is committed to playing its part for the betterment of the country,” she says. 

Also, as Seychelles houses mostly international five-star hotel and resort chains – and with these resorts offering different services not just for couples but also for families – it entices more people to visit the Seychelles, she continues.

The most luxurious properties in the Seychelles are, as the chief executive says, “North Island, Fregate Island, Banyan Tree Seychelles, Four Seasons Resort, Raffles Praslin Seychelles, and Maia Luxury Resort & Spa”. 

“In August of this year, we will be welcoming the H Resort Beau Vallon Beach Seychelles in Mahe,” she adds.  

The Republic of Seychelles is a relatively new country, with recorded history dating back to the 1770s but it has had its fair share of colonisation. 

Once under French, then under British rule until 1976, the islands have an interesting mix of ethnicity. The people are a mix of Africans, Indians, British and French.

Echoing the grand assortment of people who populate the islands, Creole cuisine features the subtleties and nuances of French cooking, the exoticism of Indian dishes and the piquant flavours of the Orient. Seafood features in a big way on their menu as one would expect, alongside tropical varieties of fruit and rice. 


A WEALTH OF EXPLORATION

Seychelles is a sanctuary for some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on earth. With almost 50 per cent of its landmass set aside as national parks and reserves, the country prides itself on its record for far-sighted conservation policies that have resulted in an enviable degree of protection of the environment and the varied ecosystems it supports.

The Seychelles archipelago has 115 granite and coral islands, most of which are uninhabited, giving the adventurous traveller plenty to explore. It has heavenly beaches, lush forests and the warm azure ocean. 

Home to two Unesco (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage sites, the archipelago shares a curious Arab connection: the fabled Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll, first seen by early Arab seafarers of the 9th century AD.

Mahe is the biggest island in the archipelago. Together with Praslin and La Digue, it forms the cultural and economic hub of the republic, as well as the centre of its tourism industry. 

The three islands are home to the majority of Seychelles’ accommodation facilities as well as almost the entire population of the archipelago.

Some notable islands are North Island and Fregate, also known for the luxurious private holiday experiences they offer. 

North Island is famous for offering the most expensive holiday in the world, with the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cambridge as its clients. The island has only 11 villas, which are built from local materials. The latest refurbishment, which took place last year, has introduced a refreshed colour palette, new bathroom fittings, and re-emphasised the sense of place.

Naiken says: “The Seychelles as a destination is vast and diverse. It is a luxury destination and a tranquil haven. It is a paradise here on Earth with unparalleled beauty and first class service. It has been recently voted as the finest honeymoon destination. It has unrivalled beauty with a charm that inspires visitors to make multiple return visits.”

We, at Arabian Knight, believe all this to be true.


TOP FIVE STAYS
North Island
Fregate Island
Banyan Tree Seychelles
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
Raffles Praslin Seychelles