I was thinking about unusual travel destinations and came upon an interesting website which lists such places, with each featured image being more beautiful than the one before it. 1
As I perused the destinations, my attention was inexplicably drawn to Praslin Island, Seychelles.
Northeast of Madagascar and East of Kenya in the Indian Ocean, Praslin, the second largest island of the Seychelles, lies 45 kilometers northeast of Mahé. With a populationj of 6 500 people, it comprises of two administrative districts: Baie Sainte Anne and Grand’ Anse. 2
The Seychelles are truly “another world” with some of Praslin’s beaches appearing in the top-10 list of the world’s best beaches.
The Seychelles boast of two, UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Vallée de Mai (in Praslin) where the Coco-de-Mer, the world’s heaviest nuts grow on ancient palm trees in a primeval forest; 4 and Aldabra, virtually untouched by humans, the world’s second largest coral atoll, part of the Outer Islands. ” The atoll has about two thirds of the world population of Giant tortoises, about 100,000 out of a reported 150,000.” 4 General Gordon thought that the Vallée de Mai was the original Garden of Eden. 6
Praslin, named after the Duc de Praslin, was settled by the French in the mid-18th century. Prior to that, it was frequented by pirates.
Praslin stands at the forefront of Seychelles’ tourism industry with a strong tradition of hospitality and wide range of accommodation facilities. It also provides a base for excursions to neighbouring islands, some of which are important sanctuaries nurturing rare species of endemic flora and fauna. 7
What should you see in Praslin? According to Lonely Planet, Anse Volbert, which is also known as Côte d’Or, and Grand Anse. 8
Where should you stay in Praslin? The Castello Beach Hotel’s description reads in part: “This four-star deluxe hotel opened January 2009, is situated on the north west of Praslin right beside one of the most beautiful, year-round beaches at Anse Kerlan. Surrounded by a tropical garden, this boutique hotel is a sanctuary in paradise with a spectacular view of the islands of Cousin, Cousine, Mahé and Silhouette.” 9 This “charming boutique hotel” also offers proximity to the beach, a restaurant and bar, swimming pool, massage parlor and mini club. Their friendly team will organize sailing and yacht excursions. 10
Are you ready to go to paradise on earth? Book your trip with Seychelles.travel, the official destination website for the Seychelles Islands.
Bon voyage!
Praslin Island, Seychelles
References
1. 50 Unusual & Awesome Places of the World
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, Aldabra.
6. Op. cit.
8. Lonely Planet, “Introducing Praslin.”
9. Castello Beach Hotel. And, the hotel’s official website.
10. Ibid.
LUBA RASCHEFF 