15 Interesting Facts About The Seychelles

1. Pirates used to seek the islands of Seychelles as a hideout. It is believed that Olivier Le Vasseur, an infamous pirate, had a treasure worth 100,000 euros that remains hidden in the land up to the present.

2. Victoria, the capital city of Seychelles, is the smallest capital in the whole world.

3. Ian Fleming, the author of James Bond novels and short stories, named his character Milton Krest after a tonic and ginger beer that he tasted while vacationing in Seychelles.

4. This beautiful country island was home to none until the latter part of the 18th century, when its first settlers arrived.

5. Almost half of the limited landmass in the country is occupied by national parks and reserves. This is in support of the government’s various environment and ecosystems protection and conservation policies.

6. Seychelles is the right place to visit if you want to see unique endemic species. These include the paradise flycatcher, the warbler, the jelly fish tree, and the female Coco de Mer, which is the world’s heaviest nut.

7. The country is home to the heaviest land tortoise that is living in the wild. Named Esmeralda, the animal weighs 304 kilograms and can be found at the Bird Island.

8. In the Ste. Anne Marine National Park, you will find the Moyenne Island, which is believed to be haunted by a spirit that guards a buried treasure.

9. Round Island used to be a leper colony. A stone prison still remains up to this day.

10. When it served as host country to the Miss World Beauty Pageants in 1997 and 1998, Seychelles had great international media coverage, enough to boost its tourism industry.

11. Seychelles is a democratic country with its own constitution that was adopted on 18 June 1993.

12. Seychelles has a population growth rate of 0.922%, which is in line with the world population growth rate of 1.14%.

13. The highest point in Seychelles is Morne Seychellios which is situated on the main island of Mahe. It has an altitude of 905m, or 2969ft.

14. The National Assembly or Assemblee Nationale consists of 34 seats; with 25 members elected by popular vote and 9 allocated on a proportional basis to parties winning at least 10% of the vote. Members serve five-year terms.

15. Seychelles consists of 41 granitic and 75 coralline islands.

Seychelles... Destination of the Stars

We all know that Seychelles is a popular honeymoon destination, but very few people realise just how popular it really is, especially amongst celebrities. In an article entitled The Celebs’ Top Ten Honeymoon Destinations, Seychelles is listed as the best place to go for a romantic honeymoon, followed by Turks and Caicos, Maldives, Mexico, California, Bora Bora, Hawaii, Fiji, Barbados and Bahamas respectively. 

The beautiful Seychelles...

 There are some beautiful destinations around the world, but few offer the beauty, luxury, and tropical paradise that Seychelles does without the prying eye of the paparazzi. That stands as a major reason why many celebrities have chosen the Seychelles as their destination of choice, be it for a honeymoon or just a getaway. The privacy afforded to guests is unmatched and this allows them to enjoy a vacation without it making front page news all over the world. Famous personalities such as Salma Hayek and Francois Henri Pinault as having a good time at the North Island Hotel after their wedding. It also named the former famous British couple Paul McCartney and Heather Mills; even though their marriage did not last, they certainly had a beautiful honeymoon. As did Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt who apparently rented the small Frégate Island, for their honeymoon, just like Liz Hurley with Arun Nayar and Prince William with Kate.

Salma Hayek on honeymoon in the Seychelles

William and Kate, the newly minted Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, followed in the footsteps of a number of celebrity newlyweds as they boarded a private jet and flew to the Seychelles for their honeymoon. Their final destination was the ultra-exclusive North Island, accessible only by private helicopter. There are only 11 villas on the island, and the royals took up residence in the finest, Villa North Island. This villa is tucked away from the rest in the Takamaka Forest on the northern end of Anste d’Este beach. The villa is designed around the natural incline and offers spectacular views from every angle. Will and Kate would have enjoyed 450 square metres of space with a private sun deck with pool and sala, butler service and a beach buggy to get them around the island.

The private island where Prince William and Kate honeymooned

 This sort of treatment is not reserved for the famous however, and at Seychelles Yacht Charter we provide the sort of unmatched privacy and luxury discussed in this blog. The reason we have not mention ourselves and our visitors above? Well, that would be defeating the object of privacy! Contact us at www.seychellesyachtcharter.com to book your exclusive, private getaway. 

Events in Seychelles - July/August 2013

Event:
Cultural Bazars

Date:
Throughout July/August 2013

Location:
Various locations throughout Mahe

Organizer:
District Administrator (Tel: +248 2 78 34 13)

About the event:
A unique cultural and shopping experience where you can meet the Seychellois people, enjoy Creole music, and have a taste of the island style way of life.

Bazar Labrinn is a legendary bazar specializing in fruit, vegetables, and other local delicacies. This is also a great place to pick up souvenirs and sample traditional foods and drink, all the while enjoying an authentic Seychellois ambience.

Bazar Ovan Taking place in the southern part of Mahe, this bazar offers a great opportunity for both visitors and locals alike to experience a true celebration of the vibrant Creole culture, all set to the backdrop of Seychellois Creole music.

Victoria Bazar provides an ambience true to the Seychellois Creole lifestyle, where anything from arts and crafts to exotic culinary delicacies and beverages can be purchased. And of course it wouldn’t be complete without local musicians providing the soundtrack!

 

 

 

Event:
Seychelles Sea Turtle Festival

Date:
9 - 10 August 2013

Location:
Various locations on Mahe

Organiser:
Mr. Chris Mason Parker (+248 2 57 57 70)

About the event:
Global Vision International (GVI) and the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS) with the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Ministry of Education are organising the first Seychelles Sea Turtle Festival on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th August 2013. Friday's opening ceremony will be held at the National Theatre and Saturday's fun day will be on the waterfront area in Beau Vallon.

The aim of the turtle festival is to raise public awareness of issues relating to marine turtle conservation within the Seychelles. The event will be an opportunity to highlight existing initiatives, promote future partnerships and celebrate the Seychelles marine turtle population.

Event:
Feast of the Assumption of Mary

Date:
15 August 2013

Location:
La Digue

Organiser:
La Digue Board (+248 4 23 45 96)

About the event:
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is dedicated to the church of La Digue and is very popular with Seychellois from all islands who flock to the island for the occasion.

For further information please contact the La Digue Board on telephone number provided above.

Event:
Southeast Monsoon Sailfish Tournament

Date:
31 August 2013

Location:
Mahe

Organiser:
Marine Charter Association (+248 4 32 21 26)

About the event:
Fishing tournaments are always an exciting event in the Seychelles, especially with pride and reputations at stake! This a 1-day trolling-only tournament from 05h00 to 17h00. Please contact the Marine Charter Association for entry forms and tournament rules at email: christophe.houareau@huntdeltel.com