July 19, 2011 at 9:05 am

The Stunning Beauty of Seychelles [25 pics]

by twistedsifter

Lemuria Praslin – Photograph via IdeePerViaggiare.it

The Republic of Seychelles is an island country spanning an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. It is part of the Mascarene Islands along with Mauritius and Reunion. Just northeast of Madagascar, Seychelles is situated with Zanzibar to the west, Reunion to the south and Comoros and Mayotte to the Southwest. With an estimated population of 86,525, it has the smallest population of any African State.

Oh and it’s also stunningly beautiful with topaz water and white sand beaches. It’s easy to see why Seychelles is such a popular tourist destination. Enjoy the 25 lovely photographs below along with information about Seychelles scattered throughout.

2. Sunset Beach Resort, Seychelles

Photograph by IdeePerViaggiare.it

3.Maia Luxury Resort & Spa

Photograph by IdeePerViaggiare.it

4.

Photograph by MARK1960 on deviantART

5. Bliss Hotel

Photograph by IdeePerViaggiare.it

The Republic of Seychelles – Geography

The granitic islands of the Seychelles archipelago cluster around the main island of Mahé, home to the international airport and the capital, Victoria, and its satellites Praslin and La Digue. Together, these Inner Islands form the cultural and economic hub of the nation and contain the majority of Seychelles’ tourism facilities as well as its most stunning beaches.

The Indian Ocean republic occupies a land area of 455 km² and an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.4 million km². Of these 115 islands, 41 Inner Islands constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74 form the 5 groups of low-lying coral atolls and reef islets that are the Outer Islands.

Seychelles is home to no less than two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the legendary Vallée de Mai on Praslin where the wondrously shaped Coco-de-mer nut grows high on ancient palms and fabled Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll, first seen by early Arab seafarers of the 9th century A.D. [Source: Seychelles.travel]

6.Lemuria Resort

Photograph via IdeePerViaggiare.it

7.

Photograph by LISA LESPERANCE

8.

Photograph via IdeePerViaggiare.it

9. Fregate Island, Seychelles

Photograph by IdeePerViaggiare.it

10.

Photograph by LAZ MCMURPHY

Seychelles Climate

Seychelles’ enviable climate is always warm and without extremes. In this tropical haven the temperature seldom drops below 24°C or rises above 32°C. All but the remotest southern islands lie comfortably outside the cyclone belt making Seychelles’ a year round destination for sun worshippers and beach lovers.

During the north-west trade winds that visit between the months of October and March, the sea is generally calm and the weather warm and humid, with average winds of 8-12 knots.

During January and February the islands receive their life-giving rains, rejuvenating the rivers and streams and teasing the vibrant foliage into rainbows of colour.

The months between May and September bring drier, cooler weather, and livelier seas – particularly on south-eastern coasts – and winds of 10-20 knots. [Source: Seychelles.travel]

11. Helios Restaurant

Photograph by Tribu02

12.

Photograph by BAS B

13.

Photograph by IdeePerViaggiare.it

14.

Photograph by IdeePerViaggiare.it

15. The Four Seasons, Seychelles

Photograph by IdeePerViaggiare.it

Seychelles Society

For over two centuries, the islands have remained a melting pot of different races, traditions and religions from the four corners of the earth.

Government
The Republic of Seychelles has a multi-party political system with an executive President as head of state and government. The President heads a Cabinet of 10 ministers which includes the Vice-President. The Republic of Seychelles is a member of the United Nations, the African Union, the Commonwealth and La Francophonie.

Language
There are three official languages in Seychelles: Creole, English and French. Many Seychellois also speak fluent Italian or German.

Religion
Roman Catholicism remains the dominant religion of Seychelles but there are also Anglican and Protestant churches and the places of worship of other denominations. These live in harmony alongside, Muslim, Hindu and Bahai communities based on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. [Source: Seychelles.travel]

16. Corossal

Photograph by Tribu02

17.

Photograph by DAVID GUINEHUT

18.

Photograph by IdeePerViaggiare.it

19. Maia Luxury Resort & Spa

Photograph via IdeePerViaggiare.it

20. Raffles, Seychelles

Photograph by IdeePerViaggiare.it

Seychelles Flora & Fauna

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

Nowhere else on earth will you find unique endemic specimens such as the fabulous Coco-de-mer, the largest seed in the world, the jellyfish tree, with only eight surviving examples, the Seychelles’ paradise flycatcher and Seychelles warbler.

From the smallest frog to the heaviest land tortoise and the only flightless bird of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles nurtures an amazing array of endemic species within surrounds of exceptional natural beauty. [Source: Seychelles.travel]