The Seychelles

Picture-perfect. Those are the two words I would use to describe the Seychelles. Like the Maldives, every photo I look at from the Seychelles looks suspiciously like a postcard. To think that I was actually standing in the exact spot the photo was taken feels surreal. For example:

Isn't that stunning?

The Seychelles are made up of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean and the nearest neighbours are Madagascar and the great continent of Africa. Only 30 of the islands are inhabited.

I had the privilege of visiting four islands:

Mahé: the largest granitic island (152 sq km) and home to 90% of the population.

Praslin: the second largest island with soft, white, sandy beaches and palm forests.

La Digue: a small island (10 sq km) with secluded beaches and boulders that look sculpted.

Ile Cocos: closed to the public for 10 years, this tiny island is now open and an excellent spot for snorkelling.

Trip highlights include:

Seeing old friends and meeting new ones. What a treat it was to meet up with our friends Jolyn and Melvin, and to meet their colleagues who quickly became our friends as well. Everyone was so warm and welcoming that it felt like we'd know them for ages. The people we met and the conversations and laughs we had were definitely the highlight of our trip.

Seeing the famous Coco de Mer tree -a rare and protected species, endemic to the Seychelles.

Seeing the Aldabra giant tortoise - the only remaining natural population survives at Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, a World Heritage Site. There are over 152,000 of them

there, 10 times more than the Galapagos giant tortoise population. The average male weighs around 550 pounds but still manages to float. They are huge, lumbering, and beautiful.

Feasting the eyes and palate on food. I enjoyed each and every bite and sight, from tiny bananas, to

gorgeous Arabian delights (thanks to Chef Hassan!), to sticky coconut cake-like treats, to markets bursting with colourful fruits, vegetables and spices, to the most delicious passion fruit I've ever eaten (thanks to Aileen!), to jalebi bought from a convenience store, to home-cooking (thanks Tomi!). Oh, my awe-struck eyes and my happy, full tummy.

The flora and fauna. The Seychelles are the epitome of a lush, verdant, jungle paradise full of lots of little creatures.

Visiting sites around the islands. Like the tribute to the Coco de Mer on Praslin island.

Relaxing in the lovely Victoria Botanical Gardens.

Exploring the capital city, Victoria (population 25,000).

Visiting the tea plantation near Port Glaud.

Visiting the Capucin Mission Ruins - a reminder of the slave trade.

Hiking near Grande Anse.

Enjoying both simple and extravagant treats, like mangosteens and fancy drinks.

Exploring the under-water world near Ile Cocos and Felicite Island and seeing sharks, turtles and schools of colourful fish.

Visiting L'Union Estate Park and seeing the vanilla plantations.

One of my favourite parts was visiting the La Veuve Reserve, home to the endemic and endangered Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher bird. The staff person in the small office was very helpful and we managed to spot both a male and female Flycatcher.

Exploring the island of La Digue by bicycle was a lot of fun and a reminder of how long it's been since I've ridden a bike. It also helped us avoid the ox-powered taxis.

And of course, the gorgeous, jaw-dropping, eye-popping, take-your-breath-away beaches...like the first beach we visited on Praslin...

The beach we stayed at, Petite Anse, Mahe...

The very quiet beach at Port Launay, Mahe...

The lovely Port Glaud, Mahe...

Beautiful Anse Soleil, Mahe...

The beach near Maria's Rock Cafe, Mahe...

The deserted beach of Anse Corail, Mahe...

Anse Forbans, Mahe...

Grande Anse, Mahe...

Sunsent at La Digue...

Anse Source D'Argent, La Digue...I think this is where the commercial for Bounty chocolate bars was made...

Anse Pierrot, La Digue...

Grande Anse, La Digue...

And most importantly, much gratitude to all those who made this trip possible and allowed me to have such a luxurious holiday - the experience was truly a treat and I am very, very thankful!