Tag Archives: Seychelles

Diver Coral

Saving Coral Reefs

 

Diving or snorkeling on a coral reef is a magical experience. It’s unfortunate that reefs in many parts of the world now face threats from human impact, but there is hope. Governments around the world continue to establish and expand marine preserves that protect coral reefs. And there’s a growing movement to move beyond mere protection and focus on restoration.

Currently, there are more than 100 international organizations dedicated to rebuilding coral reefs, and the leading method is the replanting of corals. Much like tree saplings, small fragments of living coral can be nurtured in a controlled environment, then replanted in the wild to revitalize natural reefs. This is a labor- intensive process, and many of these programs rely on volunteers to do the planting. If you are a diver or snorkeler who wants to get involved in coral reef conservation, here are nine resort destinations where you can make a difference during your vacation.

Four Seasons Bora Bora

The island of Bora Bora is surrounded by one of the world’s most scenic lagoons, and the Four Seasons Resort plans to keep it that way. Set within the lush landscaping of this premier property is the Sanctuary, a sheltered body of water that’s home to a marine research station and a coral nursery. The guests of the resort are invited to snorkel in this natural aquarium to witness or participate in ongoing coral seeding and planting work. During a half-day immersion session, participants learn how to harvest and graft corals into donut-shaped rings. These structures will later be placed in open water to form new reefs and disperse millions of coral spawn to help ensure Bora Bora’s reefs remain spectacular. For more info: https://www.fourseasons.com/borabora/

Bora Bora

Coral fragments planted by divers at the Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort are thriving and continue to grow and provide habitats for fish and other marine life. Photo: Four Seasons

Buddy Dive Resort, Bonaire

Bonaire has some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Caribbean, thanks to decades of protection. But even healthy and well- protected coral colonies can benefit from an infusion of new growth, and that’s the mission of Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire and Buddy Dive Resort. The resort offers a range of coral replanting programs ranging from an afternoon session to a full week of volunteering. A Reef Renewal dive takes place on the nursery located in a shallow section of Buddy’s Reef, right in front of the resort dock. Participants learn the basics of assessing nursery health and tending to the corals. Full-day programs have divers helping foundation staff with nursery maintenance and out-plantings at a number of different sites. Buddy Dive also offers a Reef Renewal Week Package that includes 12 dives devoted to foundation activities. For more info: https://buddydive.com/

Bonaire

Newly planted staghorn corals in Buddy Dive’s coral nursery will grow into dense clusters that support a wide variety of marine life. Photo: Buddy Dive

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

The Ozone – AKA Outrigger Zone – is this upscale resort group’s conservation initiative to protect coral reefs through awareness and restoration. At Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island, guests are encouraged to visit on-site coral nurseries and learn what can be done to protect the world’s coral reefs. Anyone who wants to take it one step further is encouraged to join the resort’s dive team and resident marine biologist in an ongoing replanting program. These programs include the creation and deployment of unique “fish houses” made from cultivated coral fragments. When placed in local waters, these structures transform into new marine life habitats as the corals continue to grow. Both snorkelers and divers can view the coral nursery and take part in the replanting program. For details: https://www.outrigger.com/fiji/fiji-beach- resort

Fiji

A collection of new corals is readied for placement on one of the fish house formations at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort. Photo: Outrigger Fiji

Sandals Resorts, St. Lucia

Protecting and restoring the coral reefs in the Soufriere Marine Managed Area in St. Lucia is a project headed by CLEAR Caribbean in collaboration with the Sandals Foundation. As part of the project local communities and schools are engaged and educated on the value of reefs. While guests at Sandals may enjoy windsurfing and wakeboarding as part of the activities now scuba divers can add one more endeavor to the list by learning the art of coral planting. This activity is available to certified divers staying at any one of the island’s three Sandals properties – The Grande St. Lucian, Halcyon Beach, and Regency La Toc. The program begins with land and in- water practice sessions that culminate in a special dive trip where participants will attach corals to new reefs. Once these new corals are established, they provide shelter for fish and lobsters, along with coastal protection from storms and swells. For more info: https://sandalsfoundation.org/environment-project-coral- restortation https://www.clearcaribbean.org/

St. Lucia

At the Sandals St. Lucia coral nursery volunteer divers can help transplant newly grown coral fragments to area reefs. Photo: Sandals

Anantara Dhigu, Maldives

Anantara’s Dhigu resort sits on a stunning private island ringed by white-sand beaches and colorful coral gardens. To ensure the future health of these sites, guests are encouraged to adopt a rope. This program, which was launched more than a decade ago, embeds coral fragments onto ropes that are then positioned to provide optimum sunlight and water quality. Guests can adopt a rope by donating, while those who want to get hands-on can participate in attaching corals to their rope with the help of a resident marine biologist. As the rope transforms into a living piece of reef, it will be moved to the resort’s snorkel trail and other area reefs. Along the way, the nursery staff provides updates and photos so participants can witness the results of their work. For details: https://www.anantara.com/en/dhigu-maldives

Maldives

At Anantara’s Dhigu resort, a diver checks the status of corals planted on a new snorkel trail. Photo: Anantara Dhigu

Four Seasons Seychelles

This premier Four Seasons property created the Petite Anse Reef Restoration Project to protect and nurture corals. A key element of the program uses divers to collect pieces of broken coral damaged by natural events such as wave action. These rescued corals are placed in the resort’s coral nursery for later replanting, and in the first two years of the program, more than 16,000 coral fragments were replanted on the reef. A unique element of the program is known as the Love Grows Beautiful Things experience, which gives couples a chance to use rescued corals to create a heart-shaped coral formation that will be placed on the reef. For info: https://www.fourseasons.com/seychelles/

Seychelles

At the Four Seasons Seychelles, coral fragments are placed on frames that will allow them to grow into heart-shaped formations. Photo: Four Seasons Seychelles

Xbalanque, Roatan

The Roatan Marine Park is always looking for volunteers to help keep the island’s coral reefs healthy. You don’t have to be a diver to participate in the various educational and outreach programs at the foundation’s coral nursery. Divers can take their experience to the next level with a Coral Restoration Certification Course to learn the skills needed to participate in coral restoration. Once qualified, divers can become coral farmers for a day. Those with a true passion for the reefs can take the next step with a longer-term internship program. The foundation works with a number of local hotels and resorts, and a favorite with vacationing divers is the Xbalanque, which is a luxury boutique property located within easy walking distance of Marine Park headquarters. For info: https://www.xbalanqueresort.com/

Roatan

Divers surface after relocating corals to a reef in the Roatan Marine Park. Photo: Roatan Marine Park

El Cid La Cieba, Cozumel

In 2023 the Cozumel Reef Restoration Program will mark its tenth year of research and action to protect and restore coral reefs in the waters of this favorite Mexican scuba diving destination. Founder Dr. German Mendez remains hands-on with both educational programs and volunteer diving activities. A unique aspect of this restoration project is the use of underwater platforms that become recovery stations for damaged corals. Volunteer divers help by scouring the seabed for coral fragments, which are then placed on the platforms and allowed to grow until they are large enough for replacement on the reefs. One to five-day programs are offered by the foundation, which is based at the El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel. For info: https://www.elcid.com/cozumel/el-cid-la-ceiba-beach- hotel/

Cozumel

Divers attach rescued coral fragments to a concrete platform as part of the Cozumel Reef Restoration Program. Photo: Cozumel Reef Restoration

Zeavola, Thailand

Set on a scenic beach at the northern tip of Koh Phi Phi Island, Zeavola is one of Thailand’s leading Five Star PADI dive resorts. The resort combines luxury accommodations with diving adventures that offer an opportunity for guests to get involved and make a difference in the marine environment. The volunteer program begins with instruction and practice on the methods used to reconstruct and replant coral structures. These skills are then put to work during dive trips that restore corals in the surrounding waters. Non-divers can also help, as the resort schedules regular snorkel excursions that remove fishing gear and plastic debris from the reefs to prevent corals from suffocating. For more info: https://www.zeavola.com/

Thai Phi Phi

A free diver participates in a coral reef cleaning session at Thailand’s Zeavola resort. Photo: Zeavola

Seychelles

Where To Go In April 2023

 

For a lot of folks, April is a month to stay home and regroup. Memories of winter vacations have faded, the kids are back in school and the college crowd is sharing selfies and nursing hangovers from recent spring break adventures. Travel agents might call this a “shoulder season,” which is a good thing for anyone who has the urge to go somewhere special. A shoulder season often means lower rates at prime properties, fewer crowds on beaches, table spaces at cafes, and milder pre-summer temperatures. Here are a dozen destinations where April is a great time to visit.

Bali

Bali is less than 600 miles from the equator, so there’s never really a “cool season.” Unless you head for the lakes. The northern highlands of this volcanic island include four alpine lakes that sit more than 4,000 feet above sea level. Trips to the lakes take in emerald-hued rice paddies and some of the island’s most iconic temples. The Ulun Danu Beratan temple complex overlooks the clear waters of Lake Bratan, which reflects the iconic profile of the 11-roofed shrine to the Hindu god Vishnu. Lake Bratan offers local restaurants, boat rides, and a botanical garden, while the shores of the lakes of Tamblingan and Tamblingan are favorites with hikers. April is a perfect time to visit, as it is the dry season, with almost no chance of a passing shower to dampen the scene.

Bali

The iconic Hindu water temple, Pura Ulun Danu Temple was built in the 17th century and is set in the highlands of Bali. Photo: Nikada/iStock

Hawaii

Each year the Island of Hawaii hosts a week of traditional crafts, art, music, and hula known as the Merrie Monarch Festival. This event dates back to the 1800s when King David Kal’kaua celebrated his 50th birthday with a two-week party that revived ancestral hula traditions and sparked a newfound interest in traditional Hawaiian culture. Kal’kaua was not only a patron of traditional arts and culture, he was also a fun-loving character who earned the nickname “Merrie Monarch.” The festival now held in his honor in the town of Hilo includes parades, art shows, music, and performances by ho’opa’a chanters and ‘lapa dancers who compete for top honors. The 2023 festival takes place from April 9 to 15.

Hilo Hawaii

Hula performances include ancient-style and modern-style dances at the Merrie Monarch Festival on Hilo, Hawaii. Photo: Bruce Omori/Merrie Monarch Festival

Canary Islands

In-the-know travelers come to Grand Canaria in April to get ahead of the crowds and heat of summer. In addition to warm, sunny days and balmy nights, an early-season visit offers some tasty events. The cobblestone square of Flor de Guia is the setting for the annual cheese festival, which celebrates the island’s signature soft and creamy goat and sheep cheeses. A couple of years back, winemakers started getting in on the act as well, giving festival goers the perfect pairing for the celebration. April is also time for the island’s annual Valsequillo Strawberry Festival, offering live music, farm tours, cooking and dessert competition, and a chance to sample all manner of strawberry-based treats. Other mark-the-calendar events in April include the island’s lavish Semana Santa Easter processions and the historic reenactments and traditional costumes at Fiesta de los Aborigenes.

Canary Islands

The twin-towered Cathedral of Saint Ana is on the visitor’s guide located in the heart of Vegueta in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. Photo: Gerold Grotelueschen/iStock

Philippines

March and April are the driest months in Bohol, and that’s the best time to take in one of the island’s signature attractions. The area known as the Chocolate Hills are covered in grassy mounds shaped like giant chocolate drops. And the region’s resemblance to an oversized candy store becomes even more convincing when the grass dies in the dry season, leaving the hills covered in a carpet of brown. Bohol is known as the eco-adventure capital of the Philippines. In addition to more expected activities such as snorkeling, paddling, off-roading, and trekking to waterfalls, visitors can zipline superman-style across an entire river valley, swim in hidden underground caves, seek out the world’s smallest primate, or take an evening trip on a river where huge clouds of fireflies light the way.

Phillipines

The island of Bohol in the Philippines hosts seven waterfalls, Pahangog Falls aka Dimiao Twin Falls is one of the most favored. Photo: zcesty/Shutterstock

Thailand

Thais love a party, which is probably why they celebrate New Year’s three times. It starts with the global event on January one, then there’s the Chinese New Year a few weeks later. And when April 13 rolls around, it’s time for Songkran, Thai New Year’s national holiday. There’s a solemn element to the occasion, as it’s considered a time for spring cleaning of homes, monuments, and temples to remove bad luck. But it doesn’t take much for the washing to get out of hand, and in cities and villages across the country, Songkran becomes a three-day water fight in the streets. Most people welcome the cooling splash, as April is one of the hottest months of the year in the Kingdom of Smiles, and seasonal rains are still a few months away.

Thailand

During the Songkran festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the traditional bathing of the Buddha Phra Singh parade takes place on an annual basis. Photo: nuwatphoto/Shutterstock

Seychelles

Sitting in the open waters of the Western Indian Ocean, Seychelles is bathed in lively northern trade winds from November through March, Then the southern trades kick in beginning in May. This leaves April as the month with the best chances of enjoying calm seas for swimming, snorkeling, and boating. It’s also the dry season, which means lower humidity and temperate nights. A favorite destination is the island of La Digue, where postcard-perfect beaches are framed in palms and lined with huge granite boulders. The shoreline known as Anse Source d’Argent often described as the most beautiful beach in the world. It’s home to the Kissing Rocks, likely named for the almost-touching nature of the formation — though the setting is undeniably romantic enough to elicit a smooch.

Seychelles

Grand Anse Beach on the south side of La Digue island in Seychelles is one of the world’s most beautiful white sandy beaches. Photo: Igor Tichonow/Shutterstock

Barbados

The Barbados fishing village of Oistins is famous for its Friday Night Fish Fry, which serves up a savory array of fresh catches against the backdrop of a lively street market that reverberates to the sounds of Calypso, Reggae, and traditional Barbados tuk band music. Each year during the Easter weekend, the party keeps going as Friday’s fest transforms into the annual Oistins Fish Festival. Known as the largest community festival on the island, this event adds even more food, music, and dancing, plus all manner of fun such as an Easter Bonnet competition, boat races, a fishcake eating contest, and a celebrity cook-off. The 2023 Oistins Fish Festival will take place from April 7th to 10th.

Barbados

Oistins Fish Fry is a Friday night occurrence in Barbados but during the Easter season, it evolves into a huge festival with food, music, and dancing. Photo: Barbados Tourism Marketing

Cape Verde Islands

Beaches. That’s why you visit the Cape Verde Islands. This cluster of 10 volcanic islands set off Africa’s west coast offers plenty of sun and sand, and April sits squarely in the center of the dry season while also enjoying refreshing trade winds from the north that keep temperatures in the mid to high 70s. There are remote beaches for long walks, lively beaches lined with cafes and restaurants, surfing beaches, wind-swept strands that draw windsurfers and kiteboarders, and calm shores where clear waters invite swimmers and snorkelers. In recent years, the fishing village of Tarrafal has become a new favorite for snorkelers and swimmers, as it is located on the main island of Santiago but sits comfortably far away from the crowds.

Cape Verde

Fishing boats rest on Tarrafal Beach, the most beautiful beach on Santiago island, the largest island in Cape Verde. Photo: Iacob Madaci/iStock

Antigua

Sunshine, blue water, and steady trade winds create the perfect formula for a yacht race, and that’s exactly what you get when you visit the Caribbean island of Antigua at the end of April. Billed as the Caribbean’s most prestigious regatta, Antigua Sailing Week attracts more than 100 yachts from the Americas and beyond for a series of around-the-buoy and around-the-island races. To keep things competitive, there are separate categories for everything from small open boats and casual live-aboard cruisers to sleek million-dollar speedsters, giving everyone a chance to get in on the action. After the sails are furled, the parties start, and it isn’t just the sailors who celebrate, as most events are open to spectators who watch from shore.

Antigua

Action from Antigua Sailing Week 2022, during the English Harbour Rum Race Day 1, sponsored by Antigua’s favored rum. Photo: Paul Wyeth/Antigua Sailing Week

Palau

The waters of Palau’s southern lagoon are festooned with some 300 small limestone islands surrounded by sparkling waters that hold colorful coral formations. It’s a snorkeler’s and kayaker’s dream destination, and April is a great time to visit. While air and water temperatures remain fairly constant through the year, April sees a drop in winds that makes for easy paddling and glassy waters for snorkeling. The Rock Islands have been named a UNESCO World Heritage site in recognition of their unique beauty. This area is also home to the famous Jellyfish Lake, which is an inland lagoon where swimmers can immerse in clear water to swim with thousands of non-stinging jellies.

Nikko Bay Palau

Nikko Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is laced with tunnels and marine caves ready to explore via kayak. Photo: Naima Niemand/Shutterstock

Colombia

Sometimes known as the “Accordion Olympics,” the Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata is actually much more. Held each April in the Colombian city of Valledupar, this four-day event is a celebration of all things related to the folk music genre known as Vallenato. Top billing is given to the musical contests that lead to the crowning of Rey Vallenato — the king of accordions. Similar contests are held to determine top honors for guacharaca percussionists and songwriters. The long weekend also includes plenty of parades, dances, parties, and food. The festival draws competitors from across the region as well as Venezuela, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the United States, and more than 50,000 spectators. 2023 marks the 56th anniversary of the event’s founding, and it is dedicated to Luis Enrique Martinez, which is known as the king of Vallenato music.

Columbia

The Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata showcases some of the best composers and performers of vallenato, the popular folk music of Colombia. Photo: Merly Diaz Bustamente/Flickr

Key West, Florida

While Key West is often thought of as a tropical destination, the truth is that winter months can get a bit chilly and breezy when cold fronts from the continent sweep across the islands. That’s all over by April – and as a bonus, the spring break crowds are back at school or work. This leaves visitors with plenty of personal space as they walk the historic streets of Old Key West. Temperatures typically peak in the mid-80s, while the humidity remains lower than during the muggy summer months. It’s also a great time to grab some shoulder season rates at hotels and enjoy wait-free dining at popular restaurants. For an extra bit of local color, plan your trip during the annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration for a week of parties, parades, and whimsical reenactments.

Key West

Duval in downtown Key West is the most visited street in town. It’s lined with ornate architecture where hotels, restaurants, and shops have set up shop. Photo: Birute Vijeikiene/iStock

 

Tahiti Sailing

Sail-Away Adventures in Paradise

 

Imagine leaving it all behind and setting sail for a tropical island paradise. There, you’d anchor in a remote cove and spend your days swimming over coral reefs, walking deserted beaches and feasting on fresh seafood. This doesn’t have to be a daydream. Not when you book a charter boat vacation.

At some of the world’s most scenic islands, it’s possible to rent a well- equipped sailboat and set your own course for adventure. And don’t worry if you and your crew aren’t seasoned mariners, because these same charter companies can supply a captain to show you the ropes, or become your personal guide for the duration of the voyage. Here are four premier destinations in the Pacific and Indian Oceans where dreams of sailing away can become reality.

Tahiti

These are islands that inspired the artwork of Gauguin, and seduced the crew of the Bounty. Today, the Islands of Tahiti welcome sailing crews, who come to anchor in turquoise lagoons, walk unspoiled beaches and swim over bright coral reefs. Sailing adventures typically begin on the island of Raiatea, which is part of the Leeward group of islands that lies some 100 miles to the west of the big island of Tahiti. This cluster of tall, green islands includes Bora Bora, with it’s world famous lagoon, the quieter sister islands of Tahaa and Raiatea, and the garden island of Huahine. Each offers something different, from traditional villages and coconut groves to world- class resorts and spas. Because these islands are all within an easy day’s sailing of each other, a charter boat crew can island hop, anchoring in a different bay or lagoon each night. Warm, steady trades blow year round, creating easy sailing conditions that will have even new skippers soon feeling like old salts.

Tahiti Sailing

The Tahitian island of Raiatea is the nautical center of French Polynesia. The main town of Uturoa is home to a number of sailboat and yacht charter companies. Photo: Grégoire Le Bacon/Tahiti Tourisme

Seychelles

A thousand miles east of Africa, the remote islands of the Seychelles were known to ancient mariners from Phoenicia, Polynesia, China and the Arab world. Today, only the savviest of sailors know of this magical cruising destination, but the word is getting out. The Seychelles group is hundreds of small, low-lying islands scattered across thousands of miles of ocean. But the star attractions are the larger Inner Islands, which are geological wonders of twisted granite, mountainous and lush with tropical forests that support species of birds found nowhere else on Earth. From the capital island of Mahé, crews can make an easy day sail to a cluster of small islands to the east, where they will find bays fringed by ivory-white sands and clusters of monolithic granite boulders that are an iconic symbol of the Seychelles. Ashore, the islands offer a rich commingling of French, British, Indian, Middle Eastern, and African cultures.

Seychelles Bay

Sailboats ride at anchor in the south bay of the Port Launay Marine Park in the central Seychells. These islands offer dozens of calm coves for overnight stays. Photo: Seychelles Tourism Board

Tonga

The Kingdom of Tonga is best known for whales. Each year, humpbacks migrate from the Antarctic waters to mate, breed and birth in the warm waters that surround these remote islands, creating a unique opportunity for humans to swim with these 50-foot mammals. That alone would be reason enough to visit these remote and unspoiled islands, but there’s more. In the center of the Tonga archipelago, the Vava’u group of islands provide the ideal sailing conditions that make these waters one of the most appealing cruising grounds in the South Pacific. The green-clad islands sit in close proximity to each other, are ringed in protective coral reefs, and are graced with steady trade winds. Skippers can glide over calm waters, navigating from island to island by sight, with more than 40 calm anchorages to choose from. These same reefs offer exceptional snorkeling and diving in some of the world’s clearest waters, and there are miles of deserted beaches to explore.

Tonga Sailing

A sailboat glides past a small island in Tonga’s Vava’u group. Calm waters, close harbors and steady winds make this region ideal for sailing vacations. Photo: Tourism Tonga

Thailand

Not many people know of the Phi Phi Islands by name, but most will instantly recognize them by sight. These limestone towers, which rise precipitously from the waters of the Andaman Sea, have served as backdrops for feature films, and have graced thousands of magazine covers and travel brochures. These and the other hundred-plus islands that surround Thailand’s vacation mecca of Phuket are far from unknown, but sailors who charter their own vessels have the advantage over those who come by tour boat. Within the sheltered waters of Phang Nga Bay, there are numerous bays and anchorages on uninhabited islands that aren’t on the main sight seeing routes. The prime sailing season runs from November through April, as cooler, drier northern winds create ideal conditions for relaxing island-hopping passages. Crews can choose to spend nights in quiet coves, or stop in more populous harbors to enjoy shore leave that comes with the warm hospitality that the Thai people are known for.

Thailand Phi Phi Islands

Sailors can explore the dramatic landscapes of Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands, where towering limestone cliffs surround calm bays ringed in white sand beaches. Photo: Flickr

Seychelles

The Seychelles Most Romantic Resorts

 

It would be hard to imagine a more romantic destination than the Seychelles. Water doesn’t get any bluer. Sand doesn’t get any whiter. And nowhere else on Earth will you find ancient granite monoliths rising from garden-like settings of palms and flowering trees. Often lauded as the most scenic islands on the planet, the Seychelles are also a sanctuary for rare and exotic plants and animals. And then there are the beaches, which always make the “top-ten” and “best of” lists. This truly is the once-in-a-lifetime destination, ideal for honeymooner, second honeymooners or any couple looking to celebrate and share a special event. Such experiences are worth a splurge on a truly world-class resort. There are a number of premier and utterly romantic properties to choose from, and here are the three we consider the best of all.

Banyan Tree Seychelles

On the island of Mahe, Intendance Bay is known as one of the most breathtakingly beautiful beaches in the Seychelles. And considering the competition, that’s saying something. With emerald green slopes rising above powder fine white sands, and imposing granite formations to accent the surf washed shoreline, it’s understandable why actor Peter Sellers and Beatles member George Harrison once chose this location for private retreats. In the years since, their bay front properties have been transformed into the Banyan Tree Seychelles resort, with 60 Creole-style villas spread across a landscape of palms and takamaka trees, offering both privacy and spectacular water views. The resort’s central buildings are styled to resemble a colonial plantation, with a spectacular beach view pool, award winning spa and the chef-acclaimed Au Jardin d’Epices restaurant, which pairs Creole-fusion culinary innovation with glamorous views of the ocean.

Banyan Tree Exterior Seychelles

The granite boulders and rock formations that line Intendance Bay at the Banyan Tree resort are more than 750 million years old. They are thought to be the remains of an ancient super continent. Photo: Banyan Tree

There is 24-hour cart service to connect villas to the resort’s central amenities and the beach, but once guests settle in to their private oasis of calm, they may not want to leave. Each villa is tucked into the jungle but also positioned for water views. Private terraces and pavilions include outdoor living and dining areas, and personal infinity edge plunge pools. Interiors are finished in a contemporary colonial style, feature floor-to– ceiling windows that add sense of spacious drama, and include couple centric features such as an indoor sunken bathtub and a king-sized bed. For the ultimate stay, guests can choose one of the resort’s five Intendance pool villas, which are located high on a rocky outcrop at the northern end of the beach.

Villas at Banyan Tree Seychelles

The Creole-Colonial style villas at the Banyan Tree blend indoor and outdoor spaces, and place personal pools on the outer edge of elevated decks to create an additional element of drama. Photo: Banyan Tree

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

On the west coast of Mahe Island, the expansive grounds of the Four Seasons Seychelles spread across more than 170 hillside acres, and overlook the calm waters of a private cove. Here, the island’s iconic granite formations are scattered across a landscape of cinnamon trees and frangipani. To take full advantage of the setting, the resort created a collection of unique villas that combine the fantasy of tree house living with unforgettable vistas of a tropical island paradise. These villas deliver plenty of private personal space for couples, with terraces that include outdoor showers and a large plunge pool. Creole-inspired interiors are studies in elegant simplicity, with plush white bedding providing a counterpoint to the warm tones of natural wood. Even more spectacular are the resort’s two and three-bedroom suites and residence villas, which blend large outdoor areas with opulent furnishings.

Four Seasons Seychelles

The staff at the Four Seasons Seychelles resort can fulfill personal requests and organize a range of special events. Here, the beach becomes the memorable backdrop for a destination wedding. Photo: Four Seasons

In addition to powder fine white sand, the beach at the Four Seasons is blessed with calm waters ideal for swimmers and snorkelers. The resort offers a variety of water sports, and unlike some other high-end properties in the Seychelles, the Four Seasons is a family-friendly resort, with dedicated youth programs. With or without the youngsters, couples can indulge in pampering treatments at the hilltop spa, which commands the best views on the property. Sunset views of Petite Anse beach and the Indian Ocean can also be enjoyed at the Zez Lounge. Memorable dinners for two await at the adjacent restaurant, or at the oceanside dining room of Kannel, which serves premier seafood, Creole and Asian cuisines. The Four Season earns top marks for service that is both personal and unobtrusive. Guests often comment that though the property is expansive, the amenities and staff create an atmosphere with the feel of an intimate boutique resort.

Seychelles Four Seasons Suite With Pool

With balconies suspended on stilts to rise above the surrounding landscape, the hillside villas at the Four Seasons resort were created to evoke impressions of living in a tree house. Photo: Four Seasons

Le Château De Feuilles

Small, secluded, spectacular and utterly romantic. With just nine rooms, and a fully attentive yet low-key service ethos, this boutique retreat has the feel of a good friend’s vacation home. And that friend has immaculate taste and a flair for the dramatic, as the Château De Feuilles perches high on the granite peak of Point Cabris, delivering panoramic views the Bay of St. Anne below. The garden-like grounds brim with oleanders, frangipani trees and bougainvillea, all sculpted to accentuate the unique forms of the island’s iconic rock formations. Villas continue the nature first theme, with exposed stonewalls, driftwood accents and furnishings, and palm-thatched rooms. The true wow factor is the view, and each room takes maximum advantage of the elevated surroundings with floor plans that blend indoor and outdoor spaces with a seamless flow.

Seychelles Le Chateau De Feuilles Bungalow

The main pool at Le Château De Feuilles sits high on a hillside, providing guests with a relaxing garden-like setting along with unobstructed views of island and ocean. Photo: Le Château De Feuilles

Le Château De Feuilles is located on Praslin Island, near the Vallée de Mai. This UNESCO Heritage site is home to the rare coco de mer palm. The island is reached by short commuter flights from the international airport on Mahe, or by helicopter directly from the hotel. The relaxed and discreet setting makes the hotel a favorite with celebrities, but all guests are treated like stars. Complimentary car service gives on-call access to the beach, and the front desk can arrange activities such as diving, fishing, golf and day trips to Grande Soeur, which is a private island available only to hotel guests. The hotel’s Balinese spa sits at the peak of a hill, and includes an outdoor soak tub with 360-degree views of the island. As would be expected from a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux brand, the chefs at Le Château De Feuilles take dining to an art form. Fruits, vegetables and eggs come from onsite organic gardens, and local meats and seafood are incorporated into an innovative international cuisine that pays homage to local flavors. Dinners are particularly memorable, as four- and five-course meals are served by candlelight in an open-air setting that takes in sea and sky. It would be hard to imagine a more romantic setting anywhere.

Pool Le Chateau De Feuilies

The main pool at Le Château De Feuilles sits high on a hillside, providing guests with a relaxing garden-like setting along with unobstructed views of island and ocean. Photo: Le Château De Feuilles

Seychelles La Digue

50 Shades of Blue: Seychelles Most Spectacular Beaches

 

The granite islands of the Seychelles showcase a unique combination of ancient rock formations, soft sands and coral reefs. These juxtapositions make for some stunningly beautiful beach settings. Here, the palm-shaded shoreline of Anse Patates creates a postcard-perfect scene. A short swim into the waters of the sheltered cove leads to fish-laden coral gardens, where dolphins sometimes join snorkelers exploring the reef.

Earth Day Costa Rica Frog

Earth Day Images From the Tropics

 

On April 22, the natural world takes center stage as humans around the globe pause to reflect on the importance of protecting and enhancing the ecosystems we share with all other living creatures. Here, a colorful little red-eyed tree frog from the rainforests of Costa Rica serves as a visual reminder of the diverse, beautiful and sometimes-fragile nature of the planet Earth and its inhabitants.