Escape to the Seychelles
This post and photography is brought to you by the good people from Kempinski Seychelles Resort. You may want to consider a little luxury in the Seychelles as part of your career break itinerary!
The Seychelles is a collection of 115 islands in the heart of the Indian Ocean, promising idyllic beaches, warm evenings and a wealth of natural beauty to discover. With three main islands to stay on and a host of others to explore, many of which are uninhabited, the Seychelles is truly a place to escape everyday life and get back to nature. Here's a breakdown of the main islands, and what to look out for.
Mahe
Mahe is the largest island in the Seychelles, home to the nation's capital city, Victoria, as well as 90 per cent of the country's population. This is the best place to be to discover the Seychellois culture, with small bars and restaurants serving cocktails and fresh seafood throughout the night, while locals head to the beach to share drinks and enjoy the clear night skies. The island also has some of the most popular beaches, including the Beau Vallon and the slightly quieter Baie Lazare, where you'll also find the excellent Kempinski Seychelles resort.
Praslin
Praslin's biggest attraction is the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, a beautiful area managed by the island's conservation teams, who work almost around the clock to keep the biodiversity of the area the same. The Seychelles' location makes it an area of biological and scientific significance, with some of the richest areas of wildlife in the Indian Ocean, and on Praslin you'll see a great many species that can only be found in this tiny island - perfect for nature lovers!
La Digue
La Digue is also home to a number of wildlife hotspots, but its real beauty is in its beaches; stunning pink sands and gently rounded boulders create a perfect picture of paradise along the shore, with forests of palm trees backing the coastline. It is home to L'Anse Source d'Argent, one of the world's top beaches, and is not to be missed by those seeking a tranquil break by the sea.
…And some smaller islands
Island-hopping is a popular activity around the Seychelles, and there are a number of ferries carrying passengers out to sea for tours of the stunning islets and outer islands. If you can, head to Silhouette Island, where you'll be able to see one of the world's largest natural colonies of giant tortoises living within the breathtaking, unpopulated beauty of the island.
Leah on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:12 am
I really enjoyed reading your post. I am thirty-two soon and have itchy feet that are ready to try out foreign soils.
It is a fear of leaving the security of the day to day grind of paying the bills and living a safe and non-challenging way of life that has put me on hold for some time.
I hope (as it has I) your post will inspire others to go and follow their bliss – Leah 🙂
Patricia GW on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 8:54 am
Travel and experiencing a new culture really has put it into perspective, and filled that void with purpose (and joy).
In three weeks I’ll be moving to Paris myself for one month. I have the same feeling – the incredible surreal realization that I’m going to be living there…. it’s thrilling!!
Abby on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 2:11 pm
Oh, Jenny! Escargot isn’t palatable — it’s delicious! I love your writing style; it’s so fun and energetic. Can you believe how far we’ve come? Everyone, Jenny and I were in the exact same industry and have known each other online and via work emails for years and years. But we’ve only met once, many, many years ago. And one of those jobs she was sleeping next to her BlackBerry for was one I’d just left. And now she’s 33 and living abroad, just like I was last year. Kindred spirits. Jenny, you’re a true inspiration — I can’t wait to see how your adventure unfolds!
Debbie Beardsley on Mon, 6th Jun 2011 3:22 pm
Your life in Paris sounds ideal. It is nice to read about people who follow their dreams instead of wishing they had! Enjoy the rest of your journey.
Terriaw on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 1:40 pm
Wow, fabulous and well said! I love your new outlook on like. After experiencing career burnout and feeling a little lost and purposeless lately, you have encouraged me. I look forward to seeing Paris someday!
Jenny on Tue, 7th Jun 2011 6:50 pm
merci for all the sweet comments! @abby we are soooo kindred spirits! well except when it comes to our differing feelings on escargot…;) and congrats patricia on the move! thrilling indeed!
shawna on Thu, 9th Jun 2011 1:32 am
you’ve reawakened my travel bug. must. return. to. france. (someday.) eat a croissant for me!
Weekly Travel Blog Links — LandingStanding on Mon, 13th Jun 2011 6:16 am
[…] how badly I want to go to Paris… If only we could afford living there for an extended period of time during our travels! Any […]
G. Michael Schneider on Sun, 19th Jun 2011 3:36 pm
I am a firm believer in living and working overseas, just as you described. However, many of us actually like our jobs and our homes and are simply looking to renew and refresh our lives, not change it. However, you can have the same type of cultural experience without having to reach into your own wallet and without having to quit your day job–by taking what I call a “working vacation.” My wife and I have done this 15 separate times, from Australia to Zimbabwe, Turket to Tibet, Mauritius to Mongolia. I describe how to do it in my blog otherguysdime.wordpress.com and via Twitter at @otherguysdime. Learn how to have fun without having to have burn any of your bridges behind you.