Paradise found

Discover a secluded and untamed island in the Seychelles

ZAZA MOTHA

Shades of blue Indian Ocean cradle the Desroches Island in the Seychelles. The velvety white sands meet the crystal blue waters while the greens from the coconut palms wave as you fly into this island. Paradise indeed. Desroches is one of 115 islands situated in the archipelago and measures just 6km in length and 1,5km in width, allowing you to discover the entire island by bicycle, the encouraged mode of transportation on the flat land mass. Accommodation options include beach suites suitable for couples and beach villas for larger groups, all with gorgeous ocean views.
 
The air-conditioned suites surround a central dining area and a large pool overlooking the ocean, while the villas feature private plunge pools and living areas. The interiors echo the colour palette of the island, and although elegant, an atmosphere of relaxation will encourage you to slip your shoes off and walk around barefoot. A significant portion of the produce consumed is sourced locally, and a group of talented craftsmen undertake all timberwork on the island, which is in line with the sustainable building practices promoted in the Seychelles. As you explore the island you may come across staff working at the sawmill or at the Creole village, which features a restaurant, chapel, cemetery, the Island Conservation Society Research Centre, as well as a giant tortoise breeding pen which is home to Peter the tortoise who weighs in at a hefty 250kg.
Other island activities include fishing, neighbourhood island trips, guided nature walks, cycling tours, sea kayaking, hydro biking, surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving and sunset cruises. The cuisine and menus are skilfully crafted and will please the most discerning of guests, with an international array of dishes on offer. Breakfast treats include “oats from heaven”, made up of slow cooked oats, vanilla stewed fruit, cinnamon swirls and toasted coconut. A scrambled egg dish is taken to a whole new level with the addition of tuna carpaccio, tobiko caviar, micro greens and a lemon and truffle emulsion. If you feel like something more filling, a steak and eggs with tomato salsa, truffle mushrooms, hash brown stack and white anchovy may do the trick. Breakfast and dinner can be enjoyed by the beach at Le Ve Loutier restaurant while you can grab lunch at the Ghost Crab Grill and Pizzeria. A trip to the Seychelles is not complete without spending a day or two on the mainland, Mahé.

In the buzzing capital city Victoria, the market is a drawcard for tourists, with spices, clothing, jewellery and shoes for sale. Tucked away on the horseshoe beach of Petite Anse is the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, which is the perfect place to end off a paradise holiday. The resort boasts 67 private treetop villas with hypnotising infinity plunge pools, openair showers, glass-walled bathrooms and private outdoor living spaces with magnificent ocean views. At the hilltop spa, the soothing scenery sets the tone for the treatments on offer, such as the Mahé 90-minute massage which is a fusion of European oil massage, Asian palm pressure and stretching. For those wanting to get active, you can take part in diving, tennis, hiking, paragliding and deep-sea fishing.

One of the highlights at the Four Seasons resort is the Creole cooking demonstration, where you watch the chef prepare dishes which are then served for lunch. The menu includes an octopus salad, fish curry and banana fritters served with ice cream. The main restaurant ZEZ offers a continental menu while the Kannel restaurant serves international and Creole-influenced dishes.

SEYUNIQUE SPECIAL OFFER
From R32 687 per adult sharing Includes: Return airfare between Johannesburg and the Seychelles as well as Mahé and Desroches. Return transfers between Mahé Airport and the Four Seasons. Five nights at Desroches Island Lodge (includes meals, local spirits and beers, soft drinks and house wines and all non-motorised land and water-based activities). One night on Mahé at the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles (includes breakfast) SA, Seychelles and Air Seychelles taxes, surcharges and levies. To book call 011-453-2933 or visit www.seyunique.co.za.

F&HE’s trip was sponsored by:
Air Seychelles call 011-452-0244 or visit www.airseychelles.com.
Seychelles Tourism call +248-467- 1300 or visit www.seychelles.travel.
Creole Travel call +248-29-7000 or visit www.creoletravelservices.com.
Desroches Island call +248-422-9003 email reservations@desroches-island.com or visit www.tripadvisor.co.za.
Four Seasons call +248-439-3000 or visit www.fourseasons.com/seychelles.

SOURCES
ZAZA MOTHA