Simpson Travel

PRASLIN With a range of accommodation from five-star hotels to simple cottages and guesthouses, Praslin accommodates the wishes and whims of tourists of all ages and aspirations. It’s also a natural paradise, with the UNESCO World Heritage Site Vallée de Mai, a palm forest that’s home to the Coco de Mer, the world’s largest (and most voluptuously proportioned) nut. In Anse Lazio you have one of the best beaches in the world, and the waters are particularly inviting too, for snorkelling, diving or sailing. Meanwhile, golfers can while away a few hours on the Lemuria Championship Golf Course with its spectacular views. BIRD ISLAND I’ve been to some stunning beaches on my travels, but few surpass those of Bird Island. It was a humbling experience staying here, in simple but comfortable accommodation and embraced so totally by nature. Talk with Robbie, the warden, who manages this eco-holiday destination. He’ll tell you about the many species of birds, introduce you to the giant tortoises and let you join him when he releases hundreds of tiny turtles into the sea. Days are gentle here – swimming, snorkelling with rays, fishing for bone fish or just relaxing. Most guests are in bed by 10.30pm and many return year after year for the privilege. THE ART OF ISLAND HOPPING If you have a curiosity for consuming the world and its many tastes and textures, island hopping offers the diversity, freedom and excitement that one holiday, one destination doesn’t deliver in quite the same way. However, we know it’s also nice to have a plan – and yes, let’s make it a good one too. Talk to us about creating your own island hopping itinerary and, whether you go five-star luxury all the way, take a more low-key tack in friendly guesthouses or mix and match, we can help create the experience you really want – and avoid the ones you don’t with our knowledge and experience to guide you. Our full Seychelles programme will be available in July 2015. Call the exclusive team on 020 8003 3794 for more details. I like to feel the heartbeat of the places I visit. ISLAND HOPPING IN THE SEYCHELLES 0 2 0 8003 3794 | SIMPSONEXCLUSIVE.COM 21