The name ‘Seychelles’ is synonymous with rolling verdant peaks, timeless granite boulders and pristine sandy beaches, where the only footprints you will find will be your own.

This unique archipelago’s 115 islands, set upon 1.4 million square kilometers of azure ocean, are located between 4 and 10 degrees south of the equator. 42 granitic islands cluster around the principal islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue while the coral islands, more numerous still, arc towards the shores of East Africa.

The islands enjoy tropical climate all year round, and with all but its remotest uninhabited islands lying well outside the cyclone belt, there are no extremes of weather. The temperature seldom drops below 24 degrees, or rises above 32 degrees centigrade.

Against a backdrop of natural beauty, the Seychelles prides itself for its safety and tranquility, and offers the possibility of enjoying a diverse range of island experiences. With flying time ranging from 15 minutes to 1 hour from the island of Mahé, several select island getaways offer accommodation in homely but stylish, rustic comforts of 5-star resorts’ beachfront lodges.

Seychelles is just the place to experience the thrill of a deep-sea fishing expedition, and to pit your skills against the denizens of the big blue; sailfish, tuna, streaker, wahoo, barracuda and the mighty marlin. Or to enjoy what is widely regarded as some of the best fly-fishing on earth upon the flats of the outer islands, where record bonefish and trevally beckon.

Since time immemorial, Seychelles has charmed sailors with its rugged beauty, enticing them with easy sailing distances between the islands; luring them to safe moorings and to the privacy of its myriad hidden coves and secret beaches. Wondrously little has changed for those who want to enjoy the ultimate freedom of discovering the isles at their own pace, aboard any one vessel from a local charter fleet.

When it comes to diving, the Seychelles waters represent nothing less than a tropical aquarium, where a dizzying array of fish and colourful corals await the avid diver; where it is still possible to swim alongside whale sharks, mantas and dolphins in crystal-clear waters.

Snorkelling the underwater world is equally rewarding and for the arm-chair explorer, there is always a semi-submersible, a glass-bottom boat ride or a fish-feeding excursion into one of the marine parks. For those wishing to explore the many islands’ trails, a guided walk is opportune to appreciate nature’s bounty and discover some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on earth.

Seychelles is also an ideal place to hire a car, or a bicycle, and embark on your own voyage of discovery. Explore quaint galleries, craft shops and old creole-style plantation houses. Or scenic viewpoints, natural wonders and charming out of the way restaurants to savour the delicacies of Creole cuisine.

Make a date with destiny; get married, honeymoon or celebrate an anniversary in the romantic settings of these ‘islands of love.’ Whatever you decide, the Seychelles Islands offers you simplicity, elegance and nature that is in tune with your event; cascading sand, a balmy breeze providing relief from the warmth of the setting sun and the soothing sounds of water crashing against the distant rocks.