One hundred and fifteen coral and granite islands rising up out of the Indian Ocean – this is the Seychelles! An Indian Ocean holiday dream come true with calm azure waters, deserted beaches, tropical paradise and turquoise lagoons. This string of islands offers sparkling white sandy beaches and coral reefs bustling with sea life. The flora and fauna are unique, the mountains are covered in lush vegetation, and the landscape offers a stunning and multi-faceted panorama.

Seychelles’ 115 islands fall under two distinct groups; the outstandingly beautiful granitic islands, the world’s only oceanic islands of granitic rock, and coral islands fringed by white sandy beaches and encircled by coral reefs teaming with fish.

The three most popular islands in the Seychelles archipelago are Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Home to 98% of the Seychelles' population, these three are clustered in the archipelago’s northeast area known as the Inner Island group. Mahé and Praslin are Seychelles' largest islands and home to most of our luxury holiday resorts.

The Seychelles is known as a luxury holiday destination but for visitors who can tear themselves away from their resort, the Seychelles offers a wide variety of things to see and do. A holiday to the Seychelles is best done combining a few different resorts across the main islands, giving yourself ample time and opportunity to explore the various national reserves and marine parks, as well as breath-taking natural wonders above and beneath the waves.

The Seychelles is a natural paradise, perfect for eco-lovers who enjoy the luxury lifestyle. Here every island is home to a unique array of fauna and flora, many found nowhere else on earth. We also love the Seychelles for its diverse and impressive diving and snorkelling opportunities. As the country puts a very clear focus on conservation, both on land and in the water, the marine life here is thriving and exquisite to see.

Seychelles’ enviable climate is always warm and without extremes. In this tropical haven, the temperature seldom drops below 24°C or rises above 32°C, making Seychelles a year-round island holiday destination for sun worshippers and beach lovers. During the north-west trade winds that occur between October and March, the sea is generally calm and the weather warm and humid, while in January and February the islands receive their life-giving rains, rejuvenating the rivers and streams. From May to September the weather is cooler and drier with livelier seas - particularly on the south-eastern coasts.

The first port of call for most visitors to the Seychelles is Mahe. This the largest island of the Seychelles and from here your resort is reached by road transfer. If you are staying on Praslin or one of the other islands, a boat transfer or short domestic flight will get you there. The Seychelles is 2 hours ahead of South Africa. The currency in use is the Seychelles rupee (Rs). Although tourist prices are often quoted in Euros, you can also pay in Rupees and often also in US Dollars.

As the Seychelles is warm throughout the year it is recommended that you pack light comfortable relaxed clothing. Most resorts are quite casual, so light clothing should be adequate at most times but you may also want to take a thin rain jacket in the event of the occasional rain shower. Don’t forget your beach wear plus sunscreen and sunglasses.

Raffles enjoys a magnificent location on Praslin’s north east coast, with 500 metres of soft white sand leading into the crystal-clear waters of the Curieuse National Marine Park.

Private villas, all with their own private pool, are set high up on the hillside slopes and enjoy stunning views. Trendy restaurants or in-villa dining, a comprehensive kids club and recreation centre for teens, plus great water sports activities all add up to create a perfect holiday for couples and families.