"Alphonse Island is mostly covered by the Alphonse Island Lodge and inhabited by the people who work there, who also manage the facilities needed for the great diving and snorkelling, deep sea and fly fishing, and generally relaxing in the lap of luxury. …"

The Times decreed in 2008 that this beach is the world's best. Is it for the minutely fine white sand, framed by shapely granite boulders at either end, or the soft fronds of the palm trees of the idyllically tempting turquoise of the water? Most likel…"

Denis, named for the first name of a French explorer, in case you were wondering – I was – is at the northern end of the Seychelles, by Bird Island. Made of coral and dotted with coconut palms, the island hosts a private holiday resort &ndas…"

La Digue is the fourth largest inhabited island of the Seychelles group, with a population of around 2,000, most living in La Reunion. La Digue's claim to fame, and appeal are its beaches, most especially Anse Source d'Argent, one of the most photo…"

Just off the north coast of Praslin, this granite island is the only other island the suggestively shaped coco de mer palms grow. Until the mid 20th Century the island was a leper colony, and you can see the remains of the hospital buildings and doctor'…"

Anse Volbert is notable for the fineness of its sand – it's like powder. There's not much shade, and the beach is flat – some of the vegetation has been cleared away to make room for the hotel resorts that line it, but they haven't spoilt th…"

The Vallée de Mai is a small patch of jungle on Praslin island, endemic home to the famous, and famously suggestive Coco de Mer, and a colourful array of tropical birds, including the Black Parrot, and other plants. There's an entry feel into the…"

Ganga Talao is a great lake, about 1800 feet above sea level in the extinct crater of a volcano. But more importantly it's one of the most sacred places in Mauritius for Hindus, and a place of annual pilgrimage. They're supposed to walk from their home…"

There are more than 140 different species of birds in this park, but the most famous must be the lovely long necked Pink Pigeons. They're rare, and I've never seen one before, but really delightful."

The Labourdonnais Orchards are like an unbelievable oasis of scented bounty where one's hardly needed. This land is fertile enough to support anything this orchard would seem to demonstrate – which is surely a bit unfair considering it's so close …"
"What's known as the Balaclava Ruins are remains of a French fort, built under the island's first French Governor Mahé de Labourdonnais, where much of the island's arsenal was stored, and which was accidentally blown up. You can still see the line…"

Good for sailing, windsurfing, and in fact a whole raft of watersports, this is a public beach, which is a good thing between all the resort beaches, and a clean and beautiful one at that – even if it is a little cozy. The water is bright blue and…"