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As one of the world's finest beach holiday hubs, the archipelago of Seychelles is the stuff of dreams for beach lovers. Comprised of more than 110 islands, this breathtaking archipelago is also among the last remaining paradises on Earth. Seychelles is home to nature reserves and remnants of colonial architecture and heritage, and a vacation in this archipelago can take many forms. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time on the islands, regardless of the duration of the visit.

Image via Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas

When it comes to exploring the Seychelles Islands, it's crucial to have an accurate understanding of the local culture and what to expect on the ground. Tourists can greatly enhance their experience by delving into the country's rich history, which reveals fascinating stories of invasion by both the French and the British, leaving a lasting imprint of their cultural influences on the archipelago to this very day. While the island nation is multicultural, the populace consists mainly of East Africans and descendants of the earliest French immigrants. In recent decades, the country has also become a hotbed for Chinese and South Indian immigrants and these two influences are visible in the local cuisine.

Although it is marketed as a holiday hotspot that's ideal for a getaway at any time of the year, there are specific periods when the islands are especially conducive for a vacation. The best time to head to Seychelles is between April and May, and then once again from October to November, as there's no sign of trade winds and the skies are sunny. The November to March and the May to September periods, however, are known for the northwest and southeast trade winds that can complicate matters for holidaymakers. The rainy season from December to February should also be avoided as the beaches are not safe for swimming and water sports during this period.

Tourists from the USA can visit Seychelles for up to 90 days without needing a visa. This means that American passport holders can spend up to 3 months on the islands without applying for a visa beforehand. The same is not true for other travellers so it is best to consult your local Seychellois consulate for the guidelines for the tourist visa application process.

There's no need to overpack for a getaway in the paradise isles, and in fact, carrying too many pieces of luggage can be a hindrance to enjoying your sojourn in Seychelles. With a tropical rainforest weather pattern operational all year round, it is best to pack cotton, loose fitting and breezy outfits for a trip to Seychelles while the footwear should also be open-toed (unless you hope to go hiking). Sunglasses and sunscreen are as essential as a wide-brimmed hat.

Choosing well-located base hotels and Seychelles resorts for your stay is crucial, as not all properties offer the same level of quality and convenience. Whether you choose the Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas or any other property, it is crucial to consider the types of on-site activity packages and excursions available through the resort of your choice. The distance from the nearest airport and the attractions in its vicinity must also be considered before making a reservation.

While the island nation is home to its fair share of highlights, there are certain points of interest that should be on everyone's travel itinerary. This includes the white sandy beaches that the country is famed for including Anse Lazio beach, Anse Source d’Argent beach and nature hubs such as the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A tour of the Mahe is also a must as the museums, architecture, shopping hotspots and nightlife on this main island are top-notch.

Made up of 115 different islands that offer breathtaking escapes and experiences to be had, Seychelles is a dreamy destination that would warrant more than a casual glance. From alluring beaches and nature parks to UNESCO World Heritage Sites that would leave you with a newfound love and appreciation for these sparkling islands, Seychelles is all this but so much more than what meets the eye. Penned down below is a guide on how you should approach planning a holiday here.

Image via Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas

With year-round sunshine and warm weather dominating the island nation, one need not fret over the question of when to arrive here. Seychelles is found in close proximity to the equator which translates to a scenario where consistent weather is the norm as opposed to the exception. Thus, with daily temperatures hovering between 26 degrees and 32 degrees Celsius, one would find all the more reason to get your fancy swimsuit on and hit the beaches or set out on an island hopping expedition.

An itinerary that extends from 2 to 3 weeks would be ideal but this too would largely be influenced by the number of islands that you intend on visiting. It is best that you make allowance for a holiday that will ensure you cover a minimum of 3 islands including Praslin, La Digue and the largest of them all, Mahe.

The 3 main islands of the country as referenced above can be accessed via the local ferry service. In fact, traversing through Mahe and Praslin can be done so by boarding the ferry which will take approximately an hour with multiple trips afforded on a daily basis. Further, the services of a plane can be availed of that will have you well placed to enjoy a bird’s eye view of shimmering shores, turquoise seas and green mountains all in one go. If you find yourself having to journey from Praslin to La Digue, then the trusty ferry can be resorted to which would not exceed 20 minutes. Neighbouring islands in the likes of Round and Felicite can be reached by boat. However, one would need to check in advance from your mode of lodging on the possibility of the same.

Your point of entry to Seychelles will be on the island of Mahe which is where the international airport is located. A pleasing way to commence your adventures here would be to book into one of the all-inclusive resorts. Seychelles provides access to Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas from where you can map out your future plans. After a day’s rest, opt for either the plane or boat that will soon have you safely on Praslin. Once here, consider unwinding along the island’s most visited beach of Cote d’Or. After this, you may toy with the idea of visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vallee de Mai which is a nature reserve where the Coco de Mar palm tree grows. Towards late afternoon or evening, a trip to Anse Lazio can be scheduled which is famed for its stunning sunsets. Where the island of La Digue features prominently on your bucket list, then it would be wise to rent out a bike so that you blend in with the locals. Armed with a sense of curiosity and a passion for exploration, you can look forward to stopping by the cinnamon and vanilla plantation referred to by the name of L’Union Estate. If you find yourself being coaxed towards spending time on the beach, then factor in the possibility of a snorkelling tour that will get you up, close and personal with the minute details of the marine world. The capital city of Victoria cannot be excluded and in this regard, every inch of the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market must be explored where one may sort one’s way through local produce, spices and handicrafts.