TAKE THREE

Top attractions

Flora and Fauna

It’s a nature lover’s paradise. Birds of every size and colour sit cheekily next to you. It’s a cacophony of sound. You can swim with turtles, and snorkelling is huge here because of the vast array of fish in the waters. There are more than 1000 species of plants in the granitic Seychelles. Hibiscus, frangipani and bougainvillaea are plentiful. The majestic palms and coconut trees make the Seychelles akin to a botanical garden.

Bird Island

Bird Island is a must. Nature at its best. Respect for the wildlife is essential. The ethos is that we humans are visitors on their island. Robby the conservationist is brilliant. He pointed out the details of the anatomy of the tortoise. Poos, peeps and penis, the three ‘p’s’ under one flap. Information I will never forget. Michel Roux honeymooned here and is coming back later in the year. Oliver Reed was also a visitor to the lodge.

Food

Fish is unbelievably bountiful and red snapper is huge. They tend to serve it whole, cooked over charcoal. Shellfish is on every menu and Creole style fish curries are popular. Prawns are often served in a curry. Lots of dishes are cooked in coconut milk. Papayas, mangoes and many amazing fruits that I had never seen before are all divine. Beer is made locally and they make a vanilla-flavoured rum, Takamaka.