Kiwis in flight: 7 reasons to put Seychelles on your bucket list – Stuff.co.nz

Last updated11:03, June 9 2017

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Ever thought of visiting the idyllic paradise that is the Seychelles? Here are 7 reasons to put it at the top of your bucket list.

There's a little oasis half a world away you need to know about.

Yes, we're lucky in New Zealand: we have dozens of tropical islands only a few hours' flight away.

But the Seychelles, deep in the Indian Ocean, is in a different league. Parts of it are so untouched, scientists say it gives a glimpse into how the world looked in prehistoric times.

So, here are sevenreasons it should be on your bucket list.

READ MORE: * The most beautiful island you've never heard of *The Seychelles like you've never seen *Why Croatia should be at the top of your bucket list

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There's a little oasis half a world away you need to know about.

1. Beaches

The Seychelles has 115 islands, with a secluded beach around every turn. It's also home to two beaches that are consistently named the best in the world.

Could it get any better? Yes: on many beaches you can see turtles in the shallows, or even nesting on the shore.

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It's worth travelling half way around the world just for the beaches in Seychelles.

2. Underwater

The Seychelles is home to more than 1000 types of fish, and you will soon be swarmed getting into the water.

The islands have something for everyone, from shallow lagoons, to reefs and magnificent diving spots. Eagle rays and small sharks are often spotted too.

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It's worth travelling half way around the world just for the beaches in Seychelles.

3. Giant tortoise

There are more giant tortoise than people in the Seychelles. One hundred thousand live on the remote Aldabra atoll in the south of the country the largest single population in the world.

The tortoise are very friendly and inquisitive, and will often walk up to tourists expecting you to pick off a branch of leaves and feed them.

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A giant tortoise will be your best friend for a small price: feed it a branch of leaves.

4. Luxury resorts

The Seychelles has long been a playground of the rich and famous, and has an incredible array of luxury accommodation to match.

The H Resort is right in the centre of Beau Vallon - one of the country's best beaches and takes 5 star to a whole new level. The hotel's ultra-luxury beach villas come complete with a private plunge pool, just a few steps from the sand.

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The H-Resort opened less than 2 years ago and is already one of the country's most popular five star destinations.

5. The jungle

Really, the jungle? On tiny islands?

The main islands of the Seychelles are actually granite rock that date back more than 200 million years to the ancient supercontinent Gondwana.

Scientists believe the lush untouched jungle found on those islands give a glimpse into what ancient life would have looked like.

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The Vallee de Mai jungle is a glimpse into how the world looked hundreds of millions of years ago.

6. Zip lining

What better way to enjoy the prehistoric jungle than fly through it.

SMAC Adventures has set up the fist zip line in the country, and it's a must do! The 8 line adrenaline inducing course weaves through the canopy, before popping out near a beautiful swimming beach.

Just as entertaining is watching the guides show off their tricks, flipping and somersaulting their way down the course.

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A zip lining guide shows off his tricks on the course.

7. Drive an island

The second largest island in the Seychelles is Praslin; home to incredible beaches and a UNESCO World Heritage protected jungle. One of the highlights of our trip was getting behind the wheel of a Mini Moke beach buggy to explore the beaches and jungle.

What's that? It's part convertible, part military-style jeep, and feels like a lego car- and it was seriously fun to drive.

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The Mini Moke from Bliss Car Hire in Praslin.

Last year Brook Sabin (@brooksabin) and his partner Radha Engling (@globaladmirer) quit their jobs and sold everything to travel. They started a blog onflightmode.com and now call themselves fulltime travellers, making a living selling travel photos and video all around the world. Each week Kiwis in Flight will take you on their adventures.

The writer was a guest of The H Resort, SMAC Adventures and Bliss Car Hire.

-Stuff

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Kiwis in flight: 7 reasons to put Seychelles on your bucket list - Stuff.co.nz