Seychelles: Vacation With A Child

2023 Author: Amber Richards | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-22 00:24

"Mom, are there such big turtles ?!" - asked my six-year-old daughter, pointing with her finger (it's indecent to do this, but we both forgot about it from surprise). I myself was at a loss, although I read that these giants are found in the Seychelles. They weigh about 250 kilos and live 150-250 years! In general, in the Seychelles, everything is large and primitive, although the republic itself (and this is more than a hundred islands, of which only thirty-three are inhabited) is tiny, only 455 square meters. meters. For a biologist, this is a primeval paradise - thanks to isolation, unique animals and plants have been preserved here, many of which are found only on the islands. The symbol of the state is the Seychelles palm (coco de mer palm), which has the largest fruit in the world flora - up to 20 kg. At the airport in the capital of the state of Victoria, cheerful border guards slapped our passports with stamps in the form of this "cocodemer",which is indecently similar to a human ass with ears - Pelageya laughed for a long time … These palms have everything like people. There are boys up to 30 meters tall, girls are smaller - only 24 meters. Boys have characteristic processes 1–2 meters long (ear-shaped male inflorescences), girls have eggs, male inflorescences pollinate them by touching them. As a result, coco de mer ripens. A very physiological sight!

while your body and soul are put in order, you have an incredible view of the ocean

A photo: Elena Kostyukova

It is hard to imagine that the Seychelles will make furniture out of their turtles. The demand would be huge, but Creoles are not about business. It is written on their faces that the meaning of life is complete relaxation. They are serene, good-natured, pampered by their geographical paradise, where it is always warm and sunny, leisurely sipping local rum and, in general, for world peace.

My daughter and I are going to the Seychelles for this - we want to relax every cell of the body for at least a couple of weeks, and at the same time, if possible, all the convolutions of the brain. We were promised that this happens most quickly at the Raffles Praslin hotel, which is located in a pleasant part of Praslin Island (also known as Palm Island, the second largest after Mahe). Unlike many "bounty" hotels, where young children are not allowed and only those on a honeymoon are welcome, Raffles is open to everyone. Lovers may not be afraid that they will be disturbed by children's noise and din, and little ones will not be embarrassed by adults kissing under a bush. The problem was solved by the trick of the layout - the guest will always have the impression that he is alone on the island (or together - as you like). Eighty-six villas (all with private pool and views of the Indian Ocean) are islands of tranquility,where, if you wish, you can not leave: food, spa and other joys will be delivered to your room. There are several beaches on the territory, so even in high season it is easy to find a secluded spot for sunbathing and swimming. Here you can really swim in the ocean - on tropical islands this entertainment is not available everywhere, although it is not customary to talk about it. The Raffles Praslin hotel got such a corner that kids can splash around in the coastal zone, where it is shallow and completely calm, and if you go a little further, then the depth begins, and colorful fish, and corals.although it is not customary to talk about it. The Raffles Praslin hotel got such a corner that kids can splash around in the coastal zone, where it is shallow and completely calm, and if you go a little further, then the depth begins, and colorful fish, and corals.although it is not customary to talk about it. The Raffles Praslin hotel got such a corner that kids can splash around in the coastal zone, where it is shallow and completely calm, and if you go a little further, then the depth begins, and colorful fish, and corals.

A photo: Elena Kostyukova

If there are no children yet, they can be made on the spot. The hotel staff takes on the organization of a wedding of any scale - even if you don't know what you want, you will be offered a variety of celebration scenarios. The most popular are stylized Creole weddings on the beach, barefoot, accompanied by local music and rum. After the celebrations, the newlyweds and guests soak up at the Raffles Spa. And not only because first-class masters work there who know the secret of harmony of all five senses. This is the point of happiness - while your body and soul are put in order, you have an incredible view of the ocean - and so on in each of the thirteen treatment pavilions.

A photo: Elena Kostyukova

The inhabitants of the island of Praslin are sure: the forbidden fruit of Adam and Eve was sea coconut

The child has nothing to do in the spa, but those who are over five years old will be happy to entertain you in the kids club all the time of your bliss. Here they draw, watch movies, ride boats, collect seashells. The hotel chefs have developed a children's menu, but even if during the "adult" dinner the child wants something special (my Pelageya asked for pizza and cucumber rolls), they will immediately prepare it for him. When the child arrives at the hotel and enters the room, there are already cookies with his name on the table. For family outings, there are theme parties - for example, Creole food. This is a barbecue made of everything that floated or grew on a branch in the morning. Seafood and fish are from the local catch, and vegetables and fruits are from the Seychelles beds.

A photo: Elena Kostyukova

The architecture in the Seychelles can be skipped, but the nature is worth getting to the Vallee de Mai park. This is on the same island - Praslin. The park is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List; the rarest black cockatoo and nightingale bulbul live here. The famous Seychelles palms are also here. Locals will be happy to inform you that the forbidden fruit of Adam and Eve was precisely coco de mer - sea coconut. If you have a naturalist in your soul and you want to know about all the bugs and spiders that live in the Seychelles, contact Sebastian - he works especially for such curious people at the Raffles Hotel. The story is clear, enthusiastic and very interesting.

Giant turtle - the size of my daughter, 116 cm.

A photo: Elena Kostyukova

Praslin has Anse Lazio Beach - the most authoritative travel ratings consider its white sand and coral reefs to be the best in the archipelago (and some in the world). Not far from it is the long (500 meters) Anse-Takamaka beach. In my opinion, he is no worse. The hotel reception can easily find a way to take you anywhere in the archipelago - to distant beaches, to a walk on the secluded islands of Curieuse, La Digue and much more. For those who crave sport, diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking and bicycles are available.

Before the trip, I was worried that Pelageya would be exhausted in nine hours on the plane, but she was supported by her enthusiasm - I promised her the biggest turtles and the biggest nuts in the Universe.

Each room has an album and drawing crayons. At first, Pelageya and I did not pay attention to this, but at some point the hand itself reached for the chalk. Because the views from the terrace were stunning. Dawn, sunset, day, sun or rain - everything was perfect. Nature has never repeated itself! The range of crayons in the box is marine, from white and blue to green and dark blue. All colors of the sky and the sea.