A large number of reefs within the inner granitic islands of the archipelago of Seychelles could be entirely lost, unless concerted action is taken soon to control crown of thorns, warns Dr. Udo Englhardt, the expert on on the management of crown of thorns in a...
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Seychelles, popular for its exquisite beaches and turquoise-colored waters, is getting more and more attention as a golf destination. There are two golf clubs in Seychelles. The Seychelles Golf Club is located on the main island of Mahe. The other, The Lemuria Golf Course is located on the second-most populated island of Praslin.
The 9-hole golf course was founded in 1972. It is located at Anse Aux Pins on the southeastern side of the main island of Mahe. It is only around 10 minutes from the Seychelles International Airport at Pointe Larue. The club is surrounded by luxuriant green hills. It is spread over 50 acres of what was once a mangrove swamp together with a coconut plantation.
The course is open daily from 8.00 a.m. No bookings are required except on Thursdays and Saturdays. The entry fee for 9 holes is SCR 300 (USD 23) and for 18 holes is SCR 500 (USD 37). The club allows temporary memberships (one to four weeks). The club has a bar that has DSTV cable channels, a pool table, a cafeteria restaurant that serves snacks, fast food, and full meals, tennis courts, and a swimming pool.
Being a 9-hole golf course you are able to play as an 18-hole, but the front 9 and back 9 are played from different tee boxes, in total, the course measures 4559 meters if played as an 18-hole course. The tight fairways with a lack of roll gained on tee shots and small greens could make the par 67 quite a challenge for the unsuspecting visitor.
This golf course, operated by the Constance Lemuria Resort, located in the island of Praslin, was designed by renowned American architect Rodney Wright under the influence of the French champion Marc Antoine Farry. It takes a 25-minute flight or a 2-hour boat ride from Mahe to reach the golf course. It was opened in 2000 and was renovated in 2016.
It is the only 18-hole course in Seychelles. The first 12 holes sit over the sweeping greens of the Grand Anse Kerlan, leaving the last six holes elevated offering breathtaking views. From hole 13 onward the sport becomes challenging which is an uphill par four and a lake towards the right side. Enthusiasts can also get lessons from professionals. The course is 5556 m (70 par) long and is a part of the luxurious 101-hectare spread of the Constance Lemuria on Praslin Island.
The course opens at 8:30 AM. The lowest green prices on weekdays are SCR 1850 and on weekends SCR 1750. The highest green fee is SCR 2180. It pays to stay in Constance Lemuria Resort as entry is free for hotel guests. Four restaurants and five bars in the Constance Lemuria Resort are open to golf course visitors. Trollies and Caddies are available on request. Car services are compulsory and payable.
This is a 5* deluxe resort hotel, where golf, spa, leisure, and relaxation are fused in the most beautiful natural environment, and one that is surely the equal of any other worldwide luxury golf holiday delight. Constance Lemuria is a 5-minute drive from Praslin Airport.
There are four restaurants and five bars and free WiFi access. The restaurants offer a variety of local and international dishes, with both buffet and á la carte options. The bars allow guests to choose among different atmospheres and scenarios to have some entertainment during the day or simply relax after dinner.
All rooms have private bathrooms with bathtubs and a hairdryer. They all include a safe, a satellite TV with a DVD player, and a telephone. The spa at Constance offers a variety of massages and treatments to relax surrounded by bamboo and palm trees. Sports facilities include an 18-hole golf course, 2 tennis courts, snorkeling trips, and windsurfing.
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is situated less than 5 m from the beach located on Petite Anse, Baie Lazare. Seychelles International Airport is a 23-minute drive away.
The resort features a spa, fitness center, swimming pool, and a water sports pavilion. WI-Fi and a business center with computer access are available to guests.
The tree-house-style villas are decorated in Creole style. Hardwood decks and outdoor showers help you embrace the natural surroundings. You can also order 24-hour in-villa dining, perfect for intimate meals.
Each air-conditioned villa has a private infinity pool and a patio. Each villa has a satellite TV, minibar, and tea and coffee-making facilities. The bathroom includes a shower with free toiletries, a bathrobe, and slippers.
Kannel Restaurant offers international cuisine for lunch and Asian and Creole cuisine for dinner. ZEZ restaurant serves an international breakfast with daily specials and a la carte options, and dinner features a modern Mediterranean menu. Kannel Bar serves light snacks, fruit drinks, and cocktails during the day, whilst ZEZ Lounge is open for cocktails, wines, and freshly-made sushi and sashimi.
Koi Japanese Restaurant is a short buggy ride up the slope and offers charming views over the bay. It serves signature sushi rolls.
The hotel’s spa has a fantastic array of treatments and plenty of specialty yoga classes. Hike up the mountainside and take part in the popular Mountain Meditation class, where you can look out over the breathtaking beach at Petite Anse. In the spa, book in as a couple for a series of indulgent treatments at one of the five massage pavilions.
For the entertainment of kids, there is a complimentary children’s program.
The resort is located on Desroches Island in the southwest of Mahe. The island is located 227 km southwest of Victoria, Seychelles. It is 5.5 km long and has a land area of 4 km2. Along its circumference of 13 km is a beach of fine sand. Conservation on the island is managed by the Island Conservation Society. Desroches is linked by a 35-minute scenic flight from Mahé, departing from Seychelles International Airport (SEZ).
At this poolside restaurant inspired by the Mediterranean Riviera, the cuisine combines French and Italian specialties with favorites from Portugal, Greece, and Spain. Breakfast is served from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM and lunch from 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM, and dinner from
6:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
Every Tuesday ‘LA TOUS KREOLE’ is served. This includes Creole specialties such as octopus curry, coconut rice, grilled meats, and sweet treats. Every Thursday ‘ESSENCE OF LEBANON’ is served. This includes authentic food prepared in the rich culinary traditions of Lebanon with fresh ingredients and a selection of vegan delicacies. Every Sunday ‘SEAFOOD MARKET’ is served. A wide array of fresh, local seafood and sushi is served alongside a Seychellois sunset at Claudine.
The Deli serves delectable bite-size Japanese delicacies.
Lighthouse Lounge is perfect for a pre-dinner sundowner or to unwind with a drink after dinner under the starlit sky.
The Bar at the poolside serves a wide variety of drinks and cocktails.
The Castaway Bar at the beach side serves signature drinks and light snacks.
The Lighthouse serves fresh-caught seafood or dry-aged meat grilled and smoked.
From jungle trail running, to coral reef snorkel adventures, Desroches offers more than 70 unique activities above and beneath the waves.
Accommodations range from suites and villas to residences, offering elegantly furnished units with decked patios, private pools, and beach access. All units come with a flat-screen television and DVD player while some units feature a modern, fully-equipped kitchen and private pool.
With over 9 miles of white-sand beaches, you’ll feel like you’ve discovered your own private tropical paradise.
Reach deep relaxation surrounded by exotic flora and fauna, with a natural sense of tranquillity that soothes body and mind.
Other facilities will include a fitness center, teen’s club, ‘Kids for All Seasons ‘ program, and pop-up movie nights, plus a chance to learn about the giant Aldabra tortoise at the island’s dedicated Tortoise Sanctuary.
Host spectacular events with family, friends, or colleagues and have the lush forests and picture-perfect beaches practically to yourselves.
Petite Anse Beach in La Digue Island
Petite Anse lies next to Grand Anse in the southeast of La Digue island. These two beaches share much in common, including their deep water and lack of a coral reef, but also their beauty and relative anonymity.
The easiest way to get to Petite Anse is through Grand Anse. You make a short trek over a small hill which takes about 15 minutes. This trek may be problematic for those who have limited mobility.
Petite Anse is less busy than Grand Anse, with very only a few visitors on most days, making it great for a secluded, peaceful picnic, playing beach games, and sunbathing.
The nearest parking place is at Grand Anse, where you can leave your bicycle as well.
Signposts there will tell you that it is not safe to swim at Petite Anse. If you are a good swimmer you can venture into the water so long as you do not go far away from the beach. Also, swim only when there are people around so that you can get help if you are in need.
The driftwood shelters and trees provide shelter for children to play and adults to relax.
Toilets and a restaurant are available only in Grand Anse and you should be prepared to walk there.
Petite Anse is no less beautiful than Grand Anse and well worth a visit for its stunning scenery and lack of visitors.
There are many hotels, homes, and other types of accommodations available on La Digue island. Here is a couple of them.
The accommodations here offer guests a minibar, a coffee machine, a balcony, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with a shower. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property.
Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie features a number of amenities. Two on-site restaurants provide guests with various dining options.
Other resort facilities include 3 bars, an outdoor swimming pool, and a tropical garden. A number of outdoor activities can be enjoyed here, including snorkeling, hiking, swimming, and cycling. A bicycle rental shop is available on the property.
The inter-island ferry is a 5-minute walk from the property. A buggy transfer from La Digue jetty can be arranged for free upon arrival and departure.
La Digue Lodge is 500 m from the inter-island ferry and under 3 km from Nid Aigle, the hill offering panoramic views over La Digue and other islands.
The spacious accommodation includes wooden chalets with an aluminum roof, each with a view of the Indian Ocean or gardens. La Digue rooms have a balcony or terrace facing the white sand beach.
Breakfast and dinner are served in the main restaurant. Creole cuisine and seafood feature on the dinner menu. The pool restaurant provides snacks and the bar offers cocktails. Packed lunches can be arranged.
Fishing, snorkeling, and bicycles for rent are available. The hotel can arrange boat tours and give information on walking trails. WiFi is available at reception.
This property is 5 minute walk from La Digue’s village center and it offers views of Praslin Island.
Each room at Le Repaire is decorated with modern furniture and offers a private balcony, a private bathroom, and a sitting area.
The restaurant offers a menu based on Italian delicacies with a local Seychelles twist. Facing the sea, it is open for both lunch and dinner. Coffee shops and grocery stores can be found in the surrounding area. The ferry pier is less than 10 minute’s walk away, while bicycle rental can be found 700 m from the property.
Nid d’Aigle (meaning: ‘The Eagle’s Nest’) is one of the most visited places on La Digue island. A four-kilometer hike goes up to the highest point (333 meters)of the Nid d’Aigle. From there you get a panoramic view of La Digue beaches, Praslin, Felicité, Marianne, the sea, and nearby islands.
You can take one of the many tour packages available or you can hike yourself. You will also get cultural, botanical, and geographical sights. You will trek through the soft forest floor, granite, and reddish earth. When passing through the forest, you may be able to pick some fresh fruits like Mangoes, Oranges, Golden Apples, and Custard fruits, if they are in season. On your way, you will see creatures up to 30 cm long, including the giant millipede, snails, bugs, and spiders on both sides of the path. You will also see typical plants from this area like cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemongrass.
There is minimal shade available along the trek, therefore it is better to start early in the morning to avoid the sun and heat. You may carry a bottle of water as the journey is dehydrating. A hat also may help.
On the way up near the top there is a cafeteria called Snack Bellevue. After this restaurant, there are only a fifteen minutes walk left.
If you have a mobility problem you can take a taxi up to halfway to the top.
For the return journey, you can either take the same route that you used to climb or walk in the northerly direction. This will go through a number of small footpaths down to the main path and then the valley below. The journey up will take one-and-a-half hours and the return journey will also take about the same amount of time.
Halfway down you may get another panoramic view of “Petite Anse”, and “Grand Anse”.
Down below you will see the fine beaches and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Those who do snorkeling here will get a treasure trove of marine life. Nid d’Aigle is also a terminus that takes you from La Fayet through the slopes of Mont Blanc. It takes about 45 minutes to get here offering scenic views en route.
La Digue has a tropical climate around the year with high humidity and occasional rain. The hottest period is from March to June. You may also want to avoid the rainy season from November to March as the paths may be slippery.
Nid’Aigle Lodge is a private accommodation in a beautiful garden setting, with private parking. The lodge is just by the side of the beach. The lodge is located in Praslin which is 15 minutes drive from the airport. There are groceries and restaurants nearby. European or American breakfast is available on request.
The units have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, an electric teapot, a shower, free toiletries, and a closet. All rooms have a private bathroom with a hairdryer, while selected rooms will provide a kitchen with an oven. All guest rooms come with a seating area.
St Paul’s Cathedral, Seychelles
A prominent landmark in Seychelles, St. Paul’s Cathedral, is the cathedral of the diocese and the main Anglican parish church of Victoria, Mahé. It is also the seat of the Bishop of Seychelles. The original church was once consecrated to the apostle St. Paul and stood on the site of the present church. It was blessed on 14 May 1859 by Vincent William Ryan, the first bishop of Mauritius. Over the years, the building has been extended twice: 1910 with a new tower and 1978 with an offset altar. In 1862, it withstood the Lavalas to provide shelter to families and the storage of food for people following the devastating landslide.
In December 1920 St. Paul’s became a pro-cathedral, and the name of the diocese changed from Diocese of Mauritius to the Diocese of Mauritius and the Seychelles. It was decided in 2001 to completely renew the structure. The cathedral, which was then blessed on 25 April 2004, was financed with generous donations from the government and private individuals and now offers double capacity for 800 people.
St Paul’s Cathedral is located within walking distance of the Clock tower on Albert Street. Parking is available at the Stadium Car Park on Francis Rachel Street.
The stalls are in dark wood, while the walls and also the flat ceiling are white washed. White columns make the church look as having three naves. The lancet windows have stained glass in the upper part, the floor is made from polished flagstones.
As of 1973 the Seychelles had its own bishop and so also own cathedral. In the same year within structural reforms the Anglican ‘Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean’ was established, encompassing Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion and Seychelles.
Seychellois James Wong is the new Anglican Archbishop of the Indian Ocean province overseeing parishes in Mauritius, Madagascar and Seychelles. He is the second Bishop of the Diocese of Seychelles to be elected for the position. He succeeds Ian Ernest from Mauritius. Wong was ordained an Anglican priest in 1983. He was afterwards the archdeacon of Mauritius and the rector of St Thomas’ Beau Bassin. He was elected the fourth bishop of the Diocese of the Seychelles in 2009. Wong was granted Seychelles citizenship on 11 May 2017. He was elected archbishop of the Province of the Indian Ocean, at the provincial synod, held at St. Andrew’s Church, Quatre-Bornes, Mauritius, on 26 August 2017, assuming office the following day.
Mass Times:
Monday-Friday | 7:30 a.m
Saturday | 5:15 p.m. (Anticipatory)
Sunday: 8:00 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 Noon | 5:00 p.m.Church Hours:
Monday- Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Confessions:
Monday-Friday: 3:45- 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 3:30-5:00 p.m.Parish Office Hours (Rectory at 239 Selby Ave.) :
Monday- Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Public Tours
Guided tours are offered Tuesday – Friday at 1:00 p.m. l
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