Located 4 degrees South of the Equator, off the East Coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles archipelago is home to some of the world’s finest island getaways. Consisting of 115 islands, the Seychelles with its never-ending white beaches lapped by topaz waters, and verdant jungles teeming with wildlife, is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world. An island paradise, it is revered for its laidback lifestyle, temperate climate and vibrant cultures. For those seeking tranquillity or the thrill of sailing and diving in one of the top destinations in the world, there is no better place than the Seychelles.

The archipelago’s biggest island Mahé, is home to the capital city of Victoria with its colourful markets, lively atmospheres and fresh daily produce. Nearby Eden Island, built on a reclaimed coral reef, is connected to Mahé by a 400m bridge over the ocean and offers residents sumptuous villas, sophisticated mansions and stylish apartments with world-class amenities and marina access.

The architecture displayed throughout the Seychelles is influenced by its colonial past. Winding stairs built outside of houses characterise the Seychelles’ style of architecture. Traditionally large verandas encourage the enjoyment of outdoor living in the temperate climate and steep roofs ‘shoot the rain’ during monsoon season. Old mansions and bungalows built during colonial times reflect the luxurious living of wealthy plantation owners. It is not uncommon to find kitchens placed outside of the main house.

Buyers looking to invest in the Seychelles will appreciate its small population of less than 100 000 people who maintain a relatively small property market - a significant factor in keeping prices stable. Its secure political environment and government policies supporting domestic and foreign investment attract investors from South Africa, UAE, France, Britain, Italy and Russia. This is helped along by excellent sea and air connectivity from all over the world and a great communications network. Just some of the compelling reasons to invest in the Seychelles.

For Frequently asked questions about purchasing in Seychelles click here.

Explore Seychelles

Ecotourism

Ecotourism

The Seychelles is known as the Galápagos of the Indian Ocean, blessed with two UNESCO-designated heritage sites and some of the world’s best-preserved tropical habitats. The Aldabra or ‘Garden of Eden’ is the largest raised coral atoll on Earth and is home to endangered species such as the giant tortoise and the largest congregation of green turtles in the Indian Ocean.  This undisturbed paradise also has the largest intact Coco de Mer forest.

Mahé Island

Mahé Island

Mahé is the most populated island in the Seychelles. Home to 65 silver beaches and an array of restaurants, cafés, bars and casinos, it is the centre for contact with the outside world. Rising to a height of 905m above sea level, Mahé is a granite island with mountain tops blanketed by clouds. It is rich in tropical forests and unique species of vegetation. Coconut palms, cinnamon and vanilla can also be found growing on Mahé Island.

Activities

Activities

Sailing, fishing and relaxing are a few of the many things to experience whilst island-hopping between the 155 islands forming the archipelago of Seychelles. Jungle and coastal walks led by guides are available to explore the Seychelles’ unique wildlife and flora. Diving and snorkelling allows one to see natural wonders beneath the water’s surface. Victoria is home to an exact replica of London’s clock tower and also has a vibrant nightlife.

Culture

Culture

The Seychellois, laid-back and easygoing, have a relaxed dress code and a simple manner of greeting. 90% of the population lives on Mahé Island, with 94% speaking Creole as their native language. French and English are also commonly spoken. The staple diet in the Seychelles is curry and rice, often made with a fish or meat base, complemented by coconut milk. A typical drink is palm wine, made from coconut palm fronds’ fermented sap.

“One hundred and fifteen coral and granite islands rising from the Indian Ocean, this pristine hideaway of white-sand beaches, majestic granite cliffs, palm-fringed jungles and astonishing azure waters is a mostly uninhabited paradise. Trading in exclusivity, luxury, and undeveloped natural environments, the Seychelles is an ideal beach escape for those who can afford all that gorgeous privacy.”

Fodor’s Travel

Living in Seychelles

Economy

The Seychelles used to be a land-based plantation economy where cinnamon and vanilla were the main exports. Currently, tourism accounts for a large portion of Seychelles’ revenue, employs 30% of its labour force and forms almost 25% of its GDP.  Employment, foreign earnings, banking and commerce are all dominated by tourism-related industries. Tuna fishing and canning is now a major local industry and an important part of the Seychelles’ economy.

Healthcare

The Seychelles is a safe destination, blessed with an environment free of malaria, yellow fever and venomous snakes and spiders. The public health system in the Seychelles has been recognised by the WHO as a “continental model scheme” for other African countries, due to its full coverage of health care costs by the government. Small clinics are strewn around Mahé and there is a hospital in Victoria which is used for more serious cases.

Climate

The Seychelles has a humid equatorial climate with temperatures averaging between 24°C and 34°C, and an average maximum daily temperature of 29°C. The Seychelles is situated outside the cyclone belt – making the weather stable year-round. There are two seasons in the Seychelles:  a cool southeast season (May to September) and a hot northwest season (October to April). High season has optimal weather and falls from July to August and December.

Travel

The Seychelles is very accessible throughout the year as the Seychelles International Airport on Mahé Island welcomes numerous international flights on a daily basis. There are domestic flights between some of the islands, but travelling by boat between islands is both easy and relatively cheap. Car rentals, found at the airport or at other spots on islands like Mahé and Praslin, are useful to explore all that the charming islands have to offer.

International

Telephone: +27 21 762 2617

Adddress: 1st Floor Pam Golding on Main, cor Summerley and Main Roads, Kenilworth, Southern Suburbs, 7708, Western Cape

Email: theresa.fernandez@pamgolding.co.za

For example Camps Bay or Mauritius