The Seychelles: Add it to Your List

For the American traveler, Africa doesn't usually top the "tropical vacation" list. Instead, with our close proximity to so many other tropical vacation hot spots, like French Polynesia and the Caribbean, Africa is typically reserved for safaris and adventure travel. The Seychelles deserve to be on your tropical list. This unique 115 island nation is a tropical dream-come-true, with beaches as white as sugar, lush green jungles and water in every perfect shade of blue. If the Seychelles isn't on your list, here are a few reasons why you need to add it:

Biodiversity

The Seychelles is home to several very rare species of plants and animals. Home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites and several protected National Parks, there are excellent opportunities to appreciate the biodiversity found in this island nation. Notable endemic species include the Coco de Mer palm tree, the Aldabra Giant Tortoise and the Seychelles Magpie Robin.

Tropical Disease Free

Vacation in peace in the Seychelles. No Zika. No Malaria. No Yellow Fever. At the moment, there are very few tropical locations free of Zika, and the Seychelles happen to be one of them. 

Luxury

The Seychelles offer an excellent range of world-class luxury hotels and resorts. From private islands to boutique luxury hotels - you're guaranteed to find a swoon-worthy hideaway. Elliott and Rae favorites include: The Six Senses Zil Pasyon on Felicite Island, North Island Private Resort, The Four Seasons Mahe Island and Raffles Praslin.

Beaches

The beaches in the Seychelles are some of the best in the world. The 115 islands making up the Seychelles are comprised of either granite or coral - in fact the granite islands are the world's only oceanic islands of granitic rock, and also happen to be the world's oldest ocean islands - which make for a variety of stunning beach settings. The granite rocks that adorn some of the most famous beaches are breathtaking.