La Digue

Time seems to have forgotten this idyllic island in the north east of the Seychelles archipelago; the ox cart is still favoured over the motor engine for transport and agriculture and guests are therefore encouraged to use bicycles to navigate the island’s hotspots (none of which are more than about half an hour away). Though there are now around 20 hotels and guesthouses on La Digue, these are exclusively situated on the island’s western hemisphere, the rest being ruled by resident bats, birds and tortoises.

It is also embedded in the colourful colonial history that characterises this island chain- its population, the Diguois, are descendants of Bourbon exiles, who bribed their ship’s captain to take them to the Seychelles over the East Indies. Now, 200 years later, La Digue and her neighbours are still being chosen over the likes of Bali and the Philippines and for good reason. La Digue is home to some of the best beaches in the Seychelles, Grand Anse and Anse Source d’Argent, are notable examples. Meanwhile, the Veuve Nature Reserve, located in the islands centre, houses endemic Seychellois species such as the extravagant and rare paradise flycatcher bird. The appropriately named ‘Belle Vue’ is the islands highest peak at 300 metres and is accessible by numerous trails.