Praslin Holidays

Praslin Island, in the Seychelles, plays second fiddle to Mahe in size. But it’s got one of the African archipelago’s most-snapped beaches and a one-of-a-kind nature reserve on its turf. It’s also the only place you can take a swing on an 18-hole golf course. All this despite it being dinky in size – at 38 square kilometres, you could squeeze it into Northern Ireland more than 300 times.

The Seychelles might bob in the Indian Ocean, but the big blue’s not the nation’s only shade. Praslin Island’s sandy seaside carpet gives way to a green jungle floor inland. Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve hogs the limelight with its rare coco de mer palms. You can clock the tree’s famous double coconuts on a hike. There’s a trio of trails – the longest is two kilometres, so even reluctant hikers can handle it.

In the Seychelles, beaches and boulders go together like fish and chips. And Anse Lazio’s a prime example. This place is the stuff of postcards and travel brochure covers – we’re talking icing-white sand, palms and gigantic, granite boulders. Despite being a popular pick, there’s still plenty of elbow – or towel – room. But, if you’re after that full-on castaway vibe, decamp to Anse La Blague for the day.