Seychelles is world’s most romantic destination

Seychelles has also been reported as the most prosperous nation in Sub-Saharan Africa with its economy remaining highly dependent on tourism, the World Bank reports.

"Truly Another World, Seychelles calls for escapism in romance. Our small paradise, where blue waters whisper love stories and a soft breeze conveys a romantic tune.  It is without a doubt that whoever experiences the destination would uncover the chapters of their love story," Director General of Destination Marketing, Bernadette Willemin is quoted by Seychelles News Agency.

One of the awe-inspiring sites in Seychelles is the Aldabra Atoll, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1982. The atoll is situated among the outer islands of Seychelles and stands as one of the two heritage sites overseen by the Seychelles Island Foundation (SIF). Here’s a peak into some magical havens on the Atoll.

Fauna and flora

The atoll's marine life and untouched beaches create an ideal habitat for these reptiles. Globally recognized as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), green turtles have faced severe population declines due to factors such as hunting, fishing by-catch, and alterations to coastal habitats.

The atoll of Aldabra boasts a wealth of biodiversity, harbouring around 273 species of flowering plants, shrubs, and ferns. Within this botanical composition, one can find notable specimens such as the tropicbird orchid, Aldabra lily, and the white mangrove, Holidify reports.

"Renowned as a paradisiacal haven for romance, the archipelago's natural splendour provides a tranquil and picturesque backdrop for couples yearning to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The exquisite beaches, flanked by swaying palms and lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters, are ideal for romantic strolls, picnics, and sunset strolls. Seychelles provides various opportunities for couples to spend quality time together, whether in a private cove or on a busy beach," Willemin said.

Giant tortoise population

The Aldabra Atoll is home the world-famous Aldabra giant tortoise. It is currently the world's most significant population, exceeding 150,000 tortoises. These tortoises represent the final remnants of a once widespread life form across various Indian Ocean islands, with Aldabra now serving as their sole remaining natural habitat.

A comprehensive monitoring effort has been ongoing since 1998, focusing on the tortoises' seasonal distribution, patterns, as well as size and sex differences across the islands within the atoll. This sustained observation aids in understanding and preserving these remarkable species.

Aldabra tortoises, with a lifespan of up to 150 years, can attain weights of up to 250 kilograms. An exemplary case is Jonathan, an Aldabra giant tortoise residing on the island of St Helena in the Atlantic. Guinness World Records has bestowed upon Jonathan the title of the "oldest tortoise ever." Transferred from Seychelles to St. Helena in 1882 under British administration when he was approximately 50, Jonathan reached the remarkable age of 191 in the year 2023.

The Aldara Atoll itself

Renowned as one of the largest atolls globally, Aldabra comprises four main atolls, Picard, Grand Terre, Malabar, and Polymnie. These coral islands, elevated 8 meters above sea level, encircle a vast lagoon, encompassed by a thriving coral reef exhibiting a wealth of diverse marine life, Seychelles News Agency reports.

Aldabra boasts dimensions of 35 km by 15 km, making it the largest among the Seychelles islands. Covering an expansive land area of around 155 km2, with a total protected area reaching 2559 km2 (encompassing the lagoon, land, and marine protected region).

The Aldabra is also a sanctuary of impressive proportions. Notably, the largest populated island in Seychelles, Mahe, could comfortably fit within the confines of Aldabra's expansive lagoon.

The Republic of Seychelles is situated northeast of Madagascar and comprises an archipelago of 115 islands. With a total population of 107,000 residents, three-quarters of the populace reside on the primary island of Mahé. Seychelles boasts the highest gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in Africa, standing at $15.8 billion in 2022.