HELLO SEYCHELLES: DESROCHES - PART 1

If you’d asked me what I knew about Seychelles just 4 months ago, I would have told you this: “It’s an Island”. So limited was my knowledge about Seychelles that I’m not quite sure I would have been able to point it out on a map. None of this is to say that Seychelles is unknown or so unfamiliar or so foreign. In fact, it’s the exact opposite.  I’d heard for years my cousin speak of an island that she wanted to honeymoon at that had beautiful beaches, I’d heard something about the most beautiful water, but for some reason; maybe distracted by the long list of places that seemed so much more within reach, I didn’t pay enough attention, it did not fully register with me as a possibility.

But then something happened, I had the opportunity to visit not 1 but 2 islands of Seychelles, as a guest of the Four Seasons. After jumping for joy, and quite literally letting out the highest pitched yelp, I did what I always do, I jumped on the internet- I knew I had to do my homework. After all, to many people, I’m supposed to be a bit of a travel expert, and I was slightly embarrassed at my lack of intel on the island.

I made a few notes: First, I was going to need swimwear – Seychelles has beaches but not just any beaches, some of the world's most photographed beaches (just google Anse Source D’argent). Next, I was going to prep my memory card, cos I was going to be taking a ton of pictures. Third, just how lucky was I? I was going to get to experience the remarkable but quite distinct luxury experiences at both Desroches Island and at Mahé

Unlike Mahé (more on Mahé later), Desroches Island is a teeny tiny island (1.5 square miles) with a population of 100 not including the Four Seasons Desroches Resort staff who hail from all over the world. Quick note: It was so great to meet such a global staff, almost every language and culture was represented at the resort and there was such a laidback generosity of spirit. I met and chatted with both local Seychellois staff and also folks from other parts of East/South Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, Europe (UK, Belgium), Middle East etc.

Back to Desroches, being an island with a small population, there are no government buildings or services. What they do have is an area called the village- many of  the few local residents live here and the area is surrounded by the tallest and most beautiful coconut trees and inhabited by the largest tortoises I’ve ever seen including one very famous George the tortoise who was slightly displeased with me when I showed up without any apples. To be fair, I had been put on notice that George likes his apples and somehow I wasn’t prepared.

TO BE CONTINUED...