Walk on the wild side

HANNAH ROBERTS EXPLORES THE ABUNDANT WILDLIFE OF THE SEYCHELLES

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Bird watching: Fairy terns on Denis

MOST holidaymakers and honeymooners visit the Seychelles to relax on pristine white beaches, but it’s the awe-inspiring wildlife that can elevate a trip to the east African archipelago.

The country, comprised of 115 tropical islands, boasts coral reefs teeming with a diverse array of marine life, as well as endemic bird species that swoop and dive through the palm trees.

The second largest island, Praslin - where I’m staying - is one of only two that naturally grows the world’s largest and heaviest seed, known as the Coco De Mer, which functions as an unofficial cultural mascot for the country, featuring on souvenirs, currency and the Seychelles’ coat of arms.

Geckos, which are thought to be pollinators of the Coco De Mer, dominate the Vallee de Mai nature reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and palm forest I visited that sits in the heart of Praslin and remains largely unchanged since prehistoric times.

The reserve is home to a number of endemic species, including the black parrot and blue pigeon, as well as creepy crawlies I learned were as friendly and harmless as the curious birds that lived in the palm trees flanking my hotel, Indian Ocean Lodge.

During my short stay, I enjoy buffet-style meals in the hotel's dining area, a light and bright floor space that overlooks a beach almost untouched by humankind, albeit for a few long-tail boats dotted along the shore.

The hotel offers pared-down luxury, seamlessly blending indoor with outdoors for an experience that allows you to feel truly immersed in nature.