The Seychelles is and island republic in the western Indian Ocean north-east of Madagascar. It consists of an archipelago of about 115 islands.

The 40 islands of the Mahé group are rocky and typically have a narrow coastal strip and a central range of mountains with lush tropical vegetation. The coralline islands tend to be uninhabited, raised coral islands which rise only a few feet above sea level.

Spellbinding beaches are the main attraction, with diving, snorkeling and sailing with many coastal areas boasting a number of upscale beach resorts.