Due to various influences from both western European and African traditions, the culture of Seychelles is diverse. Although British and French colonial influences can basically be traced in the educational method, architecture, language and some social practices, the Seychellois society has still preserved numerous elements from the African culture (the most notable example being the fact that the island's society is matriarchal). This mix or races, cultures and religions has also lead to the apparition of some new musical genres Seychellois music is widely acclaimed for the elegant manner in which it manages to harmonize the French pop with African drums or European society dances with Polynesian instruments.
Despite the islands' isolation, Seychelles tourism is on an ascending path: the island's superb nature and warm climate all year round have determined plenty of hotel chains to open their luxury hotels here, which are now enjoying a constant flow of tourists. The abundance of beaches can also transform a trip to Seychelles in to a close encounter with the clear waters of the Indian beaches as well as a quantity of the most finest sands in the world. Activities on the island vary in accordance to the seasons: the dry season (which coincides with the European summer), is better for sailing, hiking and surfing, while the hot and humid season (European winter) invites for swimming, sun bathing and scuba diving.
Just as I said above, the stunning nature represents Seychelles' greatest asset. Shady palm woods & maroon granite formation are the most representative geographic features on the large majority of Seychelles' islands. The exotic beauty of the island's most renowned national park, Vallee de Mai, is exceptional. Hosting unique species like the mythical Coco del Mer or the rare Black Parrot, Vallee de Mai is in fact an ancient palm forest, home to numerous species of birds, insects & tropical plants.
But the secret treasure of Seychelles is represented by the Aldabra natural reserve, a not very available atoll of inestimable scientific value. Its long isolation has helped Aldabra to preserve some wonderful ecosystems, which are now being studied by teams of scientists from all the corners of the world. Although the visitors access to Aldabra is partially restricted and closely monitored (actually, the whole archipelago has strict policies in what concerns nature preservation), Aldabra represents a unique chance to observe not only life forms that have been existed in other parts of th world, and also see how a coral reef slowly emerges from the ocean.