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Valentine's Day


Happy Valentine's Day(2008)
From 101lifeStyle.com

Valentine's Day Romantic Destinations:

Valentine's Day Romantic Beach Escapes:

5.Anse Source d'Argent - Seychelles:

Anse Source D'Argent, the second best beach in the Seychelles is also one of the most popular. Anse Source D'Argent is located on La Digue, one of the principal islands. The coastline is a series of small crescent pink sand beaches separated by gigantic granite boulders which are famous for their unusual curves worn by time and weather.. The beach is sheltered by a reef, ideal for snorkeling and sun bathing.

Things To Do / See:

A.Beach Sports:
You can snorkel among the tropical species in the shallow waters off shore. You can go fishing also, fishing equipment is readily available. You can also go scuba diving. You can sunbathe(no topless or nude bathing), or have a picnic. Game fishing is big in the Seychelles because the deep seas of the Indian Ocean are bountiful with tuna, sailfish, and that much lauded Ernest Hemingway catch - the Blue Marlin. The best fishing grounds are at the drop off point on the edge of the Seychelles Plateau, some twenty miles offshore. Other water-based sports, such as windsurfing, dinghy sailing, water skiing and paragliding, are popular at major resorts and beaches, where equipment can be hired by the hour. Some hotels levy no charge for use by guests. The combination of calm waters and steady winds makes for an idyllic time out on, or above, the ocean wave.

B.Go For A Boat Trip:
You can take a glass-bottomed boat out over the reef, and admire the underwater marine vistas from on board. 3. Other beaches: Other beaches are the neighbouring Petit Anse, which despite its name is reasonably grandiose. Swimmers should head to northernmost tip of La Digue, where Anse Patates, near the village of Patatran, is blessed with soft white sand and calm seas. The best beach on Desroches is Bombe Bay. Accessible only on foot or by bike, it has a vast expanse of white sand that's ideal for exploring and sunbathing throughout the year. On Silhouette, Anse La Passe is bordered by a hotel, while Anse Lascars, on the eastern side of the island, can be reached only on foot or by boat. It takes its name from ancient tombs believed to be the final resting place of two dozen Arab sailors whose dhow was wrecked here. And on Frégate, the lush vegetation contrasting with the translucent ocean is the star quality that brings beach lovers to Anse Victorin. Anse Severe is the nearest beach to the jetty.

C.Explore La Digue:
La Digue is the fourth largest of the 115 islands that make up the seychelles. La Digue island lies forty miles north-east of Mahé. The common way to get to La Digue from Mahé is by taking the Cat Coco catamaran: first to Praslin and then to La Digue by schooner. The Cat Coco only takes an hour and costs about a hundred US dollars each way. 2,000 people live in La Digue and they make their living leisurely - a bit of fishing, some farming and a lot of enjoying the fruits of a very good tourist trade. With coasts of sugar-white sand and dazzling emerald waters, La Digue is an indisputable paradise on eart h. It's most beautiful beach is Anse Source d'Argent. The island has no natural harbour and it is protected by the coral reefs which circle it, together with masses of pink granite rocks which seem to have exploded around the coastline. You can go for a full day excursion Of La Digue. A coach ride to Baie Ste Anne Jetty for a trip to La Digue on a local schooner. On arrival, transfer to L'Union Estate for a tour of the copra factory, the Giant Tortoise pen and a refurbished colonial plantation house. Continue by camion (open-sided lorry) and stop at Anse Source d'Argent, one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. A creole lunch is served at a local La Digue restaurant. Option “boat-bike”: discover La Digue by bicycle at your own pace.Continue on the path to Anse Cocos, accessible only by foot from Grand Anse. Here you can relax in the sheltered waters just right for an afternoon dip. You can also visit the cliffs at Pointe Jacques, they are awesome. Then visit the granite boulder of Anse L'Union, the 1-acre-long stretch of granite that serves as a landmark on the island, as well as a national monument.

D.Romantic Dinner:
Reflecting its French and English roots, the cuisine of Seychelles is positively unique. Most restaurants serve food with Creole flavors, like the Restaurant Patatron at the Hotel L'Ocean (248-283-4180), which dishes out tasty food and a grand view of the Indian Ocean. Order a Seybrew, the locally brewed lager, and enjoy the sunset at the Pêcheur Restaurant at La Digue Island Lodge (248-234-232). The laid-back Lautier Koko (TK) offers tropical treats at the daily luncheon buffet, and a barbecue dinner is available on request with advanced reservations. Fresh fish is always a good choice at any of the restaurants, and some of the best catches on the island include red snapper, tuna and the difficult-to-find filet of parrot fish. Finally, legend has it that if you eat the local's favorite breadfruit while visiting, you are sure to return to the island; you can enjoy it fried, boiled or mashed.

E.Nearby Trips:
Mahé has plenty to offer. One of its most beautiful beaches is Port Launay, a gorgeous little sheltered spot on the north-west side of the island. Beau Vallon, about three miles north-west of Victoria, is more popular; it has a small village, several good restaurants, a choice of hotels and a long, sandy beach. Much of the island's interior has been designated a national park, the Morne Seychellois - a lush, mountainous area ideal for walking. There are several trails through the park, clearly well-marked with yellow signposts. These include a short but steep track to the summit of Mahé's highest peak, Morne Blanc (2,188ft). A map of the trails is available from the Botanical Garden (00 248 224644) at Mont Fleuri, just outside Victoria. After the rainy season, some of the trails become too muddy to attempt safely.
A little further away is the Seychelles' second-largest island: Praslin, 22 miles north-east of Mahé. It is more relaxed than the main island. The main draw is the shoreline; it has magnificent beaches, which include the secluded Anse Lazio on the north coast, and the Côte d'Or further east.
Ferry services are thin: only two scheduled inter-island ferry services operate in the Seychelles. A fast catamaran run by Cat Coco (00 248 324843) links Victoria harbour on Mahé with Baie Sainte Anne on Praslin twice a day in each direction. Between Praslin and La Digue there are frequent boat services run by Inter-Island Ferries. Air Seychelles (01293 596656;www.airseychelles.co.uk) operates flights between Mahé and Praslin for €118 (£84) return, and Helicopter Seychelles (00 248 385858; www.helicopterseychelles.com) flies from Mahé to Praslin, Silhouette, La Digue, Cousine, Denis, Félicité, Frégate, Bird and North. Flights to other outer islands are normally booked when hotel reservations are made on those islands.

How To Get To Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles:

Nearest Major International Airport: Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) is located on the largest island of Mahe. A trip to Seychelles, while well worth it, requires a good deal of travel time and, for many visitors, a number of connections. Visitors traveling from the United States must first fly to an international airport that services the Seychelles, such as Paris, London, Munich or Zurich; the flight from London to Mahe is between 10-12 hours, while it is about 9.5 hours from Paris. Once at Mahe, guests traveling on to La Digue may reach their final destination via helicopter or ferry.

Getting Around:

Don't expect a minivan or air-conditioned bus to meet and greet guests at the ferry jetty - ox carts are so common on the island that La Digue Island Lodge sends one to transport guests and their luggage from the ferry. Visitors may rent a bike to get around La Digue, or ride the traditional way - on an old-fashioned ox cart.

Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles Hotels:

A.La Digue Island Lodge: An individual bungalow and hotel complex located on the beach, in the middle of palm trees. The hotel has a newly renovated luxury lobby, with reception and bar, an open-air restaurant with sand floor serving Creole and International dishes, and a large swimming pool with pool bar and snack bar.
B.Fleur de Lys chalets, La Digue: Fleur de Lys chalets are located a short five minute walk inland from the main jetty and shopping area of La Passe on La Digue Island. Fleur de Lys is within a few moments cycling distance of most of La Digue Islands most famous beaches .. Anse Source d'Argent and just 350 metres from the nearest beach. The chalets at Fleur de Lys have been created to provide affordable self catering accommodation on the island of La Digue.
C.Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie: Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie Hotel, La Digue, Seychelles is a gathering of 10 unique tropical "Zen" design self - catering semi detached bungalows. Nestling between granite boulders and set in a lush tropical garden, Domaine de l'Orangeraie is close by several white sandy beaches that typify the island of La Digue, the nearest being Anse Severe - a short 5 minutes stroll away. The private outside shower has been beautifully sculpted into a rock to convey a tropical ambiance with a carefree island life-style.
D.Chateau St Cloud: Conveniently located close by Anse Réunion from where it is easy to explore the island of La Digue, its recently (2006) refurbished rooms are situated in modern chalets within the hotels beautifully maintained tropical gardens. A truly magical setting for your dream holiday. Chateau St Cloud is almost in the middle of La Digue, approximately a 15 minute walk inland along a meandering road through the tropical hinterland of La Digue Island. Chateau St Cloud Hotel is as popular with families as it is as an emerging choice for a complete dream wedding and exotic honeymoon hotel package on La Digue. Chateau St Cloud hotel frequently offers very competitive rates to couples considering a wedding or honeymoon in Seychelles.
E.L'Ocean Hotel: : L'Ocean Hotel is situated in the most northern part of La Digue making the most of the beauty and tranquility of such an extraordinary location. The breathtaking views are unforgetable looking over the crystal blue sea to smaller islands in the distance. Here is a quiet, pleasant environment ideal for those who seek rest, peace and silence - other than the sounds of nature. L'Ocean hotel boasts one of La Digue Islands finest Seychellois restaurants serving excellent and varied Creole cuisine. The sea breeze and memorable views can make dining here quite special on your Seychelles holiday.

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