The Seychelles, a scattering of 115 islands adrift in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, is the perfect follow-up to the raw thrill of an African safari. It offers a beautiful contrast - the pulse of the wild giving way to the hush of island life. Here, nature reigns supreme: vibrant coral reefs, protected reserves, and the slow, steady presence of the ancient Aldabra tortoises, found nowhere else on Earth. With two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Seychelles feels like a world paused in time.

Culturally, it's a fascinating mosaic - a blend of French elegance, British colonial traces, African soul, and whispers of Chinese and Indian heritage, all infused into everyday island life. Until the 1990s, the islands remained quietly authentic, dotted with modest guesthouses and family-run lodgings. While international luxury brands have since claimed their stake, it’s still the rustic charm and intimacy of the boutique hotels that speak to me most.