Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, is the smallest country in Africa but is known for its natural beauty. A top destination for luxury weddings and adventure water sports, it is often termed a paradise on earth with pristine beaches, stunning nature reserves, and amazing coral reefs. Indian citizens can avail of the visa-on-arrival facility while visiting the island nation. Of the scores of islands that constitute Seychelles, Alphonse Island stands apart by providing ultra-luxury facilities for super-rich travellers and a unique initiative that ensures self-sufficiency in farming.
The attractions at Alphonse Island include glittering sandy beaches lined with date palms and the sea resembling sparkling blue sapphires. Located 250 miles from Mahe, the main island in Seychelles, Alphonse Island is a private property and this makes the accommodation here quite expensive. The daily tariff at beach bungalows starts at US dollars 1,000 (around Rs 83,390)! The resorts and other amenities on the island function entirely in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner. The fruits and veggies required for the restaurants and resorts at Astove Atoll, Cosmoledo Atoll, Farquhar Atoll, and Poivre Atoll are grown on the farmlands of Alphonse Island itself. Moreover, all the produce such as bananas, figs, honey, lemon, and watermelon are cultivated organically.
World Bank data reveals that Seychelles is heavily dependent on imports of vegetables and fruits, with 90 percent of the needs met by India, the United Arab Emirates, Portugal, Tunisia, and Turkey in 2021. At the same time, Alphonse Island has set an example of self-sufficiency in this regard. The annual production of fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants in the farms of Alphonse Island was 27.6 tonnes, and the monthly yield was 2.3 tonnes. Accommodation facilities at Alphonse Island include beach bungalows, villas, and retreats. The daily tariff for a couple with a child starts at Rs 83,390 for a beach bungalow, Rs 1,96,904 for a villa, and Rs 5,84,039 at a retreat. These air-conditioned facilities ensure total privacy for guests and stunning views from each room. Guests can also engage in adventure and other activities such as fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and sunset cruises.
