Seychelles: The wild South - where dreams come true

My last trip to the Seychelles is a continuation of past adventures and wonderful moments spent on this magnificent archipelago. Follow me this time into the wild, fruity and spicy South of Mahé Island.

The pleasure begins right on Air Seychelles' flight. Starting out at Plaisance, Mauritius, the flight is relatively short: 2 hours and 15 minutes only, I happily relax in this wonderful Creole ambiance of charming hostesses, light blue seats and stewards smiling like the rising sun. Island music comes drifting through the speaker system.

I discover that since my last trip in June, the airtline features a new service set with porcelain plates, bowl and assorted tea-coffee cup. This is just very pretty!

As pretty as the south of the island of Mahé, where I discover this time an even more rough and typical island than the one I discovered on my last trip. The road leading to Maria's Rock Café totally carries me away into a state of "Zen". Boardered by beaches alternating with forests, interspersed with little houses between the granite rocks, it offers spectacular sights.

Even the small path which leads to this atypical restaurant on a high spot at Baie Lazare, shows the natural state of this part of the island.

The restaurant Maria's Rock Café is literally hand-sculpted. Island granite is omnipresent. The owners Italian Antonio and his Seychellois wife Maria have created their little haven themed around history and pirate adventure. This theme is reflected entirely in the restaurant with its old style ventilator, the artist's house, and even the guestbook.

After having chosen from meat, fish or seafood, guests prepare their meals by themselves on a hot stone. Meals are accompanied by rice, salad and Creole sauce.

If you are, same as me, tempted by a spice tour after a light lunch, the botanical garden " Jardin du Roi" is less than 15 minutes away by pick-up. Its owner since 1977, dynamic and smiling Micheline Georges, will sweep you away on a sensual voyage of tropical fruits and spices.

The garden where they produce their own spices also features a restaurant which is open at noon, serving great tunas steaks with home grown black pepper or coconut milk with curcuma. At the "Jardin du Roi", the Sunday dishes mainly consist of fish (primariliy fillet of 'Job' fish). And one simply must mention Micheline's home made ice cream made - I bet you can guess - from the fruits of her garden.

The south of Mahé harbours some more great places, which I will mention in my next travel articles. One thing is sure: in the Seychelles one can find many wonderful sights ! Such as the church of Baie Lazare, all made of stone, or one beautiful beach marked by the tsunami, or simply some stray oxen on green pastures. Once more: Sesel Sa!