We walked the short distance from the harbour to our accommodation up a dark footpath through the trees and then posed for photos on the steps leading up to reception.
We booked in to our chalets and were each given a basket containing fresh star fruit.
We soon unpacked and headed to the water's edge for a spot of snorkelling and relaxation.
Some of the others went off to explore and we all met later for supper in the resort restaurant. The staff had created stunning decorations at the entrance using petals floating on water.
On Wednesday we were picked up in a couple of minibuses and transported to the Vallee de Mai nature reserve, home of the giant Coco de Mer trees. We were entertained on a guided tour and then were left to explore the reserve in our own time.
The coco de Mer fruits are protected by the government and each one is registered and numbered as they are prized souvenirs.
From the top of the reserve we had stunning views over the island.
We saw Seychelles Bulbuls and heard the call of the rare Seychelles Black Parrot.
The taxis collected us and dropped us off at a spot from where we walked across the island on paths through thickets of cocoa plums to cote de Mer and Le Pirogue.
The beaches were prime examples of a tropical paradise.
On Thursday we walked down to the jetty early in the morning to catch the inter island ferry to La Digue.
Once we arrived we had the option of walking to a reserve or of hiring bicycles for the day and touring the island. Yvonne, Jenny and I negotiated for 3 bicycles and set off to try and spot the elusive Seychelles Flycatcher in the nature park. The entire population of La Digue was busy with the morning commute to school and work. This is done entirely by bicycle so the roads were hectic with scores of bikes.
In the park a helpful worker helped us to find a flycatcher nest and to spot the birds.
We rode over the island to the beaches on the opposite coast and then back again and as far as we could ride on the road until it petered out. We stopped for a swim and an ice cream before meeting up with the others for the trip back to Praslin.
An optional trip was scheduled for Friday but we all elected to take part. We were taken by taxi close to La Pirogue restaurant where we had to wait for the booking office to open and pay for tickets for the trip.
We waited on the beach and then had to climb into a small boat which took us out to where a larger speed boat was moored.
We transferred group by group and then sped off at high speed for Cousin Island. As we rounded the corner of Praslin the sea became rough and as we bounced from wave to wave we had a free shower. We were soon pretty soaked.
Once at Cousin we waded up the beach and were met by the volunteer helpers who look after the bird sanctuary that the island is renowned for.
We split into groups with guides and set off for a walk around the island. There were birds everywhere and it was advisable to keep your hat on for protection!
The colonies of Lesser Noddies and Fairy Terns were mostly in the trees but the Tropic Birds were on the ground nestled into the roots of trees with their long tails curled around.
We were lucky to see the Seychelles Magpie Robin.
There were giant tortoises, the males have three lumps on top of their shell and a longer "tail". There were also tiny tortoises that could be held in the palm of your hand.
It was a wonderful day! We transferred to the island of Curieuse for lunch and walked through the mangroves on a boardwalk, spotting giant tortoises en route.
Back on the boat we stopped briefly at St Pierre for a spot of Snorkelling were we saw stunning tropical fish of bright colors. It was over too quickly and we were soon speeding back to Praslin.
We reaxed on the beach until it was time to catch the bus back to the harbour and home.
Saturday was our last full day and we caught a taxi to Mont Plaisir from where we walked to Anse Lazio and then on to Anse Boudin where we snorkelled and swam.
We had a steep walk up the hill and down to the bus stop to wait for transport back. When it arrived the bus was packed with locals and very hot.
I spent a couple of pleasant hours by the pool with Sybille and Irma and then we all met for our final evening's supper dressed in black.
Our final day! We had time to take a walk from Vallei de Mai which we had spotted on Wednesday and were transported island fashion to the start of the path.
The Glacis Noir trail winds up the hill through forest and we actually saw the elusive Seychelles black parrot.
As the trail ends there is a tower which afforded stunning views over the islands.
All to soon we had to make our way back to the hotel where we were picked up and taken to the small airport on Praslin to catch the inter island plane back to the main airport on Mahe.
The short trip was only 15 minutes and the plane tiny.
On Mahe we transferred to Air Seychelles for the flight home. As it was mid afternoon we had stunning views over the islands as we left.
Farewell Seychelles, beautiful paradise! Au revoir to our new friends.
Location:Praslin, Seychelles
