Experience the best of Beau Vallon

Beau Vallon is one of the best-known beaches on Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles, a long sweep of pale sand that curves between two granite headlands on the north-west coast. Coconut palms and takamaka trees shade the back of the beach, with small hotels, guesthouses and beach restaurants. From the sand, the island of Silhouette, steep and green, can be seen out to sea.

Behind the bay, a road climbs over the ridge to Victoria, the capital, with a small market, a clock tower and a botanical garden that has giant tortoises and coco de mer palms. Morne Seychellois National Park covers the forested mountains of the island's interior, with trails through the cloud forest. Boats from Victoria go to Praslin and La Digue, and the Port Launay marine park lies down the west coast.

Creole cooking mixes curry, coconut, chilli and lime: grilled fish, octopus curry and breadfruit chips appear on beach menus, and coconut milk finds its way into many dishes. The seas are calmest in April, May, October and November, and the water stays warm all year.