This year the Seychelles celebrates the 30th anniversary of the primeval palm forest, the Vallée de Mai, being declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Constance Lémuria, Seychelles
Set in the heart of Praslin island, a short drive from Constance Lémuria, the Vallée de Mai is part of the beautiful Praslin National Park, an area of ancient forest largely untouched by human hands.
The Coco de Mer
Visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site can see a range of endemic species, including the protected coco de mer palm.
A 19th century British explorer was so bowled over by the valley’s beauty that he set out to prove that it was the original site of the Garden of Eden and that the coco de mer palm was the actual tree of knowledge.
Endemic wildlife and plants at Vallée de Mai
A walk around the breathtaking verdant forest, alone or with a guide, is an opportunity to spot rare endemic wildlife including the endangered black parrot, chameleons, Seychelles house snakes and green and bronze geckos.
Alongside the famous coco de mer there are five other types of endemic palms here, the only place on earth where they are all found together, as well as a range of other trees including mango and cinnamon.
Stay at Constance Lémuria
If you’re tempted by the splendour of this World Heritage Site take a look at Constance Lémuria, where you stay in ultimate 5* comfort and luxury while enjoying a holiday of discovery and adventure.
Find out more about Vallée de Mai
- To celebrate the anniversary Seychelles broadcaster SBC are running a series of programmes about Vallée de Mai
- Discover more about why Vallée de Mai was declared a World Heritage Site on the UNESCO website
- Find out other exciting things to do in the Seychelles.