Seychelles, one of the world's smallest countries, is actually composed of two main island groups. the Mahé group of more than 40 central, mountainous granitic islands and a second group of more than 70 outer, flat, coralline islands. The overall aspect of those islands, with their lush tropical vegetation, is that of high hanging gardens overlooking silver-white beaches and clear lagoons.
The climate is tropical oceanic, with little temperature variation during the year. Daily temperatures rise to the mid-80s F (low 30s C) in the afternoon and fall to the low 70s F (low 20s C) at night.
Humidity is persistently high but is ameliorated somewhat in locations windward of the prevailing southeast trade winds.
There is an abundance of plant and animal life. Of the roughly 200 plant species found in Seychelles, some 80 are unique to the islands, including screw pines and, several varieties of jellyfish trees. And, the most famous, the Coco de Mer. This produces a fruit that is one of the largest and heaviest known and is valued by a number of Asian cultures for believed aphrodisiac properties.
Wildlife includes a remarkably diverse array of marine life, including more than 900 identified species of fish; green sea turtles and tens of thousands of giant tortoises also inhabit the islands.
Bird Island is the breeding ground for millions of terns, turtle doves, shearwaters, frigate birds, and other seabirds that flock there each year.
Air service is centered on Seychelles International Airport, located near Victoria on Mahé, and the smaller airports and airstrips found on several islands. Seychelles has air connections with a number of foreign cities and direct flights to London.
"Wonderful, my darling. Just look at this."
Lady Penelope Ward-Williamson had chosen this location for her Winter holiday. Accompanied on this occasion by her youngest daughter, Charlotte.
"It's like Paradise on Earth." Added Her Ladyship.
"It is quite beautiful, I must agree."
"We're definitely going to enjoy ourselves on this trip."
Both looked out of the cabin window as the plane began its descent. It had been a long flight, with just the one stop over in Dubai, and the sight of the islands was most welcome.
Charlotte had never been here before, and at first seemed reluctant to travel such a long distance. But as her mother told her all about the place, she became more and more intrigued by Seychelles.
"Yes. I firmly believe that sun and sex are essential ingredients in making a successful holiday."
"Mother, really."
"What? I intend to have a good time. And I intend to get laid as often as possible."
"You're incorrigible."
Fabulously wealthy, Lady Penelope was more than happy to spend her days up to the eyeballs in sex.
Charlotte had known for some time that her mother had a larger than average sexual appetite, but within the last year, things had become more intense. It wasn't that she was having sex every day, but her mother was concentrating on younger men. About her own age or even younger.
"Correct." Said Penny with a mischievous wink. "And, so are you. my dear."
It was perhaps inevitable that mother and daughter would one day come together in a binge of sun, nudity, and sex. And in the light of recent events, this day appeared to be fast approaching. (See chapter 13)
Once they had landed, they still needed to get to their final destination.
La Digue is the third most populated island of the Seychelles, and fourth largest by land area, lying east of Praslin and west of Felicite Island. There is no airport on La Digue, so to get there from a foreign country, one must fly and continue by ferry, usually via Praslin.
Their choice of hotel was the Le Domaine De L'Orangeraie. An attractive property located in the northwest corner of La Digue. Le Domaine is just steps away from the beach and set in beautiful tropical gardens and forest.
The villas and suites overlook the gardens, most with views down to the sea below. For a small hotel, there are lots of facilities including a small spa with stunning views, an infinity pool with pool bar and plenty of loungers, and a restaurant overlooking the sea serving Mediterranean and Creole food with a mix of buffet and à la carte options available.
The ladies had reserved one of the twenty Garden Villas, superbly furnished with the theme being bright, clean, and with modern décor.
Their luxury thatched villa was located in the sloping hills, offering wonderful views of the tropical gardens. The spacious villa had two bedrooms, two bathtubs, a rain shower and a large terrace. And in addition, a private whirlpool.
"So, when do the boys get here?" Asked Charlotte for the third time in as many hours.
She busied herself with unpacking as her mother looked on with a cigarette in her hand.
"The day after tomorrow. Don't fret so."
Also along for the seven day visit were Her Ladyship's special guests, Lord Frederick Wellesley, and his younger brother Arthur. Fred was the second son of Charles Wellesley, 9th Duke of Wellington, and Princess Antonia of Prussia.
The Wellesley family has many titles, in the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and formerly Portugal. They are the descendants of Arthur Wellesley, commander-in-chief of the British army, who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815. For his many victories, he obtained many titles, including the evocative Duke of Wellington. Thanks to this victorious ancestor, his descendants enjoy multiple titles of nobility but also land in Belgium, which is sometimes controversial. Indeed, the Duke of Wellington is also Prince of Waterloo and is the only noble in Belgium to own land received as an appanage.
"And you know them well?"
"Intimately so, my dear. I've met them, seduced them, and used them for my personal pleasure. It was quite a evening, I can tell you."
"Indeed," said Charlotte with a huff.
"They're good fun. We can look forward to a splendid time."
"I suppose. Do they have girlfriends?"
"One in every town they visit. They're quite unscrupulous where women are concerned."
"I can imagine. Anyway, let's eat. I'm starving after the flight."
x
The Le Nautique restauraunt offers delicious local and international cuisine in the perfect island setting. The local dishes showcase the very best of the Seychelles unique produce and flavours, a perfect fusion of French, Indian and Oriental influences.
