Soft sand seashore sells Seychelles

The Life: The business visitor should be sure to make time to tour the Seychelles.

The Seychelles is famous for having some of the most pristine beaches in the world. Raymond Sahuquet / Seychelles Tourism Board

Here is what you may want to know about the Seychelles: it is a group of 115 granite and coral islands that lie between 4° and 10° south of the Equator, and between 480 kilometres and 1,600km from the east coast of Africa in the western Indian Ocean.

And if you go there on business, there are only two things you need to know. First, businessmen there tend not to wear suits and ties. Second, make sure to leave some "you time" once the meetings close.

The Seychelles is famous for having some of the best beaches in the world - pristine and uncrowded, with powder-soft sands and turquoise waters.

The islands are characterised by creole houses, artists' studios, national reserves and marine parks, and natural wonders including some of the world's rarest flora and fauna above and beneath the waves. You can observe them via various excursions.

And, of course, there is also golf.

Hopping among the 16 islands that have hotels is another option. The hotels range from sumptuous five-star resorts to rustic island lodges and cosy beachside bungalows.

Seychellois nightlife is mellow rather than raucous, but you should always stop to hear the local camtolet music, which is often accompanied by dancers.

Several hotels have evening barbecues and dinner dances. There is a theatre, one cinema in Victoria, the capital, and casinos at Beau Vallon Bay Hotel and the Plantation Club.

Restaurants abound. Seychellois creole cuisine is influenced by African, Chinese, English, French and Indian traditions. The careful blending of spices is a major feature, and much use is made of coconut milk and breadfruit. Lobster, octopus and chicken are used more frequently than beef or lamb, which must be imported.

The Quote: "Mother Nature was very generous with these 115 islands scattered in the Indian Ocean and has spoiled them rotten." The Lonely Planet