nature
A twin-centre in the Seychelles combines wildlife and wilderness in the midst of the Indian Ocean, discovers Katie McGonagle
DESTINATIONS SEYCHELLES | HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS
“
y
ou cannot put a price on nature,” says turtle manager Robert
Matombe, as he leads his daily nature walk from the resort’s ‘eco-kiosk’ along Grand Anse Kerlan, the wide sweep of wild beachfront where dozens of turtles come to nest each year. “When we started this project
in 2015, we had about 40 nests per season, but now we get up to 95. The beach is like a maternity ward with nests everywhere. It’s busy, but it’s worth it.” Matombe started at Constance Lemuria on Praslin more than 20 years ago, beginning as a casual worker while volunteering with turtle rescue efforts, before studying to become a full-time conservation manager. He is so dedicated to the area’s flora and fauna that during hawksbill turtle egg-laying season, he often sleeps on the beach to make sure baby turtles are not disturbed as they make their perilous journey to the sea. He starts each morning checking for new tracks that might signify a hatching and ends the day with a beach patrol to make sure the coast is clear. There are signs asking guests to stay off the sand during key
periods, keep light to a minimum and stick to swimming in the smaller, sheltered bay, where you’re more likely to find swaying palms and sunloungers than sea turtles searching for a place to lay their eggs.
WILD ISLE
I join Matombe as he leads a small group of guests – including a French family with a toddler in tow, a British couple in their 50s and a smattering of others keen to learn more about the resort’s wilder side – around the grounds. He points out a hedgehog-like tenrec scurrying through the undergrowth, as well as breadfruit and Indian almond trees among the vegetation. He then takes us to see the 10 resident tortoises, handily based near the kids’ club so curious little ones can watch them chomping through piles of acacia leaves during daily feeding sessions. The largest, aptly named Donatello, weighs more than 300kg and is still growing at 62 years of age – these Aldabra tortoises can live up to 150 years. Nature is infused throughout
the resort, from my welcoming committee of a peacock with ²
travelweekly.co.uk 24 APRIL 2025 41
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