Felicite Island: A Slice of Paradise in Seychelles

• HelloAllo
  [ah-loh]
• GoodbyeOrevwar
  [oh-rev-wahr]
• YesWi
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeSilvouple
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• Thank youMersi
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon
  [pahr-dohn]
• How are you?Kouman ou ye?
  [koo-mahn oo yay]
• Fine. And you?Byen. E ou?
  [byen. eh oo]
• Do you speak English?Ou pale angle?
  [oo pah-lay ahn-glay]
• I don't understandMwan pa konpran
  [mwahn pah kohn-prahn]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMwan vle we meni, silvouple
  [mwahn vlay vay meh-nee, seel-voo-pleh]
• I don't eat meatMwan pa manze labi
  [mwahn pah mahn-zeh lah-bee]
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  [sahn-tay]
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  [mwahn vlay pay-yeh, seel-voo-pleh]

• Help!Sekour!
  [seh-koor]
• Go away!Ale ale!
  [ah-lay ah-lay]
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  [reh-lay lah-sahn-tay]
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• How much is it?Konbyen sa koute?
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• That's too expensiveSa tro cher
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• Can you lower the price?Ou kapab redwi pri?
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• What time is it?Ki ler li ye?
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• EveningAswar
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• YesterdayIer
  [yehr]
• TodayZourne
  [zoor-nay]
• TomorrowDemain
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• 1En
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• 2De
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• Where's a/the...?Ki kote...?
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• When's the next (bus)?Ki ler prochen (bis)?
  [kee lair proh-shen (bees)]
• A ticket (to ....)En billet (pour ....)
  [ehn bee-yay (poor ....)]

Felicite Island, part of the Inner Seychelles archipelago, was first discovered by French explorers in the mid-18th century. The island was initially uninhabited, serving as a temporary shelter for sailors and pirates navigating the Indian Ocean. The French named it 'Félicité,' which translates to 'Happiness,' reflecting its serene beauty and lush landscape.

During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Felicite Island came under British control following the defeat of the French in the Napoleonic Wars. The island was utilized for agricultural purposes, particularly for coconut and vanilla plantations. These plantations were worked by enslaved people brought from Africa and Madagascar, whose labor played a crucial role in the island's development during the colonial period.

Throughout the 19th century, Felicite Island's economy was centered around its plantations. Copra, the dried meat of the coconut, became a significant export product. Vanilla, introduced by French colonists, also became a valuable commodity. The plantation owners lived in modest estates, while the laborers resided in simple huts. This period saw the establishment of basic infrastructure, including small docks and storage facilities.

Following Seychelles' independence from British rule in 1976, Felicite Island experienced significant changes. The plantation economy declined, and many of the agricultural operations were abandoned. The island's population dwindled as people moved to larger islands like Mahé for better economic opportunities. Despite these changes, Felicite retained its natural beauty and began to attract attention for tourism.

In recent decades, Felicite Island has transformed into a luxurious travel destination. High-end resorts and eco-friendly accommodations have been developed, offering visitors a blend of comfort and unspoiled nature. The island's rich history, combined with its stunning beaches and coral reefs, has made it a popular spot for eco-tourists and luxury travelers alike. Efforts have been made to preserve the island’s natural environment while promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Today, Felicite Island is not only a hub for tourism but also a site for cultural preservation. Local initiatives aim to protect the island's historical landmarks and educate visitors about its colonial past and the lives of those who lived and worked on the plantations. Cultural tours and heritage trails have been established, providing insights into the island's history and its significance within the broader context of Seychelles' development.

Felicite Island is part of the Seychelles archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The nearest international airport is Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahe Island. From Mahe, you can take a domestic flight to Praslin Island or La Digue Island. From either of these islands, you can reach Felicite Island by a short boat ride. Private boat transfers and helicopter charters are also available for a more exclusive arrival experience.

Felicite Island is relatively small and is best explored on foot. The island has limited motorized transportation options, primarily used by the resorts for guest transfers and services. For inter-island travel, local ferries and private boats are available. Helicopter services can also be arranged for a quicker and more scenic mode of transport.

The official currency of Seychelles is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR). Major resorts and establishments on Felicite Island accept credit cards, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions and tips. ATMs are not available on Felicite Island itself, so ensure you withdraw sufficient cash either at Seychelles International Airport or on Mahe Island before traveling.

Felicite Island is generally safe for tourists, with a low crime rate. However, standard travel precautions are advised. Avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach or in public areas. There are no specific high-crime areas on the island, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always a good practice.

In case of emergency, contact the nearest resort staff who are trained to handle various situations and can provide immediate assistance. The emergency contact number for Seychelles is 999. It's advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. For minor health issues, resorts typically have basic first aid facilities.

Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing suitable for tropical climates. Swimwear is appropriate for the beach but should be covered when not on the sand. Avoid overly revealing clothing in public spaces. Religion: Do respect local religious customs. Although Felicite Island is more resort-focused, it’s still important to be respectful of local traditions. Public Transport: Public transport is limited to boat services. Do be punctual for scheduled departures. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hello' or 'Bonzour' (Good morning in Creole). A smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Creole cuisine and seafood. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Felicite Island like a local, engage with the staff and locals who can share insights about the island's history and culture. Participate in local fishing or snorkeling trips to see the vibrant marine life. Explore the island's trails to discover hidden beaches and scenic viewpoints. Don't miss the opportunity to try freshly caught seafood prepared in traditional Creole style.