Qatar and the Seychelles (Silhouette and Mahé)

Doha overlooks the Persian Gulf and presents itself as one of the most dazzling capitals of the Middle East, where the futuristic skyscrapers of West Bay converse with Arab traditions. The broad, manicured Corniche promenade carries the eye from the futuristic skyline to the Museum of Islamic Art designed by Ieoh Ming Pei, an icon of luminous geometry holding masterpieces from across the Islamic world. At the city’s heart, Souq Waqif revives the atmosphere of markets of old amid spices, fabrics, falcons and fragrant coffee, while the nearby Katara cultural village hosts theatres, galleries and mosques. Just outside the city, desert meets sea at the spectacular Khor Al Adaid, the «inland sea» reached on thrilling off-road excursions among the dunes. Doha blends luxury, culture and Arab hospitality in an ever-evolving destination, perfect for a stopover or a stay between modernity and the East.

Silhouette Island is the third-largest of the Seychelles and one of the most mountainous and wild, with Mont Dauban towering over a primeval rainforest that has remained almost untouched. Almost entirely uninhabited and roadless, the island is a nature reserve protecting endemic plants, bats and giant tortoises. Its secluded beaches and waters rich in marine life make it ideal for diving, snorkelling and trekking through pristine nature. A single eco-friendly resort and a tiny village coexist with an extraordinarily preserved environment. Silhouette Island is a sanctuary of primeval nature for those seeking adventure and authenticity.

Mahé is the largest of the Seychelles islands and the beating heart of the archipelago, home to the international airport, the tiny capital Victoria and more than sixty beaches framed by forest-clad granite hills. Victoria, one of the world's smallest capitals, is easily explored on foot: the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke market with its stalls of fish, spices and tropical fruit, the clock tower modelled on London's, the colourful Hindu temple and the botanical gardens where giant tortoises roam and the famous coco de mer grows. The coast strings together postcard sands: broad and lively Beau Vallon, perfect for swimming and evening dining; dramatic, surf-pounded Anse Intendance; and the quieter coves of the south, sheltered by the reef. The mountainous interior is crowned by Morne Seychellois National Park, laced with trails climbing through ferns, palms and endemic plants to ocean viewpoints. Creole cuisine — grilled fish, curries, chutneys and local rum — rounds off days of snorkelling, diving and boat trips to the neighbouring islands. Mahé brings lush nature, turquoise sea and authentic island life together in one place, the ideal gateway to the whole archipelago.