The Seychelles may be the only country described exclusively in hyperbole. "Paradise," "Garden of Eden" and "spectacular" seem to be among the most common terms employed. And typically, the focus of these descriptions centers on the physical beauty of the islands: the multiple blue hues reflecting out of the water, the distinctive granite rock formations and the white, clean beaches.

We can confirm that the hyperbole is well-earned, but what impresses us most has to do with people, not scenery. We're convinced that one reason everyone comes back raving about the Seychelles (pronounced SAY-shells) is that, in addition to a beautiful setting, the society's attitude toward tourism is remarkably healthy. It seems to have avoided the atmosphere of mutual exploitation that exists on many Caribbean or South Pacific islands whose economies also rely on tourism. In the Seychelles, the gap between rich and poor is not striking: Local residents are as likely to be managing well-run properties as making beds. Pride in their islands is near universal, and resentment toward visitors is, though not entirely absent, seldom expressed.

Of course, this may change as the government develops the islands for increased tourism. Ports are being prepared for larger numbers of cruise ships, and roads are being constructed to cart boatloads of people to once-isolated beaches. Residents, anticipating new waves of visitors, are turning their homes into guesthouses. Travelers who seek "paradise" may want to go sooner rather than later.

There is one factor, however, that will always limit the number of visitors: cost. It's expensive to get to the Seychelles, and food and hotel prices are also rather high.