(Seychelles News Agency) - His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho and his family ushered in the New Year while enjoying the Seychelles’ deep blue waters at a luxury hotel.

Letsie was the island nation’s second high-profile visitor during the holiday period. Former British Prime Minster Tony Blair also welcomed the New Year while vacationing in Seychelles.

The Lesotho royal family spent a week on Praslin, the island famous for the Vallee de Mai nature preserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the endemic coco de mer, a rare species of palm tree.

Before his departure, Letsie met with the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange and his principal secretary for tourism Anne Lafortune, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

King Letsie III of Lesotho with Minister Alain St Ange on his left. ( Ministry of tourism) Photo License: CC-BY

During the meeting, St Ange presented the king with two books about the Seychelles. The minister said it was an honour to have Letsie III visit the island nation.

The Kingdom of Lesotho has been invited by St Ange to take part in the Carnaval International de Victoria and FetAfrik, festivities to be held in April and May respectively.

The Kingdom of Lesotho is a nation of 2 million people located entirely within the borders of South Africa. Lesotho's economy is fueled by textile manufacturing and agriculture.

The king stayed at the Constance Lemuria Resort, a luxury hotel located on Praslin, Seychelles’ second-largest island.