RORY KEOHANE reports from the Seychelles, where he's spending time with internationally acclaimed photographer Jacque Weyers and five of the 10 models.

Abandoning the shore, the sea would be the day’s backdrop. Beautiful, but made more so by the figures at the fore: St Lucia’s Mala Bryan and Aussie import Zoe Cross alongside SA’s own Derryn Lester, Nicole Meyer and Bianca Koyabe, winner of the SA Swimsuit Model Search. Bottle blue and often breathless, the beautiful conditions made a welcome change from the past few overcast days.

Departing the Paradise Sun resort aboard the Catalina, one of the chartered catamarans of Mason’s Travel, the day began with sponsor shots for Havaianas and their expanded range of footwear. Nicole and Derryn donned a pair each – sandals seldom look so good.

Scenic stops for Bianca’s debut swimsuit shots allowed time to soak up the scenery and watch Weyers' work. Sporting swimwear by Fox, Rip Curl, Roxy and Seafolly, the bright fabrics on Bianca set her apart.

When they weren’t shooting sponsor shots for Mainstay and Bridgestone, Derryn, Zoe, Mala, and Nicole lay in the netting at the boat’s bow.

The crew dropped anchor at the north-western tip of Praslin main – Baie Chevalier the backdrop for a few final shots before Zoe and a few of the crew traded boat for beach, swimming to the soft sands of Anse Lazio. Perhaps the most pristine of Praslin’s secluded beaches, Lazio is quintessential Tropicana.

Weyers wrapped Bianca’s remaining shots on the return to the shore, the evening golden hour living up to its name. Docking in time for a beachside sunset, the crew caught the weekly Creole evening at the Paradise Sun. Pulled into the contredans – a festival folk dance of the island – the girls danced beside the beach bonfire with guests and locals alike.

The traditional fare continued to dinner – fruit and vegetable chips, Creole curries, fruit bat – where, ahead of the Springboks' clash with Scotland, the rugby debate began. Verdicts: Morné Steyn is underrated; player quotas are backward, the best side is the best side, period; Schalk Brits is Bok material, and should be Bismarck’s deputy; the Boks will beat the Scots by 20.

On Sunday, Weyers and the Swimsuit crew will take to the beach, with Zoe Cross taking centre-stage.

Photo: Rory Keohane/HSM Images