sesel sa! 7th issue april to june 2015

T H E V O I C E O F S E Y C H E L L E S T O U R I S M

FREEDiving and surfing in the SeychellesGet Active

Plan the perfect wedding in paradise

Praslin’s Green Hotel gets a revamp

The influence of African culture on the islands

Wedding Special

ACAJOU Beach Resort

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Marsha Dine Photographer | Shot on location at Acajou Beach Resort, Praslin www.acajouseychelles.com

Cover Details:

Romance is in the airFrom our dreamy cover image shot on location at the newly renovated Acajou Beach Resort, to our 8-page wedding special and our interview with Kempinski Hotel’s wedding coordinator, this issue of Sesel Sa! highlights the romantic

possibilities of a holiday in the Seychelles!

A couple relaxing at the Four Seasons Seychelles Hotel & Spa

A unique wedding organised by Mason's Travel

APR - JUN 2015 ISSUE NO. 7 | SESEL SA! 1

The mix of articles that appear in this edition of Sesel Sa! illustrate what a multi-dimensional industry tourism is becoming, blurring the once distinct borders between hospitality, culture and niche activities. Long gone are the days we could afford to market ourselves on the strength of our traditional attributes of sun, sea and sand alone. The world has moved on from those black and white days and into a space where an increasing number of today’s tourists classify themselves as social travellers – not just here to soak up the sun but taking the time to get beneath the skin of the destination they are visiting, experiencing as much of it as they can and carrying those adventures home with them, as well as circulating them on social media.Tourism continues to be influenced by the potential of aspects of our existence to ‘go viral ‘and achieve levels of exposure unthought-of only a decade ago. We are playing to more segmented audiences as well, each one in search of that particular niche which corresponds to their lifestyle and interests and which they are in a position to research using an ever-growing armoury of cyber-tools: Facebook, Trip Advisor, Instagram, Pinterest and the like.We must all adapt to this fast-moving industry and the way it is evolving along organic lines, breaking increasingly with traditional business practices and social conventions as it redefines the ways we live, work and play.

Foreword by Sherin Naiken CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board

Sesel Sa! is a joint collaboration with STB and Paradise Promotions Ltd. Printed by ATLAS Printing Press LLC.For more information with regards to advertising and editorial, please contact; Managing Editor: Ineke Camille E: [email protected] Tel: +2482520937Assistant Editor: Lynette Botha E: [email protected] Tel: +248 252 0937Marie France Watson E: [email protected] Tel: +2482512477Graphic Design and Layout: Olivia Michaud W: www.angelcreativedesign.comPhotographer: Suzanne Verlaque E: [email protected] Contributors: Mawess Wirtz, Elke Telma, Mma Metsi, Marie Welsch, Glynn Burridge, RBPublished by Paradise Promotions Ltd. P.O Box 1539, Mahé, SeychellesSesel Sa Magazine

Photograph courtesy Four Seasons Seychelles Resort & Spa

1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . CEO Foreword4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acajou

A natural union10 . . . . . . . . . . . Awesome Avani

An old resort gets a facelift14 . . . . . . . . . . . Weddings Special

Tie the knot in paradise20 . . . . . . . . . . . Travel

Reunion24 . . . . . . . . . . . Discover Seychelles

La Misere Exotic Gardens28 . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Travel Essentials for the

Seychelles29 . . . . . . . . . . . Party Time at Eden Island

Celebrating Carnival 2015 32 . . . . . . . . . . . Calendar of events34 . . . . . . . . . . . Solo Travel Feature 37 . . . . . . . . . . . Gastronomy

Gout de France and French-Creole Cuisine

43 . . . . . . . . . . . Dining DiscoveriesKannel at the Four Seasons

46 . . . . . . . . . . . Dining DiscoveriesSurfers Beach Restaurant

49 . . . . . . . . . . . Travel Representation Agency Q&AAfrican Synergy

51 . . . . . . . . . . . Green Tourism 56 . . . . . . . . . . . Culture

African Heritage in the Seychelles59 . . . . . . . . . . . Know your Seychelles66 . . . . . . . . . . . Upcoming Event:

Fet Afrik 69 . . . . . . . . . . . Surfing in the Seychelles with iSurf72 . . . . . . . . . . . Diving in another world75 . . . . . . . . . . . Maps80 . . . . . . . . . . . Contacts84 . . . . . . . . . . . STO Contacts

2 SESEL SA! | APR - JUN 2015 ISSUE NO. 7

Back when the Acajou Hotel first opened on Praslin’s Cote D’Or beach in 1996, the unique log-cabin design of its rooms spoke volumes about what the establishment stood for: rustic, authentic, natural.

Almost two decades later, the newly dubbed Acajou Beach Resort re-opened its doors to guests last December after a multi-million rupee renovation and expansion, and appears to have gone all-in on its ‘green’ positioning. The result is a charming blend of rustic Seychelles tradition, and modern eco-friendly technology, with new room types and facilities to top it all off.

Spoiled for ChoiceNow featuring 52 total rooms, fans of the hotel’s original log-cabin concept will be relieved to hear that the standard and superior room blocks retain their trademark styles, but with new bathrooms and refreshed interiors for a more open feel.

The additional rooms are where things get a bit more ‘diverse’, Acajou General Manager Joanise Doway says. A new block of deluxe rooms is positioned just behind the beach, with oversized verandas offering sea views from both the ground and first floors.

Two new family rooms have also been added to the equation – spacious suites with an additional bedroom and an extra-long veranda that spans both spaces.

A block of self-catering apartments, each with a full kitchen and offering both one- and two-bedroom varieties, is also now an option for those who wish to enjoy a more independent living space.

All rooms feature works by local artists Alyssa Adams, Michael Adams and Gerard Devoud, with themes reflecting the natural environment of the room’s surrounds: those in the standard and superior rooms, for instance, feature forest scenes of natural greens and earth tones with décor to match, whereas the deluxe rooms on the beachfront adopt a minimalist approach to its ocean theme, this in order to maximize the natural colours from the sea view pouring through the glass doors from the veranda.

“Our new room stock gives us a lot of versatility,” Ms Doway says. “And we expect that our repeaters will enjoy trading up into different room categories on future visits.”

Traditional versus ModernThe divergence between the existing hotel structures and the new ones might have been a concern at the outset of the renovation project, but now it might just be considered a strength, Ms Doway says, and not just for the flexibility of room types.

Satellite TV channels and free Wi-Fi internet have been among the most welcome additions to the resort’s amenities, for guests who need to stay connected during their holiday.

A Natural Union


Newly renovated, the Acajou Beach Resort stands up as a conscientious choice for holidaymakers. By RB

A view of Acajou from the beach


Before works began, the designs called for new walkways to be built along the original standard and superior room blocks, but unfortunately, a massive Takamaka tree stood where one of the pathways was to be built. The owners didn’t like the prospect of cutting it down, so a couple extra hundred-thousand rupees later, the walkway was built around it.

According to Ms Doway, this is one of several situations in which the hotel has had to grit its teeth and either invest, or hold back on a project, in order to minimize its environmental impact.

Visitors sometimes suggest ‘tourist-friendly’ changes to the hotel, a common one being to clear the vouloutier vegetation along the beachfront in order to give a ‘cleaner’ view straight through to the beach

The resort also boasts a brand new modern infinity pool on a raised deck looking out over the sea, accompanied by an adjacent bar and restaurant offering refreshments, cocktails and a selection of local specialties and bistro-esque lunch options. The new facility speaks to a much more modern era than its counterpart: the traditional breakfast-and-dinner restaurant in the main concourse, which still retains a decidedly Creole flair despite also having been expanded during the renovations.

Where Acajou truly bridges yesteryear with modern-day, however, is in the way technology has been adopted to improve the resort’s infrastructure and efficiency.

Even in Seychelles, where operating expenses seem to find new and creative ways to go up, a hotel can find plenty of uses for one-and-a-half million rupees. Investment ideas of that scale are never in short supply, especially if the upgrades will fetch better customer feedback and increased sales.

Contrarily, the SCR1.4 million Acajou just spent on a new photovoltaic solar power array is not going to pay dividends anytime soon, but it will power about 50 percent of the resort’s electricity needs, until additional phases are completed for the resort to operate fully on solar.

The installation of a new sewage treatment plant, an energy management system for each and every room (which shuts down the air-conditioning if the doors are left open too long), and a composting project count as other new eco-additions to the resort.

“We’re a Seychellois-owned property and we’re in this for the long run,” Ms Doway says. “It does us no good to cut corners and save money here or there for today, if it’s not going to be sustainable for tomorrow. The hotel is married to its environment and we have to protect it.”

Marriage and CompromiseEven the best marriages have rough patches, and it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the hotel, either.

Before works began, the designs called for new walkways to be built along the original standard and superior room blocks, but

The signature Octopus Curry

Delectable desserts

Cuisine is unfussy and focuses on fresh ingredients and flavour

unfortunately, a massive Takamaka tree stood where one of the pathways was to be built. The owners didn’t like the prospect of cutting it down, so a couple extra hundred-thousand rupees later, the walkway was built around it.

According to Ms Doway, this is one of several situations in which the hotel has had to grit its teeth and either invest, or hold back on a project, in order to minimize its environmental impact.

Visitors sometimes suggest ‘tourist-friendly’ changes to the hotel, a common one being to clear the vouloutier vegetation along the beachfront in order to give a ‘cleaner’ view straight through to the beach from inside the resort. “We simply can’t do that,” she says. “The vouloutier holds the beach in place and protects against erosion. It would disrupt the natural balance of the coastline.”

Beach BenefitsIn just about any magazine’s list of the world’s best beaches, Seychelles is always mentioned, usually by way of the nearby Anse Lazio, or Anse Source D’Argent on La Digue.

Praslin’s Cote D’Or beach seems to have been left out of the ‘best beaches on earth’ conversation, but while it may not have Anse Lazio’s reputation, or Anse Source D’Argent’s picturesque granite boulders, it actually serves as one of Acajou’s foremost selling points for a number of reasons.

Some 2.5 km of white sand and turquoise seas, Cote D’Or is – in addition to being a beautiful beach in its own right – a sort of gateway to some of the other fantastic attractions and islands so easily accessible from Praslin, including St Pierre and the Curieuse Marine National Park, both of which can be seen directly from the property.

“It’s one of the only beaches in Seychelles that’s calm all year-round,” Ms Doway ways. “So it’s great for swimming, and ideal for families.”

Family FriendlyWith its beachfront location and romantic setting, Acajou has always attracted its share of newlyweds. In fact, the new pool bar and restaurant features a top deck that was built primarily to host receptions and weddings,


The perfect place to zone out

Wooden chalets

Bedrooms are understated yet modern


The perfect spot to watch the sunset with a cocktail


Acajou Beach Resort By Numbers

with an unparalleled view.

With its strong environmental credentials, Ms Doway believes the new iteration of Acajou will see many couples eager to tie the knot on-site in a ‘green’ localized wedding. A full range of wedding services are on offer, from the actual day itself to the pre- and post-activities for bride, groom and guests.

Meanwhile, the renovation also afforded the resort an opportunity to look at yet another segment that often goes overlooked: families.

The addition of a children’s section to the new pool, the new family rooms and apartments, as well as the gentle temperament of Cote D’Or beach itself, all contribute to a welcoming atmosphere for families within the resort.

The cross-cultural kitchen team – with chefs from Sri Lanka, China and the Philippines adding to the contingent of Seychellois – is prepared to assist in that regard as well, with the two restaurants catering for child-friendly fare at irregular hours.

When not serving up a quick fish and chips, the teams at the two restaurants are producing impressively presented dishes using fresh local produce and exotic specialties. Ms Doway says the blend of techniques and ingredients from a diverse kitchen staff have offered up a most creative selection at the main restaurant, which offers nightly buffets or table d’hote selections depending on the occupancy of the hotel.

If there’s one thing Ms Doway would like all of its guests to sample – and that includes outsiders who may venture in from Cote D’Or and over to the pool for lunch – it’s the octopus curry. Served in a coconut half-shell, the octopus is moist and tender, and the creamy sauce is packed with the flavours of coconut milk, cinnamon and other exotic spices.

“The food had been a strength for us before we closed, but we think with the team we have here, we’ve managed to raise the standard a bit further,” Ms Doways says. “So far the feedback on the ‘new Acajou’ has been great on the whole, so it’s been uplifting to see all the time and hard work of the past year bear fruit.”

Total Units: 52

Standard Rooms: 14

Superior Rooms: 16

Family Rooms: 2

Deluxe Rooms: 14

Self-Catering Apartments: 6 (4 one-bedroom, 2 two-bedroom)Restaurants: 2 Main Restaurant serving buffet breakfast and either table d’hote or buffet for dinner. Pool Bar and Restaurant, beverages and cocktails all day long, a la carte lunch and snacks Main Pool: 9.7m x 6m, 1.4m depth

Children’s Pool: 6m x 2.8m, 0.6m depth

Massage Suite: 2 beds

1 Boutique

1 Fitness Centre

Idyllic landscapes

Indoor-outdoor dining


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A secluded sanctuary on the west coast of Mahe, Lynette Botha and family spent a relaxing night at Avani Barbarons Seychelles before the resort had officially opened

Visiting a resort during its pre-opening phase is like having a hotel all to yourself. Such was the experience my family and I had when we visited the newly renovated property at the end of February.

The resort, previously Le Meridien Barbarons, was acquired by international hotel group AVANI and while no changes were made to the original structure of the previous resort, the lobby, restaurants and bars, all guest rooms and suites were refurbished to meet with the global AVANI standard, said the resort’s general manager, Manish Jha.

Your first impression of the resort is as you step into the lobby – and it definitely makes a lasting one – high wooden ceilings, dangling chandeliers made from natural fibres, polished wooden floors, the light streaming in from the end of the patio with vistas out over the ocean in front. You want to breathe out a sigh of relief; you feel your stresses melt away. Adjacent to the lobby on the left is the hotel’s main restaurant, Elements, which has a very minimalist feel about it – letting the views and spaciousness of the place speak for itself. There is no need for grand décor. Developed with AVANI’s Honest Food ethos at heart,

Amazing Avani

The beach is directly in front of the pool area

View of the hotel from the beach

Garden View Room


AVANI Seychelles Barbarons understands that part of the perfect holiday includes sublime dining and great options when it comes to food.

Offering all day home-style dining, Elements dishes up an impressive breakfast buffet, then western classics, seafood delights and Creole specialties for lunch, followed by lively evenings of themed BBQs and market Creole nights with cultural entertainment. Tamarind, the more glamorous of the two dining options, offers lunch and dinner with creative twists on Pan Asian recipes, tamarind and seafood specialties and unique island cocktails that pack a punch with local golden rum. The restaurant is right on the beachfront, making for beautiful panoramas to look at while you dine.

In addition, there are also 24 hour in-room dining options, which is especially great if you have little ones in tow or if you’d prefer to enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own beautiful suite. If it’s romance you’re after, or are visiting for a special occasion, a Private Dining concept comes with a personal chef to design the ideal menu, enjoyed when and where guests like.The resort’s two restaurants are accompanied by a pool and shisha bars.

All 124 guest rooms and suites feature their own balcony or terrace with garden, pool or ocean views. Décor is vibrant and fresh and there is an option of five room types – from small suites to adjacent connecting rooms for families or group holidays. Perfect for couples, families or even solo guests, the hotel has something to offer everyone and is spacious enough to find your own private piece of paradise to relax and enjoy daily.

The resort is centred around the main pool, a striking body of water a few steps back from the beach. There is also a children’s pool and the Avani Children’s Club to keep little ones entertained with arts, crafts and games. There is also a gym and tennis court for those more aerobically inclined.

And then, there is the spa, where I was lucky enough to spend two hours and experienced the Avani

Relaxing into the rhythm of island life is what it’s all about

Bathroom

Tamarind Restaurant

Swimming Pool

Gravity Shisha Terrace Lounge


Barbarons signature massage – which was quite honestly one of the best massages I have had (and I have been lucky enough to have visited many spas around the world). The spa is calm and tranquil and the staff are professional and discreet – and, most of all, highly-skilled in what they do. With one double and three single treatment rooms, a sundeck and plunge pool, AVANISPA offers pampering “me time” and “we time”. Options include beautifying facials, nourishing body treatments and deluxe massages, or exotic pampering such as an Ayurvedic therapy or Turkish hammam ritual. The rest of your days can be spent on the beach, swimming and sunbathing at the pool or recharging with a yoga class.

Saturday 14 March marked the official grand opening

of AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort. On the night, Mr Jha had proudly exclaimed, “All 124 guest rooms and suites, which offer a balcony or terrace with views of the garden and the ocean, have been redesigned to offer an improved use of space and a host of modern comforts. In addition, we have added new walkways and decking all around the resort and pool, all surrounded by beautifully re-landscaped grounds”.

Alain St Ange, Minister for Tourism and Culture, was present at the opening and said that the government is pleased to see that a hotel that has been part of Seychelles’ tourism landscape for many years has been revamped and reopened under a new brand.

For more information and reservations, interested parties are requested to contact AVANI Barbarons Resort and Spa on 467 3000 or email [email protected]

Elements Restaurant Ocean View Suite

Spa Treatment Room

LibraryAnd then, there is the spa, where I was lucky enough to spend two hours and experienced the Avani Spa signature massage – which was quite honestly one of the best massages I have had (and I have been lucky enough to have visited many spas around the world). The spa is calm and tranquil and the staff are professional and discreet – and, most of all, highly skilled in what they do.


INTRODUCING

3 NEWAMAZING DESTINATIONSMumbai & Tanzania as of 2nd December.Madagascar as of 3rd December.

For bookings and queries please contact our Air Seychelles office on:Tel : +248 439 1000 or visit www.airseychelles.com

MUMBAI TANZANIA MADAGASCAR

AirSeychelles_Sesel sa Fullpage_DEC14 routes.indd 1 11/26/2014 11:34:05 AM

Library


All you need to know about arranging a wedding in the Seychelles. Compiled by Lynette Botha

Without a doubt, one of the biggest draw cards of the Seychelles is its prime location for the perfect island wedding. It’s not “just another island”, it’s another world. A world often sought out by tourists looking to tie the knot somewhere magical. Whether a beach wedding for two or a grand affair on a yacht out at sea, hoteliers and tour groups have arranged them all. We chatted to a few insiders to get the exclusive scoop on wedding planning, secret locations, the most extravagant requests and more…

Q&A with Nicol St Ange from Mason’s Travel, who consider themselves to be the Seychelles’ wedding specialists.

Why is the Seychelles such a great wedding destination? Seychelles is the ideal destination for a wedding as there is a huge selection of beautiful beaches to choose from, making it a perfect romantic getaway. The tropical climate is always a big bonus, but Seychelles differentiates itself as we are out of the cyclone zone and temperatures range from 26-30 degrees Celsius all year round. Additionally no vaccines are required so it makes Seychelles such

an easy choice for travelers. Most importantly, the Seychelles is one of the few places left which offers privacy, picturesque landscapes and a dreamy atmosphere for couples seeking the ultimate for their special day.

What services do you offer? Mason’s Travel offers the complete wedding service. From the moment you let the team know of what your dream day should be like; we ensure that every aspect is catered for your special day. From booking the accommodation, handling the legal documents and administrative requirements to validate the ceremony, organising of the cake, hairdresser, bouquets and

Weddings in Paradise


photographers. Every single detail is covered by our team, making sure that the wedding couple can relax and enjoy themselves knowing that they are in good hands.

Do you work closely with guests or do you take care of everything? Each client is different that is why we have a specific Weddings team to cater for them individually. Some clients are very involved in every little detail, such as the type of flowers they want and the choice of décor for the event whilst others are very laissez faire as they simply want to make the most of their holiday and just turn up to their ceremony with everything already organised!

What unique venues can you arrange? The majority of couples wanting to get married in Seychelles choose a beautiful beach as their backdrop, and mostly it is a small group of friends and family or sometimes only the wedded couple. One of the most unique venues is aboard one of our catamarans as you can drift between the islands and say your wedding vows at sea. Some couples also choose to disembark at a secluded island for their ceremony and then continue onboard for their celebrations.

What is the biggest wedding you have co-ordinated? And the smallest?The largest wedding party we have catered for is 150 people coming from Algeria. It was a lavish event in a four star resort with a Creole banquet and a Creole band, guests danced away till the early hours of the morning; it was a very successful event. The guests also requested traditional Seychelles music for their special day. The wedded couple then also had

their honeymoon in Seychelles once all their guests departed. The smallest wedding is simply the couple, the registrar and the Mason’s Travel representative, who acts as the witness. This is a very intimate affair, but nevertheless romantic. Many guests opt for this and sometimes opt to have a small party back in their home with a backdrop of the photos or videos of their special wedding in Seychelles.

What is the most popular island to get married on? Undoubtedly one of the most requested islands is La Digue – Anse source d’Argent. Being one of the most photographed beaches in the world, it sets itself as the perfect scene for amazing photos for the bride and groom. There is a charming little hut for guests to conduct the ceremony and we organise the decorations, cake and champagne for the wedding. The backdrop of the granitic boulders is stunning in the pictures.

What documents / paper work do couples need in order to get married here?Different nationalities require different documents. The main documents are passports and original birth certificates. Our team is well accustomed to all the necessary procedures and government bodies to ensure that everything is in place for the ceremony.

“We encourage couples to be involved in the planning, as this is the first day of the rest of their lives together, their involvement is essential.”


What is the quickest turnaround you’ve ever had for having to arrange a wedding?We require at least 21days to prepare all the paperwork and documentation, as this also involves postage to and from international destinations. With one particular request, we were given only two weeks notice. With our strong network in the trade we were able to successfully coordinate the wedding and have all the necessary documentation ready for the ceremony.

What is the most unique wedding you have arranged?One particular couple had wanted to get married on an island amongst giant tortoises. A luxury speedboat was organised to take them from Mahe to Curieuse Island where the ceremony was held. The beach décor had been set up, the registrar; photographer and the Mason’s Travel representative were ready for their arrival… together with the giant tortoises roaming free for the wedding celebrations.

“Many years ago, there was a couple who wanted to get married under the sea. Mason’s Travel organised this and it was a first for the Seychelles.”


What are the strangest requests you’ve had? Many years ago, there was a couple who wanted to get married under the sea. Mason’s Travel organised this and it was a first for the Seychelles.

What is the most budget-friendly option for people wanting to get married here? Praslin offers some very good packages for guests wanting an intimate ceremony and the famous Anse Lazio is a favourite for wedding couples. Most hotels offer attractive packages inclusive of cake, champagne and decorations – our team are well versed on the offers and certainly present the variety of options to the guests and they then tend to add on extras based on their needs.

For a budget of SR50 000 and 25 guests, what sort of a wedding would you arrange?With this budget I would certainly recommend a private charter of the catamaran for a sunset cruise. There are several sized catamarans available and the Indiana, the smallest catamaran, can take up to 20 people, whilst Anahita can go up to 80. In your budget you could also include a band or DJ, food and beverage, decoration and a photographer. This choice of wedding has a real ‘wow’ factor to it as guests cruise privately on their own catamaran taking in the beautiful scenery of the surrounding isles.

Have you ever arranged a wedding or honeymoon for a famous person or celebrity? We have arranged several weddings for famous people such as footballers or TV personalities. Celebrities tend to choose Seychelles as a honeymoon destination and one of the main reasons for this is that you can enjoy your time on a private island where there are no worries about paparazzi or media to hassle you. There are very few locations that offer this kind of landscape with so much privacy. We have arranged honeymoons for many VIP guests but we need to remain confidential, as this is often one of the key requirements in acting as their local agent.

Where is the best place to honeymoon and what makes it unique? There are so many choices and this is what makes Seychelles so special – in fact every Wedding Anniversary should be celebrated in such a romantic destination. There is nothing quite like visiting a private island and this is what sets Denis Private Island apart. The guests always comment that just the landing on to the island is such a highlight as you are landing on a grass strip with the ocean metres away. Once they are settled into the island and start their ‘barefoot luxury experience’, that is when they truly appreciate the beauty of such a place. Having a private cottage on the beachfront with a day bed for lounging, deserted beaches, the only noise are the birds above and the hotel offers exquisite gastronomy mostly produced on the island from the local eco-farm. Couples can get back to experiencing nature as it should be, from swimming amongst colorful fish, watching turtles come and lay their eggs or walking through the forest to see endemic birds – Denis private Island is the ideal place to start your new journey as a wedded couple.

Hotel and resort weddings: who offers what?Notes from the wedding teams FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND SPA SEYCHELLESWEDDINGS COORDINATOR: VICTORIA BIKULOVA

• WeoffertwopackagesatFourSeasonsSeychelles, but with the option to customise each to your tastes. It’s really about building a relationship with your Wedding Coordinator, in the knowledge that they are there to make your dreams a reality. Couples can be as involved as they wish to be. • Somecouplesreallywanttobehandsonand make choices about everything from the boutonniere to the cutlery, whereas some just want to be relaxed and enjoy their vacation while we take care of everything. If they want to do the minimum then all they really need to do is

there is so much we can do.• Weencouragecouplestobeinvolvedinthe planning, as this is the first day of the rest of their lives together, their involvement is essential. We like to get to know our clients to have a better understanding of the way they dream and envision their big day. This enables us to deliver our service with confidence, and our helpful staff and professional event planning team make it easy to coordinate and execute the brief.

Unique and strangeWant something special or out of the ordinary for your big day? Here are some of the strangest and most unique requests that have been made for a wedding in the Seychelles

A bride asked us if we could make a small step for her to stand on during the ceremony, as the groom was very tall and she wanted the extra height. ~ Desroches Private Island

The strangest was the request for a groom to arrive on an elephant (sadly not possible!) and the most unique was a couple who jumped into the pool in full wedding attire after the ceremony. ~ Coco De Mer Hotel

some very minimal paperwork (copies of passports and certificates, and checking the draft of their marriage certificate), all that’s left then is to say “I do!”• Everyweddinghereistotallydifferent.Weonly host around 25-30 per year, so we give each our extra special attention. We love it when guests really have fun with each other and that’s when they get some really amazing, imaginative photos that capture the moment! That’s what people treasure when they share these pictures with friends and family back at home. SAVOY HOTEL AND SPAWEDDING SPECIALIST: JENNIFER TOUSSAINT

• SavoyResortandSpaoffersapersonalisedand memorable experience when it comes to weddings. Our aim is to create the ultimate ‘wow’ effect while our guests are able to breathe and enjoy each moment as it unfolds. From a lavish and romantic wedding to an intimate gathering with extraordinary cuisine, we can arrange it all.• Thebiggestweddingwehavehostedsofarisfor a high level person in the local society, however we have plenty more to come – our experience combined with our accommodating team members and our breathtaking location, means


The most surprising wedding so far was of a couple who did not want anything at all except for the registrar service. They did not bother with a venue and said their room would do. After flying all the way to the Seychelles to get married, we expected the guests would want to get the most out of this journey. ~ Savoy Hotel & Spa

A venue with a difference Aurelie Etienne-Simon, events coordinator at La Plaine St Andre, shares why a wedding at their venue is unlike any other in the Seychelles…


“One of the most unique venues is aboard a catamaran, as you can drift between the islands and say your wedding vows at sea. Some couples also choose to disembark at a secluded island for their ceremony and then continue onboard for their celebrations.”


La Plaine St. André is an outstanding and unique planter’s homestead on the South East Coast of Mahé. It was built over 200 years ago by Jean Francois Jorre de Saint Jorre, one of the first French settlers on the islands. We believe couples will instantly fall under the spell of the luxurious colonial house lovingly restored and refurbished which offers the perfect setting to capture magical photographs, memories to share with family and friends.

Awarded ‘Best Tourism establishment 2015’, our property is an exceptional venue to exchange your vows in the intimacy and the romanticism of the ‘Bilimbi Avenue’. In order to enhance your ceremony, we put at your disposal stylish iron tables and chairs while our gardens and grounds guarantee a beautiful celebration that will be memorable for all who attend. Our Chef has created fabulous bespoke menus for each wedding and he is pleased to cater to your culinary needs with a large variety of Créole fusion dishes. Our friendly and experienced team will create the day of your dreams through a wide range of high quality services; from delicious cocktails exclusively created by our bartender and customised décor, to a wedding planner and live music – or anything else that will work within your plans and budget.

We believe that each couple and each wedding is unique, which is the reason why our team is committed to tailor making our clients’ dreams a reality.

For more information: +248 4372010 / [email protected] / www.laplaine.sc

The fine printAll the legalities, documentation and other information needed for a wedding in the Seychelles, as provided by the Seychelles Tourism Board

1. A church wedding without a civil ceremony is not recognised as being legal and the parties must therefore conduct a civil wedding prior to the religious ceremony. 2. Persons wishing to organise their own wedding must apply to the Seychelles Civil Status Office in Victoria on Mahé for a civil ceremony and the relevant church body for the religious ceremony.

3. It is advisable that the wedding is planned at least two months in advance to allow for the processing of documentation.

4. Couples must advise the Civil Status Office of their wedding date at least eleven calendar days in advance. However, this eleven-day period may be exempted by applying for a Special Licence, normally issued within two days


from the date of application at a charged fee.

5. The couple must be present in Seychelles at least 2 days prior to the civil ceremony.

6. Civil ceremonies may be conducted around the hotel property with permission from both the hotel and the Civil Registrar. Weddings outside the hotel property can only be performed in private and authorised places. The authorisation needs to be obtained from the Civil Registrar.

7. Weddings can also be performed in the Civil Status Office on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 0900hrs and 1100hrs, in the presence of two witnesses provided by the parties themselves.

8. Couples wishing to marry outside the Civil Status Office will be required to pay a fee. This fee applies to ceremonies held on any weekday on Mahé or one of the Inner Islands. It should be noted that the Inner Islands include: Anonyme, Bird, Cerf, Cousine, Denis, Frégate, La Digue, Moyenne, North, Praslin, Round, Ste Anne, and Silhouette islands. The couple will be required to cover the transportation cost for the Registrar officer to travel to these islands. However, the Civil Status Office also has officers on both Praslin and La Digue.

9. Couples wishing to marry on one of the Outer Islands, including Alphonse or Desroches, will be required to pay a different fee plus the transportation cost to these islands for the Registrar officer.

10. A fee is charged for ceremonies held after 1700hrs on a weekday or at any time on a Saturday and Sunday.

11. Legally conducted marriages in Seychelles are recognised under European laws. 12. There are no nationality requirements that need to be fulfilled. 13. A special stamp (apostille) is required to validate the marriage certificate obtained after the civil ceremony for all nationalities except for British nationals. This stamp is available at the Registrar’s office located at the Supreme Court for a fee of SCR140.

14. The couple must produce the following documents:

Birth certificate or certified copy thereof If either party is divorced, the decree of divorce must be produced If either of the parties is a widow or widower the death certificate of the former spouse must be produced

Legal proof in the case of a name having been changed Copies of the first 2 pages of both parties’ valid passports Document to show that there is no impediment or lawful hindrance to the intended marriage (If this cannot be obtained, an affidavit has to be signed in Seychelles after a solemn declaration has been made to that effect)

15. All the above documents must be originals or copies duly certified before departure from one’s home country and must be translated into either English or French if the translation has not already been made.

16. For details of the different fees mentioned please contact the Seychelles Civil Status Office directly.

17. French law requires that French nationals wishing to get married abroad follow certain specific procedures. For information concerning these, contact either your local municipality or the Seychelles Civil Status Office or the French Embassy in Seychelles. The following are their respective contact details.

Seychelles Civil Status Office PO Box 430, Victoria, Mahé Tel: +248 4 29 36 13 / 4 29 36 04 Fax: +248 4 32 10 46 Email: [email protected] French Embassy of Seychelles 1st Floor, La Ciotat Building Mont Fleuri, Mahé Tel: +248 4 38 25 00 Fax: +248 4 38 25 10 Email: [email protected] Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 0800hrs-1300hrs and 1400hrs-1700hrs For more information, please visit www.seychelles.travel


Sun, sea and sand. Sounds heavenly, right? But there is so much more to Reunion Island than it being just a great place to enjoy a break with your feet up in a hammock. For the adventurous family who enjoy food, fun and getting their pulse racing, Reunion offers a plethora of activities. Just two hours by aeroplane from Mahe and with no visa required, Reunion Island is close enough for a one week escape, and far enough to feel like you’ve actually adventured far afield. It’s the perfect destination to tie in with your trip to Seychelles especially if your travelling with your kids – there’s so much to explore! Thanks to the diverse landscape and the incredible history and culture, this little slice of island offers so much for families with children of varying ages. Islanders lead an easygoing lifestyle, and children are welcomed by all; locals are extremely friendly and helpful, especially when seeing families travelling with children. While English is not widely spoken in Reunion, kind gestures and big smiles are understood in any language. There is no need for any special vaccines before travelling (including malaria), so you can literally book your tickets, pack your bags

and set off for island life. Once you do, be sure to do, see and stay at the following:

GET OUT AND ACTIVE From swimming, scuba-diving, paragliding and guided hikes to zip-lining and crocodile spotting, these adventures are so exciting, you’ll want to try them all

Mini Scuba Enjoy scuba diving suitable for the family at Mini Scuba. Young ones are able to splash around and discover life beneath the lagoon waters. All equipment can be hired at the location, including underwater cameras to document all the underwater adventures. Contact: [email protected] / €10 per person for 20 minutes

Le Grand Bleu Along the West coast, departing from Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, you will find the Grand Bleu, with two glass-bottom boats that go out for approximately 75 minute trips and promise a unique perspective of the island. The view from the boat out at sea is exquisite – you will see everything from from steep cliffs, beaches of white and black sand and tranquil lagoons, to the peak of Grand Bénare and the slopes of the Maïdo. And while the adults are in awe of the

Selecting the best family must-dos, sees and stayovers in Reunion is no easy task, but Lynette Botha tried her best…

La Famille in la Reunion

Photographs: Supplied by Reunion Tourism Board. This feature was originally published in FH&L Magazine Summer 2015 issue


views, the kiddies no doubt will be starng downward, at the underwater world below. If parents want to try a trip on their own, book the sunset cruise – its a little longer (90 minutes) and includes cocktails and local Creole music to get your feet tapping as you watch the sky turn a multitude of beautiful hues. Contact: [email protected] / €19 per person per trip

Akoatys ParkWhat could be a more exciting way for the little (and big) ones to cool off on a hot day than at a waterpark? Akoatys boasts three giant waterslides, a swimming pool for kids with an enchanted castle, a kids play area, picnic areas and a standing wave for surfing. It faces the beach of Etang Salé and is located in a secured area. The slides are suitable and safe for all. Make a day of it, and enjoy lunch at the on-site cafeteria, which serves sandwiches, salads and of course, ice-creams. [email protected] / children less than 0.90m are free, while kids and seniors’ tariffs range from €5 – €18

Makes AventuresReady to get your pulse-racing? For an adrenalin rush of note, at an altitude of 1 300m, join Makes Aventures for a zip-lining adventure that you’ll remember for a lifetime. On offer are four tree-climbing routes with three difficulty levels, which will see you swinging from tree to tree and allow you to explore ‘liana’ jumps, the ‘giant’s leap’ or even barrels lines, deoending on the course. There are two routes suitable for children under 1.4m. Makes Aventures is open seven days a week, but reservations are compulsory. [email protected] / For children under 12, entry is €15. For big families, prices will vary from €13 to €21.

Ferme Lou Cachet’For a farm with a difference, visit Ferme Lou Cachet’, an educational farm that houses a traditional bread oven, a bird observatory, a hive observatory, a honey house, a Creole orchard, an aromatic plant area, a farm animal park, ponds, a children’s play area and a camping area. Sounds like a family heaven, right?

Ferme Lou Cachet’ has received organic farming accreditation and also offers afternoon teas with pastries and a variety of treats such as Creole cakes, gingerbread, home-made jams and bread, fresh fruit juice. It is definitely a must-visit to add to your itinerary, but remember to book – reservations are compulsory. [email protected] / €5 entrance per person

Croc ParcEnjoy a pre-historic like afternoon at the Croc Park, home to magnificent male and female crocodiles. There are four different ponds housing the crocs, as well as botanical gardens, a mini-farm, kids rides, a water park and an elecyronic games area. Plan your visit for late afternoon if you’d like to witness the crocs being fed (around 4pm) or arrive early and make a day of it. [email protected] / €8 per adult or group prices: €7 per adult, €5 per child. Rates for children under 12: €6

REST YOUR WEARY HEAD

After a day spent splashing around at the waterpark, zip-lining through tree canopies or on boat rides taking in views and sea air, choose one of these amazing places – from luxe to budget – to rest and recuperate for the next day’s adventures.

Lux Reunion


Apart from the drawcard of the LUX Play Kid’s Club (a daily programme of fully-supervised activities for children aged 3-12), Lux also offers interleading rooms for absolute family comfort, luxurious unexpected touches and amazing fresh meals. The French Creole-style setting is unique and the outdoor kitchens and sundowner sessions add an extra appeal. http://www.luxresorts.com/en/hotel-reunion/luxiledelareunion / rates vary depending on room and dates

Le RecifLe Récif Hotel, offers 3-star accommodation near Saint-Gilles-les-Bains town centre. It boasts a three-acre garden overlooking the spectacular lagoon of Ermitage. The hotel is made up of 17 Creole-style villas, 146 rooms, and 4 suites. The Superior Family Suites are ideal for a large family, catering for up to 4 adults and 3 children (under 12 years old).http://www.hotellerecif.com/fr/bienvenue / rates vary depending on room and dates

Iloha Seaview HotelSet in luxuriant natural surroundings overlooking Saint-Leu bay on the West Coast, Iloha Seaview Hotel is a mere 300 metres from the ocean. The hotel comprises of 50 bungalows accommodating 2 to 6 people in each, some are self-catering with a kitchenette. The easy-going layout of the hotel includes a bar, a restaurant, two swimming pools and a wellness area. You’ll also find a full activity programme, including billiards, table tennis and croquet. www.iloha.fr / €125 – 190 for either a double or triple room including kids.

Le Floralys A variety of rooms and chalets will ensure that families – or groups of friends – will enjoy privacy and peace during their stay. Guests can self-cater, with

the option of enjoying the hotel catering if preferred or on occasion. Situated close to the beach, with a special rate for the water activities on hand at Akoatys Park, this has all the amenities one needs to keep the kids entertained. http://www.hotel-floralys.com / The Superior Family Room ranges from €90 - €120 per room per night.

Camping Ermitage For accommodation with a difference and for a truly unique experience, how about camping ? Affordable and well-located on the shores of the lagoon in Saint Gilles, Camping Ermitage charges a basic cost to pitch your own tent or offers the rental of a fully equipped safari-style tent that has electricity and space enough for six. The nearby beach offers hours of fun but the resort also has a kids play area, spaces for petanque, ping-pong and volleyball and a braai area. The communal showers and toilets are modern and clean. http://camping-ermitage-lagon.allonslareunion.com/index-en.html / From €200 - €350 per Safari tent for a 7 night stay

Reunion’s diverse beauty, incredible natural landscape (42% of the Island is recognised as UNESCO Heritage area) and adventure-rich activities make it a destination with a difference – not forgetting that it’s home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Which really adds to the thrill of this journey. Book your tickets to one of the Indian Ocean’s most under-rated locations via Air Austral, www.airaustral.com Reunion’s diverse beauty, incredible natural landscape (42% of the Island is recognised as UNESCO Heritage area) and adventure-rich activities make it a destination with a difference – not forgetting that it’s home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Which really adds to the thrill of this journey. Book your tickets to one of the Indian Ocean’s most under-rated locations via Air Austral, www.airaustral.com

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Down a winding road at the top of La Misere, lies an exotic garden created with care…by Lynette Botha

If it weren’t for the bright and eye-catching billboard proudly announcing “La Misere Exotics Garden Centre” on the La Misere pass, you would never expect to find a lush tropical garden hiding in the middle of Kennedy Road. Around 15 minutes from Mahe CBD, the garden, which is open to the public from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm, is like a secret botanical sanctuary. Owned and run by husband and wife team Eddie and Anna Westergreen, the land has belonged to Eddie’s family for over 40 years.

The garden lies on a sloped piece of land that has been lovingly landscaped to include numerous pathways, staircases and winding trails, all well-signposted, which lead you around the property. With almost 300 plant varieties and a total of over 50 000 flowers and other botanicals growing on three acres of land, a visit to the gardens is one that shouldn’t be missed. From Dwarf Heliconia and Anthuriums in every colour to fruit and vegetable trees (like wild guava, jamalac, star fruit, squash and clove), there is so much to see – luckily, on arrival, you are furnished with a map so you know exactly where to go and ensure you don’t miss any secret nook or cranny. Almost 15 years in the making, this attraction is more than “just a spot for tourists to stopover at” – it is a passion of Eddie’s and it shows in what he has accomplished.

Besides all the botanical delights that will have you snapping photos left, right and centre, the views from the summit of

Discover Seychelles

Photograph credit; Suzanne Verlaque


the gardens are exquisite and there is also an area to see giant tortoises, fish, chameleons and other little creatures who call the gardens home, swings for the kids, as well as an area to relax and enjoy the peaceful surrounds, sip on some cold water (available to buy) and in the future, connect to WiFi and share your experience with friends and followers via social media.

The leisurely walk will take around 45 minutes to one hour and is suitable for the whole family. If possible, get Eddie to give you a guided tour – his knowledge and passion is an added extra and will make the experience that more delightful.

Entrance fee is SCR120 per person (children under 12 enter free of charge). Contact details: Call: 434 4415 or 256 4259 / email: [email protected] and find them on Facebook: La Misere Exotics

1. THE AMIRANTES GROUPIn 1502,Vasco Da Gama was promoted to admiral, in honour of his new status he named the islands he came across after himself as “isles of the admiral” then during his second expedition the name was changed to Amirantes. On November 8, 1965, the United Kingdom split the Airantes from the Seychelles to become part of the newly created British Indian Ocean Territory together with Farquhar, Aldabra and the Chagos Archipelago but on 23rd June 1976 it was returned when the Seychelles attained its independence.

Desroches IslandOn the Forbes top ten - The largest outer island of the Amirantes group is Desroches. It was first found by the


How the outer islands were namedWhat’s in a name? When it comes to the Seychelles’

history, quite a lot, in fact By Mawess Mirtz

British and was named Wood Island because it was densely covered in tall trees. The second expedition sent by Praslin in 1769 had a Commander Chevalier de Roslan of the ship L’heure du Berger who named the island after the Chevalier des Roches who was the Governor of Mauritius and Réunion. It was explored by Chevalier de la Billiorére in 1771.

2. THE FARQUHAR GROUPFarquhar atollIt is thought that during Vasco da Gama’s 1498 voyage, one of his captains, Juan de Nova, saw some of the Seychelles islands in 1501 which he named after himself. During the 16th century the islands were renamed after the first governor of Mauritius, Farquhar. Saint-PierreIn 1732, the captain of the ship “Saint Pierre” named Duchemin divested of the norm and named the island (his originality amazes) after his ship.

Photographs courtesy of www.seychelles.travel


3. THE ALDABRA GROUPAssumption Aboard the smaller ship “Le Benoit” which accompanied Morphey’s larger ship “Le Cerf” in the expedition, the captain Prejean discovered the island in July on the day of the Assumption.

4. SOUTHERN CORAL GROUPCoetivy At one point Coetivy was called St.Francois because mariners had been unsure as to where the island that had been named ST.Francois actually was. Then on the 3rd July 1771, the commander of the ship “Ile de France” named it after the Chevalier de Coetivy.

5. THE ALPHONSE GROUPAlphonse Discovered in 1730 by the commandant of the ship, “Lys”, who was named Alphonse de Pontevez and did they usual of naming his discovery after himself.


Plug adaptorsSeychelles uses the standard British three-pin, 13amp sharp electric plug. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own adaptors, as many hotels and resorts only have a limited amount available complimentary. If you are staying self-catering, it may be hard to find a shop that has an adaptor you need. Also to note, throughout Seychelles the voltage is 220-240 volts AC 50 Hz.

Money mattersCredit cards are widely accepted throughout Seychelles, especially Visa and MasterCard. The currency is Seychelles Rupee and while many outlets will accept Euros and Dollars, it’s best to exchange money to the local currency at a registered bureau de change before you head out shopping.

Magazines and booksBook stores and shops offering international magazines are few and far between; if your idea of relaxing is catching up on reading on the beach or poolside, stock up on reading material prior to your trip or download books and magazines on your iPad or Kindle.

Sun essentials Of course, if you’re heading to the Seychelles, chance are you plan to spend a lot of time in the sun. Bring at least a bottle or two of sunscreen for every week you’ll be here. Also good to bring is After Sun Lotion, sun hats and sunglasses. All of the above are available on the island, but at a (rather large) cost.

Medication If visiting Mahe or Praslin, visitors will have access to pharmacies and doctors, whereas the more remote islands access to medical supplies are not as readily available. Irrespective of where you’ll be holidaying, it’s best to bring any specific medications you need with, as well as general medicine for pain, fever and the like.

Baby essentials It’s best to bring along any specific items you need for babies in terms of medicine, formula and day-to-day essentials. Diapers and wipes are available at most shops, but a specific formula or food type may not be. Also bring enough pacifiers/dummies and bottles.

If staying at big resorts, they will normally provide ample bath and beauty goodies, as well as a camp cot, potties and high chairs for little ones if you let them know in advance.

Mosquito repellant While there’s no fear of malaria or any tropical illnesses from mosquito bites in Seychelles, that doesn’t mean the pesky bugs aren’t still annoying. Almost every shop on the island stocks mosquito repellants, but if you have sensitive skin or prefer a specific brand (or would like to save a few pennies), bring your own.

Camera, batteries, memory cardsTrust us, you’ll be snapping photographs left, right and centre during your visit – natural beauty abounds, nevermind capturing your personal memories. So ensure you have a back-up battery and memory card for your cameras, or if you prefer old school, lots of film!

Walking shoes There are lovely hikes and walks around the islands and even a day spent discovering Victoria CBD is better done in comfortable trainers rather than slipslops or sandals.

A sense of adventure Last, but not least, a travel essential for a visit to the Seychelles islands is a sense of adventure. There is so much to discover and so much fun to be had – bring an adventurous spirit and big smiles.

Top Travel Essentials

There’s no doubt that the Seychelles is paradise, and while there’s not much you’ll need while here to enjoy your holiday, these essentials are always recommended to bring along…

Trust us, you’ll be snapping photographs left, right and centre during your visit – natural beauty abounds, nevermind capturing your personal memories. So ensure you have a back-up battery and memory card for your cameras, or if you prefer old school, lots of film!


Party timeThree reasons to get into the Carnaval spirit at Eden Island

Carnaval time in Seychelles is always a very exciting time. Exciting for the myriad international participants that make their way here every year, exciting for Seychelles and its many islands, exciting for Victoria and also very exciting for Eden Island.Why so exciting for Eden Island? For three good reasons…

at Eden Island

1. Every year the staff of Eden Island gather and design a float, prepare dance routines, measure and fit their garish and bright costumes and regalia and join in the festivities of the colourful procession. This year the Eden Island Hotel and the Eden Bleu Luxury Accommodation teams will be joining the Eden Island troupe of over 30 people on the day of the procession through the streets of Victoria.

2. Every year Eden Island Development Company is a proud sponsor of the Carnaval and assists the organisers Seychelles Tourism Board by providing substantial amounts of complimentary accommodation on Eden Island to celebrities, journalists, musicians, dancers, jugglers, fire eaters…...and more, as they converge on Seychelles for the event. We work closely with STB in making sure their stay in Seychelles is a memorable one every time. The vibe these folk create around Eden Island, Eden Plaza and the restaurants over this period is wonderful. Eden Island becomes its own little Carnaval focus point.

3. Thirdly and probably the most significant part of this time of the year is that it is simply the best time from a climate and weather perspective with wonderful balmy sunny days the norm… great for Carnaval and great for Eden Island and Seychelles as the perfect destination for a holiday in Paradise. The Eden Island Luxury Accommodation managed by the Eden Island Rental Pool has an incredible range of luxury 1,2,3


bedroom apartments, beautiful maisons some with their own splash pools and also the exquisite 4 to 6 bedroom villas each with their own swimming pools available for rental over this holiday and Carnaval season.

With its four beaches, a gym, tennis court and residents’ pools available to anyone who rents(or buys a unit) on Eden Island there is so much to do and see. Part of the holiday offering on Eden Island is a cleaning service that can be arranged for your stay.

And even if you are not planning to stay on Eden Island a visit to Eden Island is something one really should put on the agenda…from the many restaurants, bars, Eden Bleu hotel, Eden Casino and soon to be opened Aquarium to the boutique shops and ice cream parlours, it's a must-visit…you can even charter a Boat to go diving or deep sea fishing form the international marina.

Eden Island at Carnaval time is simply the best place to be. Seychelles is incomplete without a visit to Eden Island.For rental enquiries and more information on Eden Island visit www.edenisland.sc.


Calendar of Events 2015

Out And AboutBooking a trip to visit our islands in the near future? Plan correctly and your dates could coincide with one of these upcoming events.


Miss Seychelles….. Another WorldSaturday 30th May 2015Seychelles hosts its own Beauty pageant where island girls compete for the title in promotion of “Beauty with a purpose”. The winner of the title sets out to compete in the Miss World pageant and is an ambassador of the Seychelles to the outside world. Come see the outgoing Miss Seychelles crown her successor in a beautiful gala dinner event.

Carnival International de VictoriaFriday 24th April – Sunday 26th April 2015Come to celebrate the Seychellois joie-de-vivre! Every year for 3 days, the islands throw a big party to celebrate what it is to be Seychellois. Seychelles is a melting pot of different cultures and it has always been a source of pride for the people to boast itself racism free. The main event is a carnival through the capital of Victoria where there is a swirl of colours with dancing, singing, and fun.


For more info on all events, keep an eye on www.seychelles.travel

Seychelles Arts FestivalSeptember; exact dates TBC closer to the timeThe biggest public arts festival in Seychelles, this biennial event attracts visitors from across the islands and the world. Art forms celebrated include traditional visual mediums such as painting and drawing, as well as music and dance. For a real taste of Seychelles arts and culture, this is the event for you. Well the focus is on local artists, there is also recognition for works and performances from international artists. A fun and lively event for all ages.

Feast of the Assumption of Mary Saturday 15th August – Sunday 16th August 2015Seychellois are a very religious nation. This event, which takes place annually on La Digue, gives locals and tourists alike a chance to renew their faith. La Digue is generally very busy at this time – if you plan to visit, book early, or go a week earlier or later if you prefer a quieter experience of the island.


10 reasons why travelling alone is good for you – and why the Seychelles is a great destination for going it soloBy Lynette Botha

Solo travel and the Seychelles


Solo travel is one of the biggest trends in tourism at the moment. Whether you’re married, have kids or in fact, are single, the movement to travel alone has more to do with what you get out of your adventure than wanting to get away from anybody…

So, why should you travel alone?

IT’S EASIEROrganising flights, hotel rooms and itineraries for you and your girlfriends to go overseas would be a logistical nightmare – in fact, you’d probably have to start planning a couple of months in advance. Ditto for travelling with a family. If you’re on your own, all you do is book a flight, book a place to stay and make the rest of the decisions as you go. When you arrive – if you decide you’d rather stay somewhere else, or in a different area, all you have to do is pack up your belongings and move. And the Seychelles requires no visa to visit – you can book your flight at the drop of a hat.

YOU GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONEIt’s important, for self-growth, to challenge yourself and do things that take you out of your comfort zone. Solo travel is perfect for this. It puts you out there and gets you doing things you may not usually do were you with others. Maybe you’d never normally go zip-lining on holiday because your wife’s afraid of heights or you’ve never dived before because your boyfriend’s claustrophobic – a solo visit to the Seychelles can tick both of those activities off your list.

YOU GET TO MEET NEW PEOPLENew people, with interesting life experiences to share, who you may not have struck up a conversation with were you in a group or with your partner. People from different parts of the world will share different views on things – and never are people more likely to open up than when they travel. Move out of hotels and resorts and visit local bars and restaurants in the Seychelles where you’re likely to meet locals and tourists alike.

STICK TO THE BUDGETWhen it’s only you – you are the master of your budget. You can give yourself an amount that you have for your holiday and that’s it – but you can use it as you wish. If you feel like blowing a small fortune at a luxury resort on an extravagant lunch one day and eat take-out from the local Chinese place the next – that’s your choice. If you want to use most of your money on activities and stay in more budget accommodation – you can. Find great self-catering places to stay in the Seychelles on www.seychelles.travel/accommodation

PACK LIGHTTravelling on your own to the Seychelles means you can literally pack a hand luggage sized bag and wear the same three outfits and two swimsuits on rotation. You have no partner to dress up for, no children to pack six outfits a day for and travelling lighter is easier on all fronts. There are great local crafts and fashion brands to pick up on and around the islands, so leaving some space in your bag would be recommended – especially if you’re visiting from a country where the exchange rate is in your favour. Take some of the beautiful islands home with you.

DRAMA (AND DISASTER) AVOIDEDTravelling is not always the easiest – in fact, many relationship books tell you to travel to foreign countries with your potential partner before tying the knot. Only once you have seen how you are both able to deal with situations that are out of your normal day-to-day lives will you truly know someone. Having said that – travelling alone avoids any potential drama and disasters; no spats with your partner, fallouts with your girlfriends, accidents with the kids.

DO WHATEVER YOU WANTSpend three days on the beach finishing reading the books you never get to back home, catch up on sleep, walk the entire CBD taking your time to visit hidden shops and museums, stop for a local meal and general sightseeing. There is no time limit on anything.

A GREAT WAY TO HEAL If you are healing from a life event that has hurt you, leaving home and travelling somewhere new solo is a great way to mourn in peace – whether a relationship

Travelling alone avoids any potential drama and disasters; no spats with your partner, fallouts with your girlfriends, accidents with the kids.

Maybe you’d never normally go zip-lining on holiday because your wife’s afraid of heights or you’ve never dived before because your boyfriend’s claustrophobic – a solo visit to the Seychelles can tick both of those activities off your list.

has ended, you’ve lost a loved one, you’ve been retrenched or any other traumatic life experience. Spending time alone with your own thoughts and away from the reminders of home is very healing.

PERSPECTIVE Travelling always changes your perspective on the world – it gives you a renewed love for where you come from or makes you realise that perhaps where you are is not where you’re meant to be.

REFLECTIONIn the words of the great and wise Thomas Jefferson: “I think one travels more usefully when they travel alone, because they reflect more.” Plus, think how much you’ll miss those you leave behind – and how happy you’ll be to see them and share your travel memories with them when you return; after all, absence really does make the heart grow fonder.



Quand la Francophonie et la Gastronomie française se rencontrent aux SeychellesEditorial du chef Alain Ducasse / Marie Welsch

«Réunir 1300 cuisiniers dans le monde – sur une base purement volontaire – pour préparer un dîner français, cela signifie quelque chose de fort. Cela signifie d’abord que tous ces professionnels savent où sont les racines de leur métier. Ils appartiennent à des dizaines de nationalités – 150 pays vont participer. Beaucoup ont été formés en France. D’autres ont été formés, hors de France, par des cuisiniers français. Mais, au bout du compte, tous sont parfaitement conscients que le savoir-faire culinaire français est le socle de leur pratique.

Le rayonnement de la cuisine française, c’est donc d’abord cela : une chaîne humaine – des hommes et des femmes dont les racines professionnelles plongent très loin dans la grande tradition culinaire française – une confrérie de professionnels qui se connaissent, qui partagent et font vivre aujourd’hui les mêmes valeurs, dans le monde entier. Le deuxième enseignement que je voudrais tirer de cet accueil très positif est tout aussi important. Si l’on regarde les cuisiniers qui vont participer à Good France, on voit très vite une incroyable diversité – toutes les générations, tous les styles de restaurants sont présents. Voilà, pour moi, le véritable visage de la cuisine française d’aujourd’hui – une cuisine vivante, une cuisine diverse, une cuisine en phase avec l’époque.

Je ne peux pas m’empêcher de le noter au passage : ceux qui font mine de croire que la cuisine française est monolithique et hyper-formelle sont tout simplement aveugles. Pour une raison très simple : parce que la cuisine française c’est d’abord et avant tout une attitude. Le respect du produit, le respect des saisons : c’est ce qui fait sa force. C’est ce qui fait sa capacité d’adaptation à la diversité des terroirs – selon les lieux et les saisons, les ressources disponibles changent mais l’attention portée aux produits et les techniques sont partout les mêmes. Et c’est même ce qui fait son avenir : la cuisine française est respectueuse de la Planète et de la diversité des cultures. C’est une cuisine humaniste.

Voilà le message que Good France va porter. Un message modeste mais fort. Une fête de la cuisine française – une fête de la cuisine, tout court.»

«Goût de France /Good France». Voilà un très beau jeu de mots pour désigner cette opération d’envergure lancée par Laurent Fabius, Ministre des Affaires Etrangères et du développement international pour promouvoir et faire vivre la gastronomie française à travers le monde.

Reprenant la belle idée du grand chef cuisinier Auguste Escoffier qui initiait en 1912 les « Dîners d’Epicure» dont le principe était de prévoir le même menu le même jour dans plusieurs villes du monde, le ministre associe les restaurants des quatre coins du monde, du petit bistrot à la grande table, pour faire honneur au repas à la française, inscrit depuis 2010 au patrimoine culturel immatériel

Goût de France


de l’humanité. Ainsi que le souligne le ministre, peu de pays «disposent de produits aussi variés, d’une aussi grande qualité et d’une telle diversité de traditions culinaires régionales» que la France. Au coeur de notre identité, la gastronomie participe pleinement au rayonnement de la France dans le monde.

Le soir du 19 mars, l’excellence et la modernité du repas à la française seront célébrés à la table de 1300 restaurants de tous les horizons. Chaque restaurant participant rendra hommage à une cuisine ouverte et innovante, tout en restant fidèle à ses valeurs de partage, de respect, et de plaisir d’une nourriture saine et équilibrée. Chaque menu reproduira une cuisine utilisant moins de gras, de sucre et de sel, soucieuse du «bien manger» et de l’environnement, laissant la part belle aux légumes. Les restaurants du monde entier ont été invités à candidater sur le site officiel (www.goodfrance.com), en proposant un menu valorisant la tradition culinaire française. Un comité international de chefs, présidé par Alain Ducasse, a validé la liste des chefs participants, parmi eux Paul Bocuse (France), Raymond Blanc (Royaume-Uni), Thomas Keller (Etats-Unis), Kiyomi Mikuni (Japon), Paul Pairet (Chine), Joël Robuchon (France), Nadia Santini (Italie), Guy Savoy (France).

Les Seychelles s’inscrivent également dans le paysage mondial dessiné par Goût de France : sur place, Le Conseil National du Tourisme des Seychelles et l’Alliance française se sont emparé de l’événement.

L’Alliance française est en partenariat avec l’Hôtel Hilton Seychelles Resort and Spa, ISPC, France Volontaires, la Région Réunion, le Féder Coopération et la SBC pour le tournage d’une émission culinaire selon le modèle de Master Chef, intitulée «Un Goût de France aux Seychelles», diffusée le 19 mars au soir. Le principe est le suivant : un concours de cuisine est organisé entre six candidats amateurs ou professionnels devant concocter un plat typiquement français avec des produits frais et de saison. Les candidats


seront départagés par un jury composé de trois chefs cuisiniers de grande renommée dont M. Jean-Claude Cleret, chef cuisinier de la Villa Angélique à Saint-Denis de la Réunion, qui anime un atelier de découverte de la gastronomie réunionnaise. Le lauréat du concours culinaire se verra offrir un week-end pour deux à l’Hôtel Hilton Labriz à Silhouette.

Le Conseil National du Tourisme des Seychelles, sollicité par l`Ambassade de France aux Seychelles, a quant à lui invité de nombreux hôtels à se lancer dans l’aventure culinaire de Goût de France : à date de rédaction, le restaurant Botanica, le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove, Constance Lémuria à Praslin, Banyan Tree, l`hôtel Sainte-Anne, le Kempinski, Hilton Northlome et Hilton Labriz préparent pour le 19 mars un repas à la française, comprenant une entrée froide, une entrée chaude, deux plats principaux (poisson ou volaille), des fromages français et un dessert au chocolat, le tout accompagné de prestigieux vins français. Ces repas à la française seront bien entendu

adaptés au contexte et préparés avec des produits locaux, véritable métissage entre les saveurs du terroir français et celles, très exotiques, des mets seychellois.

L’esprit de Goût de France/Good France, c’est une véritable invitation au voyage gastronomique que la France adresse au monde entier, c’est une parenthèse enchantée de saveurs rares et uniques, dans un cadre idyllique, celui des Seychelles, pays fier de son héritage français et de son riche métissage.

Citations« Parler de cuisine – de cuisine française – c’est parler de joie de vivre, de légèreté, d’optimisme et de plaisir – des idées tout à fait centrales pour l’image de la Destination France ». Alain Ducasse

Pour Alain Ducasse, à la tête de 20 restaurants dans le monde, dont trois restaurants 3 étoiles à Monaco, Londres et Paris : « La cuisine française est l’interprète d’une cuisine qui a évolué vers la légèreté dans l’harmonie avec son environnement (…) le point commun c’est la générosité, le partage, l’amour du beau et du bon, il s’agira d’une parenthèse enchantée, l’occasion de fêter la cuisine française partout dans le monde ».

French-inspired cuisine in the Seychelles

Recipe contributed by Banyan Tree Hotel & Spa 42 SESEL SA! | APR - JUN 2015 ISSUE NO. 7

Following the Gout de France event, we further celebrate the fusion of French and Creole cuisine in this issue with recipes from some of Seychelles’ leading hotels

French-inspired cuisine in the Seychelles

INGREDIENTS

3 kg Fish 0.5 kg Mixed salad leaves 0.5 kg Carrots 0.5 kg White radish / Turnip 0.5 kg Orange juice 0.5 kg Lime juice 0.1 g Mustard seeds 0.1 g Parsley 0.2 Ltr Olive Oil 0.05 kg Salt 0.05 kg White pepper powder 50 g Chopped shallots

METHOD

Black Angus beef rib-eye Cut the rib-eye into big pieces, around 600g, and marinate with crushed garlic, olive oil and seasoning. Leave cooking on the BBQ for the last minute.

Black lentils Soak the lentils in water for about 45 mins. Add sunflower oil to a pot and let it warm on a low heat. Add the lentils and all the ingredients except salt and coconut milk, let it cook for 1hr 30mins then add salt and coconut milk and stir it all together.

Breadfruit daubePeel the Bread Fruit then Cut in to even-sized cubes. Combine the breadfruit cubes in a large pan with the coconut milk (the coconut milk must cover the bread fruit). Slit the vanilla pod in half lengthways and add to the pan along with the nutmeg and cinnamon. Sweeten to taste with sugar then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook gently for about 20 minutes, or until the breadfruit is tender enough that it can easily be pierced with the point of a knife. This dish can be served warm or cold.If you like a more porridge-like consistency, simmer for about 5 minutes longer and mash the breadfruit cubes with a fork.

INGREDIENTS 3 kg Black Angus beef rib-eye 0.03 kg Garlic 0.1 L Olive oil 1 kg Black lentils 0.2 kg Carrots 0.05 kg Curry leaves 0.02 kg Thyme 0.2 l Coconut milk 0.02 kg Biryani 2 kg Bread fruit 1 l Fresh coconut milk 1 pc Vanilla pod (from la Digue) 0.06 kg Sugar 0.05 kg Nutmeg 1 pc Cinnamon stick 0.02 kg Fleur de sel 0.020kg Salt 0.020 k With pepper powder

Fresh and Delicious Fish Carpaccio

The perfect Black Angus beef rib eye steak served with breadfruit


Recipe contributed by Constance Lemuria Hotel & Spa

METHOD

Make a citrus dressing using the orange and lime juice, whisk it with olive oil and add some mustard seeds; season it with salt and pepper. Put aside. Cut the fish in thin slices, place it flat on a serving plate then add sea salt, white pepper powder and chopped shallots. Add your mixed salad leaves on top, together your julienned carrots chop in julienne style. Pour over dressing and add petit croutons if you like.


Recipe Contributed by KempinskiHotel & Spa

with kitchen paper season with fleur de sel and lighly dress. Start arranging the above on the melon in the order or preference you like. You have to be quick the salt will soften the vegetables. Garnish with shaved avocado, dressed lettuce, top with finely sliced onion and dried hibiscus leaves. Finish again with the remaining dressing and fleur de sel and serve.

VANILLA DRESSING (5 portions)1 pod vanilla Tahiti (scraped the seeds)40 ml Lime juice60 ml extra virgin olive oil2gms Salt5gms Sugar

METHOD: VANILLA DRESSINGPut all the above ingredients (except the pod, just the seeds) in a high speed blender and emulsify. Check seasoning and set aside

DRIED HIBISCUS (3 portions)40gms or two Fresh Hibiscus flowers (washed and petals removed)1gms Salt 10ml olive oil

METHOD: DRIED HIBISCUSLine a plate with cling film. Pour olive oil and spread over the sheet evenly. Arrange the petals on the plate lined with cling film. The oil will help the Hibiscus petal stick to the plate. Cook in a microwave on high heat for 30 seconds at a time. Repeating this 4 or 5 times till the petals are dry and crisp. Store in a dry place on the same plate.

Verger Seychellois served with Tropical fruit, local

vegetable, cucumber jelly, vanilla vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 1)

50gms Watermelon (cut in to square or rectangle)15gms Jack fruit7gms Guava15 gms Cucumber5gms Carrot15gms White radish5gms Red radish5gms Beetroot (sliced paper thin, soaked in ice water)2gms Avocado shaved with a peeler2gms Celery leaves (soaked in ice water)10gms Mandarin segment15gms Pomelo3gms Red onion5gms Palm heart5gms Star fruit 10gms Baby gem 10gms Endive10gms Red endive1gms Dried Hibiscus leaves (see recipe)20ml Vanilla/Lime dressing (see recipe)3gms Fleur de sel1.5gms Cashew nuts

METHOD: MAIN DISH1-Take the water Melon rectangle on a plate and season with fleur de sel and Vanilla dressing. Arrange the above fruit and Vegetable (except Avocado, red onion and the lettuce, dried hibiscus) on a tray lined

Kannel (Creole for “cinnamon”) is a 126-seater restaurant that brings a fusion of authentic international and Creole-influenced flavours to the shore of Petite Anse from a sheltered spot amongst the cinnamon trees adjacent to the Four Seasons

DINING REVIEW Kannel


Recipe Contributed by KempinskiHotel & Spa

Dinner features favoured local dishes prepared by the Seychellois team, as well as Asian specialties overseen by Restaurant Chef Deden Permana. Their famous Creole night every Saturday features the best of local cuisine, plus live music and dancing tobring the spirit of the Seychelles to life.


pool. The restaurant also serves nutritionally balanced spa cuisine as well as snacks. Lunch is an interesting combination of lighter bites influenced by distinct Creole flavours, including ingredients grown in the Resort’s tropical grounds. Local favourites such as Creole Fish Curry, are served alongside sandwiches, wraps, burgers and salads, as well as pizzas from the restaurant’s wood-fired oven.

Dinner features favoured local dishes prepared by the Seychellois team, as well as Asian specialties overseen by Restaurant Chef Deden Permana. Their famous Creole night every Saturday features the best of local cuisine, plus live music and dancing to bring the spirit of the Seychelles to life. The popular Fish Market is available weekly on a Thursday, with a delicious selection of fresh local fish and seafood to select for cooking à la minute, and Arabic Night, with accompanying Shisha Lounge, takes place on a Monday evening. The atmosphere is laidback and relaxed, yet still elegant, with great service and an unbeatable

The atmosphere is laidback and relaxed, yet still elegant, with great service and an unbeatable location; tourists and locals alike chatter animatedly amongst themselves, with the sound of crashing waves in the background and the wind rustling through the palms a perfect soundtrack for enjoying a meal.

location; tourists and locals alike chatter animatedly amongst themselves, with the sound of crashing waves in the background and the wind rustling through the palms a perfect soundtrack for enjoying a meal.

The restaurant is open to all visitors, whether staying at the hotel or not, with prior booking. Book in advance to avoid disappoint. Guests can also join Kannel’s chefs and learn how to prepare traditional Creole dishes in an open-air cooking class – now that’s an experience to remember.

The restaurant is open to non-resident guests. Bookings are preferred, and can be made by calling +248 4393000 or emailing [email protected]

Surfers Beach RestaurantDINING REVIEW

few who can say that Surfers Beach Restaurant is not accommodating. Come for a sit down meal or opt for a take away, great food and simple warm hospitality is a guarantee.

With ample seating, the restaurant has two areas of wooden, covered decking where one can take in the views and enjoy the tranquility. The lower option is alfresco where you can walk in the sand and be at one with nature, here you directly take in the views of the beach with its soft white sand, inviting blue seas, and fringed with the swaying of coconut trees. The crabs dance nearby and you can feel the coolness of the breeze from nearby trees. If not already taken, feel free to sway in the hammock while you wait for your

A true beach front café by Ineke Camille

Sitting on the edge of tranquil waters in the quiet district of Takamaka, Surfers Restaurant is one perfect for families and groups alike. Visit during the North East Monsoon and it’s also a good spot for some surfing, thus aptly named. But don’t worry the waves crash a good distance out and will not affect enjoyment. Here on the shore, the waves lap gently on a beach that is picture perfect with calm, warm waters perfect for a pre - or post-meal dip.

The fare at this beach restaurant is your usual café styled menu but is complimented by a neverending black board filled with mouthwatering meal options that will leave you spoilt for choice. And if per chance you have something specific in mind, don’t worry, this dedicated kitchen will do it’s utmost to accommodate your taste buds. For a particular meal (not on the menu) or an occasion with a large group, do call ahead to avoid disappointment. With opening hours from 10am – 10pm Monday to Sunday, and with such a refreshing stance to service and delivery, there are



meal or drink. The sight of the hammock alone will mellow you.

Food, glorious food. Simple fares of burger and chips, and pizza win high points here, as do t-boned steaks, grilled fish (fresh having been brought in daily from the local fishermen) and garlic prawns, really the list is endless. Their fresh juices are mouth-watering and desserts delicious. Best of all, your order is delivered in record time.

Having opened five years ago, Surfers know their clientele well and having tweaked and perfected their current offerings, including the recent extension of the covered decking, the next big plan for 2015 is a bar area which has been a recurrent request over the years. The restaurant is already a popular venue for parties, able to host up to 150 people and this new area will add another dynamic to the current offerings.

For more information or bookings, please call on 2783703

Selling the Seychelles in SA

This month we chat to Sue Howells from African Synergy, a travel and hotel representation company based in Johannesburg, who pride themselves on building relationships between hotels and lodges and the travel industry as a whole. They represent the Constance Hotels Brand in the South African Market What are your thoughts on the Seychelles?The Seychelles is still redeemed as an “exotic” destination for most South Africans. However it has become more attainable and more affordable over the past few years. I do feel it offers something unique to the short haul destination options that South Africans have.

What do you think is a unique selling point about the Seychelles?The combination of the natural tropical vegetation and the picture perfect beaches, and that it is less commercialised than other popular Indian Ocean islands.

Which is your favourite island of the Seychelles to suggest to your clients? I have only ever visited the islands of Mahe and Praslin, and each has its own personality. Overall I would have to say Praslin for its beautiful beaches.

What were your highlights when visiting the Seychelles? Definitely the beaches. I have travelled to many islands and beach destinations, and Seychelles has by far some of the prettiest beaches I have ever seen.

Do you have any interesting stories from your clients about their travels to Seychelles?Yes, funnily enough the first time I travelled with a media group to Constance resorts in Seychelles, one of the journalists was so taken with the Seychelles that

she made it her mission to relocate there – and four years later she has done so. That alone is an indication of what a trip to Seychelles does for you – it really is ‘another world’.

People often group Seychelles and Mauritius as the “same type of holiday”; how do you think the Seychelles differs?I think Seychelles offers a much more exclusive and intimate holiday, though the concept of the holiday is much the same. Resorts in Seychelles are beginning to gear themselves to appeal more to the international markets, so in this it is becoming more inline with the likes of Mauritius.

Selling the Seychelles in SA



What are your top five must-dos or must-sees in the Seychelles?Definitely doing a self-drive around Mahe, to stop and venture through all the little beaches tucked away, a trip to La Digue Island, a visit to Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, which is a nature park and UNESCO World Heritage Site on the island of Praslin and definitely to do some water activities such as fishing and snorkelling.

What can the Seychelles Tourism industry do to boost tourism or any areas that can improve?I think a stronger footprint on Social Media platforms would help considerably, the Tourism board is quite hands on and very willing to work with the key partners in the industry, but I feel that perhaps there could be a stronger awareness in the public market. Many bookings are lost to other destinations that offer a more “All-Inclusive” package offer with drinks and food all included, however this is not the destination that Seychelles presents itself as, and in so, keeping with a more exclusive feel. But even the most affluent of clients are seeking all-inclusive deals in recent times.

How have groups you’ve brought to the islands responded to their trips?We have had excellent feedback from the various groups that we have had in our resorts in Seychelles, specifically Constance Ephelia Resort, as it offers so much to do and to experience for a group or incentive-based trip, along with fantastic food and service.

Have you seen an increase in interest of Seychelles as a holiday destination?We have seen increased numbers to our hotels in Seychelles (Constance Ephelia Resort and Constance Lemuria Resort) from the South African market, this is mainly due to the product that we offer which is great value for money whilst providing quality that has come to be known with the Constance Resorts and Hotels Brand. Contact details: Sue Howells Sales and marketing manager, African Synergy Tel: 2711782 0636Instagram: African Synergy


By Elke Talma. Icons courtesy of Green Fins.

The reefs of Seychelles may not be featured in the top 10 best dive sites in the world, but we still offer some rather spectacular year round diving and/or snorkelling to meet the needs of the ever increasing numbers of marine enthusiasts who visit our shores.

Coral reefs are often been described as the “tropical rain forests of the ocean”, with 25% of ocean species occurring in an area of less than 0.2% of the ocean floor. Yet according to the 2008 Status of Coral Reefs of the World report, our planet has effectively lost nearly 20% of its coral reef area. Another 45% will be lost within the next 40 years if urgent measures are not taken to reduce both local and global impacts to coral reefs. Divers can play a key role in helping save our reefs.

DOs AND DON’TS OF AN ECO DIVER

Do not step on the coralAlways be aware of the coral around you when you’re in the water – it’s alive! Corals are very fragile and take a long time to grow. Stepping on the corals can break it or damage its surface making it more susceptible to infections. You could also cut yourself or even develop a rash from the toxins discharged from the nematocysts.

Control your buoyancy Whether you are a beginner or experienced snorkeler, wearing a life jacket helps you avoid standing on or kicking the shallow corals. It also prevents a lot of accidents from unexpected currents while increasing your visibility to passing boats. Similarly, a good scuba diver maintains neutrally buoyancy.

Do not chase or touch marine lifeLook but never touch or try to get too close as this can cause great stress to any animal. Touching can also transmit diseases or remove protective coatings of fish, mammals, invertebrates and other marine species. You are also at risk as threatened animals may bite, sting or in some cases use electrocution as a defence mechanism.

Do not wear glovesWearing gloves gives a false sense of protection and encourages you to hold on to things underwater. In addition to potentially damaging marine life, wearing gloves can be dangerous for you too as they will not provide any security against stings or bites from marine life.

Do not stir the sedimentIf you are not careful, the flipping of your fins can stir the sediment and debris to upset

Responsible diving in Seychelles

No stepping on Coral

No stirring the sediment

No touching or chasing marine life

No feeding fish

No littering


small habitats and cover corals. This reduces the ability of the coral to photosynthesize and could cause it to die. This can also lead to small animals being washed away or increase their chance of predation. Stirring up sediment also reduces visibility, ruining the dive for whoever comes after you.

Do not feed the fishFeeding fish or any other species can cause them to rely on that food source and the people supplying it. This can interrupt the natural balance of the coral reef as the fish no longer maintain their natural behaviour and feeding cycles. It also makes fish less weary of humans. Fish may become aggressive towards divers, particularly if feeding was discontinued for a period.

Do not collect marine life – dead or aliveRemoving species that would normally break down and be recycled into the sea leaves other animals without nutrients and elements that they need for growth. Even empty shells on the beach play an important role as homes for hermit crabs. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but bubbles.

Do not spearfishSpear fishing removes the largest and slowest reproducing species on the reef, thus changing the balance of the ecosystem and upsetting the food chain. It is also likely to injure a species if it is not speared correctly, leading to a slow and painful death. Spear fishing can also be dangerous to other divers, snorkelers and swimmers in the vicinity. Spear fishing is illegal in Seychelles!

Do not anchor on coral reefsCoral takes hundreds of years to grow yet can be destroyed by a simple act of negligence.

Anchors are heavy and often have a long chain attached. When dropped and dragged onto a fragile coral reef, they cause great destruction, particularly if the boat changes direction with wind or currents. If you see a boat damaging the reef, please contact the Greenline (2 72 21 11).

Use mooring buoysThe destructive impacts of anchors can be avoided by using mooring buoys. This practice also sets a good example for others and raises marine environmental awareness. Mooring buoys are usually deployed in marine parks or reserves and maintained by rangers. Dive operators can be encouraged to deploy mooring buoys at sensitive sites outside the protected areas.

Do not litterTrash that ends up in the sea is often eaten by animals that live there, which can harm or even kill them. It is also a problem for humans since we are at the top of the food chain. Additionally, trash ruins the beauty of the sea, stops tourists from coming back, damages boats and carries diseases.

Do not buy corals or marine life as souvenirsAlthough they look pretty, buying shells and other marine products may support unsustainable harvesting and is never environmentally wise. If the buying stops, the killing and collecting can too.

Do not support shark finningOver 70 millions sharks are killed each year because of the shark fin trade. Sharks are primarily killed for their fins, which are used for soup but also for shark liver oil which is believed to be a cure for certain illnesses. Removing these top predators can mean

Don't buy souvenir of coral and marine life

Do no support shark finning

No spear fishing

Do not anchor on coral reefs

Do not collect dead or alive marine life


the imbalance of our seas. Shark fining is banned in Seychelles – fishermen are required to land the whole animal and use all parts of the shark.

Follow the rulesSeychelles has marine parks and marine reserves. These have been set aside to promote reef health and diversity. Different rules may apply depending on the site.

Report environmental violationsYou should report destructive practices and violations of environmental laws to the Greenline (2 72 21 11). Informing key authorities of your observations can lead to appropriate action, particularly if you can back up your claim with photographic evidence. By letting them know your concerns, you are being part of the solution.

Choose an eco-friendly dive operator Use your purchasing power to guide the market in the right direction by choosing a dive operator that is not only environmentally aware but also practices what they preach. Visit the company website to see what they are doing or ask questions such as ‘Will I be allowed to collect corals & shells? Will you feed the fish to guarantee a sighting? Do you use mooring buoys at dive sites? Do you employ local dive guides and instructors? Do you organise reef clean-ups or conduct reef surveys with local NGOS?’ etc. If you see a company behaving irresponsibly, let them know it as this could encourage more responsible SCUBA diving practices in their future.

Participate in conservation projectsThere are a number of marine based NGOs in Seychelles that accept volunteers. By becoming an eco-volunteer, you can have a positive effect on the environment and help educate

others. A little help from everybody goes a long way.

Do tell others about these tipsPass on these tips to friends, family and anyone else you think is unaware. Encourage people to be responsible for their action and do all they can to help coral reefs survive!No gloves

Wear life jacket when snorkelling

Use mooring buoys

Report environmental violations

Join in conservation projects


The Event PlannerJoyce Laljee is an event planner and some of the events that she has taken the most pride in planning have been weddings. I sat down with her to find out what it’s like to plan and execute a successful wedding in Seychelles. Her suggestion is that before you even start dreaming of your perfect wedding, sit down, compile your guest list, set a date and work out your budget. The limiting factors in planning a wedding are those three. Armed with the information, Joyce can then consider it day one of planning your wedding

and she opens a file (complete with a picture of the couple on top). She will then begin to advise you on choosing and organising EVERYTHING.

On the jobCurrently Joyce works for the Kempinski Seychelles Resort where she has worked with both local and international couples. She has had amazing experiences and each wedding has been unique, with

each new couple she learns how to provide the best experience for the next. Couples gain access to a veritable expense of knowledge. She knows exactly what her establishment has to offer and she works with the couples to offer them the best package that they can afford.

If there is onething that Joyce lives by, it’s that the big day is all about the bride and the groom but she admits that with each couple it becomes difficult to make it so when the respective parents and friends get involved. She has however developed certain diplomatic skills that allow her to divert the focus back onto the needs of the couple and she works hard to give them what they want as much as possible.

She works hard from the moment that she meets the couple up until the day after the wedding. It helps that she knows her resort like the back of her hand as it permits her to be able to advise the couple where at the resort would be the best site to hold either their ceremony or reception. There are very different menus available and she helps the couple tailor one to their theme.

Wedding talesFACES OF TOURISM

Nothing says romance quite like a tropical island; it is the location that many dream of having a wedding, and most definitely where you want to go for a honeymoon. But what about if you actually live in paradise? By Mawess Wirtz


Joyce completes her service package by being a source of contacts for every service you need to enhance your wedding experience. You need a Dj? A band? A photographer? From her years of experience she has accumulated the phone numbers of some of the best in the business, heed her advice and have the right people servicing your wedding.

Before the wedding …..tips to ensure smooth sailing!

Choose a venueChoosing a location depends on how much you want to spend, what is provided on site and what your theme is. According to Joyce, in Seychelles the location where most local weddings take place is the International Conference Centre (ICCS) which has cost and location on its side. Choose a theme and colour schemeThere is a plethora of choices and Seychellois have been known to choose any and all of them, even colours that are not conventionally associated with each other (like lime and purple), but apparently the most common is a shade of blue. Seychelles is a tropical island surrounded by clear blue sky and azure sea, it is what we know.

Budget everythingBreak down the budget to find how much you are willing to pay for each requirement. Joyce suggests that if there is one thing that you must not skimp on,

it’s food. One of the things that stick to mind after a wedding is the food provided; no one really cares whether you had balloons or tinsel in the room. Go over the guest listIt is your wedding, do you know everyone coming? Are there people that you are friends with only through circumstance? Are there people that you are no longer friends with but you feel like they should attend? Will you one day look at your wedding pictures and wonder why in the world certain people were at your wedding when you never see them now?Be considerateEven though it is your wedding, what kind of person does not take into account the health of their guests? Provide vegetarian options. Think of those with low blood pressure and other issues, even that crazy friend who breaks out into a fever when she eats curry has to eat. When planning the menu, think of who is attending the feast. Do you have a handicapped guest? How does the handicap manifest? Think about it, if your loved one is unhappy, the odds are that you will be too.

Bridezilla and monster-in-law………..the stories are real!The most difficult thing Joyce has to deal with is the bride. They come in two types, the one that has planned her perfect wedding and wants everything done her way, NOW and the other one has no clue what she wants and expects you to do it all for her – both are bridezillas for different reasons. Then there is the mother-in-law and mother of the bride… Joyce didn’t want to go into detail but she confessed that her most difficult work days have been when she has had to put up with demands that she never saw coming or are downright ridiculous. A winter theme on a tropical island, anyone?

Meet the new Mr and Mrs… her biggest pride!For Joyce the wedding starts on the day that she meets with the couple. She starts a file, complete with a picture of the couple so that she knows exactly whose wedding she is working when they are not there. The file contains the theme, colour scheme, the food, and the list of personnel that she has to work with. She meets the couple periodically up until the big day. The couple selects the food, band, Dj, photographer etc..and Joyce takes note. On the big day everyone just turns up because by then Joyce will have guided the couple through everything they needed to do and she was now the sole conductor of the wedding. She keeps an eye on everything and takes pride in throwing flawless weddings. After the wedding has ended, Joyce is still left working up until the next day when she takes stock and balances the books before she closes the file on the couple.

If there is one thing that Joyce lives by, it’s that the big day is all about the bride and the groom but she admits that with each couple it becomes difficult to make it so when the respective parents and friends get involved. She has however developed certain diplomatic skills that allow her to divert the focus back onto the needs of the couple and she works hard to give them what they want as much as possible.


A look at the influence of Africa on the Seychelles’ cultureBy Mawess Mirtz

The minute a visitor steps foot in Seychelles the fact that the people must have originated from Africa is apparent in the colour of our skin, in the texture of our hair and it is something that the people do not deny. While the physical resemblance to our African counterparts is obvious, what are those other nuances that are not so noticeable? Our African ancestry permeates into every aspect of our Seychelles culture, making us the Kreol we are.

Let us start at the very beginning of it all. Seychelles had been discovered a long time before it was finally colonised in 1770 by the French and the group contained 28 people, one Frenchman, one negress and 26 slaves. Mr Jean-Claude Mahoune, Seychelles anthropologist, describes the slaves as, “Coming with only their souls, they had nothing else, only loincloths, the Africa lived within them and was passed down from the knowledge gathered from a tiny group of people”. And there on that fateful day was planted the first seed of Africa into our tropical islands.

Currently the branches of that seed are evident in our food, our dance, our music, our language, and even our mannerisms. Mr Mahoune has spent many years investigating and writing about exactly what Africa gifted Seychelles and here is what he has found.

The sway of our hipsThe dances that are considered to be of African origin elicit the same “feeling” and have the same essence as it is thought that the instruments used, the “zez” and “bom” ,are of African origin.

Moutya (thought to be of Kenyan origin)According to Mr Mahoune this dance was named after the Bantu word “mutcira” and practised at night around a bonfire of coconut leaves. Currently, the moutya is still practised the same as it was in the past. Hand held, thin drums made out of animal skin are warmed over the fire as men and women assemble. The dance starts with the men calling out to the women (could be anything from an observation, the day’s happenings, scandals, or complaints) and the women respond with high pitched voices. The improvised songs could only be described as protests against the lifestyle the slaves led. They did all the

Roots in the motherland

Photograph courtesy Seychelles Tourism Board


work on the plantations, in all conditions, for little gratitude. The songs were accompanied by a dance between the men and women. The women would shuffle around the fire, lifting their shirts, exposing their petticoats while the men would spread out their arms and circle the women in a gesture reminiscent of a barrier. While the dance looks suggestive, the partners never actually touch but that did not stop the “masters” in the old days to try and stop the practice, calling them orgies. Mr Mahoune’s assumption is that the slave’s music was probably disturbing the master’s rest, which was why laws to limit and restrict the dance was installed in quick succession.

Sega Otantik/TranbleThe older and more traditional version of the sega uses the hollowed-out coconut trunk covered by goat’s skin at one end as a drum. These were usually played by the men while the women would hit a piece of bamboo to add to the tempo. Dancers would try to follow the beat with their hips and feet resulting in a quick paced, hip thrusting dance. The songs were usually descriptions of events or the chance to poke fun at the masters. Currently, there is a more modern form of sega and the music is continuously being evolved but the dance remains the same.

Sokwe This is a masked dance were dancers would obscure their identity using dried banana leaves/or creepers . The country of origin is contested but the fact that it stems from Africa is undeniable. The lead singer would call out “instructions” that the dancers would follow. Currently there are hotels that put on a show some nights to show visitors this dance.

TingeThis dance is performed by the men, while the women and children watch and accompany them by clapping and chanting. The men face each other in rows and the dance consists of miming to strike to kill, where one row places a foot forward before the other row can remove theirs and so forth.

MadiloThis dance involves dexterity and a large stick. The dancers form two rows facing each other and holding the stick on one side, they then have to swing their legs in tandem over the stick as they sing without falling over or catching a breath. Out of all the dances, this one is probably the most interesting to watch and the most fun to try. It is a dance for everyone (although if everybody else is tall and you are the only short one, it is not a good idea to try it out).

Dance is not the only area where that stamp of our African heritage lingers but it is certainly the most active! Come over… let’s get physical, let us hear your body talk.

Hear us speak…While the French influence is obvious in the Creole language of the Seychelles, traces of the motherland can also be heard. According to Mr Mahoune’s findings it is thought that the language was constructed from the slaves’ attempts at speaking French. The slaves substituted pronunciations to suit their African accents and introduced their idioms and habits. It is thought that certain mannerisms and references in the Creole speech also stem from the motherland. The act of calling out to greet a person is thought to be a typical African act.

Even in play…In the past these games would have been carried out by children and then passed down across generations however the advance of technology has affected even the Seychelles …….no longer can such games be seen being played after school to the beat of childish laughter, thankfully there are schemes that still pass them on to the new generations. 1. Zwe Kafoul This game is played using dried coconut shells broken/or sawed in half. A song was sung and the two shells were passed to players in a circle, the tempo would increase with each round. The objective is not to be the player holding the shells at the end of the song, because that means you are out of the game.2. Granmanman Bebe This game also involved a song. The theme of the game is that there is an angry grandmother who is searching for her grandchildren, the players form a line and the grandmother chants the song, at the end she grabs one and that player has to now follow her as she attempts to grab other players.

3. Konser Seychelles has many traditional tales and in the spirit of such, the players would act out the stories complete with songs.

Expressed by art…..While we can assume that during the early years of colonisation, the slaves would have been too preoccupied with their back breaking work to express themselves through paint and canvas but in the next century, there came to light the fine art of one Billy King, one of the freed slaves. However, there is evidence of crude wooden animals such as turtles, fish, birds, and these are believed to be the result of skills the slaves picked up in their native country.

All dressed up….The slaves were thought to have gotten off the ships delivering them to Seychelles in only their loin cloths but later traditional African dress found its way into the traditional dress through the head scarves of the


women and the men’s proclivity to being bare-chested. There are also similarities between the big, free flowing traditional blouses of the women and those of certain African tribes.After all these years, there are no longer individuals of African, Asian or European descent solely. The islands are happy places with no hint of racism so there has been many an intermingling of races, history tells us that with each ship there were more slaves than “masters”, the Seychelles now has a population of around 90,000 and there is a veritable hybrid of ethnicities featured in most of its people, however no one forgets the African influence and everyone gets the chance to celebrate their African ancestors during the yearly event, the Fet Afrik (African Festival), to be held this year on the 22nd May 2015.

BibliographyMahoune, J.-C. (n.d.). Virtual Seychelles. Retrieved March 10, 2015, from http://www.virtualseychelles.sc

By artist Vasantha


Think you know all there is to know about these magicial Indian Ocean islands? Read on and see…

The Seychelles were only recently discovered in comparison to other countries, being that, according to my secondary school history booklet there is evidence that some of the islands were discovered “as far back as 200 -300 AD by Malays” and there is proof in a manuscript from “AD 851 that Arab merchants also knew of the islands”. By 1771, all the islands of Seychelles had been discovered and named but the stories behind them are what’s interesting. When the Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands (and counting), we won’t feature them all but here is a few that is most accessible.The country - Seychelles

The Malays and Arabs showed no interest in their findings and the islands were left undisturbed. It was in 1502 that the Portugese who came across them charted them on a map, nameless. Later, in 1506, they were referred to as the “seven sisters”. Interestingly it was the French who first claimed the islands and in 1756 they were named Séchelles, after the minister of finance under the reign of Louis XV, the Viscount Jean Moreau de Séchelles. When the British took over the name had stuck and they could only anglicise it to Seychelles.

THE INNER ISLANDS There are 41 granitic and 2 coralline inner islands. They are referred to as the inner islands because they are located nearest to main island of Mahe and are mostly granitic.

THE MAIN ISLANDS

Mahe – The island with the capital VictoriaAll flights or boats will lead to Mahe, it is the biggest and most populated island but it also has the country’s only international air and sea ports. It is considered to be the main island as the capital, Victoria is there. The voyage of Vasco da Gama of 1468 produced a map in 1502 that showed an island that might be Mahe named as Ganaa. On the 19th January 1609, a British commerce expedition of the English East India Company under Alexander Sharpeigh did come ashore on Mahe but he thought that it was an island of the Amirantes and did not name it. The first name noted was Ile d’Abondances by Lazare Picault after his 1742 expedition. After Picault’s 1744 expedition he renamed the island Mahe after Mahe de la Bourdonnais who was the governor who had sent him on the expdition . However, in 1756, when Picault and La Bourdonnais were no longer around, the new governor Magon, sent Corneille Nicolas Morphey who tried to name the island Sechelles but the mariners kept referring to the island as Mahe so Sechelles (or Saichelles, Seichelles, Sechel, Seychelle, depending on who was writing) became the islands in its entirety. Praslin – Home of the UNESCO world heritage site, the

Valle de MaiThe second largest and most populated island Praslin was initially called Ile Palmes in 1742 by Picault. The name reflected all the tall majestic palm trees that grew abundantly there. Then the name was changed to Ile Moras after Francois-Marie Peirenc de Moras. Finally, in 1768, the maritime secretary of state Cesar Gabriel de Choiseul-Chevigny, the Duke of Praslin, organized an expedition to find the fastest way to the islands and map the routes there. During the expedition the captain of the ship “Curieuse”

Marine Park Island by Raymond Sahuquet

KNOW YOUR SEYCHELLES

Clock tower


Lamperiare named the island Ile Praslin after the duke. The Valle de Mai of Praslin is a huge forest which is the only place in the world where the giant coco-de-mer and Seychelles black parrot can be found.

La Digue The island was also among those discovered by the Picault second expedition in 1744 but no one bothered to name it. The first expedition authorized by Praslin in 1768, included a ship called “La Digue”, which was commended by Marion Dufresne who came across the island and named it (with such originality) after his boat. The La Digue has always kept one foot firmly in the past and activities such as the building of boats by hand using old fashioned tools and refining copra is still in practice. Locals still make the traditional liquer called ‘kalou’ and transportation is still mainly by bicycle, as well as eco cars and taxis. This is because unlike other islands La Digue was only populated in 1789. The old cemetery shows the names of the first settlers which still have descendants walking around on the island.

The Ste Anne Marine Park islands Along with Ste.Anne the islands of the marine park are Cerf, Moyenne, Long, Round, and Cachee islands but it is Ste.Anne that has the most illustrious past.

Ste Anne – The first inhabited island The first colonists where French and came in 1770. The first island inhabited was Ste.Anne and not the main island Mahe that was colonised later. The island was named thus because the island was discovered on Saint Anne’s Day. The island is now part of the Ste.Anne Marine National Park. Previously the island had been used as a refuge for escaped prisoners, then it became a whaling base, then it housed the National Youth Service from 1981-1992.

Silhouette - The inhabited but still wild Silhouette was one of the islands that the crew of the English East India Company also visited in 1609 but again thinking they were in the Amirantes, they failed to name it too. On the 28th January 1771 Charles Oger who took possession of it in the name of the King of France. The island was named after Etienne de Silhouette the “Comptrolleur Generale de Finance”.North island – The preferred 5* getaway for celebritiesNorth is actually the first island that Alexander Sharpeigh of the East Indian Company berthed at in 1609. The first observation was that the island had a huge population of land tortoises. Nowadays the island hosts one of the world’s most luxurious resorts that focuses on providing their customers that rare commodity called privacy. It is why the resort has become the holiday of choice for such celebrities as the Beckhams and royalty such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a lot of money and care has been poured into turning the island into a sanctuary for native flora and fauna.

THE TWO INNER CORALLINE ISLANDS

Bird island – At one with natureThe island used to be called “iles aux Vaches” after the seacows that used to live around the island but when it was sighted in 1771, because it housed an innumerable amount of birds it was referred to as Bird island and the name stuck even though across the years the number of birds decreased due to human activity. The island had a moment in the spotlight in 1989 when one of its tortoises “Esmeralda”, topped the scales at 298 kg to become the world’s heaviest tortoise according to the Guiness Book of Records, the tortoise also happens to be the oldest free-ranging tortoise as well as he is thought to have been born in 1771. Currently there is a resort on Bird that has made leaps in attempting to restore the environment of the island, so much so that they have won various prestigious environmental awards, the last being the Green Planet Award for Environmental Management and Good Practice, and has only been contenders in other categories.

Denis island – Reclusive charmThe island was named after Denis de Trobriant, a French explorer in 1773. There is actually a legend that somewhere on the island is a bottle of evidence that he claimed the islands in the name of the French king. The island also has a lighthouse that dates back to 1908 and the country’s only ecumenical chapel, which catered to all the residents of the time immaterial of faith. Currently the island boasts one of the best resorts of the country and is famous for being an angler’s paradise. The fish that have been caught from the clear sea around the island have been known to be record breaking.

La Digue, Ox Cart


The Seychelles archipelago, comprising of 115 islands, is well-known for its unique environment, which houses some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna and supports a vibrant marine ecosystem. However, the Seychelles islands’ natural environment, like that of most oceanic islands, has been marred by human activities ever since the islands were colonised, especially by deforestation for plantations and the introduction of invasive alien species (IAS). Consequently, many of the Seychelles islands have suffered from native habitat loss and extinction of species.

Reversing the hands of timeSome privately managed islands have dedicated themselves to restoring the islands’ natural environment, and conserving the unique and rare flora and fauna of the Seychelles. Two such examples are Denis Private Island and North Island, though it is worth noted that other islands such as Fregate and Cousine etc... are also involved in conservation work. Within the last decade, these islands have carried out substantial conservation measures with the help of Green Islands Foundation (GIF), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) committed to the mainstreaming of sustainable development. Next to GIF there have been other organization that have also assisted the islands, such as Wilderness Safaris on North Island.

The first step in the two islands’ conservation programme has been the arduous task of eliminating invasive animal pests and predators. Today, North Island is one of the few islands entirely free of rodents. Other feral animals such as goats and cats have also been removed. The establishment of a biosecurity

protocol has been imperative in ensuring that the island remains free of rats and other pests. Denis Private Island, which also enjoys rodent-free status, has been on a mission to remove Common Mynas since 2010 as they are a major threat to the rare and endemic birds of the island.After the islands have worked to reintroduce endemic bird species, a number of them can now be heard or seen there, such as the White Eyes on North Island and the Magpie Robins, Flycatchers, Warblers and Seychelles Fodies on Denis Private Island that are classified as endangered, critically endangered, near threatened and vulnerable respectively by the IUCN. With their habitats improved, a number of other bird species, such as the Blue Pigeon on both islands, are naturally returning to the islands.

Another important aspect of the conservation work carried out on the two islands has been the removal of alien invasive plants such as the coconut trees on

Environmental conservation at the heart of privately managed islands

Denis Island


North Island that outcompete the native plants. With the dense vegetation, it has been hard work and time consuming to clear the area. But, that’s not the end of it – the cleared area also needs to be restored and maintained, at least initially. Thus far, 47.2 ha of land have been rehabilitated on North, with the ultimate target of 55 ha. On Denis, 60.2 ha have been rehabilitated. Different methodologies were used on both islands, on Denis Private Island, rehabilitation is part of continuous forest management with some specific bouts of increased labor involvement with outside contractors. Between 2011 and February 2015 this has resulted in an additional rehabilitated area

of approximately 9.5 ha, whereas on North Island a directed effort was put in place for 8 months (and counting) with four labourers working full time on rehabilitating the island. Between August 2014 and February 2015, 8.59ha had been rehabilitated, of which 6.06ha is considered newly rehabilitated land.Aside from the terrestrial conservation work, the islands have extended their conservation efforts to the surrounding marine areas. Notably, Denis Private Island gives particular attention to its marine habitat, ensuring that a healthy ecosystem is maintained for the fish, green turtles and other inhabitants. Tagging and monitoring of Hawksbill and Green turtles is carried out by both Denis and North. Marine Surveys and mapping of the coral reefs have also been carried out to determine the most ecologically viable marine areas of the islands. The potential to be established as Protected AreasThese private islands’ conservation programmes have contributed significantly towards safeguarding Seychelles’ natural treasures. The support provided by the islands’ owners proves to be a valuable asset to the overall management and protection of the country’s environment. The islands are essentially already functioning as de facto protected areas. With the extensive investments in conservation and the conservation work they have undertaken, Denis Private Island and North Island have the potential of being proclaimed Protected Areas (PAs). This is being

North Island_photo courtesy North Island ltd


supported by the GOS-UNDP-GEF Protected Areas project, which endeavours to have the two privately managed islands officially recognised as PAs. The PA status will further strengthen their respective conservation programmes, while creating greater synergies between these islands and the Government of Seychelles at the same time.How can you help? Private de facto PAs deserve far greater recognition and support than is the case at present. Private islands in the Seychelles make a large contribution to our country, namely through the conservation of biodiversity, promoting the concepts of eco-tourism and raising awareness on the immense contribution that Seychelles makes in worldwide conservation. Individuals can assist by understanding and following the access protocols, which are largely biosecurity protocols to prevent the re-introduction of invasive alien species such as rodents. The issues of access to the islands is no secret and has been raised countless times in the past decades. For this reason, island owners maintain open and good communication with fishermen and other stakeholders at all times. Simply, you can help by supporting conservation of Seychelles’ pristine natural environment areas by supporting initiatives by private islands and participating in stakeholder consultations when they are carried out.

Contributed by:

Seychellois are known to love their fruit juices and the lemon is a common feature in the mixes. Restaurants and cafes have also been charge a pretty penny for the luxury of a freshly squeezed lemon juice but aside from being a refreshing drink, the lemon also provides health benefits with every sip. Mr Ferdinand Vidot, a renowned herbalist of the Seychelles has a lot to say about using lemon in various types of medication, and he has such a wide range of uses for the lemon that he gives “self-medication” another meaning.

The lemon tree is from the Rutaceae family and has the scientific name of Citrus limon, while it is well known for the nutritional value of its high potassium and vitamin C content, Mr Vidot has figured out how to heal with them.

According to our local medicine man, he disburses lemons frequently to soothe sore throats. He recommends a juice of hot lemon with wild honey and a dash of ginger for sore throats, coughing and other symptoms of influenza.

According to Mr Ferdinand, he uses the whole plant for various remedies. The lemon peel can be grated and boiled into a tea which can help cease diarrhoea, lessen flatulence, and any other digestive tract issues. He uses the seeds to make a paste that he dissolves in milk to deal with worms in children. The fruit he squeezes out the juice and uses it to swab cuts to prevent infection, and he advises to soak a cotton wool with the lemon juice to stop nosebleeds.

Modern medicine however, while agreeing with the medicine man’s uses for the fruit, has also discovered many more uses for the wonder fruit. It is even being considered to be a component in treatments for cancer.

Mr Ferdinand however does not caution against the wide use of the fruit like modern medicine does. It has been found that lemon juice has corrosive effects on tooth enamel, and it worsens gastroesophageal reflux disease (increases acidity).

When life gives you lemons… make good use of them! By Mma Metsi

The lemon tree



Fet Afrik has become an event on the Seychelles’ cultural calendar that many look forward to. A multi-cultural and multi-artistic festival, Fet Afrik captures the spirit of Africa and its influence on the islands’ history and culture through music, dance, food and more. It is the Seychellois’ way of celebrating Africa day, which falls on 25 May. The Seychelles prides itself on being made up of a fusion of cultures and is proud of the historical influences of Africa, as well as from France, Great Britain, India, and China. Fet Afrik is just one of many events that the Seychelles Tourism Board has initiated over the years in order to celebrate the diverse cultural influences of the islands.“Today we are a melting pot of cultures; we live proudly as the rainbow people. For many years, Fet Afrik has been celebrated annually on Africa Day to mark the rich link of our islands with Africa, and La Francophonie is celebrated to mark the Seychelles ties with France and to spell out proudly that our islands remain French speaking. From 2013, it [was] decided by the management team at the Ministry of Tourism & Culture to add three special days on the islands’ list of national events: these are the Commonwealth Day to spell out our islands’ ties with Great Britain and to make the statement that we are English speaking as islands; an India day will be launched; and there will be a China Day to mark our historical ties with these

two countries where settlers moved to the shores of Seychelles to help us be what we are today,” Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture, Alain St Ange, proudly stated in 2013, upon launching additional cultural days to the Seychelles events calendar.

This year, Seychelles will honour African cuisine with a public African Culinary event and the participation

Fet Afrik 2015Celebrating African heritage and its ties to the Seychelles, Fet Afrik is an annual festivity not to be missed Photographs courtesy of Seychelles Ministry of Tourism

Fet afrik captures the spirit of africa and its influence on the islands’ history and culture through music, dance, food and more. It is the Seychellois’ way of celebrating Africa Day, which falls on 25 may.


of five chefs from different countries in the region namely KwaZulu Natal, Zambia, Mauritius, Rodrigues and Madagascar. This event will be held on Saturday 23rd May around the National Cultural Centre premises.The celebration will also draw the public attention to the pride of Seychelles in appreciating the culture of the world and especially for this occasion the culture

in Africa and its place in the tourism development. A one day international seminar will explore the theme “Development of cultural tourism in Africa” in a plenary presentation of best practices to be followed by a B2B networking.

The Seychelles FetAfrik 2015 will take place from Friday 22nd to Monday 25th of May, which is the International Day for Africa (Africa Day).22nd Official opening23rd Show - African Culinary event25th “Koze Kiltir”, an international seminarThe concept of this celebration, a multi-artistic Festival, is focusing on the subtle blend of tourism and culture with a platform permitting interaction and exchange between Seychellois public and the African culture.

This multi-artistic festival colourfully expresses and highlights the strong amalgamation between African and Creole culture and it is also the Seychellois way of honouring Africans and what they have contributed to the islands on Africa Day.


Seychelles may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of a surf holiday, but it’s definitely got potential – and as a beginner, there’s no better spot to learn. iSurf CEO and surf instructor extraordinaire James Clarke Howard shares more…

Born in South Africa and raised in Australia and New Zealand, James Howard Clark has been surrounded by epic surf all his life. He’s worked in the luxury surf charter industry for the past 10 years, as well as being a professional lifeguard in Australia. Following numerous visits with clients to the Seychelles on surf trips, he realised there was a big market here for watersports such as surfing and stand up paddling and in 2013 he teamed up with with his old friend and Seychellois surfer, Arnold Hoareau to start iSurf Seychelles. Lynette Botha finds out more...

What made you start iSurf? iSurf started as a provider of luxury surfing tours to private high end clients. The water and waves are beautiful and suitable for beginners, so couples and families on holiday can safely try something they have always dreamt of. We still offer one-off private surf trips worldwide, but this has become an exciting and enjoyable sideline to iSurf.

What other services does iSurf offer? Apart from surf lessons, we also offer stand up paddle (SUP) lessons, body surfing, waterman tuition, equipment hire, island tours, boat tours, beach adventures, photography and private worldwide surf trips. We are also currently working on our first range of surf apparel.

Surf ’s up with iSurf

“Most of our clients start the lesson saying they don’t expect to be able to catch a wave in just 90 minutes, but nine out of 10 times we get them riding their first waves. It’s an awesome experience.”

Seychelles is not necessarily promoted as a surf destination – are you trying to change that? The Seychelles does not get enough consistent swell to be thought of as a surf destination, so surfing here is a great add on to a holiday. When the swell hits there are suitable waves for advanced surfers. But for intermediate and beginner surfers you can’t get better. I consider the Seychelles to be one of the best locations to learn to surf in the world due to the warm safe waters, no crowds, manageable waves and stunning beaches. It all works together to create a lifetime experience.

How many lessons do you suggest to visitors? Start with one and see how it goes from there. Mind you, after their first class, most clients try to book in as many more as they can before heading home.

What is your most popular activity? Definitely surf lessons. Especially with family groups as it’s an awesome way to do something fun that everyone will get involved in.

Which beach do you mainly operate from? Our main location is in Baie Lazare and depending on the skill level of our clients we travel to different beaches. The surf is always stronger and more consistent on the south of the island, so we also



offer pick up for clients staying on the north side. Our top beach for beginner lessons is Anse Gaulette, while more experienced surfers we take to various beaches depending on weather conditions.

Any stories to share about tourists you have taught? One moment we are always pumped to witness is clients standing up on their first wave. Most of our clients start the lesson saying they don’t expect to be able to catch a wave in just 90 minutes, but nine out of 10 times we get them riding their first waves. It’s an awesome experience.

Do you have returning customers? We have a number of clients who reach out every time they are in the Seychelles. And as their skill level improves it’s a great chance to explore more of the island and test out more challenging waves.

Why should people include activities with iSurf as part of their itinerary when visiting Seychelles? iSurf can give you an experience of the Indian ocean beauty of the Seychelles that few get to see; safely taking you to beautiful locations suitable to your ability and the conditions of the day. Imagine a day filled with soft white sand, the beautiful warm Indian Ocean water, catching your first waves, and finishing on the beach with an icy beverage (maybe even a freshly-opened coconut to sip on, right off the tree). Book with us – you won’t be disappointed.

For more info on iSurf and to see what they get up to in the Seychelles, visit www.isurfseychelles.com Follow them on Facebook: @iSurfLtd, Instagram: @isurfseychelles and Twitter: @isurfltd


The oceans of the Seychelles offer diving like no other on the globeBy Glynn Burridge

One of Seychelles’ greatest assets is the exotic assortment of its multitude of islands and the variety they offer to visitors wishing to enjoy a soulful, authentic experience of island living in the land where summer never sets.With each isle having its individual geography and character extending from granite boulders to coral reefs, from untouched forests and bird sanctuaries to private resorts and hideaways, never has the visitor been more spoiled for the sheer choice of unspoiled island venues.

Out of all of Seychelles’ islands currently only 16 have hotels, several of which offer the most luxurious amenities and all of which possess their own natural

charm. They offer everything from the opulence of world-famous 5-star resorts to the picturesque charms of affordable smaller hotels, Creole guest houses and self caterings. Celebrated hotel chains such as Banyan Tree, Beachcomber, Constance, Raffles, already operate hotels on the islands among other excellent accommodation choices. The islands of Bird, Denis, North and Silhouette, located to the north of Mahé, Frégate to the east and Desroches to the south each offer diverse and unforgettable island experiences. Those fortunate enough to travel to the islands of the far south will be rewarded by the heart-stopping beauty of Cosmoledo, Farquhar and the jewel in Seychelles’ crown, Aldabra, with its magnificent lagoon and teeming wildlife. An efficient network of inter-island boat, plane and helicopter transfers will accommodate almost any itinerary affording the visitor the opportunity to explore and discover the unique features of each island.

Diving in Another World


The Seychelles Islands, indeed, offer a wide diversity of experiences and this is particularly the case in the realm of diving.

Situated amid 1,400,000 sq.km. of economic zone, the islands offer varied diving experiences for amateur and aficionado alike, ranging from the imposing granite seascapes of the Inner Islands to the caves, canyons and spectacular wall-dives offered by the remoter outer islands where you can be sure of diving where very few have still ventured.

All diver training is conducted by internationally qualified instructors, most of whom are members of PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, the world’s largest sport diver

training organization. A selection of land based operators will introduce divers to the thrill of diving around the Inner Islands while a number of live-aboard dive operators make the remoter diving spots accessible. Many of these offer value-added activities such as beach Bar-b-q’s which just adds to the fun.

Diving is possible year-round in Seychelles but very much depends on an island’s position and on the prevailing winds. Generally speaking from October to May the water temperature stands at about 29 degrees centigrade and visibility can be over 30 metres.

From May to September the winds blow south-easterly, causing a proliferation of plankton and the appearance of pelagic fish such as Manta rays and Whale Sharks which are common sights during these months and a major attraction for divers. During these times the temperature of the water is chillier and use of a 4mm ‘shorty’ dive suit is recommended.

The diving around the Inner Islands is very spectacular and includes both true coral reefs and the impressive granite reef formations that this area is renowned for. There are a number of world recognised dive sites, such as the Ennerdale Wreck and Brissare rocks as well as the lesser known, more remote but even more spectacular sites around Marianne, The Sisters, Aride, Trompeuse and several other islands. Some of the more remote locations are only accessible by live-aboard charter dive boats.

Inner Island marine life reveals an abundance of fish even on shallow inshore reefs and features different types of Butterfly fish and Angel fish, Soldier fish, Squirrel fish and Sweepers among many others. The island reefs are also havens for many invertebrates including Octopus, Spiny Lobster and a plethora of Nudibranchs, such as the Spanish Dancer.

Sites with regular current flows support fan corals and colourful tree coral formations while remoter sites shelter the larger fish species, such as the Napoleon Wrasse, Giant Grouper, Reef Sharks and Ribbon-tailed Stingrays. Most spectacular are the plankton eating Whale Sharks most common between August and November. The Outer Islands offer exciting and diverse diving experiences off numerous coral atolls and sand cays. The little-visited sites of these remote islands are accessed mainly by live-aboard charter yacht but there are also two dive centres located on the island of Desroches, famous for its caves and canyons, and also on Alphonse.

Impressive dive sites are also found at the St. Joseph atoll in the Amirantes group and especially at the remoter islands of Astove, Cosmoledo and the legendary Aldabra, famous for the thrilling drift dive through the pass of its giant lagoon.

Marine life around these relatively isolated islands tends to be even more prolific than around the Inner Islands, with frequent sightings of many of the larger grouper species, particularly the spotted Potato Bass as well as Grey Reef, Silver Tip, Nurse Sharks and the occasional Hammerhead shark.

Photo credit; www.seychellescruises.com

A number of rare exotics have been identified from this area such as the African Pygmy Angelfish thought to exist only in small numbers at depth off Mauritius and now found regularly in easy diving depths off Astove.

The cartoon-like Yellow Rubber Lipped Sweetlips is another firm favourite while elusive long-nosed hawkfish can be easily found in most gorgonian fan areas.

All licensed Dive Centres rent out properly maintained, modern diving equipment which is inspected on an annual basis. For visitors not wishing to bring their own, Dive Centres have a range of equipment and other dive and beach accessories such as basic snorkelling equipment.There is a twin-lock, two-man recompression chamber located at Victoria Hospital operating 24 hrs manned by qualified medical personnel and supported by trained hyperbaric assistants from the diving industry. Another recompression chamber is situated on nearby Silhouette Island.

To minimise the possibility of a decompression incident at the end of a diving vacation, the current recommendation is that divers should leave a minimum of 12 hour after their last dive before flying and, where possible, an 18 hour period is recommended.

For health reasons, Dive Centres will not allow divers to dive on the morning of departure or prior to an inter-island or helicopter flight.

Dive Centres operate strict conservation rules and divers may not take anything from the sea but pictures. Special attention is given to special buoyancy control and reef care, especially in the Marine Parks.

It is illegal to take or damage corals, shells or any other marine organism and stiff penalties will be enforced on those breaking the law. The purchase or acquisition of certain shells is governed by CITES, the protection of Endangered Species regulations. The use of spear guns is banned in Seychelles and they will be confiscated at customs.


Sea life is vast and colourful


Where Am I?

Do you think you know Seychelles?This picture was taken by expat Luke Meyer somewhere on the beautiful islands. An idyllic spot, wouldn’t you say? But, where is it? Send your answer to email [email protected] along with why you love Seychelles in 200 words and you could win a Seychelles memorabilia from the Seychelles Tourism Board. Good Luck.

Go to www.seychelles.travel

and download your own digital copy

HONORARY CONSULS

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE KINGDOM OF NETHERLANDS AND DEAN OF THE CONSULAR CORPS Sunset Beach Hotel, Glacis,P. O. Box 372,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 426 12 00 / (248) 426 11 11Fax №: (+248) 426 12 21

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE KINGDOM OF DENMARKBODCO Building, New Port,P. O. Box 270,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 428 57 00

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE KINGDOM OF SWEDEN BODCO Building, New Port, P. O. Box 270,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 428 57 00 Fax №: (+248) 422 40 65

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE KINGDOM OF SPAINc/o Hunt Deltel, Trinity House,P. O. Box 14,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 438 03 00Fax №: (+248) 422 53 67

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY The Centre for Environment and Education, Nature Seychelles, Roche Caiman,P. O. Box 1310,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 460 11 00Fax №: (+248) 460 11 02

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE SULTANATE OF OMANc/o BMI Offshore Bank,P. O. Box 672,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 432 56 60 Fax №: (+248) 432 54 90

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLICc/o Kreolor, Le Rocher,P. O. Box 499,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 434 45 51Fax №: (+248) 434 47 54

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA c/o Tirant Associates, Room 104, 1st Floor,Ocean Gate House,P. O. Box 31,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 422 48 35 / 422 50 77Fax №: (+248) 422 51 56

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE KINGDOM OF MOROCCOc/o Allied Builders (Seychelles) Limited,Les Mamelles,P.O. Box 215,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 438 07 00 Fax №: (+248) 434 45 60

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE REPUBLIC OF MAURITIUS Conservation Centre, Roche Caiman,P. O. Box 1310,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 460 11 00 / (248) 460 11 01Fax №: (+248) 278 01 42

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE REPUBLIC OF HUNGARYc/o 7° South, Kingsgate House,Independence Avenue,P. O. Box 475,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 429 28 00Fax №: (+248) 429 28 99

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKASerret Road, St. Louis, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 251 52 00


HONORARY CONSULS WITH JURISDICTIONS IN THE SEYCHELLES

HONORARY CONSUL OF SWITZERLAND MG Building, Providence Industrial Estate,P. O. Box 935,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 437 42 78Fax №: (+248) 437 43 04

HONORARY CONSUL OF SERBIAGlacis,P. O. Box 1001,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 426 11 75Fax №: (+248) 441 06 00

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE REPUBLIC OF FINLANDFisherman’s Cove Estate, House No.69, Bel Ombre, P. O. Box 1191, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 271 98 30

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND BODCO Building, New Port,P. O. Box 933,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (248) 422 45 47 Fax №: (+248) 432 38 88

HONORARY CONSUL OF SLOVAC REPUBLICc/o Creole Travel Services, Orion Mall Building,P. O. Box 611,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 429 70 00Fax №: (+248) 422 58 17

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS AND DEAN OF THE CONSULAR CORPS SkyChef, Seychelles Airport, P. O. Box 450, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 437 30 50 / 437 31 55 / 438 17 50Fax №: (+248) 437 34 56

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE KINGDOM OF BELGIUM1st Floor, Eden Marina House, Eden Island,Roche Caiman,P. O. Box 232,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 434 61 61 / (+248) 251 11 05Fax №: (+248) 434 61 00

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIAQuincy Street,P. O. Box 88,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 432 26 39Fax №: (+248) 432 61 00

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE HELLENIC REPUBLIC (Greece)Docklands Building, New Port, P. O .Box 743,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 271 51 96

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES P. O. Box 63,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 424 71 77 Fax №: (+248) 424 76 76

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE KINGDOM OF NORWAYOffice C3, Trainon Apts, Serret Road, St. Louis, P. O. Box 723,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 251 22 20

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (South Korea)New Port,P. O. Box 222,Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 429 06 00 Fax: (+248) 422 44 56


RESIDENT FOREIGN AMBASSADOR

HIGH COMMISSIONERS IN SEYCHELLES

HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIAFrancis Rachel StreetP. O. Box 488Victoria, Mahé Tel № : (+248) 461 03 01Fax №: (+248) 461 03 08

EMBASSY OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINASt. LouisP. O. Box 680Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 467 17 00Fax №: (+248) 467 17 30

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION3rd Floor, Oliaji Trade Centre,P. O. Box 161wVictoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 428 36 66Fax №: (+248) 428 36 57

AMBASSADE DE FRANCE1er Etage, La Ciotat, Mont FleuriP. O. Box 478Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 438 25 00Fax №: (+248) 438 25 10

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBABel EauP. O. Box 730Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 422 40 94

EMBASSY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATIONLe Niole, St. LouisP. O. Box 632Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 426 65 90Fax №: (+248) 426 66 53

AMBASSADE DE L’ORDRE SOUVERAIN MILITAIRE DE MALTEClarence House, Vista Bay EstateGlacisP. O. Box 642Victoria, Mahé Tel № : (+248) 426 11 37Fax № : (+248) 426 11 37

EMBASSY OF LIBYATransvaal House, Beau VallonP. O. Box 1177Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 462 06 67Fax №: (+248) 462 04 44

SEYCHELLES DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS ABROAD


SEYCHELLES DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS ABROAD

BELGIUMEmbassy of the Republic of Seychelles1st Floor, 28 Boulevard Saint Michel Box 23, 1040 Brussels, BelgiumTelephone №: (322) 733 60 55Telefax №: (322) 732 60 22 Email: [email protected]

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINAEmbassy of the Republic of SeychellesRoom 1105, The Spaces № 8 Dongdaqiao Rd,Chaoyang District, Beijing 100020 People’s Republic of ChinaTelephone №: (8610) 5870 1192Telefax №: (8610) 5870 1219Email: [email protected]

ETHIOPIAEmbassy of the Republic of SeychellesBole, Woreda 13, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Telephone №: (25111) 62 97 721Email: [email protected]

FRANCEAmbassade de la République des Seychelles51, Avenue Mozart,75016 Paris, FranceNuméro de téléphone: (331) 42 30 57 47Numéro de téléfax: (331) 42 30 57 40Email: [email protected]

GENEVAPermanent Mission to the UN Office and other International Organisations in GenevaChemin Louis-Dunant 15b, 1202 GenevaSwitzerlandTelephone №: (41) 22 730 17 28Telefax №: (41) 22 730 17 29Email: [email protected]

INDIAHigh Commission of the Republic of SeychellesF-4, Anand Niketan New Delhi – 110 021, IndiaTelephone №: (9111) 241 141 02Telefax №: (9111) 241 141 03Email: [email protected]

INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDSAmbassador of the Republic of Seychelles to the Indian Ocean IslandsMaison Quéau de Quinssy, P. O. Box 656Mont Fleuri, Mahé, SeychellesTelephone №: (248) 428 35 00Telefax №: (248) 422 48 45Email: [email protected]

SOUTH AFRICASeychelles High CommissionUnit D 02/01, The Village, Cnr Gleenwood & Oberon Avenue,Faerie Glen, 0043 Pretoria,Republic of South AfricaTelephone №: (27) 12 34 80 270 (27) 12 34 80 720Telefax №: (27) 12 34 069 Email: [email protected]

UNITED ARAB EMIRATESEmbassy of the Republic of SeychellesVilla № 6/1, Murror Area, 23rd Street,P. O. Box 43107, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates Telephone №: (9712) 491 77 55Telefax №: (9712) 491 77 14/18Email: [email protected]

UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELANDHigh Commission of the Republic of Seychelles4th Floor, 11 Grosvenor Crescent,London SW1X 7EE, EnglandTelephone №: (44) 207 245 06 80Telefax №: (44) 207 235 75 09Email: [email protected]

UNITED STATES OF AMERICAEmbassy of the Republic of SeychellesSuite 400C, 4th Floor 800 Second AvenueNew York, NY 10017United States of AmericaTelephone №: (1212) 972 1785Telefax №: (1212) 972 1786Email: [email protected]

UNITED STATES OF AMERICAClimate Change and Small Island Developing State Issues c/o Permanent Mission of the Republic of Seychelles to the United Nations, Suite 400C 4th Floor, 800 Second Avenue New York, NY 10017 United States of AmericaTelephone №: (1212) 972 1785Telefax №: (1212) 972 1786Email: [email protected]


HEADQUARTERSChief Executive OfficerSeychelles Tourism Board P.O.Box1262•VictoriaMahé•SeychellesTel: (+248) 4 671 300 Fax: (+248) 4 620 620 / (+248) 4 620 640e-mail: [email protected]@seychelles.travel SEYCHELLES NEWS BUREAUSeychelles Tourism Board Bel Ombre, P.O. Box 1262 Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4 671 300 Fax: (+248) 4 620 620 [email protected]@uksto.co.uk

E-MARKETINGSeychelles Tourism Board Bel Ombre, P.O. Box 1262 Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4 671 300 Fax: (+248) 4 620 620 email: [email protected] FRANCE Office du Tourisme des Seychelles18RuedeMogador-75009Paris•FranceTel: (+33) 1 44 53 93 20 Fax: (+33) 1 44 53 93 32e-mail: [email protected] GERMANY Seychelles Tourist OfficeHochstrasse 1760313FrankfurtamMain•GermanyTel: +49 (0) 69 297 207 89Fax: +49 (0) 69 297 207 92e-mail: [email protected]

ITALY Seychelles Tourism BoardVia Pindaro 28NAxa•00125RomeItaly Tel: + 39 06 50 90 135 Fax: + 39 06 50 93 52 01e-mail: info-turismo.it @seychelles.travel

MIDDLE EASTMohamed Al Geziry Consultancy 100AlFattanPlaza•P.O.Box36345Dubai•U.A.E.Tel: (+971) 4 2865586 Fax: (+971) 4 2865589e-mail: info-tourism.me@ seychelles.travel

SPAINCalle princesa, 4028008Madrid•SpainTel: (+34) 91 702 08 04 Fax: (+34) 91 702 23 74 e-mail: [email protected]

SOUTH AFRICACape Holiday Services 36UnionRoad•Milnerton7441Capetown South Africa Tel: (+27) 21 551 5855Fax: (+27) 21 551 5898 e-mail: [email protected]

SOUTH KOREA#411, Doosan We’ve Pavillion58Susong-dong•Jongno-guSeoul•SouthKoreaTel: +82 2 737 3235Fax: +82 2 737 3236e-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

UNITED KINGDOM Seychelles Tourist OfficeFourth Floor, 130-132 BuckinghamPalace Road, London, SW1W 9SAUnited Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 724 561 06e-mail: info-tourism.uk @seychelles.travel

CHINASeychelles Tourism Board #8 Dongdaqiao Road, The SpacesChaoyang District, Room 1105Beijing, 100020ChinaTel: +8610 5870 1192 Fax: +8610 5870 1219e-mail: [email protected]

ABU DHABIEmbassy of the Republic of Seychelles, Villa number 6/1, Plot number 8, Muroor Area, Street 23Abu Dhabi, UAE.Tel: + 00971 2 4917755 Fax: +971 2 4917718e-mail: [email protected]

RUSSIAAccess RussiaVorotnikovskiy Lane 8, bld. 1 of 121270006 MoscowRussiaTel: (7) 495 699 9351Email: [email protected]

SOUTH AMERICA

BRAZILGlobal Vision AccessRua Manoel da Nobrega 111# 41Paraiso, Sao PaoloSP 04001-080 BrazilTel: (55) 11 2367.3170Fax: (55) 11 99627.3160Email: [email protected]

Seychelles Tourist Offices & Representatives Worldwide


AIRLINES

Emirates AirlineCaravelle HouseVictoriaP.O. Box 152Mahé, SeychellesTel: (+248) 4292700 / 4373008E: [email protected] W: www.emirates.com

Kenya AirwaysKingsgate Travel CentreIndependence AvenueVictoriaP.O. Box 288Mahé, SeychellesTel: (+248) 4323903Fax: (+248) 4324162E: [email protected]: www.kenya-airways.com

Ethiopian AirlineMason’s Travel BuildingRevolution AvenueVictoriaP.O. Box 459Mahé, SeychellesTel: (+248) 4288907E: [email protected]: www.ethiopianairlines.com

ZIL AIR

Zil Air (Pty) Ltd.Pointe LarueP.O. Box 1110Mahé, SeychellesTel: (+248) 4375100Fax: (+248) 4375101E: [email protected] [email protected] W: www.zilair.com

FERRY

Cat Cocos Ferry - Inter Island Boats LtdPo Box 356Kingsgate House,Victoria, Mahé, SeychellesTel: (248) 4297164Fax: (+248) 4324845Reservation: (+248) 4324843Email: [email protected]: www.catcocos.com

Praslin to La Digue FerryInter Island Ferry LtdTel: (+248) 4322329

EMERGENCY

Central Police StationVictoriaP.O. Box 46Mahé, SeychellesTel: (+248) 428000Fax: (+248) 4224412Emergency: 999Hotline: 133 / 112E: [email protected]: www.police.gov.sc

Baie St. Anne Police StationBaie St. AnnePraslinP.O. Box 46SeychellesTel: (+248) 4232332Fax: (+248) 4232075E: [email protected]: www.police.gov.sc

Grand Anse Police StationGrand AnsePraslinP.O. Box 46SeychellesTel: (+248) 4233251Fax: (+248) 4233933E: [email protected]: www.police.gov.sc

La Digue Police StationLa Passe, La DigueP.O. Box 46SeychellesTel: (+248) 4234251Fax: (+248) 4234031E: [email protected]: www.police.gov.sc

Seychelles Hospital Mt. FleuriP.O. Box 52Mahé, SeychellesTel: (+248) 4388000Fax: (+248) 4388000E: [email protected]: www.health.gov.sc

Baie Ste Anne Praslin Hospital: 4233414

Logan La Digue Hospital : 4234255

Ambulance 151

PHONE OPERATORS

Cable & Wireless (Seychelles) Ltd.Francis Rachel StreetVictoria P.O. Box 4Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4284000Fax: (+248) 4322777W: www.cwseychelles.com

Airtel Telecom (Seychelles) Emerald BuildingProvidenceP.O. Box 1358Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4600600Fax: (+248) 4601602W: www.africa.airtel.com/seychelles

AIR SEYCHELLES

Air Seychelles Ltd. (International & Domestic)Head OfficeSeychelles International AirportPointe LarueP.O. Box 386Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4391000Fax: (+248) 4391229E: [email protected]: www.airseychelles.com

Praslin AirportAmitiéPraslinP.O. Box 386Mahé, SeychellesTel: (+248) 4284666Fax: (+248) 4233055

International Flight InformationSeychelles International AirportPoint LarueP.O. Box 386Mahé, SeychellesTel: (+248) 4391200Fax: (+248) 4391229

Immigration Office (Airport)Seychelles International AirportPointe LarueP.O. Box 430Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 2713193E: [email protected]

Contacts


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