Silhouette 26no2 by Camerapix Magazines

SILHOUETTE THE IN-FLIGHT MAGAZINE OF AIR SEYCHELLES VOLUME 26 NUMBER 2

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CEO’S FOREWORD

Dear Guest,

Cher Client,

Air Seychelles continues to grow in 2015, with major developments across our network that simplify travel for our guests.

En 2015, Air Seychelles poursuit sa croissance. Grâce à des évolutions majeures sur l’ensemble de notre réseau, il sera encore plus facile de voyager avec nous.

Effective 1 July 2015, we will be flying non-stop between Seychelles and Paris CDG (Charles de Gaulle airport) three times a week. This is an exciting development for Air Seychelles and reflects the strong interest in Seychelles from Europe.

A compter du 1er juillet, nous proposerons une liaison directe entre les Seychelles et Paris CDG trois fois par semaine. Il s’agit d’une excellente nouvelle pour Air Seychelles, reflétant l’intérêt grandissant que suscitent les Seychelles en Europe.

The non-stop service will benefit from the major hub of CDG airport, which will connect people easily from all over the region. We have also signed an agreement with Air France to explore how we can bring you additional convenience and flexibility on this route.

Grâce à son statut de grande plateforme de correspondances, l’aéroport de Paris Charles de Gaulle offrira une liaison directe vers les Seychelles qui bénéficiera à l’ensemble de l’Europe. Nous avons également signé un accord avec Air France afin d’étudier de nouvelles manières de vous offrir davantage de commodité et de flexibilité sur cet itinéraire.

Together with our partner Etihad Airways, we are continuing to further enhance access to and from Europe, with more frequencies and travel options for our guests.

En collaboration avec notre partenaire Etihad Airways, nous continuons à améliorer les liaisons avec l’Europe, en ajoutant plus de vols et d’options de voyage pour nos hôtes.

The move to a non-stop service is only part of the way in which we have enhanced our network – we have also significantly strengthened our services in the Indian Ocean. Since expanding our regional network in December 2014, we have increased our weekly frequencies to a number of destinations. Air Seychelles now operates a four-per-week service to Mauritius and Mumbai from Seychelles, and will launch an additional third weekly flight to Antananarivo in Madagascar on 3 July 2015. Together with our current services to Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg, this means we offer 16 return services per week in the Indian Ocean, connecting more travellers between East Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and the Middle East across our hub.

La mise en place d’une liaison directe ne représente qu’une partie des mesures entreprises pour améliorer notre réseau : nous avons également consolidé de manière significative nos liaisons dans la région de l’Océan Indien. Depuis l’expansion de notre réseau régional en décembre 2014, nous avons augmenté nos liaisons hebdomadaires vers un grand nombre de destinations. Air Seychelles opère désormais quatre vols par semaine à destination de l’Île Maurice et de Mumbai, depuis les Seychelles, et elle lancera un troisième vol hebdomadaire à destination de Tananarive, à Madagascar, à compter du 3 juillet. En considérant nos liaisons actuelles vers Dar es Salaam et Johannesbourg, cela signifie que nous offrons 16 aller-retours par semaine dans l’Océan Indien, avec davantage de correspondances entre l’Afrique de l’Est, le Sous-continent Indien et le Moyen-Orient pour nos passagers.

In addition, Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways will offer a double daily service between Seychelles and Abu Dhabi, up from our current 13 flights per week, with hundreds of onward connections.

En outre, Air Seychelles et Etihad Airways proposeront bientôt deux liaisons quotidiennes entre les Seychelles et Abu Dhabi, avec des centaines de correspondances possibles.

This network restructure makes it easy to have two holidays in one with Air Seychelles. With seamless connections across our network, you are able to combine a fabulous holiday in Seychelles with a safari experience in Dar es Salaam or Johannesburg. Our network gives you the travel options to make it happen.

Cette restructuration du réseau permet de planifier facilement deux séjours en une seule réservation avec Air Seychelles. Grâce à des correspondances aisées dans l’ensemble de notre réseau, vous avez la possibilité de combiner un fabuleux séjour aux Seychelles avec un safari à Dar es Salaam ou à Johannesbourg. Notre réseau vous donne la possibilité de réaliser un tel voyage.

Tapping into the fast-growing Asia market, we are now codesharing on a daily service operated by Etihad Airways between Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong, with seamless onward connectivity to Seychelles. Adding more codeshare points with Etihad Airways and other codeshare partners allows us to expand our network reach and offer you convenient travel options to more destinations around the world. A great example of this is our new codeshare agreement with Jet Airways, which provides access to four cities beyond Mumbai in India, including Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram

Pour profiter de la forte croissance du marché asiatique, nous proposons désormais une liaison quotidienne en partage de code, opérée par Etihad Airways entre Abu Dhabi et Hong Kong, avec un vol en correspondance vers les Seychelles. L’ajout de nouveaux vols en partage de code, avec Etihad Airways et d’autres partenaires, nous permet d’étendre notre réseau et de vous offrir un plus grand choix vers davantage de destinations autour du monde. Par exemple, notre nouvel accord de partage de code avec Jet Airways ouvre l’accès à quatre villes en correspondance via Mumbai : Ahmedabad, Jaïpur, Kochi et Thiruvananthapuram.

2015 also marks the arrival of another DHC-6 Twin Otter-400 aircraft into our domestic fleet. These aircraft make the stunning journey between Mahé and Praslin in 15-minutes and provide other charter services, as needed (don’t hesitate to ask for more information).

2015 marque également l’arrivée d’un appareil DHC-6 Twin Otter-400 supplémentaire destiné aux lignes régulières nationales. Ces appareils effectuent la liaison entre Mahé et Praslin en seulement 15 minutes et peuvent être affrétés à titre privé, selon vos besoins (n’hésitez pas à nous contacter pour toute information supplémentaire).

Having a modern fleet allows us to offer guests superior levels of service. Take our critically-acclaimed Business Class, which provides comfort and fine dining and fine wine. Together with our award-winning cabin crew, who are known for their warmth and unique Creole spirit, it means your flight with Air Seychelles is sure to be a memorable one.

Disposer d’une flotte moderne nous permet d’offrir à nos hôtes un service de qualité supérieure. Voyagez à bord de notre Classe Affaires, saluée par les professionnels du secteur, pour son confort, sa cuisine raffinée et ses grands vins. Notre équipage en cabine, récompensé pour la qualité de son service et réputé pour son accueil et son “Esprit Créole” unique, fera de votre vol avec Air Seychelles un voyage inoubliable.

This is indeed an exciting time for the airline as we continue to grow and consolidate our reputation as the leading airline of the Indian Ocean.

Notre compagnie aérienne vit actuellement un grand moment alors qu’elle continue de croître et de consolider sa réputation de première compagnie aérienne de l’Océan Indien.

Thank you for flying Air Seychelles today; we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Merci d’avoir choisi Air Seychelles pour votre voyage aujourd’hui. Nous espérons vous revoir bientôt.

Bon Voyage Manoj Papa Chief Executive Officer Directeur Général

Silhouette Vol 26 No 2 | 1

Cover: Hawksbill sea turtle swimming in the clear turquoise waters of Seychelles.

Regulars • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 18 22 67 68 72 73 74 76 78 79 80 82 84

CEO’s Foreword Events Calendar Discover Seychelles Frequent Flier page News Healthy Travelling Map of Mahé Welcome Aboard International Route Map Worldwide Offices English - Creole Travel Facts Dining Out Crossword

INSIDE

lhouette

Amman: The White City Welcome to the largest, most populous and capital city of Jordan.

Casablanca: The Modern Commercial Face of Morrocco Casablanca is rather like a famous film star, with an interesting past and a reputation to keep up to.

56 The Premier League Effect a New Trend in Tourism For many fans, a football game provides a great excuse to discover off the beaten path holiday destinations.

Praslin: Seychelles’ Very Own Ancient Isle of Palms For all the trappings of its latter-day evolution into a prized tourist destination, Praslin’s traditional island spirit remains undulled.

Passion for Fashion Seychelles islands chosen for a prestigious photography shoot.

Founding Publisher: Mohamed Amin Editorial Director: Rukhsana Haq Editor: Roger Barnard Editorial Assistant: Cecilia Wanjiku Creative Designer: Charles Kamau Production Manager: Azra Chaudhry, London Production Assistants: Rachel Musyimi, Rose Judha Editorial Board: Rukhsana Haq Adrian Skerrett

Some Thoughts on Travel “I am never tired of seeing new places or meeting new people because all of it is information and knowledge.”

62 The First Governor of Seychelles More than a century ago, Seychelles was a British colonial outpost; encounter the man who played a fundamental role in its watershed moment. 65 The Coco De Mer: An Artist’s Muse The exquisite beauty and precious value of the coco de mer cannot be underestimated.

Silhouette is published three times a year for Air Seychelles PO Box 386, Mahé, Seychelles Telephone: (+248) 4391000 Fax: (+248) 4224305 E-mail: pro@airseychelles.com By Camerapix Magazines Limited, PO Box 45048, 00100, GPO Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: +254 (20) 4448923/4/5 Fax: +254 (20) 4448818 E-mail: creative@camerapix.co.ke

Editorial and Advertising Office: Camerapix Magazines (UK) Limited, 32 Friars Walk, Southgate, London N14 5LP Telephone: +44 (20) 8361 2942 Mobile: +44 79411 21458 E-mail: camerapixuk@btinternet.com Correspondence on editorial and advertising matters may be sent to either of the above addresses. Printed in: Dubai

NEW DESTINATION

Amman THE WHITE CITY

by Cecilia Gaitho.

AMMAN BASIC FACTS Capital city of: the country of Jordan. Official language: Arabic, English is widely spoken. Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Religion: State religion is Islam. Time zone: GMT +2 hrs (GMT +3 hours, April-October). Calling code: Country code for Jordan is +962. City/area code for Amman is (0)6.

elcome to Amman: the largest, most populous and capital city of the country of Jordan. Amman geographically straddles seven hills, or jabals. Known as the white city, Amman is one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world with an estimated 4 million people. Its strategic position and cosmopolitan atmosphere make it one of the foremost centres of finance and trade in the Middle East today. It is also a thriving cultural centre, steeped in history and rich in historical attractions – its modern buildings blending with the remnants of ancient civilisations – a city with a timeless ambience and a longstanding tradition of hospitality.

Amman, Jordan

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Getting there: Jordan’s beautiful capital is now served by Air Seychelles’ 14 weekly codeshare flights with Etihad Airways between Abu Dhabi and Amman with convenient connections to Seychelles.

ATTRACTIONS THE CITADEL

Atop the highest hill in the downtown area of Amman sits the ancient Citadel. The area is known in Arabic as Jabal el Qal’a and is about 850m above sea level. The site reveals numerous Byzantine, Roman and Islamic remains. The major buildings at the site are the • Umayyad Palace, thought to have been a governor’s home and centre for administration, • a 6th century Byzantine church marked by columns and • the Temple of Hercules which is unquestionably the grandest building on the Citadel.

Temple of Hercules on the Citadel in Amman, Jordan.

Also on the Citadel is the National Archaeological Museum that houses are small, unique collection of antiquities from all over Jordan.

Amman is home to some of the grandest mosques in the Middle East. The newest, King Abdullah Mosque was completed in 1989 as a memorial to the late King Abdullah. It has a magnificent blue mosaic dome that can house up to 3,000 worshippers. The Dome’s blue represents the sky and the golden lines beneath signify rays of light that illuminate the 99 names of Allah. The interior design follows an octagonal theme, with the huge main dome (which is 35 metres in diameter) surrounded by eight smaller domes. Above is the threetiered, gold chandelier – with Quranic inscriptions – that lights the great chamber. Inside the mosque is the Islamic Museum, home to a collection of photographs and pottery in memory of the late King Abdullah.

KING ABDULLAH I MOSQUE

Roman Theatre in Amman, Jordan.

ROMAN THEATRE

Above: The King Abdullah I Mosque in Amman, Jordan. It was built between 1982 and 1989.

This remarkable remnant of Roman Philadelphia is the highlight for Amman’s numerous foreign visitors. The amphitheatre, built into the northern side of a hill, and with great acoustics owing to its steeply raked structure, boasts a seating capacity of 6,000. This complex structure also houses two cultural museums namely: • The Jordan Folklore museum found in the east wing of the stage and which exhibits traditional life and

• the Museum of Popular Traditions found in the west wing of the stage showcasing mosaics, face masks, jewellery and traditional costumes dating from 4th-6th century Jordan churches. Both are located in rooms behind the two side entrances at ground level. To date the theatre is still used for sport displays and cultural events. For best pictures visit the theatre during sunrise or sunset hours, when the light is soft.

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NEW DESTINATION

ENJOY © ZAID SAADALLAH/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

GETTING THERE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Any visitor to Jordan, whether entering on business or as a tourist, needs a visa. This is easily obtained, in most cases on entry into the country, or at diplomatic missions abroad. Also a valid passport is a must. TRANSPORT The main entry to Amman is via Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), 32 kilometres (20 miles) south of Amman. It offers both local and international flights. Taxis and buses are available to take you from the airport into Amman, a journey of about 30-45 minutes. Car hire services are available as a means of exploring the city. It is best to hire a vehicle with a driver who usually comes at no extra cost. TRAVEL HEALTH Vaccinations are not required unless you are travelling from an infected location in which case one may be required to show the inoculation certificate at the entry point. Amman has excellent medical facilities that are widely available and most doctors and staff can speak English.

Female dancers from Chechnya Wainakh ensemble performing for Jordanian audience and royal family, during Kadyrov’s visit to Jordan.

ENTERTAINMENT Amman has an exciting, burgeoning nightlife with numerous entertainment centres including nightclubs, beer gardens and English style pubs etc. Sport lovers will relish the golf course (14 kilometres outside of Amman city centre) and waterpark great for families. Fun festivals include the annual Amman Summer Festival and Souk Jara. The national day of Jordan is known as Independence day celebrated on 25 May, in commemoration of the creation of the Kingdom of Jordan and the crowning of Abdullah I as Jordan’s first King.

ACCOMMODATION Amman has plenty of hotels that range from luxury to budget category. Health and recreational clubs can be found in 5- and 4-star hotels. It is advisable to book hotel reservations well in advance. WHEN TO GO The most ideal time to visit Amman is during the dry, hot, breezy summer (June–September). The temperature averages 30°C (86°F). COMMUNICATION Amman, being the capital city of Jordan, enjoys a modern communication system; Internet is accessible and postal services reliable and fast. Faxes are widely used as well as mobile or cellular phones. Travellers can access international roaming service.

ETIQUETTE Women are advised to dress conservatively/modestly especially when visiting religious sites. Before entering a mosque or a home shoes are always removed. INFORMATION OFFICES The Tourist Information Offices in Amman are located near the Roman Amphitheatre. It provides free maps, brochures, and even information about safety issues and border regulations. For more information visit www.tourism.jo

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Arabic bread.

SHOPPING

CURRENCY Credit cards are accepted at most establishments including tourist shops, restaurants, hotels and car hire companies. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some hotels. Banks are closed on Fridays. ATMs are widely available with limited foreign credit cards accepted.

FOOD Amman’s increasing number of high-class local and international restaurants, offer eclectic dining scenes and numerous cuisines from around the world. Not to be missed is mansaf, the national dish of Jordan and hummus the appetiser. Typical flavours include onion, lemon, spices, tomato sauce and herbs. Also enjoy drinking Amman coffee or tea flavoured with na’na or meramiyyeh.

Above: Souvenirs street in Madaba, Jordan. Madaba dates from the Middle Bronze Age and is called ‘The City of Mosaics’.

For the best shopping experience visit the downtown area of Amman. Several colourful markets called souqs offer interesting products including traditional bedouin fabrics, perfume, craft items, painting and other trinkets. Large malls and expensive luxurious shops can be found in Amman’s main shopping district in the Sweifieh area.

Getting there: Jordan’s beautiful capital is now served by Air Seychelles’ 14 weekly codeshare flights with Etihad Airways between Abu Dhabi and Amman with convenient connections to Seychelles.

Coastline of Casablanca during sunset.

Casablanca T he M od e r n Commercia l Fa ce of M orocc o

Casablanca is rather like a famous film star, with an interesting past and a reputation to keep up, who has managed to reinvent herself successfully over many years, says Kate Nivison.

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PHOTO © KAROL KOZLOWSKI/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

NEW DESTINATION

oday, with a population of around 3.3 million, Casablanca is not only the largest city and chief port of the Kingdom of Morocco, but also North Africa’s largest port, with one of the biggest artificial harbours in the world. Rabat is the political capital, but Casablanca is undoubtedly Morocco’s commercial and industrial heart. Yet there is still a certain glamour attached to its name, which means ‘white house’, derived from the Portuguese (branca ‘white’, casa ‘house’). The present Spanish version came when the Portuguese kingdom was integrated to the Spanish kingdom in the 16th century. The city is now nicknamed Casa by many locals. But cities, especially ports as strategically well placed as this one, have to move with the times. Casablanca is situated on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, south-west of the Straits of Gibraltar, on a huge double bay with a fine natural harbour. This favoured location is one of Casablanca’s greatest assets, allowing it a firm foothold in the two very different cultures of North Africa and Europe. At times in its turbulent past this must have seemed like a mixed blessing, but the benefits are very evident today.

Getting there: Travellers can now discover Morocco’s cosmopolitan port city of Casablanca with Air Seychelles’ daily codeshare flights on Etihad Airways between Abu Dhabi and Casablanca with convenient connections to Seychelles.

HISTORY First to put it on the map as the 7th century fishing village of Anfa were the desert Berber people, and the name is remembered in various place names around town. From fishing, Anfa progressed to piracy and slave raiding, so that the Portuguese and then the Spanish felt obliged to subdue, fortify and rename the town.

ben Abdullah later that century. The British were content simply to import Moroccan wool during the 19th century, and introduced ‘gunpowder tea’ to the Arab hospitality ritual. Taken the traditional way, in a glass, with sugar but no milk, it has become the national drink, often jokingly offered as ‘Moroccan whisky’. Eventually France took control of the port, and then the rest of Morocco, until independence in 1956. And French joined Arabic as an official language.

It took a bad earthquake in 1755 to dislodge them and demolish much of their work, and its reconstruction was ordered by Sultan Mohammed

ARCHITECTURE

Much of what we see in the city centre today is a result of French 1920s and 30s town planning. Since this was the high time for elegant Art Deco style buildings and interior décor, Casablanca is certainly the better for it, and many neglected architectural treasures are being restored by the city’s skilled craftsmen. Many of the buildings, from the oldest to the most modern, are indeed gleaming white, set off by blue skies, brilliant sunlight and the green of treelined boulevards and shady palms. And of course some of the city’s ‘reputation’ can be put down to a certain movie, one of the world’s all-time favourites since it appeared in 1942. No matter that Casablanca, a wartime romance starring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart, was shot entirely in the USA without a single Moroccan actor – for millions of fans, the city itself just had to be as romantic as the film, and was expected to stay that way. For the visitor, adjusting expectations to allow for Casablanca’s chequered past, bustling present and planned

future can help in coming to terms with this city of the unexpected – along with a smattering of French. This is not the town of Casablanca, ‘Play it again, Sam’ in Rick’s Café or romantic international intrigue, although it now actually does have its own atmospheric Rick’s Café, along with a tinkling piano, opened as late as 2004 to cater for nostalgic visitors. Anyone in search of ancient walled cities with a vast labyrinth of shady souks may want to head out of town for the ‘imperial cities’ of Rabat, Marrakech and Fez, or Essaouira further down the breezy Atlantic coast.

CITYSCAPE

Above: View over the city of Casablanca.

But not too soon, because what Casablanca has to offer is all its own. The wide tree-lined boulevards are both vehicle and pedestrian friendly, with central flower beds and towering palms. The town centre, with most that is of interest to visitors, is enclosed by the loop of the N1 which connects to the scenic coastal Boulevard de la Corniche. Within this area are the port and the Gare Casa-Port (port railway station), with the 19th century remnants of the Old Medina (citadel),

most of the consulates, and the French-designed ‘new town’. This is where to see some fine Art Deco exteriors, often blended with the Hispano-Mauresque style, lining shady avenues and imposing squares, along with the best hotels, courts, main post office and fun-fair gardens such as the Parc de Jeux Yasmina and Parc de la Ligue Arabe. A street plan based on star patterns rather than strict grid squares sets off some photogenic corner facades along the elegant sweep of the boulevards. Expect a lot of construction round the port area and Corniche for new resorts, walkways and shopping malls. Long-term projects include a city metro and a tram system as Casablanca, ever outward-looking, puts on another new face for the future.

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NEW DESTINATION

ATTRACTIONS THE GRAND MOSQUE OF HASSAN II Also within this area is one of Casablanca’s star attractions – the Grand Mosque of Hassan II, built by the present king’s father and finished in 1993. This beautiful white and green complex of truly monumental dimensions, standing on a rocky seashore promontory, is now the city’s signature landmark. Among the largest in the world, its prayer hall holds 20,000 worshippers, with space in its walled courtyards for another 80,000. The 210-metre-high minaret is the tallest anywhere, dominating the skyline by day, while at night a huge laser beam points towards Makkah. The Grand Mosque is one of only two in Casablanca which are open to non-Muslims at specific times. It’s well worth joining one of these one-hour guided tours to admire the skills of thousands of local craftsmen in finest marble, granite, plasterwork and Atlas cedar. It is only 20 minutes’ walk from the Gare Casa-Port, or a short taxi ride from the town centre. The four tours a day are at 9, 10 and 11 am, and 2 pm (2.30pm in summer).

Above: Hassan II Mosque at sundown with lights overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Casablanca Morocco. It is the largest mosque in Morocco and the third largest mosque in the world.

Right: Locals playing football at the beach in Casablanca, Morocco.

Above: The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco.

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QUARTIER HABOUS Another attractive area is the nowgentrified and artistic Quartier Habous, formerly the New Medina, known for its arcaded boutiquestyle shopping and safe, clean, reasonably hassle-free ambience. There’s a southern Mediterranean atmosphere to the town centre area, with its sidewalk cafés, restaurants, tea or ice cream parlours, pâtisseries and juiceries all offering the perfect opportunity to rest the feet, enjoy a cool drink and simply people-watch. Eating out in such a cosmopolitan town is always a pleasure. From local seafood, spicy lamb tagine with apricots or couscous to a hamburger at Rick’s Café, there’s something to suit most budgets and tastes.

BEACHES On both sides of the Grand Mosque and port area are some fine beaches, both public and strictly private, which are much in demand in the summer months. The best-known stretches are along the Corniche at Ain Diab and Miami Plage, where exclusive beach clubs provide swimming pools and discreet nightlife almost unknown in the rest of Morocco. Canny visitors join the locals to stock up with fresh food at the Central Market for a summer beach picnic.

SHOPPING Shopping in Casablanca varies from bargaining in the Old Medina souks or the Central Market to the luxurious new malls springing up along the Corniche. For something in between, visit the Exposition Nationale d’Artisanat at 3 Avenue Hassan II – nearest landmark, the main Post Office. Casablanca itself is not a major handicraft centre, but this National Handicrafts Exhibition

Glass lamps of all shapes and sizes.

Paperback: 374 pages - A Kindle Version Publisher: Beau-Vallon Publishing (1 May 2014) ISBN-10: 099280860X ISBN-13: 978-0992808600

shop offers three floors of genuine Moroccan handicrafts at fixed prices, and gives some idea of what to expect on the streets. This is not a cheap town by Moroccan standards, but popular buys include rugs and carpets, leather goods and the ever-popular, cone-topped earthenware tagines for cooking delicious traditional food. Be tempted by the scents from spice stalls, and take some packets home for that authentic Moroccan flavour. If in doubt, go for ras el hanout, meaning ‘best in the shop’ – a delicious blend of 35 spices ideal for meat, couscous and tagine cooking. Less easy to take home but combining local coloured glass and delicate metal work to great effect are traditional lamps of all shapes and sizes. Just ask the shop to pack them for you. © EVP82 / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Bookshelf

Inset: Women work in a cooperative for the manufacturing of argan fruits in Ourika valley, Morocco.

Our story opens in 1912 on the island of Mahé. Through the eyes and life of a young nurse – Anna Savy – the customs and traditions of the Seychellois people unfold, taking the reader on a journey of nostalgia and amazing discoveries. The colourful history, culture and exotic natural beauty of the islands blends with the forces of newly found love, as Anna and Louis face the almost impossible challenge to pursue their passionate relationship despite their backgrounds and social status being worlds apart. Incorporating the myth of the ‘Garden of Eden’, the siege of Khartoum and the demise of British General, Charles Gordon, the novel explores the outside world through its many characters. The Potato Famine in Ireland with its devastating impact, and an East London garrison town bordering the mighty River Thames, are just two of the many topics featured. Then there’s the outbreak of the First World War, surely the worst possible disaster... The author, Rosie Tirant-Longhurst, a.k.a. A.R. Tirant, was born in the Seychelles in November 1958. The daughter of a policeman and the eldest in a family of four brothers and four sisters. She grew up on the northern coast of Mahé island in the tiny village of Beau-Vallon. Her working life started in 1975 as a nurse at Mahe’s Victoria Hospital, and was followed thereafter by a long career in the Hotel Industry. She emigrated to England in 1995, and now lives in West Sussex with her husband. She has two grownup sons and a granddaughter. “Echoes from the Oasis” is her debut novel which will be followed by other titles in the same series.

GETTING THERE Mohammed V International Airport is only 30 km south-east of the town centre – 35 minutes by train or about US$ 30 for a ‘grand taxi’. Walking around the town centre is a relatively simple matter, but parking is not, so the cheap, reliable red petit taxis are a popular way of getting around, remembering to ask the price first.

WHEN TO GO Casablanca enjoys a Mediterraneantype climate modified by cool Atlantic breezes, so that summers are sunny and dry but rarely uncomfortably hot. Rain comes between November and March, but many winter days are mild and sunny rather than damp and chilly.

“Enjoy your ‘Creole Experience’ and the high-quality hospitality on-board our national airline – have a great journey and a memorable stay in Seychelles. It’s paradise” Available at Amazon and bookshops in Seychelles. www.seychelleshistoricalnovels.com

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EVENTS CALENDAR

ITALY ABU DHABI

FRANCE ROME MASTERS 10 – 17 MAY 2015 ROME, ITALY

CANNES INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 3 - 24 MAY 2015

This is one of the most anticipated events on the tennis calendar. Played on the red clay of the Foro Italico situated on the outskirts of Rome, the Rome Masters offers a festive atmosphere unlike anywhere else. http://www.tennistours.com/rome-masters/tickets/

In the idyllic setting of the French Riviera, the city of Cannes holds the Cannes Festival every year in May. A jury of professionals and artists gather there to award several prizes, including the best film, best director, best actor, best actress, Jury Prize, Grand Prix and of course the famous Palme D’Or, the ultimate reward. www.festival-cannes.fr

SEYCHELLES

FRANCE

ABU DHABI CLASSICS 14 OCTOBER 2014 28 MAY 2015

Keeping the tradition, that was translated during the last five years, Abu Dhabi Classics returns, bringing some of the most prominent musical talent and orchestras to the Emirate. Abu Dhabi Classics is a concert season reflecting the excellence that the emirate has achieved in the field of culture. The events will take place in different venues: Emirates Palace auditorium, Manarat Al Saadiyat auditorium, Abu Dhabi Theatre, Al Jahili Fort and some important historic sites in Al Ain. https://abudhabievents.ae/en/Pages/ abu-dhabi-classics-season.aspx

MADAGASCAR

MISS SEYCHELLES …ANOTHER WORLD 30 MAY 2015 MAHÉ, SEYCHELLES

FRENCH OPEN ROLAND GARROS 19 MAY - 7 JUNE 2015 CTT brings more than a quarter century of experience to the French Open, also known as Roland Garros. Having served tens of thousands of clients since 1987, nobody knows this event better than Championship Tennis Tours. Choose from professionally designed packages and any way you decide to go, you will have the time of your life. www.rolandgarros.com

The Seychelles Tourism Board will be hosting the 4th edition of the Miss Seychelles ... another world Beauty Pageant. The aim is to highlight the high standards of feminine beauty and elegance found among our islands. http://www.seychelles.travel/miss-seychelles/home

JORDAN THE CONVERGENCE SUMMIT 1 - 2 JUNE 2015

Arab Advisors Group is pleased to announce the Convergence Summit’s 12 year anniversary that will be held at The Four seasons Hotel in Amman, Jordan under the patronage of HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, President of the Royal Scientific Society. http://www.arabadvisors.com/Convergence/index.htm

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FERIA ORAMENA (LOBSTER FESTIVAL ) JUNE 2015 FORT DAUPHIN, MADAGASCAR

Enjoy lots of fish dishes including Madagascar’s favorite seafood, the lobster, during the annual Feria Oramena festival. It is held in June of each year in Fort Dauphin, a sea side town on the southern tip of Madagascar. It is organised by the regional office of tourism and the Ministry of Culture of Madagascar to help promote the Anosy region in which Fort Dauphin is located. http://vanillaislands.info/amazinglydelicious-and-locally-sourced-seafood/

Panoramic Perspective by Sunseeker The Sunseeker 28 Metre Yacht

Sunseeker Seychelles Ltd: Eden Island Marina, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles. Tel. +248 252 34 34 Fax. +248 434 61 66 E-mail: info@sunseeker-seychelles.com Website: www.sunseeker-seychelles.net Sunseeker Africa Ltd – JOHANNESBURG: 126 Sandton Isle, CNR Rivonia & Linden, Sandton - Johannesburg 2196, South Africa. Tel. +27 (0) 11 301 7100 Fax. +27 (0) 11 301 7029 E-mail: info@sunseeker-africa.com Website: www.sunseeker-africa.net Sunseeker Africa Ltd – CAPE TOWN: Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, CNR Dock Road & Breakwater Blvd, Cape Town 8002, South Africa. Tel. +27 (0) 21 425 2016 Fax. +27 (0) 21 425 2008 E-mail: info@sunseeker-africa.com Website: www.sunseeker-africa.net

EVENTS CALENDAR

ZANZIBAR INTERNATIONAL FILM TANZANIA FESTIVAL (ZIFF) 18 -26 JULY, 2015 STONE TOWN, HONG ZANZIBAR KONG Welcome to the 18th Edition of HONG KONG DRAGON BOAT CARNIVAL 20 JUNE 2015

Every year, boats, beers and cheers draw hundreds of thousands of revellers and spectators to stunning Victoria Harbour. http://www.discoverhongkong.com/ca/see-do/eventsfestivals/highlight-events/dragon-boat-carnival.jsp

Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) held on the theme, Waves and Visions of Hope. It is the largest multi disciplinary art and cultural festival in Africa dedicated to the exhibition of films, music, Panorama. www.ziff.or.tz/

SOUTH AFRICA AFRICA GOLF EXPO 13 AUGUST 2015 JOHANNESBURG, SA Participate in Africa Golf Expo to gain insight of the Africa golf industry, explore new partnerships, promote new products and enhance brand building. http://www.europeantour.com/ europeantour/season=2015/ tournamentid=2015014/index. html

MAURITIUS MARATHON 19 JULY 2015

MOROCCO

MARRAKECH POPULAR ARTS FESTIVAL JULY 2015

Mauritius Marathon is a fantastic challenge on one of the most beautiful track in the world! The new course reveals landscapes all along the most beautiful coastal road of the Island and spectacular views through one of the UNESCO protected site Le Morne. http://www.mauritiusmarathon.com/

MAURITIUS

This event brings all the corners of Morocco together in one event, with the cultures of all the various regions melting together to create a visual and sensory extravaganza of sound, color and rhythm. It is an event and artistic festival adventure that visitors should not miss! www.marrakechfestival.com

HONG KONG

INDIA MALHAR FESTIVAL 14 - 16 AUGUST 2015 FIVB VOLLEYBALL WORLD GRAND PRIX AUGUST 2015

This summer, China, Italy, Japan and Thailand will play in preliminary matches here in Hong Kong, giving you a chance to see some of the world’s top-ranking national teams face each other off in intense competition. Source: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/nz/ see-do/events-festivals/sports-and-recreation/fivbvolleyball-world-grand-prix.jsp#ixzz3TsKlOwL3

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35 years since its inception, Malhar has become one of the largest inter collegiate and youth festival in the country. Hosted by the students of St. Xavier’s College, Malhar is guaranteed to give you an experience of a lifetime. http://malharfest.org/index.php

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DISCOVER SEYCHELLES When Air Seychelles descends towards these tiny specks of verdant green land set in the glittering waters of the Indian Ocean, get ready to discover a land aptly described as “unique by a thousand miles”. Houses cling to the lower slopes of majestic mountains swathed in green velvet, the dark forest broken by spectacular granite outcrops and boulders and white beaches merge with shallow turquoise seas. The Seychellois are a mixture of peoples, the different races at ease with each other mixing and inter-marrying. Many are descended from the original French settlers and their slaves from Madagascar and Africa. Later came Chinese labourers, Indian merchants and a scattering of other nationalities. The first plantation owners and their slaves devised a simplified form of French for communications. This is Creole, a lively language which happily absorbs new phrases and vocabulary, especially nowadays from English. Creole has a simple grammar and a token effort at a few words in Creole are appreciated, but it is easy to get by in English and most Seychellois are fluent in English and French.

DÉCOUVREZ LES SEYCHELLES Lorsque Air Seychelles descend vers ces grains minuscules de terres verdoyantes sertis sur les eaux scintillantes de l’océan Indien, préparez-vous à découvrir une terre décrite à juste titre comme “unique par un millier de miles”. Les maisons s’accrochent aux pentes inférieures des majestueuses montagnes tapissées de velours vert, la forêt dont la couleur sombre est adoucie par de spectaculaires affleurements et blocs rocheux de granit et des plages de sable blanc, fusionne avec une mer turquoise peu profonde. Les Seychellois sont un mélange de peuples, les différentes races à l’aise les unes avec les autres se métissent et se marient entre elles. Beaucoup sont des descendants des premiers colons français et de leurs esclaves de Madagascar et d’Afrique. Plus tard sont venus des ouvriers chinois, des marchands indiens et diverses autres nationalités. Les premiers propriétaires de plantations et leurs esclaves ont conçu un français simplifié pour la communication. C’est le créole, une langue pleine d’entrain qui aujourd’hui absorbe volontiers de nouvelles expressions et nouveaux vocabulaires, surtout de l’anglais. Le créole a une grammaire simple et un effort symbolique de parler quelques mots de créole est apprécié, mais il est facile de s’en sortir en anglais et la plupart des Seychellois parlent couramment l’anglais et le français.

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Discover Seychelles

A la Découverte des les

MINI-HISTORY OF SEYCHELLES

L’HISTOIRE DES SEYCHELLES EN RÉSUMÉ

Around 200 million years ago the southern supercontinent of Gondwana began to break up. India together with Madagascar and Seychelles broke from Africa, Madagascar later becoming an island then about 65 million years ago the Seychelles Archipelago became isolated between the two, the world’s oldest oceanic islands and the only ones made up of continental granite rocks.

Il y a environ 200 millions d’années le super continent du sud appelé Gondwana a commencé à se fracturer. L’Inde, Madagascar et les Seychelles se sont séparés de l’Afrique, Madagascar est plus tard devenu une île; ensuite il y a environ 65 millions d’années l’archipel des Seychelles s’est retrouvé isolé entre les deux, devenant un ensemble d’îles océaniques les plus anciennes au monde et les seules composées de rochers de granit continentaux.

By contrast with its geological history, the human history of the islands is very short. Arabic texts suggest they had knowledge of the islands and Polynesians en route to Madagascar may have visited. Portuguese navigator Juan de Nova was the first European to sight Seychelles in 1501. On early Portuguese maps, Seychelles appeared as the Sete Irmas or Seven Sisters but it was not until 1609 that the first landing was recorded, by seamen from a vessel of the English East India Company. In the late 17th century pirates probably used Seychelles as a base. In 1742 and 1744, French expeditions visited Mahé and in 1756 a possession stone, was laid claiming the island for France, which were first settled in 1770. Soon there was war between France and Britain. The colonists capitulated several times with Seychelles finally becoming a British colony under the Treaty of Paris in 1814. Despite the years as a British colony few British settled here, but nevertheless Seychellois society has British undertones. The greatest change in Seychelles society came with the mass influx of ‘liberated Africans’ in the 19th century, which altered the nature of the population and increased the population to 19,000 by the turn of the 20th century. Seychelles was administered from Mauritius until 1903 when it became an independent Crown Colony. The World Wars caused great hardship in Seychelles due to isolation, many Seychellois serving with the British Army. In 1967, universal adult suffrage was introduced and in 1976 Seychelles became an independent republic. Tourism increased dramatically with the opening of the international airport on Mahé in 1971 and is today the main economic activity of Seychelles.

Historic old ship in the ocean near the islands.

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Contrairement à son histoire géologique, l’histoire humaine de ces îles est très récente. Les textes arabes laissent entendre que les arabes connaissaient ces îles et que les Polynésiens en route vers Madagascar pourraient y avoir accosté. Le navigateur portugais Juan de Nova a été le premier européen à apercevoir les Seychelles en 1501. Sur les premières cartes portugaises, les Seychelles apparaissent comme les Sete Irmas ou les sept sœurs, mais ce n’est qu’en 1609 que le premier débarquement par les marins d’un navire de l’escadron de l’English East India Company fut documenté. A la fin du 17ème siècle les Seychelles ont probablement servi de base pour des pirates. En 1742 et 1744, des expéditions françaises ont visité Mahé, qui a été colonisée pour la première fois en 1770 alors qu’en 1756 une pierre revendiquant l’île pour la France avait été posée. Bientôt, la guerre a éclaté entre la France et la Grande-Bretagne. Les colons ont capitulé à plusieurs reprises, les Seychelles devenant finalement une colonie britannique en vertu du traité de Paris de 1814. Malgré les années passées comme colonie britannique, peu de britanniques s’y sont installés, pourtant la société Seychelloise présente des traces britanniques. Le plus grand changement dans la société des Seychelles fut l’afflux massif d’”Africains libérés” au 19ème siècle, qui a changé la composition de la population dont les effectifs ont augmenté pour atteindre 19.000 à la fin du 20 ème siècle. Les Seychelles étaient administrées de Maurice jusqu’en 1903 lorsqu’elles sont devenues une colonie de la couronne indépendante. Les deux guerres mondiales ont été très éprouvantes pour les Seychelles en raison de son isolement, et beaucoup de Seychellois ont servi dans l’armée britannique. En 1967, le suffrage universel des adultes fut introduit et en 1976 les Seychelles devinrent une république indépendante. Le tourisme a progressé de façon spectaculaire avec l’ouverture de l’aéroport international de Mahé en 1971 et représente aujourd’hui la principale activité économique des Seychelles.

THE ISLE OF ABUNDANCE Mahé is the main island of the Seychelles and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and impressive in the world. It is the largest and highest island covering an area of 155 square kilometres and rising to 905 metres at Morne Seychellois. The island measures 27 kilometres in length and seven kilometres wide. About 90 percent of the population lives on Mahé, concentrated in the north around Victoria and on the flat reclaimed land of the east coast. Beau Vallon is the busiest beach in Seychelles though still relatively uncrowded compared to other destinations. Away from the bustling capital and hotels there is still extraordinary peace and beauty to be found along the coast, particulary in the south and in the grandeur of the mountains. Getting there: Mahé is served by air and sea. Mahé International Airport is south of Victoria and serves many regular flights from Europe, Africa, the Gulf and Asia. There are no regular passenger services by sea but cruise liners occasionally visit Victoria and many yachts and smaller mercantile craft make it a regular port of call. Getting around: Victoria is the capital and the island is well served by a network of good roads that circle and crisscross the island. To explore Mahé, you should rent a car for atleast one day. Buses are inexpensive, but tied to local needs. Taxis are fairly good but expensive and more difficult to find after dark. Island Excursions: Departure point for many of the excursions is the Marine Charter Association wharf, next to the Yacht Club. Ferries to Praslin depart from the Inter-island Quay. Where to stay: There is a sophisticated tourist infrastructure. All tourist premises are licensed by law. Options include from five star to three star hotels and small guest houses. There are many others of varying degrees of comfort and quality. What to see and do: Victoria, the national capital with a population of around 20,000, is spread around a large bay at the foot of Trois Frères. It is the islands’ economic and administrative hub. The clock tower in the city centre is a replica of the clock in central London

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at the junction of Vauxhall Bridge Road and Victoria Street. Erected as a memorial to Queen Victoria in 1903, the Seychelles clock tower is today more readily associated with the declaration that same year of Seychelles as a Crown Colony separate from Mauritius. The Bicentennial Monument outside the old town centre represents the three continents. There are three national museums, the National History Museum in the National Archives building on Francis Rachel Street and State House Avenue, home to historical items, one of them being the original ‘stone of possession, ‘ laid in 1756 to declare France’s claim to the islands. Also on Francis Rachel Street is the Seychelles Peoples’ United Party Museum displaying photography and weaponry chronicling the party’s history. The Natural History Museum on Independence Avenue celebrates the unique flora and fauna of the islands. The Botanical Gardens are on the Mont Fleuri Road, next to the hospital. Shopping: There are clusters of shops and boutiques near the traffic lights and taxi rank, and in the arcade on Francis Rachel Street. The newly renovated Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market is noted for its colourful atmosphere. The new shopping plaza at Eden island is worth a visit for clothing, groceries and a variety of restaurants. Beaches: These are the glory of Seychelles. Each of its 70 beaches has a different character, the rock formations behind them are a dramatic contrast and a beautiful backdrop for the architectural elegance of the hotels. The east coast has long beaches such as Anse Marie-Louise, but there are also many small beaches. Anse Intendence is on the south coast. Most beaches are perfectly safe but it is advisable to check on local conditions. Some of the popular beaches are Anse a la Mouche, AVANI RESORT & SPA, Port Glaud, and Port Launay Marine National Park. There are strong currents off Anse Takamaka. Slightly north is Baie Lazare, with its dramatic granite backdrop. The king of the beaches is Beau Vallon in the north of the island which is full of life at all times. This is lined up with hotels which offer watersports and diving facilities. Many local eating places are also around this area.

Discover Seychelles

A la Découverte des les

MAHÉ Mahé est la principale île des Seychelles et sans aucun doute l’une des îles les plus belles et les plus imposantes du monde. C’est la plus grande et la plus haute île couvrant une superficie de 158 km2 et s’élevant à 905 mètres à Morne Seychellois. Elle mesure 27 km de long et 7 km de large. Environ 90% de la population seychelloise vit à Mahé, concentrée au Nord autour de Victoria la capitale et sur les terres plates gagnées sur la mer à la côte Est. Beau Vallon est la plage la plus fréquentée des Seychelles bien qu’encore relativement peu encombrée par rapport à d’autres destinations. Loin de la capitale et des hôtels animés existe toujours une paix et une beauté extraordinaires qu’on trouve le long de la côte et dans la grandeur des montagnes. Pour vous y rendre: Mahé est desservi par voie aérienne et maritime. L’Aéroport international de Mahé est au Sud de Victoria et accueille de nombreux vols réguliers en provenance d’Europe, d’Afrique, du Golfe et d’Asie. Il n’existe aucun transport régulier de passagers par mer, mais des navires de croisière visitent Victoria occasionnellement et de nombreux yachts et petites embarcations marchandes y font régulièrement escale. Déplacement: Victoria est la capitale et l’île est bien desservie par un bon réseau routier qui l’encercle et la az. Pour explorer Mahé, il est recommandé de louer une voiture pour au moins une journée. Les bus sont peu coûteux, mais plutôt destinés à la circulation locale. Les taxis sont assez bons mais chers. Excursions sur l’île: Le point de départ pour de nombreuses excursions est le quai de la Marine Charter Association, à côté du Yacht Club. Les bacs de Praslin partent d’Inter-island Quay. Hébergement: L’ile dispose d’une infrastructure touristique sophistiquée. Tous les établissements touristiques sont autorisés par la loi. Les visiteurs ont plusieurs options allant des hôtels 5 étoiles à de petites auberges en passant par des hôtels 3 étoiles. Il en existe beaucoup d’autres offrant divers degrés de confort et de qualité. Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Victoria, la capitale nationale avec une population d’environ 20 000 personnes, s’étale autourd’une grande baie au pied de Trois Frères. Elle est le centre économique et administratif de l’île.

Tropical beach Baie Lazare in Mahé island, Seychelles.

La tour de l’horloge au centre-ville est une réplique de l’horloge dans le centre de Londres au carrefour de l’avenue Vauxhall Bridge et de la rue

Victoria. Érigée comme un monument commémoratif de la reine Victoria en 1903, la tour de l’horloge des Seychelles est aujourd’hui plus naturellement associée à la déclaration des Seychelles comme colonie de la couronne distincte de Maurice, au cours de la même année. Le Monument bicentenaire en dehors du centre de la vieille ville représente les trois continents. Il y a trois musées nationaux, le Musée national d’histoire dans les bâtiments des archives nationales sur la rue Francis Rachel Street et l’avenue State House, qui abrite des objets historiques, l’un d’eux étant l’original de la “pierre commémorant la prise de l’île,” posée en 1756 en signe de revendication des îles par la France. Sur la rue Francis Rachel se trouve également le Musée du Parti uni du peuple des Seychelles où sont exposées des photographies et des armes retraçant l’histoire du parti. Le Musée d’histoire naturelle sur Independence Avenue célèbre l’exceptionnelle flore et faune de l’archipel. Les jardins botaniques sont sur la rue Mont Fleuri, à côté de l’hôpital. Courses: Il y a des groupes de magasins et de boutiques près des feux de circulation et de la station des taxis, ainsi que dans la galerie sur la rue Francis Rachel. Le marché récemment rénové de Sir Selwyn Clarke est renommé pour son ambiance colorée.Le nouveau centre commercial à l’île d’Eden vaut une visite pour des vêtements, des articles d’épicerie et d’une variété de restaurants. Plages: Elles représentent la splendeur des Seychelles. Chacune de ses 70 plages a des particularités différentes, les formations rocheuses à l’arrièreplan créent un contraste spectaculaire et une magnifique toile de fond pour l’élégance architecturale des hôtels. La côte Est possède de longues plages comme Anse Marie-Louise, mais il y a aussi de nombreuses petites plages. Anse Intendence se trouve sur la côte Sud. La sécurité sur la plupart des plages est bien assurée, mais il est prudent de vérifier les conditions locales. Certaines des plages populaires sont Anse à la Mouche, AVANI RESORT & SPA, Port Glaud et le Parc national marin de Port Launay. Les courants sont forts au large d’Anse des Takamaka. Légèrement au Nord se trouve Baie Lazare, avec son spectaculaire granite en toile de fond. Le roi des plages est Beau Vallon au Nord de l’île, qui est toujours pleine de vie. Elle est bordée d’hôtels qui offrent des sports nautiques et équipements de plongée sous-marine. Cette zone compte également plusieurs restaurants locaux.

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Discover Seychelles

A la Découverte des les Anse Patates

ISLAND OF SUN AND SHADOW

Anse Sévére

La Digue is the third-largest island in terms of population and fourthlargest granite island of Seychelles. It lies 50 kilometres from Mahé and four-and-a-half kilometres from Praslin and has an area of 10 square kilometres.

Getting around: There are a few motor vehicles on the roads where bicycles and ox carts are still the main forms of transport. There is a limited taxi service. Island Excursion: One can go on a boat trip or a diving trip around La Digue for one day or half a day. Several licensed tour guides offer tours taking in panoramic views, forest trails and spectacular beaches. What to do and see: La Digue is known for its beaches, especially Anse Source d’Argent and Grand Anse. The Seychelles paradise flycatcher is the symbol of La Digue and the Veuve Reserve at La Passe is one of the best places to see this beautiful bird (entrance is free). A visitor’s centre at the reserve entrance provides information on the birds and the warden can give useful pointers as to where you can find them. Inland from the reserve is Chateau St Cloud, a grand house built at the height of the Napoleonic wars and once at the heart of a vanilla plantation. It is now a small hotel. Towards the end of the 19th century vanilla was the most profitable Seychelles export and La Digue was the centre of production. Where to stay: There are a number of guesthouses small hotels and a few restaurants to give the visitor the flavour of authentic Seychellois Creole food.

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Choppy’s Bungalows La Digue Island Lodge Bernique LA Réunion

VEV RESERVE

L’ UNION Anse Union

CAP BAYARD

La Digue est la troisième des îles les plus grandes en termes de population et la quatrième des plus grandes îles granitiques des Seychelles. Elle se trouve à 50 km de Mahé et à 4,5 km de Praslin, avec une superficie de 10 km2.

Anse Grosse Roche Anse Banane

NID D’ AIGLES

Anse Fourmis

BELLE VUE

Anse Caiman

ROCHE BOIS

Anse Cocos LA RETRAITE Petite Anse

Anse Source D’ Argent

Grande Anse

Grande L’ Anse

Anse aux Cédres Anse Bonnet Carré

Anse Marron

La douceur de la vie locale et les belles maisons de style colonial bien préservées entourées de palmiers et d’autres types de verdure tropicale, racontent l’histoire d’une époque meilleure et agréable qui peut encore être appréciée sur cette île où le temps a semblé filé rapidement. Pour vous y rendre: Il n’y a pas d’aéroport sur La Digue. Pour y arriver à partir d’un autre pays, il faut tout d’abord transiter par Mahé puis aller à Victoria. Un ferry fait une navette directe d’Inter Island Quay à La Digue une fois par jour. Sinon, un ferry plus fréquent entre Mahé et Praslin est relayé par un service régulier entre Praslin et La Digue. Un service d’hélicoptère est également disponible. Déplacement: On voit quelques automobiles sur les routes mais les bicyclettes et charettes à bœufs restent les principaux modes de transports. Le service de taxi est limité.

Anse Songe

Anse Pierrot

Excursion sur l’île: Le visiteur peut faire une promenade en bateau ou une plongée sous-marine autour de La Digue pour une journée ou une demi-journée. Plusieurs guides autorisés proposent des randonnées pour admirer des vues panoramiques, des sentiers en forêt et des plages spectaculaires.

INDIAN OCEAN

Getting there: There is no airport on La Digue; to get there from a different country, one first has to fly to Mahé and travel to Victoria. A ferry operates once per day from the Inter Island Quay direct to La Digue. Alternatively, a more frequent ferry from Mahé to Praslin links with a regular service from there to La Digue. helicopter charter is also available.

LA PASSE

Anse La Rénion

The relaxed rhythm of local life and the beautiful, well preserved colonialstyle houses surrounded by palms and the other tropical greenery, tell of a more gracious and gentler age one that can still be enjoyed on this island that time seems to have passed by.

ÎLE DE SOLEIL ET D’OMBRE

Anse Gaulettes

Ce qu’il y a à faire et à voir: La Digue est renommée pour ses plages, Anse Source d’Argent et Grand Anse en particulier. Le Tchitrec des Seychelles est le symbole de La Digue et Veuve Natural Reserve à La Passe est l’un des meilleurs endroits pour observer ce bel oiseau (l’entrée est libre). Un centre d’accueil à l’entrée de la réserve fournit des informations aux visiteurs sur les oiseaux et le préposé donne des conseils utiles quant à l’endroit où on peut les trouver. A l’intérieur de la réserve se trouve Château St Cloud, une maison majestueuse construite au plus fort des guerres napoléoniennes et située, à une certaine époque, au cœur d’une plantation de vanille. Elle est maintenant un petit hôtel. Vers la fin du 19 ème siècle la vanille était le produit d’exportation le plus rentable des Seychelles et La Digue en était le centre de production. Hébergement: Il y a un certain nombre d’auberges, petits hôtels et quelques restaurants qui permettent au visiteur de déguster la saveur de la cuisine seychelloise créole authentique.

An experience to remember! Distinctly Seychellois

Discover Seychelles

A la Découverte des les SILHOUETTE ISLAND SPECIAL RESERVE

THE ENCHANTED ISLE Anse Mondon

The pristine beauty of Silhouette testifies that nature strives to be protective of its wonders. Silhouette lies 20 kilometres northwest of Mahé. It is the third largest granitic island, with an area of 20 square kilometres. Mount Dauban rises to 740 metres and Silhouette is the second highest island in Seychelles. Getting there: There are ferries between Mahé and Silhouette Island, operated by the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa. Ferries make three round trips every day. A jetty was built at La Passe and remains the only landing point on the island to this day. Where to stay: Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort is located on two and a half kilometres of beautiful, white, sandy beach and framed by towering peaks of lush, rainforest clad mountains, providing a secluded haven ideal for nature lovers. The only other accommodation option on the island is the La Belle Tortue Lodge which hosts a mere 15 guests in intimate surrounds and offering a distinct island-style experience. What to see and do: Silhouette’s only settlement is the village of La Passe, on the island’s western coast. The island has well maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore beaches and some of the rainforest. Near the Grande Case grounds lies a mausoleum, the final resting place of several of the Dauban family members, the former owners of Silhouette. There is a Marine National Park, which is dedicated to environmental protection where you can admire the

INDIAN OCEAN

Anse Mondon

Baie Cipailles DANS L’ INDE GRANDE CONGOMAN

DANS GIROFFE

Anse La Passe

Hilton Labriz

Mont Dauban 740m

GLACIS NOEL

Pointe Étienne JARDIN MARRON

Anse Cimitére

GRATTE FESSE

Grande Machabée

Anse Lascars

RENDE D ‘AVANCE

Anse Lascars Anse Grand Barbe

Grande Barbe

Anse Patates

Grande Passe Petit Passe

Silhouette spectacular biodiversity and nature experiences with endemic plants and impressive mountains. The Island Conservation Society runs a centre on the island, protecting the flora and fauna and conducting nature tours. Most of the 75 endemic plants of the granitic islands are found on Silhouette. You can also meet Seychelles giant tortoises at the conservation-breeding farm. There are hiking trails and you can try exciting watersports including kayaking and diving at Hilton Labriz Eco-Concept PADI diving centre. If you are fond of fishing then try game fishing, a popular sport.

L’ÎLE ENCHANTÉE

La beauté immaculée de Silhouette démontre que la nature s’efforce de protéger ses merveilles. Silhouette est située à 20 kilomètres au Nord-Ouest de Mahé. C’est la troisième grande île granitique, avec une superficie de 20 km2. Mont Dauban s’élève à 740 mètres et Silhouette est la deuxième île la plus haute des Seychelles. Pour vous y rendre: Il y a des ferrys entre Mahé et l’Ile Silhouette, exploités par le Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa. Ils font trois allers-retours tous les jours. Une jetée a été construite à La Passe et reste le seul point de débarquement sur l’île à ce jour.

OPEN ISLAND

Getting there: The island is 15 minutes by boat from Mahé.

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Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: La seule agglomération de Silhouette est le village de La Passe, sur la côte Ouest de l’île. L’île a des sentiers bien entretenus, permettant aux visiteurs d’explorer les plages et certaines des forêts tropicales. Près du domaine de la Grande Case se trouve un mausolée, la dernière demeure de plusieurs membres de la famille Dauban, anciens propriétaires de Silhouette. Il y a un parc national marin, qui est consacré à la protection de l’environnement où on peut admirer la biodiversité spectaculaire et vivre l’expérience de la nature avec des plantes endémiques et des montagnes majestueuses. La Société pour la conservation de l’ile gère un centre qui assure la protection de la flore et la faune, et organise des excursions dans la nature. La plupart des 75 plantes endémiques des îles granitiques se trouvent à Silhouette. Vous pouvez également croiser les tortues géantes des Seychelles à la ferme d’élevage pour la conservation. Vous y trouverez des sentiers de randonnée pédestre et vous pouvez vous essayer aux passionnants sports nautiques comme le kayak et la plongée sous-marine au centre de plongée sous-marine Eco-Concept PADI de l’hôtel Hilton Labriz. Si vous êtes friand de pêche, essayez la pêche sportive, un sport populaire.

L’ÎLE OUVERTE © BAKUSOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The lush Cerf Island is on the north coast, at the edge of the marine park. It is more than one-and-ahalf kilometres long and almost one kilometre wide. It has a superb coral reef, ideal for snorkeling or scuba diving. The interior is home to giant tortoises and fruit bats. Restaurants serve excellent Créole food and offer excellent barbecue spreads for daytrippers.

Hébergement: L`hôtel Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort est situé sur 2km et demi d`une belle plage de sable blanc et entouré par de hautes crêtes de montagnes et de forêts luxuriantes offrant un havre de paix idéal pour les amoureux de la nature. La seule autre option d`hébergement sur l`île est la Belle Tortue Lodge qui accueille seulement 15 invités dans un cadre intimiste offrant une expérience insulaire unique. .

La luxuriante Île au Cerf est située sur la côte Nord, à la périphérie du parc marin. Elle est de plus de 1,5 km de long et d’environ 1 km de large. Elle a un superbe récif de corail, idéal pour la plongée libre ou la plongée sous-marine. L’intérieur accueille des tortues géantes et des chauves-souris frugivores. Les restaurants servent une excellente cuisine créole et offrent d’excellentes tartinades à la sauce barbecue pour les excursionnistes. Pour vous y rendre: L’île est à 15 minutes de Mahé en bateau.

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Eden Island is a private residential marina development situated just off the coast of Mahé. It features a range of 580 freehold title luxury apartments, spacious maisons and private villas, each with its own mooring, it also offers owners the opportunity to qualify for residency of the Seychelles.

the islands’ French, Victorian and Indian ancestry. For more information, contact Christopher Nel on +248 43 46 000, visit the island yourself or visit www.edenisland.sc

The over 56 hectares of land and private waterways hosts a myriad of upmarket facilities. These include a full service deep water marina capable of handling super-yachts up to 100 metres in size, a commercial precinct as well as a clubhouse hosting a gym and a tennis court, child friendly play areas and a world class shopping centre. There are several restaurants offering a variety of Indian, international and local cuisine.

L’ÎLE D’EDEN

The overall style of the island is distinctly rooted in the Seychelles vernacular, drawing inspiration from

Getting there: A bridge joins the island to the mainland of Mahé.

L’Ile d’Eden est un aménagement d’un port de plaisance unique situé juste au large de la côte de Mahé. Composé d’une propriété résidentielle privée qui consiste en 580 appartements de luxe, maisons spacieuses et villas privées, toutes avec leur propre mur d’amarrage, les propriétaires sont éligibles à la résidence des Seychelles. La propriété a quatre plages privées, une salle de gym et une cour de tennis avec un syndicat de location pleinement opérationnel.

EDEN ISLAND

Sur une étendue de 56 hectares de terres et de voies navigables, l’Ile d’Eden offre tellement plus. Elle abrite une marina internationale capable d’accueillir de grands yachts mesurant jusqu’à 100m de long avec tous les services et équipements d’une installation de niveau international. Eden Plaza, avec sa variété de magasins, de restaurants, un casino et un grand supermarché, offre des installations médicales, des banques,

un centre thermal de beauté et beaucoup, beaucoup plus. L’hôtel et centre de conférence Eden Bleu, dont l’ouverture est prévue pour novembre 2014, est un hôtel ultra moderne situé au cœur de l’Ile d’Eden. Une visite aux Seychelles n’est pas complète sans une visite à l’île d’Eden. Visiter www.edenisland.sc Pour vous y rendre: Un pont relie l’île au continent de Mahé

“Why just improve on what’s been done before, when you can totally reimagine it.”

The Residence Three room retreat. Separate living room. Ensuite shower room. Double bedroom. Personal Butler. Flying Reimagined. etihad.com #Reimagined Etihad Airways’ new A380 - now flying London to Abu Dhabi.

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LA RÉSERVE NATURELLE DE L’ÎLE D’ARIDE

L’île d’Aride est la plus nordique des îles granitiques, à 10 kilomètres au Nord de Praslin avec 68 hectares de superficie. C’est une réserve naturelle, propriété de la Société pour la conservation de l’ile des Seychelles. Compte tenu de sa superficie et de son isolement, il faut une excursion d’une journée entière, mais cela veut aussi dire que, par rapport aux randonnées sur d’autres îles, il y a moins de personnes et plus de temps pour savourer la beauté du site, prendre des photos, nager, faire de la plongée libre, explorer ou se détendre. Pour vous y rendre: L’Ile d’Aride est ouverte aux visiteurs du lundi au vendredi. Des visites les samedis et dimanches sont possibles par arrangement préalable avec la direction de l’île. Beaucoup des grands hôtels de Praslin et des propriétaires de bateaux privés offrent des excursions sur Aride. Le site internet de l’Ile d’Aride présente une liste complète d’opérateurs (www.arideisland.com). Les visites peuvent aussi se faire par auto-voilier ou par hélicoptère privé affrété.

ARIDE ISLAND NATURE RESERVE Aride Island is the most northerly of the granitic islands, 10 kilometres north of Praslin and 68 hectares in area. It is a nature reserve, owned by Island Conservation Society of Seychelles. Its size and relative isolation means that a full day trip is required but this also means, compared to other island trips, fewer people and more time to savour the beauty of the place, take photographs, swim, snorkel, explore or relax. Getting there: Aride Island is open to visitors Monday-Friday. Visits on Saturday and Sunday are possible by prior arrangement with the Island Manager. Many of the large Praslin hotels and private boat owners offer excursions to Aride. The Aride Island website features a comprehensive list of operators (www.arideisland.com). Visits can also be made by self-sail boat or by private helicopter charter. When to go: Aride is open to visitors Monday to Friday all year round. Sometimes it is difficult to land

especially during May to September. If in doubt, call the Island Manager to check local conditions (tel: 2719778). What to see and do: Aride has the world’s largest population of three bird species; tropical shearwater, lesser noddy and Seychelles warbler. It has more seabirds of more species than the other 40 granite islands of Seychelles combined and five of the twelve endemic land birds of Seychelles, while plants include the beautiful fragrant-flowering shrub Wright’s gardenia, found naturally nowhere else on earth. Historical interest includes one of the few remaining island plantation houses and a traditional pirogue (once the main form of inter-island transport). A nature trail leads through a small plantation area then turns uphill. The view from the summit is stunning. Nowhere else is it possible to look down upon thousands of roosting frigatebirds, while in the clear turquoise waters below, rays, turtles and dolphins may be seen.

AUX CABRIS

GLACIS MACOAS

COLLINE VACOAS

COMPLAGE

AUX PENICHES

DANS PATATRAN

Quand y aller: Aride est ouverte aux visiteurs du lundi au vendredi toute l’année. Il est parfois difficile d’atterrir particulièrement pendant les mois de mai à septembre. En cas de doute, appeler le gérant de l’île pour vérifier les conditions locales (tél: 2719778).

INDIAN OCEAN

BOURBON

COLLINE LAFOUCHE GLACIS LAVE

Ti l’ Anse COLLINE MARIE COLLINE ÉLYSÉE

La Pointe L’ Anse 34 | Silhouette Vol 26 No 2

Cote Désiré

Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Aride a la plus grande population au monde de trois espèces d’oiseaux tropicaux, le puffin, le noddy marianne et la fauvette des Seychelles. Elle abrite plus d’espèces d’oiseaux de mer que les quarante autres îles granitiques des Seychelles combinées et cinq des douze oiseaux terrestres endémiques des Seychelles, tandis que parmi les plantes on y trouve le beau gardénia de Wright un arbrisseau parfumé et fleurissant qui n’existe nulle part ailleurs au monde à l’état naturel. Les amoureux de l’histoire peuvent admirer les quelques maisons de la plantation de l’île qui existent encore et une pirogue traditionnelle (c’était le principal moyen de transport inter-îles à une certaine époque). Un sentier naturel passe à travers une petite plantation puis vire en montée. La vue depuis le sommet est époustouflante. Nulle part ailleurs est-il possible d’admirer d’en haut des milliers de frégatidés perchés, et des raies, des tortues et des dauphins dans les eaux turquoises en bas.

A small hotel with a big heart

The Coco D’or Hotel, is built on 3 hectares of lush tropical land, on the north west coast of Mahé. The hotel is a mere four minutes walk from Beau Vallon, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. The Coco D’or sets itself apart from other hotels in Seychelles by virtue of its location, amenities and unparalled service philosophy. 27 appointed rooms and suites, each with a private bath, balcony, terrace and/or living room are divided into two categories:Standard room Deluxe suites

24 rooms with a verandah and tropical garden, 6 rooms with a terrace and 2 with a lounge. 3 rooms with a private patio terrace and mountain and garden view, two bathrooms, a kitchenette and a separate living room.

Coco D’or Hotel & Restaurant • T/A Nalini R. Properties (Pty) Ltd Beau Vallon, Mahé, Seychelles • P.O. Box 526 Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles Phone: +248 4247331 • Fax: +248 4247454 • E-mail: cocodor@seychelles.sc

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L’ÎLE D’HIER ET D’AUJOURD’HUI L’île Cousin a été une réserve naturelle depuis 1968, lorsqu’il fut acheté par la Royal Society for Nature Conservation. En 2003, la propriété a été transférée à BirdLife International et aujourd’hui, elle est gérée par son partenaire local, Nature Seychelles. C’est un paradis pour les oiseaux marins et terrestres uniques y compris des espèces menacées d’extinction.

THE ONCE AND FUTURE ISLAND Cousin Island has been a nature reserve since 1968, when it was bought by the Royal Society for Nature Conservation. In 2003, ownership was transferred to BirdLife International and today it is managed by their local partner, Nature Seychelles. It is a haven for seabirds and unique land birds including endangered species. Getting there: This is the most popular island trip for tourists staying at Praslin, with tours offered by many hotels, guesthouses and private boat operators. When to go: The island is open to visitors Monday to Friday excluding Public Holidays from 0930 until 1230.

What to do and see: It is a place of pilgrimage for both dedicated ornithologists and casual day-trippers: there they can find the Seychelles warbler, Seychelles magpie-robin and Seychelles fody, which are found elsewhere only on a handful of rat-free islands. Madagascar turtle doves (possibly including the endemic form with the red head) and Seychelles sunbirds are also present. Seabirds abound on Cousin, with more than 250,000 birds coming to nest every year. These are brown noddies, lesser noddies, wedge-tailed shearwaters, tropical shearwaters, bridled terns, as well as fairy terns, one of the symbols of Seychelles, seen on the livery of Air Seychelles. There are also interesting geckos, giant tortoises introduced from Aldabra, and hawksbill turtles which lay their eggs above the tide line of the beach.

Pour vous y rendre: C’est la plus populaire randonnée vers une île pour les touristes séjournant à Praslin, avec des excursions offertes par de nombreux hôtels, auberges et opérateurs de bateaux privés. Quand y aller: L’île est ouverte aux visiteurs du lundi au vendredi sauf les jours fériés de 09h30 jusqu’à 12h30.

MOYENNE ISLAND NATIONAL PARK

LE PARC NATIONAL DE L’ILE MOYENNE

At just nine hectares, Moyenne Island may be the world’s smallest National Park. Owned by Moyenne Foundation, a private NGO, it lies within the Ste Anne Marine National Park and is the only island of the group open to day visitors.

Avec une superficie de 9 hectares, l’Ile Moyenne est probablement le plus petit parc national au monde. Propriété de Moyenne Foundation, une ONG privée, elle se trouve au Parc national marin de Ste Anne et est la seule île du groupe ouverte aux visiteurs venus pour la journée.

What to do and see: Despite its diminutive size, it is an environmental treasure trove. Some 40 endemic plants are represented, more than half of those unique to the granitic islands. Moyenne is the only place on earth other than Vallée de Mai where all six of the palms unique to Seychelles can be seen. Moyenne also has a population of more than 2,000 birds, 100 giant tortoises and about 20 hawksbill turtles that haul themselves ashore at Pirate Cove each year. Perhaps pirates were the earliest human inhabitants and graves of mysterious origin may date from this era. There are also tales of ghosts that bang on windows and doors or trudge from the cemetery around midnight, eloquently told in the book A Grain of Sand.

Ce qu’il y a à faire et à voir: Malgré sa taille minuscule, l’île est un trésor écologique. Environ 40 plantes endémiques sont représentées, plus de la moitié étant uniques aux îles granitiques. Moyenne est le seul endroit au monde autre que Vallée de Mai où tous les six palmiers uniques aux Seychelles peuvent être observés. Moyenne a également une population de plus de 2 000 oiseaux, 100 tortues géantes et chaque année environ 20 tortues imbriquées se hissent sur la rive à Pirates Cove. Les pirates étaient peutêtre les premiers habitants humains de l’île et des tombes d’origine mystérieuse dateraient de cette époque. Il y a aussi des contes de fantômes qui frappent sur les fenêtres et les portes ou se traînent du cimetière aux environs de minuit, éloquemment contées dans le livre A Grain of Sand.

Getting there: The island is 20 minutes by boat from Mahé.

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Ce qu’il y a à faire et à voir: C’est un lieu de pèlerinage pour les ornithologues dévoués et excursionnistes occasionnels : ils peuvent y trouver la fauvette des Seychelles, le shama des Seychelles et le foudy des Seychelles, qu’on ne trouve ailleurs que sur une poignée d’îles dératisées. Les tourterelles de Madagascar (y compris probablement la forme endémique avec la tête rouge) et les souimanga des Seychelles sont aussi présents. Les oiseaux abondent sur Cousin, plus de 250 000 oiseaux venant y nicher chaque année. Ces sont les noddi bruns, les noddi mariannes, les puffins fouquets, les puffins tropicaux, les sternes bridées, ainsi que les sternes néréis, l’un des symboles des Seychelles, illustré sur la livrée d’Air Seychelles. Il y a aussi des geckos intéressants, des tortues géantes introduites d’Aldabra, et des tortues imbriquées qui pondent leurs œufs au-delà de la ligne de marée de la plage.

Pour vous y rendre: L’île est à 20 minutes de Mahé en bateau.

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INDIAN OCEAN BANC

Sooty Tern Colony

Bird Island Lodge

STRICTLY FOR THE BIRDS Bird Island is the northernmost island in the Seychelles archipelago and is a nature lover’s paradise. From the air you get the first stunning impressions of this 70 hectares coral cay. Getting there: A 30 minutes flight from Mahé by light aircraft operates daily. What to see and do: The east and south sides of the island are surrounded by a protective barrier reef which is home to many varieties of colourful fish and the rest is an open beach which offers superb safe swimming. The island offers some of the best game fishing in the country. Dolphins are regularly observed in the surrounding waters. With close to one million pairs of Sooty Terns

coming to the northern end of the island to breed present mainly from March to September, and a resident population of Noddy and Fairy Terns, the island is an ornithologists dream. Many rare migrant birds are recorded, especially during October to December. Bird Island is also home to former Guinness World Record holder Esmeralda, said to be the heaviest Aldabra giant tortoise in the world living in the wild. Where to stay: Bird Island Lodge offers guests a choice of 24 comfortable and spacious bungalows. A true haven from today’s busy world, there are no telephones or televisions and the emphasis is very much on relaxation and being at one with the nature around you.

Where to stay: Cousine Island Resort and Spa is a small luxury resort, with three villas catering to a maximum of eight people.

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Getting there: Guests of the exclusive resort on the island arrive by boat or 15 minutes flight by helicopter from Mahé, and five minutes from Praslin. What to see and do: The island has a profusion of wildlife including a systematic rehabilitation programme which was introduced to restore the island including the planting of thousands of native trees, the protection of the huge seabird colonies and the reintroduction of endemic birds. Relax at the lodge or take a nature walk with a resident ecologist or go on a guided snorkeling expedition and observe teeming schools of tropical fish.

GROS LA TÉTE

STRICTEMENT POUR LES OISEAUX L’île aux Oiseaux se situe à l’extrême Nord de l’archipel des Seychelles et c’est un paradis pour les amoureux de la nature. Une vue aérienne vous donne les premières impressions fantastiques de ces 70 hectares de sable de corail.

PARADIS RÉCUPÉRÉ

PARADISE Cousine Island is a small granitic island, 25 hectares in size and six kilometres west of Praslin. There are very few islands anywhere in the world that have survived intact as Cousine has done and it is one of the biggest conservation success stories of the Indian Ocean.

IRS

Cousine est une petite île granitique de vingt-cinq hectares, située à six kilomètres à l’Ouest de Praslin. Il y a très peu d’îles au monde ayant survécu intactes à l’instar de Cousine et c’est l’un des plus grands succès de conservation dans l’océan Indien.

Pour vous y rendre: Il y a un vol quotidien de 30 minutes à partir de Mahé par avion léger. Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: L’Est et le Sud de l’île sont entourés d’une barrière de corail, foyer de nombreuses variétés de poissons colorés; le reste étant une superbe plage ouverte où l’on peut se baigner en toute sécurité. L’île offre certains des meilleurs jeux de pêche du pays. Les dauphins sont régulièrement observés dans les eaux environnantes. Près d’un million couples de sternes fuligineuses venues du Nord de l’île pour se reproduire, présentes principalement de mars à septembre, et une population permanente d’anous et de sternes néréis, c’est une île de rêve pour les ornithologues. De nombreux oiseaux migrateurs rares sont enregistrés, en particulier pendant les mois d’octobre à décembre. L’île aux Oiseaux est aussi le domicile d’Esmeralda, ancienne titulaire d’un record du monde Guinness, elle serait la tortue géante Aldabra la plus lourde au monde vivant létat sauvage. Hébergement: Bird Island Lodge offre à ses clients un choix de 24 bungalows spacieux et confortables. Un vrai refuge pour s’échapper du monde mouvementé d’aujourd’hui, il n’y a ni téléphones ni télévisions et l’accent est mis sur la détente et la communion avec la nature autour de vous.

Pour vous y rendre: Les clients du complexe exclusif de l’île arrivent par bateau ou par hélicoptère sur un vol de 15 minutes à partir de Mahé, et de 5 minutes à partir de Praslin. Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: L’île a une diversité de faune, et un programme systématique de réhabilitation a été mis en place pour restaurer l’île, qui consiste en la plantation de milliers d’arbres indigènes, la protection d’immenses colonies d’oiseaux de mer et la réintroduction d’oiseaux endémiques. Vous pourrez vous détendre à l’hôtel ou aller en promenade dans la nature avec un écologue résident ou faire une plongée guidée et observer des bancs de poissons tropicaux. Hébergement: Cousine Island Resort and Spa est un petit complexe hôtelier de luxe, avec trois villas accueillant un maximum de huit personnes.

Baie Chevalier Anse Lazio SAVOIE

INDIAN OCEAN Anse Boudin

Anse Boudin Anse Anse Takamaka Petit Anse Cour Possession ANSE PETITE COUR PASQUIERE

NEWCOME JALOUSIE

Anse Kerlan

Anse Volbert PROVIDENCE

AIR

Anse Kerian

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ST RIP

PLAIN HOLLANDAISE

Grande Anse

SALAZIE

NOUVELLE DECOUVERT Fond de L’ Anse

Anse Volbert

COTE D’OR

VALEE DE MAI

Anse Bateau

Grande Anse Anse Anse Madge Bonnet Carre

NATIONAL PARK FOND AZORE

Anse Citron

Anse Matelot

Baie St. Anne

Baie St. Anne Anse L’ Amour

Petite Anse

Anse La Farine îLE RONDE

ST. SAUVEUR FOND DALBARETZ

Anse St. Sauveur Anse Takamaka CONSOLATION Anse Cimitiere Anse Anse Bois Marie de Rose Louise Anse Consolation

Petite Anse

PRASLIN Located 40 kilometres north of Mahé, Praslin is Seychelles’ second largest island and is also home to the archipelago’s second largest population of around 7,000. Apart from its sublimely beautiful beaches, some of which are regularly ranked among the best in the world, Praslin is perhaps best known for its Vallée de Mai, one of Seychelles’ two UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) World Heritage Sites where the legendary double-lobed coconut, the coco de mer, grows on towering palms in an ancient, hidden glade. Thirty-seven square kilometres in size, Praslin measures 11 kilometres in length and five-and-a-half across at its widest. The island is a mere 15 minute’s flight from Mahé via Air Seychelles’ domestic airline and one hour by fast, inter-island catamaran ferry. Helicopters are also available for charter through Zil Air. A ferry operates throughout the day between Praslin and neighbouring La Digue. Getting around: There are several different types of car hires available and a taxi rank at the airport. A bus

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service runs between 0530 and 1900 hours with a special Sunday service. Island Excursions: There are regular boat excursions to Praslin’s neighbouring islands such as St. Pierre, a tiny rock island popular for its spectacular coral reef and rich marine life and biodiversity hotspots Curieuse Island, Cousine and Aride.

Anne. Paths are well maintained and clearly marked, and nature trails lead you to all the interesting botanical species. Praslin is also home to the endemic Seychelles black parrot, the national bird of Seychelles, as well as to the beautiful Seychelles blue pigeon, among others.

Where to stay: Praslin boasts several excellent 5-Star hotels as well as a rich assortment of smaller hotels, islandstyle beach villas, guesthouses and self-caterings to give the visitor a flavour of the Seychellois Creole way of life.

Shopping: You can find a range of souvenirs in Praslin’s nooks and crannies as well as in the main town of Baie St. Anne, the airport and at the larger hotels. These include the fabulous coco de mer whose exportation requires a special licence alongside paintings, jewellery and sculptures.

What to see and do: The island is well served by roads especially along the northern, south and south-western coasts and also by frequent ferries to La Digue. The island is criss-crossed by a network of footpaths of which the most beautiful of all is through the Vallée de Mai, managed by Seychelles Islands Foundation and open from 0830 to 1630 hours. The entrance and Visitors Centre can be found on the road from Grand Anse to Baie St.

Beaches: Praslin’s beaches are of legendary beauty: golden sanded Anse Volbert, or Cote d’Or on the east coast; Anse Boudin and Anse Kerlan; Anse Lazio at the island’s northern most tip considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in the world and excellent for both swimming and snorkelling and Grand Anse, on the west coast. Baie Pasquiere, Anse Volbert and Baie St. Anne all have natural harbours.

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PRASLIN

Située à quarante kilomètres au Nord de Mahé, Praslin est la deuxième plus grande île des Seychelles et abrite la deuxième plus grande population de l’archipel, soit environ 7000 âmes. Hormis ses plages paradisiaques, dont certaines sont régulièrement classées parmi les meilleures au monde, Praslin est peut-être mieux connue pour sa Vallée de Mai, l’un des deux sites des Seychelles classés au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO où la légendaire noix de coco bilobée, le coco de mer, croit sur des palmiers imposants dans une ancienne clairière cachée. Avec 37 km2 de superficie, Praslin mesure 11 km de long et 5,5 km de large. L’île n’est qu’à quinze minutes de vol de Mahé sur un vol intérieur d’Air Seychelles et à une heure par ferry catamaran rapide inter-îles. Les hélicoptères sont aussi disponibles pour affrètement auprès de Zil Air. Un ferry opère tout au long de la journée entre Praslin et La Digue voisine. Déplacement: Il y a plusieurs types de voitures de location disponibles et une station de taxis à l’aéroport. Un service de bus effectue la liaison entre 5h30 et 19h, avec un service spécial le dimanche. Excursions sur l’île: Il y a des excursions régulières en bateau aux îles avoisinant Praslin comme St. Pierre, une petite île de rocher populaire pour son récif de corail spectaculaire et la richesse de son milieu marin et ses zones les plus riches en biodiversité, à savoir: les îles Curieuse, Cousine et Aride.

Beautiful beach with palm tree at Seychelles, Praslin, Cote d’Or.

Hébergement: Praslin possède plusieurs excellents hôtels 5 étoiles, ainsi qu’un riche assortiment de petits hôtels, villas de plage de style des îles,

auberges avec leurs propres installations de restauration pour donner au visiteur un parfum du mode de vie créole Seychellois. Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: L’île est bien desservie par un réseau routier en particulier le long des côtes du Nord, du Sud et du Sud-Ouest et également par des ferrys fréquents vers La Digue. L’île est sillonnée par un réseau de sentiers dont le plus beau passe par la Vallée de Mai, géré par la Seychelles Islands Foundation et ouvert de 08h30 à 16h30. L’entrée et le centre d’accueil aux visiteurs se trouvent sur la route de Grand Anse à Baie St. Anne. Les chemins sont bien entretenus et clairement marqués, les sentiers de nature vous mènent à toutes les espèces botaniques intéressantes. Praslin abrite aussi l’endémique perroquet noir des Seychelles, l’oiseau national des Seychelles, ainsi que de le beau founingo rougecap des Seychelles, entre autres. Courses: Le visiteur peut trouver une gamme de souvenirs dans les coins et recoins de Praslin de même que dans la ville principale de Baie St. Anne, à l’aéroport et dans les plus grands hôtels. La gamme comprend le fabuleux coco de mer dont l’exportation nécessite un permis spécial à côté de peintures, sculptures et bijoux. Plages: Les plages de Praslin sont d’une beauté légendaire: Anse Volbert au sable doré, ou Côte d’Or sur la côte Est; Anse Boudin et Anse Kerlan ; Anse Lazio à la pointe Nord de l’île que d’aucuns considèrent comme la plus belle plage au monde, excellente tant pour la natation que le snorkelling, et Grand Anse, sur la côte Ouest. Baie Pasquiere, Anse Volbert et Baie St. Anne ont toutes des ports naturels.

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Discover Seychelles

A la Découverte des les

ROUND ISLAND PRASLIN

L’ÎLE RONDE DE PRASLIN

Round Island Praslin lies just a short distance off Baie Ste Anne, Praslin. Round Island is accesible by helicopter or by boat. Only 20 guests can stay here at the same time. The small Round Island Resort merges with the forest and the hillside, comprising just one large main house and three luxurious villas. A boardwalk skirts the edge of the hill and climbs to the summit where there is a spectacular view of the islands.

L’île Ronde de Praslin se trouve à une courte distance de Baie Ste Anne, Praslin. Round Island est accesible par hélicoptère oupar bateau. Seulement vingt vous pourrez rester ici en même temps. La petite station balnéaire fusionne avec la forêt et le flanc de la colline, comprenant juste une seule grande maison principale et trois villas. Une promenade longe le bord de la colline et grimpe au sommet où il y a une vue spectaculaire sur les îles.

STE ANNE ET SON PARC NATIONAL MARIN

A cinq kilomètres de Mahé, Ste Anne couvre plus que deux kilomètres carrés. Le Parc national marin de Ste Anne comprend la zone de récifs qui entourent six îles granitiques sur quatorze kilomètres. Malheureusement de larges sections du corail ont souffert d’une hausse de température de la mer (attribuée en partie à El Nino, un événement exceptionnel de 1998), bien que certains montrent des signes de rétablissement. Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Créée en 1973, le Parc national marin de Ste Anne était l’un des premiers parcs nationaux marins de l’océan Indien. Il protège bien plus de 150 types de poissons et autres espèces marines. Naturellement, la pêche y est interdite, ainsi que la cueillette de coquillages et de coraux. Comme l’indique l’avis “N’emportez rien d’autre que des photographies et des souvenirs.” C’est probablement le principal site de reproduction de la tortue imbriquée des Seychelles.

STE ANNE AND ITS MARINE NATIONAL PARK Five kilometres from Mahé, Ste Anne covers more than two square kilometres. The Ste Anne Marine National Park includes the reef area surrounding six granite islands covering 14 kilometres. Unfortunately large sections of coral have suffered from a rise in sea temperatures (attributed partly to an exceptional El Nino event in 1998), although some are showing signs of recovery. What to see and do: Constituted in 1973, the Ste Anne Marine National Park was one of the first Marine National Parks in the Indian Ocean. It protects well over 150 types of fish and other marine life. Naturally, fishing is forbidden, as is collecting shells and coral. As the notice says, “Take away nothing but photographs and memories.” It is probably the main breeding site for hawksbill turtle in Seychelles. Getting there: Half day and full trips are arranged from Mahé. The best way to appreciate the wonders of the ocean is to make the trip by glass-bottomed boat, through which you can see shoals of colourful fish. Where to stay: Sainte Anne Resort, (managed by the International Company Beachcomber) is the only hotel on the island. The National Park is also accessible by day trips from Mahé.

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Anse Cabot

Grande Anse

Sante Anne Island

Anse Manon

Anse Mare jupe

Sante Resort & Spa

Anse Cimetiere INDIAN OCEAN

Pour vous y rendre: Des excursions d’une demi-journée et d’une journée sont organisées à partir de Mahé. La meilleure façon d’apprécier les merveilles de l’océan est de faire le voyage en bateau à fond de verre, à travers lequel vous pouvez voir des bancs de poissons colorés. Hébergement: Sainte Anne Resort, (géré par International Company Beachcomber) est le seul hôtel de l’île. Le Parc national est également accessible par des excursions d’un jour à partir de Mahé.

Discover Seychelles

A la Découverte des les

Anse Badamier

CURIEUSE MAIS CHARMANTE

CURIEUSE Baie Laraie

Anse St. Jose

Anse Papaie

Grande Anse

Mandarin CURIEUSE MARINE NATIONAL PARK

CURIOUS BUT DELIGHTFUL Curieuse Island is a small granitic island about two kilometres northeast of Praslin and about three kilometres in length. It was once known as Ile Rouge on account of its bare red earth. It is managed by the Seychelles National Marine Parks Authority (SNPA). Getting there: Through an organised trip from hotels on Praslin or local tour operators. Private yachts are also allowed. An entry fee is payable to SNPA (included in the cost of oganised tours). When to go: Open daily including public holidays. The ranger base is open from 8.00am to 5.00pm.

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What to see and do: Tours usually include a barbeque lunch and possibilities for snorkeling, birdwatching and hiking. There is a well-marked nature trail from Baie Laraie to Anse Jose and a trail to Anse Badamier. The mangrove swamp bordering Baie Laraie holds six of the seven species of mangroves known to Seychelles. A boardwalk built on piling goes through the swamp, allowing access even at high tide. The ruins of a former leper colony can be seen at Anse Jose where the doctor’s house has been converted into a museum. Hundreds of giant tortoises were introduced between 1978 and 1982 and there is a tortoise nursery where tortoises are nurtured until they are five years old, before being released into the wild. Curiuese is the only other natural home (apart from Praslin) of the legendary coco de mer.

Curieuse est une petite île granitique à près de deux kilomètres au Nord-Est de Praslin, d’environ trois kilomètres de longueur. Elle était une fois connue sous le nom d’île Rouge en raison de sa terre rouge nue. Elle est gérée par la Seychelles National Marine Parks Authority (SNPA). Pour vous y rendre: Grâce à une excursion organisée à partir d’hôtels sur l’île de Praslin ou avec des voyagistes locaux. Les yachts privés sont également autorisés. Un droit d’entrée est payable à la SNPA (inclus dans le coût des visites organisés). Quand y aller: Ouvert tous les jours y compris les jours fériés. La base des garde-forestiers est ouverte de 8h00 à 17h00. Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Les visites comprennent généralement un déjeuner barbecue et des possibilités pour faire de snorkeling, de l’observation d’oiseaux et de la randonnée. Il y a un sentier naturel bien-marqué de Baie Laraie à Anse Jose et une piste à Anse Badamier. Le marais de mangrove qui borde Baie Laraie contient six des sept espèces de mangroves connus à Seychelles. Une promenade construite sur pilotis passe à travers le marais, permettant l’accès même à marée haute. Les ruines d’une ancienne colonie de lépreux peuvent être vues à Anse Jose où la maison du médecin a été transformée en musée. Des centaines de tortues géantes ont été introduites entre 1978 et 1982 et il y a une nourricerie où les tortues sont élevées jusqu’à l’âge de cinq ans avant d’être relâchées dans la nature. Curieuse est le seul autre habitat naturel (en dehors de Praslin) du légendaire coco de mer.

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Travel just got better and all yours to experience. Office : (248) 439 1204 | (284) 439 1165 Mobile : +248 253 0804 www.airseychellesvip.com

IP STR

UN CORAIL JOYAU DE L’OCÉAN INDIEN

R JE OCH PIE AN E RR E

D BIL AN IM S BI

Discover Seychelles

ST S L’ E DAN

M BO URA N D ILL IEU E LA BO MÉ R EU E F

IN OC DIAN EA N

D Is en Lo landis dg e

B BL OIS AN C L CH ÉGL IN ISE OI SE

H GU ANG AN AR O O

D VA ANS RR E

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Over 50 hectares of woodland have been rehabilitated and the dense forested interior is a haven for the recently introduced endemic endangered avian species such as Seychelles fody, Seychelles warbler, Seychelles magpie robin and most recently Seychelles paradise flycatcher previously only found on La Digue. Seychelles blue pigeon also abound. The island’s vegetable and livestock farm and surrounding seas supply the hotel kitchen’s requirements. Where to stay: There is a private resort with 25 tasteful, elegant and secluded cottages each with its own private beachfront.

CORAL JEWEL OF THE INDIAN OCEAN Discovered in 1773, this croissant shaped coral hideaway of 152 hectares is a small green jewel perched on the northeasterly edge of the Seychelles bank. Denis Island is 60 kilometres north of Mahé. Getting there: The island is accessible by a 30-minute flight from Mahé. What to see and do: Idyllic white beaches surround the island; its sheltered lagoon provides unrivalled swimming opportunities and the crystal-clear waters harbour turtles and exotic marine life, the reef is perfect for snorkeling. The deep waters outside the reef allow for excellent diving, game, bottom and fly-fishing.

Dead tree on beach in Denis Island, Seychelles.

MAGIC LAGOONS, LONELY HORIZONS A tiny, triangle shaped island, Alphonse is 400 kilometres southwest of Mahé. Once a productive coconut plantation, little remains as a reminder of these days save for a few old buildings and the island’s cemetery near to Pointe Huto. Conservation is a high priority and a team of full time scientists and rangers from the Island Conservation Society are employed on rehabilitation and monitoring programmes. Getting there: One hour flight from Mahé. There is just one flight per week operating during the seven month flyfishing season (October to April).

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Découvert en 1773, ce refuge en corail en forme de croissant de 152 hectares est un petit bijou vert incrusté sur la berge Nord-Est des Seychelles. L’Ile de Denis est à soixante kilomètres au Nord de Mahé. Pour vous y rendre: L’île est accessible par un vol de 30 minutes de Mahé. Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Des plages idylliques de sable blanc entourent l’île; sa lagune abritée fournit des opportunités de natation sans égal et les eaux cristallines hébergent des tortues et autres espèces marines exotiques, le récif est parfait pour le snorkeling. Les eaux profondes en dehors du récif permettent d’excellentes plongées et une pêche sportive, de fond et à la mouche. Plus de 50 hectares de forêt ont été remises en état et la dense forêt intérieure est un paradis pour les espèces aviaires endémiques menacées récemment introduites telles que le foudy des Seychelles, la fauvette des Seychelles, le shama des Seychelles et plus récemment le tchitrec des Seychelles qu’on ne trouvait auparavant qu’uniquement à La Digue. Le founingo rougecap des Seychelles y abonde également. Les jardins potagers et la ferme de bétail de l’île ainsi que les mers environnantes approvisionnent suffisamment la cuisine de l’hôtel. Hébergement: Il y a un complexe privé avec vingt-cinq pavillons raffinés, élégants et isolés chacun avec sa propre plage privée.

LAGUNES MAGIQUES, HORIZONS SOLITAIRES What to see and do: The hotel specialises in fly-fishing. Other attractions include some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean, with forests of Gorgonian fan corals, huge schools of pelagic fish and many colourful reef fish. A short stretch of ocean, ominously named as Canal de Mort, separates Alphonse from picture perfect Bijoutier and the lagoon of St. Francois. A feature of St. Francois is the number of shipwrecks, standing as grim reminders of the perils of the sea. Both are very popular for fly-fishing. Where to stay: Alphonse Island Resort is the only hotel on the island.

Une île minuscule triangulaire, Alphonse est à 400 kilomètres au Sud-Ouest de Mahé. Autrefois une plantation productive de noix de coco, très peu reste de cette époque à part quelques vieux bâtiments et le cimetière de l’île près de Pointe Huto. La conservation est une grande priorité et une équipe de scientifiques et de gardes forestiers de la Société pour la conservation de l’ile sont employés à plein temps pour la réhabilitation et les programmes de surveillance. Pour vous y rendre: Une heure de vol à partir de Mahé . Il n’y a qu’un seul vol par semaine au cours de la saison de pêche à la mouche qui dure sept mois (octobre à avril).

Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: L’hôtel se spécialise en pêche à la mouche. D’autres attractions sont la meilleure plongée dans l’océan Indien, avec des forêts de gorgones ou éventails de mer, d’énormes bancs de poissons pélagiques et beaucoup de poissons multicolores de récifs. Un court tronçon de l’océan, sinistrement nommé Canal de Mort, sépare Alphonse de la photogénique Île Bijoutier et du lagon de St François. Une caractéristique de St. François est le nombre d’épaves, sombres souvenirs des périls de la mer. Les deux sont très populaires pour la pêche à la mouche. Hébergement: Alphonse Island Resort est le seul hôtel de l’île.

A la Découverte des les

ISLANDS OF THE ADMIRAL

LES ÎLES DE L’AMIRAL

Desroches Island is the largest island of the Amirantes, part of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. It is located 230 kilometres southwest of Mahé. It is six kilometres long and has an area of around three kilometres squares. Conservation programmes are managed by Island Conservation Society.

L’Île Desroches est la plus grande des îles Amirantes, et fait partie des îles périphériques des Seychelles. Elle est située à 230 kilomètres au Sud-Ouest de Mahé. Elle mesure 6 km de long et a une superficie de 3 km2. Les programmes de conservation sont gérés par la Société pour la conservation de l’île.

Getting there: 45 minutes by air from Mahé.

Pour vous y rendre: 45 minutes par avion de Mahé.

What to see and do: Guests can enjoy sailing, cycling, canoeing, windsurfing, snorkeling deep-sea fishing and diving. Desroches is famous for the Desroches Drop with its fantastic caves, which may be explored under the supervision of a PADI dive-master. There is also a small settlement, where there is a plantation providing much of the island’s requirements. Since 2009, a full time team of scientists and rangers from the Island Conservation Society is employed to monitor and protect the terrestrial and marine life.

Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Les visiteurs peuvent faire de la voile, du cyclisme, du canoë, de la planche à voile, de la plongée en apnée, de la pêche en haute mer et de la plongée sous-marine. Desroches est célèbre pour Desroches Drop avec ses fantastiques grottes qui peuvent être explorées sous la supervision d’un PADI Divemaster. Il y a aussi une petite colonie, avec une plantation qui couvre une bonne partie des besoins de l’île. Depuis 2009, une équipe à plein temps de scientifiques et garde-forestiers de la Société pour la conservation de l’île est employée pour contrôler et protéger la vie terrestre et marine.

Where to stay: Luxurious Desroches island Lodge is the only hotel on the island.

Hébergement: Luxurious Desroches Island Lodge est le seul hôtel de l’île.

MADAME ZABRE

Settlement DEUX COCOS

R AI

Desroches Island Lodge

P RI ST

DEUX RIDEAUX

LA POINTE PIMENT

INDIAN OCEAN

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Discover Seychelles

A la Découverte des les

A WORLD ALL ITS OWN

Where to stay: Frégate Island Private Resort, a holiday preserve for guests. There are 16 large residences (400-700 square metres) with private pools and exclusive whole island rental also available.

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GLACIS CAFOULE

Anse Victorin

GROS BOIS NOIR

Getting there: 12 minutes from Mahé by Air Seychelles. What to see and do: With over 10 kilometres of roads and trails, the island is easy to explore on foot or by electric buggy. Frégate is the stronghold of the critically endangered Seychelles magpie-robin (less than 200 birds in the world), saved from extinction by the intervention of BirdLife International. Recently the Ministry of Environment and Island Conservation Society established successfully on Frégate another highly threatened endemic bird, the Seychelles white-eye (500 individuals in the world). The island boasts the world’s only population of giant tenebrionid beetle, as well as about 2,000 free-range giant tortoises. Tens of thousands of native trees have been propagated and replanted since 1995, totaling several dozens of hectares restored. There are superb beaches, such as Anse Victorin, which some say is the prettiest in Seychelles. It is also a walker’s paradise, with wooded paths leading through plantations and groves. There is also a private harbour & Yacht Club with a PADI Dive Centre.

Anse Bambous

Anse Maquereau

INDIAN OCEAN PLAINE MAGNAN

MONT SIGNAL

IP TR RS AI

Frégate is the most isolated of the granite islands. It has romantic associations with the world of pirates and hidden treasure. Today, it is home to an exclusive upmarket resort and conservation programmes have been implemented to restore the splendor of this beautiful island.

Plantation House

Grande Anse AU SALON

Petite Grande Anse

Anse Parc

Anse Felix

Pointe Sud

Anse Coup de Poing

UN MONDE À PART Frégate est la plus isolée des îles de granit. Elle a des associations romantiques avec le monde des pirates et trésor caché. Aujourd’hui elle abrite une station balnéaire exclusive haut de gamme et des programmes de conservation ont été mis en œuvre pour restaurer la splendeur de cette magnifique île. Pour vous y rendre: 12 Minutes de Mahé par Air Seychelles.

Ce qu’il y a à voir et à faire: Avec plus de 10 kilomètres de routes et de pistes, l’île est facile à explorer à pied ou en voiturette électrique. Frégate est le bastion du shama des Seychelles gravement menacé d’extinction (moins de 200 oiseaux dans le monde), sauvé de l’extinction par l’intervention de BirdLife International. Récemment le ministère de l’environnement et la Société pour la conservation de l’île ont établi avec succès sur Frégate un autre oiseau endémique extrêmement menacé, le Zostérops des Seychelles (500 individus dans le monde). L’île abrite la seule population de scarabées ténébrionides géantes, ainsi qu’environ 2 000 tortues géantes vivant en liberté. Des dizaines de milliers d’arbres indigènes ont été propagés et replantés depuis 1995, totalisant plusieurs dizaines d’hectares restaurés. Il y a des plages superbes, comme Anse Victorin, considérées par certains comme la plus jolie des Seychelles. C’est aussi un paradis pour les promeneurs, avec des coursives en bois qui mènent à travers plantations et bosquets. Il y a également un port privé et Yacht Club avec un centre de plongée PADI. Hébergement: Frégate Island Private Resort, des vacances sous le thème de la conservation pour les clients. Il y a 16 grandes résidences (400-700 m2) avec piscines privées et la possibilité de location exclusive de l’île entière existe également.

Feature

Praslin Seychelles’ Very Own Ancient Isle of Palms, by Glynn Burridge.

It’s 7.30 a.m. and the claxon clattering across the concrete of the now empty quay announces that Cat Cocos, a fast catamaran ferry, is leaving on its first crossing of the day to Praslin Island, Seychelles’ second largest island and popular tourism hub. Praslin, which lies 45 kilometres (24 miles) north-east of Mahé and can be reached in an hour aboard the spacious, comfortable Cat Cocos or in only 15 minutes by Air Seychelles’ domestic service, has a population of only 8600 and this, perhaps more than anything else, colours the nature of the experiences it offers. Praslin’s original name was Isle de Palme, probably on account of the density of the vegetation that its discoverer, Lazare Picault encountered on his second voyage to the islands in 1744. Strangely, the island was much neglected until 1768, when it was visited by Captain Marion du Fresne on a voyage commissioned by diplomat Cesar Gabriel de Choiseul, Du c de Praslin, after whom Praslin was duly named in the same year. Seychelles’ second island’s chief claim to fame is undoubtedly as home to the legendary Vallée de Mai UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site, one of only two places in the world where the famous Coco de mer grows wild on palms 40 metres tall and some 200

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years old. The curious Coco de mer nut formed in the exact shape of the female pelvis, had long washed up on the shores of countries fringing the Indian Ocean giving rise to the belief that it grew on some exotic tree concealed beneath the ocean and so one can well imagine the excitement when a little known surveyor, Barre , discovered the then well-hidden Vallée de Mai and its secret treasuretrove of nuts on an early expedition into the interior. So impressive is this forest that it once led General Gordon (of Khartoum fame) dispatched to Seychelles in 1881 to advise on their fortification against possible French attack, to state his conviction upon his return to England that this valley must be the site of the biblical Garden of Eden. Down to the present day this primaeval forest continues to fascinate for the way it represents one of the planet’s ancient, untouched habitats which is home to some of Seychelles’ most precious species of flora and fauna. Topographically, Praslin is less mountainous than Mahé and even the first settlers remarked that it would probably be easier to settle than the main island. Divided by a ridge of hills running from east to west and intersected by a road that leads through the Vallée de Mai, it measures only 10 kilometres by 4 kilometres and is a breeze to navigate

with a lot less traffic on its simple network of roads connecting the three, principal urban centres: Baie Ste. Anne, Cote D’or and Grand Anse. The first of these is the island’s main port where the Cat Cocos and the lion’s share of maritime traffic arrives. Nestled against the mountainside within full view of neighbouring La Digue and scenic Round Island, Baie Ste. Anne is the stepping stone to this Seychelles’ second jewel in the crown. Recently, an increasing number of new services, businesses and retail outlets have sprouted in the environs of the port which has nonetheless been able to maintain its other-worldly charm and, in spirit, remain faithful to its rustic past. Leaving the port behind and travelling along the same coast in a westerly direction, will bring you first to a T-junction where a road gently meanders into the east-west ridge of mountains straddling the island, past the iconic Vallée de Mai where you can stop at the newly-built Seychelles Island Foundation pavilion for a walk among age-old palms (20 Euros per person) and, perhaps, even a sighting of the super-rare Seychelles Black Parrot, the world’s tiniest frog, chameleon, tenrec, Seychelles blue pigeon, Seychelles bulbul and other treasures before descending to Grand Anse on the other side of the island with its sickle-shaped beach and gently bustling centre.

Top right(inset): Fabled as the Garden of Eden, the world heritage site of the Vallee de Mai.

If you don’t take that road, you will continue west, cutting through the promontory at Anse La Blague to Praslin’s northern coast of Côte D’or which is effectively the hub of tourism on the island where a great variety of accommodation choices is to be found along with an enticing selection of restaurants, bars and boutiques. Here, perhaps more than anywhere else on the island, you will feel the tourist buzz as visitors stroll the picture postcard beach with its golden sands and heart-stopping panoramas of St. Pierre and Curieuse islands. A fork in the road will take you behind Côte Dór towards the high point of the island known as Zimbabwe and although you can no longer go to the very top, it still affords some amazing views of the island and its surrounds. A continuation of the road leads on to one of Seychelles’ premier beaches, Anse Lazio, with its surrounding rocks of pink granite and promise of worldbeating swimming and sunbathing to mention nothing of dining island-style, at the water’s edge with your feet in the sand. The beauty of Praslin, so easy on the eye, is on display along every one of these roads whether you’re travelling by car hire, public bus or even bicycle, and at every turn, another delicious surprise awaits. In whichever corner you find yourself, the pace of life is

IANA

POPO VA / SH

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Above: Praslin is an ideal base from which to explore other islands of Seychelles.

And yet, for all of the trappings of its latter-day evolution into a prized tourist destination, Praslin’s traditional island spirit remains undulled.

noticeably slower than on Mahé as one might expect, given the smaller population. But there’s something else as well here on this once-upon-a-time isle of palms: the lingering sensation of a more laid-back lifestyle of bygone years that has all but disappeared on the mainland, and on many other islands besides. Something of the past has remained in these picturesque settlements that have very much the ‘connected’ feel of villages about them. Relics of another time with an old word atmosphere to match. On the surface, much has changed on Praslin which, over the last few years has witnessed the appearance of several major international hotel chains: 5-star palaces such as Constance Lemuria Resort having the only 18-hole championship golf-course in Seychelles. Exclusive spas and wellness centres and upmarket eateries abound yet there is a reassuring contingent of homegrown boutique hotels and ecolodges as well to balance out the accommodation choices available, further enriched by a sprinkling of local guest houses, villas, apartments and self-caterings, each one occupying its own special niche, all bubbling with Praslin charm. The Praslin airport underwent a complete makeover to re-open in 2001, making an attractive addition to

the island’s increasingly sophisticated suite of services but in comparison to Mahé it remains down-scale and in keeping with the reigning spirit of once-upon-a-time island living that remains a defining feature of the island. Niche activities are on the increase too and besides offering world-class golf, diving and sailing and memorable excursions to surrounding islands: Aride, Curieuse, Cocos and Sisters Islands, there is now value-added entertainment in the form of a Black Pearl Farm Gallery, Heritage Route, Art Galleries and Pirate Treasure Trail. Praslin now even boasts its very own annual Food Fiesta which allows visitors a unique chance to savour delicious Seychellois Creole cuisine via this important cultural touch point. More, far more, than two centuries have passed since the outside world first stumbled across this island with its thickly-matted vegetation and grand panoply of palms. And yet, for all of the trappings of its latterday evolution into a prized tourist destination, Praslin’s traditional island spirit remains undulled. Refreshingly, it is still a place where to recalibrate body and soul according to the age-old rhythms of nature and where, not very far beneath modernity, there beats the ancient heart of a magnificent island sanctuary for man and nature alike.

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Seychelles islands chosen for prestigious photography shoot reports Glynn Burridge.

Passion for Fashion

FASHION

PHOTOS © DARREN BLACK

MODELS: DAISEY BOOTE AND ROBERT LOYDELL

ext Hot Model UK is an increasingly popular talent-scouting venture to discover, nurture and mentor male and female models who are over 16 years of age and provide them with an inroad into the extremely demanding fashion industry.

Scouting heats are held over a 4-5 month period in towns along the south coast of England, a process which, in 2014, attracted more than 1500 aspiring model entrants in what is a totally free-to-enter competition. Next Hot Model UK is run in partnership with founders Fatosh Kalan and Simon Darcy Abbott in collaboration with model agency PRM London and a selection of key media and product partners. The 2014 edition climaxed on 6th June at Brighton in a much anticipated Grand Final Catwalk Show where the top 15 male and top 15 female models were given the chance to strut their stuff in front of UK’s media and fashion heads – and Sherin Naiken, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board.

After the Grand Final 2014 the winners, Mr. Robert Loydell and Miss Daisey Boote, secured exclusive management contracts with PRM London, after which they were whisked away on the trip of a lifetime to a photo shoot in Seychelles with top fashion photographer, Darren Black.

“Winning Next Hot Model was amazing and life changing,” enthused Daisey Boote, “and getting to go to Seychelles was incredible, it was by far one of the best weeks of my life! I learnt so much whilst there. We got treated amazingly by the tourist board and I’m so happy with the pictures we got! It really is paradise!

At their disposal for the shoot was a selection of top hotels including the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa on Silhouette Island, Praslin’s Indian Ocean Lodge and the Berjaya Beau Vallon Beach Hotel on Mahé. A fairy tale trip to three hotels and four amazing island venues, including fabulous La Digue – the island where time stands still.

Male model winner Robert Loydell had only praise for the competition that brought him to the islands, and for the islands themselves, “I also couldn’t have asked for better people to spend the trip with as everyone was so nice and a real joy to be with throughout. I wish I could have stayed there for another few weeks and can’t wait to be able to visit the Seychelles again at some point in my life it definitely was the trip of a lifetime!”

Total pampering and luxury were the order of the day for the two lucky models during their seven-day stay, as they soaked up the ambiance normally reserved for the rich and famous against a backdrop of sublime, worldbeating beaches, divine sunsets and adventures to discover the vibrant local culture, meet the locals and get a taste of Seychelles’ unique island-style living.

As a seasoned fashion photographer, Darren Black knows only too well how unique the setting is. “The trip was a dream - the Seychelles islands are a perfect location for amazing tropical backdrops. The Creole folk couldn’t have been any more accommodating. This truly was an exceptional job and I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to shoot there with a fabulous team.”

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Apples in a Porcelain Basket, 2007 Chromogenic print © Sharon Core, Courtesy of the Artist and Yancey Richardson

Pesco, 2014. © Irene Kung/Contrasto.

FRUITS AND LEGUMES CLUSTER

ARTS & FOODS PAVILION 9 April- 1 November 2015 La Triennale di Milano

Sahara. © George Steinmetz/Contrasto.

ARID ZONES CLUSTER

At Expo Milano 2015, photography and art interpret the theme Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life, by recounting the feelings food provokes in people. In the thematic Cluster pavilions you will discover the extraordinary works of internationally famous photographers. And if your eyes still crave beauty, visit Arts & Foods. Rituals since 1851: an exhibition exploring the relationship between art and food. Expo Milano 2015 awaits you from May 1 to October 31. Supported by:

Official Global Airline Carriers

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SPORTS

Travel Some Thoughts on

By James Michael Dorsey.

International air travel, in the sense of being available to everyone, began about the time I was born.

I remember my father taking me to Los Angeles International Airport, (LAX) as a young boy in the 1950s where we would stand at the end of their glass observation corridor and watch with awe and wonder as giant silver tubes filled with people rose magically into the air.

At the time it was beyond my comprehension to think I would ever find myself inside of one. Now, I travel for a living, especially to East Africa where I write for inflight magazines and that is something the little boy from Los Angeles would never have dreamed of. Now, whenever I am stuck in the quagmire of clearing security, I cannot help but reminisce about the days when air travel was not just simple, but fun. We got our tickets right from the front counter and walked directly to the waiting area without getting undressed, felt up, x-rayed, or videotaped. Attendants were called stewardesses and one particular airline dressed them in a bubble space helmet with go-go boots and miniskirt. Once on board these “Hostesses” as they were referred to did a slow motion strip tease until wearing only a slinky top and skirt. Imagine that happening today. Smoking was permitted in the front half of the plane and terminated in the middle by a small sign – as if that would keep the smoke contained in one place – and if you wanted to meet the pilot or see the cockpit all you had to do was ask. Food and drinks were free if not very

tasty and little guys like me always got a set of plastic pilot wings. But the good ol’ days aside, I really don’t mind the countless security checks and standing in line because I see that as the price of my continuing education. I travel to learn, whether for business or pleasure, and consider the act to be the finest classroom on earth. I am never tired of seeing new places or meeting new people because all of it is information and knowledge, and the more knowledge we have the less likely we are to be captives of selfinflicted prejudices. The comparison of multiple cultures allows us to pick and choose the very best from all of them while showing ourselves to the rest of the world. It allows one to be both teacher and student simultaneously. Travelling from the comfort of one’s home, with information gathered electronically and disseminated on a screen is a gift of knowledge only recently available to most of the world, but convenience aside, actually venturing into a remote village and walking up to a stranger with outstretched hand is a far more rewarding experience. It is the actual sights and smells, the tactile reality and nuances of everyday life that when personally experienced offer insight to the collective consciousness of man. There is an old saying that the eyes are the windows to the soul. I learn a lot more about a person by looking them in the eye than I do from watching a computer or television. Four decades of roaming the planet has taught me that except for small

enclaves of radical thinkers people everywhere have the same core values, love of God, family, and country, a sense of right and wrong, a desire to do what is right; not necessarily in that order but all good none the less. For me, travel has been the great equalizer, between the reality of the world at large and the consumer oriented lifestyle of my own country. It has taught me that while a man may be clothed in rags he may still be a poet, philosopher, or perhaps even one who can truly change the world. Seeing how others live makes me appreciate my own life all the more, not that it is any better or worse, but simply for its differences. Travel has humbled me and taught me not to judge because the true essence of a person is often hidden behind skin pigment or wardrobe. It has taught me to expect wisdom from the most unlikely people. While I live in a nice house, I have visited countless people who live in mud shacks and grass huts but have never met anyone who would want to change places with me, nor I with them, because travel has taught me there really is no place like home wherever that may be. At a time when violence around the world is making international travel more difficult, perhaps it is the very act of travel that is necessary to help curb the violence. Travel will never stop wars or keep people from hating, but it will introduce them to their neighbours, and it is far harder to strike a neighbour than a stranger.

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SPORTS

he Barclays Premier League is for teams based in England and Wales. However, the overwhelming majority of the Premiershipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s estimated 4.7 billion-strong audience do not get to see their chosen teams in live matches, watching instead from their homes, clubs or pubs in the 212 different territories to which the competition is broadcast. And yet, despite increasingly influential television deals making it easier than ever to watch

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a game without travelling to the stadium, Premier League clubs are enjoying recordhigh average attendances, with some of the most recent figures showing a 96% average stadium occupancy throughout the league. This remarkable feat is no doubt helped along by a growing trend for Premier League tourism.

connection they feel to its fans and its ethos. But regardless of how you choose your team, many may question just how passionate you would have to be to travel long distances just to see them play live for one or two games a season. However, getting to a Premier League game isn’t as difficult for overseas fans as you might think.

CHOOSING A CLUB

GETTING TO THE GAME

Wherever you travel in the world today, you are likely to find supporters of Premier League teams, proudly sporting crests and badges representative of places they have never even visited. For those supporting from a distance, choosing a club can happen in any number of ways. Historically successful, famous clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool attract legions of followers based on their successes and reputation alone; however, all 20 of the Premier League’s clubs benefit from the immense exposure of the competition, and not all of those watching around the world feel drawn to the ‘bigger’ teams. Some people gravitate to clubs who have prominent members of their own country’s national team in their squads; others simply pick a side in the first game they ever see, whilst some will root for friends’ clubs, names they like, or cities they have some past link to. Some even pick their team based on some sense of spirit that they feel a club has, some

Heathrow and Manchester airports serve many Premier League clubs between them, with North West, Midlands and London clubs making up a majority of the current Premier League. With the world more connected up than ever, an increasing number of overseas football fans are starting to look to make their teams a part of their holidays. For many fans, a football game provides a great excuse to get out to off-the-beaten-path holiday destinations, come together with groups of friends to share drinks and adventures and get a taste of the true atmosphere and culture of their chosen clubs’ cities. Supporters’ groups, schools, football academies and teams are all a part of this growing trend, and for these larger groups, Premier League clubs looking to promote their brand overseas are more than willing to help arrange everything from stadium tours to extra treats, such as meeting the Man of the Match from their chosen game.

Visiting groups from overseas often take part in match day experience with activities such as flag waving.

PREMIER LEAGUE TOURISM Beyond the football itself, there are other incentives to make the journey to Premier League cities: an unusual off-peak holiday can be put together based around other local attractions, and hotels are more than willing to welcome these visitors in what would otherwise be their quiet season. This benefit to the local area is something which many of the Premier League’s teams understand and want to encourage, and for the less well-known clubs of the Premier League, actively reaching out and promoting their team can lead to a real connection between them and their visiting fans.

ANY BENEFITS? One example of a club reaching out into the growing world of Premier League tourism is mid-table Stoke City. Promoted to the Premier League in 2008, the club is all too aware of the Premier League effect. Situated in an area which has struggled in recent times, the people and business that the football team’s increasing success has brought into the city is something the club takes great pride in, ensuring it gives back to its community in as many ways as possible. One strategy the club is currently focusing its attention on is bringing more football tourists to the club and to the city, taking a lead in actively promoting both themselves and the area to those fans overseas and helping fans across the globe set up their own supporters’ groups, to bring them firmly into the family of the club. And it is an approach that seems to be working. Standing outside Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium on a cold day in February, several American fans can be found, boisterous and excited at having made the long trip for day out at a game. One fan explains “You don’t pick your club, your clubs picks you,” with a wry smile, referencing a time when he saw Stoke top a poll for the most hated team in England, something which he saw as a nod to a certain fighting spirit he perceives about both the club and its supporters. When asked the question “Why Stoke?”, many of Stoke’s overseas fans will point to the thrill of being the underdog, enjoying a different experience in the high-emotion and togetherness of an uphill battle. At the same game as the American fans, a large group of school children from China could also be found, taking part in the flag-waving and enjoying the hospitality laid on by Stoke City’s Group Experiences team: the club has worked hard to reach out to these students, taking the time to build a relationship with their school through coaching camps, and offering them a chance to get much closer to the action of the Premier League than they could find with any of the more famous teams. “Everybody wins,” explains Stoke City’s International Ambassador, Angela Smith. “They get the chance to train and improve and come and see a match, the club fills its stadium and increases its brand worldwide, whilst the local area gets the benefit of the money they spend after the game.”

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Planning holidays around football matches isn’t as crazy as it might seem: you can find excited overseas fans outside every stadium and every game in the league, taking photographs with statues of club’s famous past players or enjoying drinks and lively debate with local fans in the grounds before every game. At Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium alone, people making journeys from New Zealand, America, China, Scandinavia, Australia and even Seychelles have turned up just in the space of one week.

SPORTS

WHEN TO GO With the Premier League season running from August until May, many of the opportunities for overseas fans to visit come in what would otherwise be the quietest time of year for hotels and tourist attractions in an area. In the winter months, hotels around Premier League grounds can be sustained by forming

WHERE TO GO

For many fans, a football game provides a great excuse to get out to off the beaten path holiday destinations ... However, tourism doesn’t have to stop with the game: promotion to the Premier League is coveted not just by football teams, but also by the cities they represent, and the longer and more prosperous the team’s stay in the league, the more money and publicity is brought in, creating jobs, saving businesses and filling hotel rooms. As Stoke City have realised, ‘everybody wins’ when the team succeeds, and for these smaller towns and cities, it is important that Premier League tourism grows, but also that it doesn’t stop with the football alone.

ties with both their local football club and the club’s overseas supporters’ groups. And this doesn’t stop with the end of the football season; the high standards and vast sizes of the facilities at Premier League stadiums also mean that large-scale concerts can often be hosted in them during football’s closed season, with big-name bands and oneoff events continuing to bring in tourists, drawing further attention and business to the city, all stemming from the experience and facilities that Premier League football has helped equip the area to provide.

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The Premier League effect does not end with the football season: Stadiums often host major concerts in the close season, such as Take That’s record-breaking tour in 2011, at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.

Below (inset): Football fans from Seychelles visiting the memorial to Sir Stanley Mathews close to the Britannia Stadium; Mathews was one of the greatest and most famous footballers of all time.

Football tourists’ destinations don’t need to be limited to England and Wales, however. Premier League clubs often travel far and wide for pre-season tours and unique competitions, organised to not only bring the highest level of football to fans overseas but also to bring homegrown fans to new countries. One such example is the Barclays Asia Trophy, a competition where three Premier League clubs are invited to compete against the home country’s national team. This year’s competition is being held in Singapore in July, featuring Arsenal, Everton and Stoke City alongside Singapore themselves, and fans of these clubs have already begun exchanging plans for the tournament, excited to take in such a unique destination as well as seeing their football team.

FINALLY ... Premier League tourism will no doubt continue to grow with the popularity of the sport and of the League itself. Whilst the appeal for many may just be football, it’s clear that cities and their clubs are keen to ensure that everybody will indeed win should these football tourists choose to make the long journey to see their favourite teams compete. Whether visiting one of the famous names of the larger cities, or taking in a game from a club whose appeal is altogether more personal, football tourists are certainly being shown a good time by their hosts: sell-out crowds lead to electric atmospheres and unique, unusual experiences which immerse them in the culture and people of their chosen destination much more than the average holiday.

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HISTORY

The First Governor of Seychelles More than a century ago, Seychelles was a British colonial outpost. TONY MATHIOT describes the man who played a fundamental role in its watershed moment.

n 8 May 1904, Governor Ernest Bickham SweetEscott stood on the deck of the Messageries steamer Oxus and waved to the large group that had gathered at the long pier to wish him farewell. During the four years and six months that he had spent in the fledgling colony they had grown fond of him. Among the group were religious dignitaries, medical officers and members of the Executive and Legislative councils, and of course, ordinary citizens who had met him on his peripatetic visits across Mahé. Certainly there was a tone of sadness to the occasion – sentiment also felt by the 46 year-old Governor as he waved goodbye. He saw the clock tower that he had unveiled the year before, and the splendid new building that he had built to serve as the Government Secretariat. Further back, he could see the old Government House which had been his residence, and the avenue of sandragon trees that led to it. He gazed at the forested mountains that loomed above and he knew that he was leaving the archipelago of Seychelles in a more prosperous state than when he arrived. Ernest Bickham Sweet-Escott was appointed Administrator of Seychelles on 19 August 1899 and he assumed the administration on 20 November 1899 when he took his oath on the second floor of the old courthouse building (the present National History Museum). His salary was Rs 12,500 annually. When he arrived, the population of Seychelles was around 19,000 inhabitants, but it was administered from Mauritius, a British colony.

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There were railways (since 1862), a chamber of commerce (since 1850) over a dozen newspapers and, of course, a prosperous sugar industry. Here, he found coconut estates, vanilla plantations, cinnamon forests, a guano industry on outlying islands, mission schools in all the districts, a college established in 1867, a Government Savings Bank and two newspapers, Le Reveille and The Seychelles Government Gazette. There was a soap industry that exported to Zanzibar and Madagascar. The currency in use was the Indian silver rupee which Mauritius had been using since 1876. The Hotel Equator, the Princess Hotel and Hotel Victoria provided accommodation for visitors. The mainstay of the economy was vanilla, which had been introduced in 1866 from Reunion and had, since the early 1890s, proven to be the most valuable export. The year of SweetEscott’s arrival in Seychelles was a record year for vanilla. Sweet-Escott presided over his first session of the Legislative Council on 27 December 1899. It was during this first session that he made known some of the key issues that he had on his agenda for the first couple of years of his administration. He manifested his practical approach to development by negotiating – in today’s words – ‘the best deal for Seychelles’. He announced his intentions to create the botanical experimental station that a predecessor, Thomas Risely Griffith, had wanted to establish in 1895. SweetEscott said: “Depending for its prosperity, as Seychelles does, on practically one product, it appears to be a matter of vital importance to its inhabitants to ascertain

whether there is no other product of commercial value for which these islands are adapted…” He also considered it “an anomaly that these islands should not enjoy the advantages of a local post, and I am now taking steps to meet this want.” By telling those present that, “it had been my anxious desire since my arrival in Seychelles to make myself acquainted with the requirements of these islands”, Sweet-Escott was pledging to improve the economy and welfare of one of the smallest nations in the British Empire. Among the plans he had to implement in the process of fulfilling his goals, Sweet-Escott also honoured his immediate predecessor’s patriotic wish. In 1897 Henry Cockburn Stewart had proposed that a Public Fountain be erected in front of the Treasury and Courthouse building to mark the 60th year of Queen Victoria’s reign. Accordingly, the Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Fountain was unveiled, albeit belatedly, on the 5 January 1900, by Lady Sweet-Escott. During the year 1900, various development projects that he initiated demonstrated the excellent level of achievements that would characterise his tenure of office. Roads, bridges and buildings were constructed on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. A turtle pond was built at the end of the Long pier. The Leper camp was transferred from Curieuse Island where it had been established since 1829 to the two Round Islands. He established an Internal Postal Service which saw the distribution of 13,997 letters and newspapers during its first year of operation. He gave a new momentum to the promotion and development of education in Seychelles which included scholarships and laureates, the creation of a Board of Education and the appointment of an Inspector of Schools. In his bid to introduce the teaching of the English language in all schools he faced acrimonious opposition from the catholic mission who owned most of the district schools.

PHOTOS © TONY MATHIOT

He had to deal with unforeseen events as well. In September 1900, King Prempeh of Ashanti arrived on Mahé to begin an exile that would last for 24 years. He had been banished from his Kingdom, the Gold Coast (now Ghana), for revolting against British occupation. King Prempeh was accompanied by some 70 followers and close members of his family. A special ordinance had to be enforced regarding their detention and accommodation. In February 1901 a 31 year-old Mauritian botanist, Paul Evenor Rivalz Dupont, arrived in Seychelles and was appointed curator of the Botanic station. SweetEscott was proud to have achieved one of his most important priorities – a botanical experimental station where specimens of various plants could be grown and then distributed to landowners. This would result in the propagation of fruit trees and timber that in the long term would be of economic benefit to the country. He also established an Agricultural Board. Less than two years after his arrival, he was proving that he was an administrator who truly had the prosperity and welfare of Seychelles at heart. He asked Raphael Dupuy, the Headmaster of Victoria’s school to design a specific flag for Seychelles, and after the motto Finis Coronat Opus (‘the end crowns the work’) – which Sweet-Escott himself composed – was incorporated, the flag of the Union Jack bearing the Seychelles distinguishing devices was approved by the Legislative Council. The devices were as also adopted as the public seal of Seychelles. During the year of 1901 he assented to 21 Ordinances, among which were the first laws created to protect the turtle and to regulate fishing. Registration of fishing boats were stringently enforced, dimensions and sizes of nets and traps were defined and a close season for catching female lobsters was introduced. Clearly, the circumspect exploitation of our natural resources was a dominant factor for Sweet-Escott who must have appreciated the vulnerability of a small island whose many inhabitants wrested a living from the sea. On 19 September 1901, Sweet-Escott opened the first Seychelles Industrial and Agricultural Exhibition which was held on Gordon Square (now Freedom Square). It was a delightful event

where 224 exhibits testified to the artisanal craftsmanship of the inhabitants and to the fertility of the land. Also during the year 1901, the Chinese immigrants constructed their Pagoda and launched their society of good fellowship Khum Fock Fooy Qoon. Chinese traders had been arriving in Seychelles since the late 1800s and they had brought their rickshaws and business acumen with them. A commercial treaty signed at Shanghai on 5 September 1902 would promote the importation of Chinese products in the British colonies. Since the early days of his administration, Sweet-Escott was vexed that the Seychelles islands remained subordinate to Mauritius. He felt that this link had a restraining influence on the economic progress and development of Seychelles. In many of his despatches, he exhorted the secretary of state for the colonies to consider the separation, and he was supported by the Governor of the mother colony, Mauritius.

By letters patent of 31 August 1903, the Seychelles became a British Crown Colony in its own right and the following day Ernest Bickham SweetEscott was appointed Governor of the Seychelles.

Early in 1902 he allowed for the steamers of the ‘Messageries Maritimes’ to be accorded the status of men-of-war vessels which would entitle them to certain rights, privileges and immunities. Together with the British India Steam Navigation Company, they provided Seychelles with the only mode of communication with the outside world. In May he moved into his new offices and council chamber at new government secretariat that had been constructed. It was a rectangular one-storey building of masonry whose simplicity seemed offset by the ornamental ironwork of the balustrade and staircase which typified the aesthetics of the Edwardian period. In December 1902, a new government steam launch, Alexandra, built by the Royal Indian Marine Dockyard, arrived to replace Wave which had been in operation since 1852. On 1 April 1903, Sweet-Escott unveiled the Victoria Memorial Clock tower. About half of its cost of Rs 6,447 had been met from public donations. Among the large crowd that gathered in Victoria to celebrate the occasion, few would have guessed the impending historical milestone for Seychelles that would be a personal triumph for Ernest Bickham Sweet-Escott. By letters patent of 31 August 1903, the Seychelles became a British Crown Colony in its own right and the following day Ernest Bickham Sweet-Escott was appointed Governor of the Seychelles. The ceremony was held on 9 November at the courthouse, attended by more than 100 invited guests. The government gazette of that

same day published acclamatory addresses by members of various establishments including the Roman Catholic clergy, the Indian community and inhabitants of Port Glaud. From that day, three Orders-inCouncil came into force: The Seychelles Legislature Order-inCouncil, 1903, The Seychelles Judicature Order-in-council 1903 and The Seychelles Capital Offences Order-in-council. This meant that Seychelles had achieved a new state of nationhood – an auspicious preliminary to its eventual Independence 73 years later. Governor Ernest Bickham SweetEscott presided over his last session of the Legislative council on 5 May 1904, during which he said: “… I believe in the future of Seychelles, and I am confident that under the wise administration of the distinguished official who will shortly take my place…. a period of enterprise and prosperity will ensue”. Sweet-Escott was knighted by King Edward VII in 1904 for his services and was made Governor of British Honduras from May 1904 to August 1906, after which he was appointed Governor of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean until 1912 when he became Governor of Fiji until 1918. Above all, however, Sir Ernest Bickham-Sweet-Escott is enshrined as a major figure in the history of Seychelles. He lived to a good age and died on 9 April 1941.

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REAL ESTATE

No. 9 Kingsgate Travel Centre, Independence Avenue, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles t: +248 422 6088 | f: +248 422 6086 | m: +248 271 1711 | e: info@arrivaseychelles.com

www.arrivaseychelles.com

ART & CRAFT

PHOTOS © J CHAROUX

THE COCO DE MER AN ARTIST’S MUSE Story by Rowana Walton

he uniquely shaped female coco de mer nut has long been a source of inspiration for artists, poets and religious figures. It has become a symbolic object with a mythical, erotic and radiant aura and over centuries has given rise to numerous legends.

Above: Jac working in his studio: Using materials from the Indian Ocean, Jac created these unique pieces from kelp, raffia and coconut fibre.

PHOTOS © M-L VIEBEL

Endemic to Seychelles, the coco de mer palm was once thought (incorrectly) to have originated from the Maldives. The name coco de mer or ‘sea coconut’ came from the discovery of the nuts at sea by early sailors, who could not understand where they had come from. Representing the amorphous shape of a woman, the coco de Mer was part of the reason that early explorer General Charles Gordon announced that the Vallée de Mai was the biblical garden of Eden and that the coco de mer represented the forbidden fruit. The myths surrounding the coco de Mer and its natural beauty have been an inspiration and muse for many artists over the centuries. In Seychelles the coco de mer nut is a much sought-after tourist souvenir, and is also the basis of many beautiful locally hand crafted souvenirs and crafts. Mauritian born Jacques Charoux is a multimedium visual artist and educator. Jac has been working with coco de mer since 1999. For Jac, ‘The coco de mer epitomises duality in nature, when slowly revolved in one’s hands they flow seamlessly from one another, constantly metamorphosing it’s suggestiveness in a myriad of forms, yet still remaining minimal in its essence and absolutely pure in its simplicity’. One of Jac’s recent collections was called Indian Ocean, based on the form of the coco de mer using materials sourced from the Indian Ocean. Jac’s pieces represent the simplicity and also the adaptability of the coco de mer. His work on the coco de mer has gained critical acclaim and he has held many shows of his work on this subject. Further details on Jac’s collections can be found at his website www.jacquescharoux.com.au At the 2013 celebration of the Vallée de Mai’s 30th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the acclaimed French artist Marie-Laure Le Guay de Villepin (alias Viebel) joined Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) and held an exhibition of some of her coco de mer inspired art pieces. Marie-Laure has been fascinated with the symbolism and shape of the coco de mer nut since 2006. Marie-Laure was entranced by the beautiful shape of the nut but felt that it needed more light to be truly glorious. After having studied and practised gilding for the past 10 years, Marie-Laure was struck by the idea of gilding the seed, and so began her love affair with the biggest seed in the world. “The history, destiny and symbols of this magic seed have inspired me more and more with new shapes, engravings, sizes and materials, such as bronze and glass, all becoming part of my work,” Marie-Laure said.

Above (clockwise): A gilded coco de mer by Marie-Laure Viebel; Marie-Laure with one of her bronze coco de mer pieces in her studio; Marie-Laure and the ‘Graine de Paix’, her most recent coco de mer inspired work.

The art of gilding transforms the coco de mer into a ‘seed of life’, a sacred object. Similar sacred objects are revered in religions such as Buddhism and Christianity. “Gold is often considered as the most precious metal and it has a quality of light that reflects the divine light”, says Marie-Laure, who displayed some of her unique gilded coco de mer at the Vallée de Mai last year. For more information on MarieLaure’s work visit www.viebel.com. The exquisite beauty and precious value of the coco de mer cannot be underestimated. Unfortunately this is a double-edged sword, and it is this perceived value that has led to the poaching of coco de mer nuts from Seychelles. The kernel inside the nut is of great commercial value in the Traditional Chinese Market in Asia as its amorous shape has been

interpreted as a sign that the nut has aphrodisiacal properties. The illegal practice of poaching threatens the future survival of the coco de mer as the forest is not able to regenerate naturally. SIF, the custodian of the Vallée de Mai, is currently working hard to combat this tragic and wasteful practice and safeguard the future of the coco de mer, not only for its scientific value but also its cultural and artistic importance.

To find out more about coco de mer: • Download the Vallée de Mai app through iTunes or Google Play • Follow SIF on Facebook or Twitter • Visit the SIF website and sign up for their e-newsletter – www.sif.sc

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Enroll today and claim your miles! Enroll today and earn Etihad Guest Miles as well as Etihad Guest Tier Miles and Tier Segments for today’s flight by providing your flight date and ticket number from your boarding pass with the Etihad Guest enrolment form. Please ask for an enrolment form from one of our cabin crew member.

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Adhésion familiale Vous pouvez transférer tous les miles gagnés par les membres de votre famille sur un seul compte. Cette solution vous permet d’accumuler vos miles et d’attente d’avoir atteint le nombre dont vous avez besoin pour obtenir votre récompense plus rapidement. Échangez vos miles pour des vols, Surclassement et Excédents de Bagages Utilisez vos miles pour réserver un vol pour votre destination de rêve ou pour un surclassement vers le confort de notre Classe Affaire primée et aussi pour une franchise de bagages supplémentaire. Guest Seats sont disponibles sur tous les vols sans périodes d’interdiction pour Voyage.

Boutique de récompenses Vous pouvez aussi utiliser vos miles pour les échanger contre plus de 3500 produits, des bons cadeaux etc… sur notre boutique de récompenses Reward Shop. PointsPay Echangez vos miles contre de l’argent que vous pourrez ensuite dépenser dans plus de 30 millions de boutiques dans le monde. Bénéfices des miles statut: Etihad Guest Tier Les bénéfices des miles statut rendent votre voyage encore plus agréable. Lorsque vous atteignez un statut supérieur, vous bénéficiez de divers avantages supplémentaires. Vous gagnez des miles de statut à

chaque fois que vous voyagez avec Air Seychelles. Enregistrez-vous aujourd’hui et demandez vos miles! Enregistrez-vous aujourd’hui et gagnez des miles Etihad Guest ainsi que des miles statuts et de segments for votre vol effectué ce jour. Il vous suffit de nous donner le numéro de vol et le numéro de billet indiqué sur votre carte d’embarquement accompagné de votre bulletin d’enregistrement à Etihad Guest. Demandez le bulletin d’enregistrement auprès de notre personnel de bord.

Vous pouvez aussi demander les miles sur les vols effectués 3 mois auparavant votre inscription à Etihad Guest. Une fois inscrit, scannez vos cartes d’embarquement et envoyez-les à retroclaims@etihadguest.com

Pour plus d’informations sur le programme et les statuts, visitez www.etihadguest.com

NEWS

AIR SEYCHELLES NON-STOP TO PARIS AND STRONGER REGIONAL NETWORK

AIR SEYCHELLES POSTS THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR OF NET PROFITABILITY

Air Seychelles Airbus A330-200 will fly nonstop to Paris CDG from July 2015.

Key network changes: • Non-stop flights to Paris (CDG) three times a week • Increased flights to Mumbai, Mauritius and Antananarivo • Seven weekly codeshare flights to Hong Kong with Etihad Airways • Etihad Airways and Air Seychelles together offer a double daily service between Seychelles and Abu Dhabi Air Seychelles will launch three weekly non-stop Paris flights from July 2015, replacing the current twice-weekly service to the French capital via Abu Dhabi, and dramatically increase weekly frequencies on its regional network from April 2015. This non-stop Paris service will continue to be operated to Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport on an Air Seychelles Airbus A330-200 aircraft. Chief Executive Officer, Air Seychelles, Manoj Papa, said: “The nonstop Paris flight is an exciting development that has been unanimously welcomed by the travel trade. “In order to deliver further benefits to travellers, the service will be coupled with a considerable deepening of our regional network, which is designed to meet the demand for travel between East Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and the Middle East, connecting across our Seychelles hub.” The regional network development strategy will see Air Seychelles substantially upgrade Mauritius and Mumbai to a four-per-week service and operate an additional third weekly flight to Antananarivo, bringing an additional 21,000 regional return seats to Seychelles per year. Including its current scheduled services to Dar es Salaam (two weekly flights) and Johannesburg (three weekly flights), this regional network enhancement will see Air Seychelles offer 16 return services per week in the Indian Ocean region, up from 13 previously.

Key results for 2014: • Third year of net profit, US$3.2 million • Total revenue up 20 per cent to US$106.9 million • Passenger numbers total 412,088, an increase of 20 per cent • Cargo tonnage up by 34 per cent to 7,311 tonnes • Delivery of two DHC-6 Twin Otters, brought forward from 2015, and one Airbus A320 • Awarded Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline – Business Class and Best Cabin Crew. Air Seychelles, the national carrier of the Republic of Seychelles, has achieved a third consecutive year of profitability after recording a net profit of US$3.2m for 2014. The result exceeds last year’s profit of US$3 million and reflects continued improvement in the airline’s key performance indicators, following Etihad Airways’ acquisition of a 40 per cent share in 2012 and the implementation of a turnaround plan to create a sustainable business. As a result of significant network growth in 2014, total revenue increased by 20 per cent to US$106.9 million, compared with US$88.7 million in 2013. Passenger revenue accounts for US$81 million– up from US$66 million in 2013. Cargo tonnage for the same period rose strongly by 34 per cent to 7,311 tonnes, up from 5,441 tonnes in 2013. Joël Morgan, Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs and Transport and Air Seychelles Board Chairman, said: “The continued strengthening of the business is very pleasing and is a result of an effective management team, committed workforce, and a strong and trusted partnership with Etihad Airways.

In addition, Etihad Airways and Air Seychelles will together offer a double daily service between Seychelles and Abu Dhabi, up from its current 13 flights per week.

“Air Seychelles is delivering for the economy and people of Seychelles through employment, tourism, trade and a substantial increase in the awareness of Seychelles’ brand in Africa, Europe and Asia.

Building on access to the China market, the three-per-week service between Seychelles and Hong Kong will be incorporated into a daily codeshare service operated by Etihad Airways, providing guests with access to and from Hong Kong on every day of the week. The service, operated on an Air Seychelles-liveried Airbus A330-200 three times a week, will have an Air Seychelles ambassador, thereby promoting the Creole Spirit.

“The airline currently employs more than 650 Seychellois in an environment where commitment and performance are recognised, and where training and development is of the highest international standards.

Mr Papa said Air Seychelles would continue to develop the very important Chinese market.

Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles, Manoj Papa, said: “Our increased profit figure is the result of higher revenue, greater productivity and an ongoing focus on costs.

“We are generating interest in the Chinese market, which has enormous potential for the airline, and responding to requests from several large tour operators for charter operations.”

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“The Government supports Air Seychelles’ strategy to operate a commercially sustainable and profitable airline by developing a strong and connected network, which meets the demand of both business and leisure travellers.

“While the competitive environment remains challenging, these results show we are progressively consolidating and building on our achievements.”

AIR SEYCHELLES EXPANDS CODESHARE AGREEMENT WITH ETIHAD AIRWAYS

CASABLANCA

Air Seychelles signed a number of important codeshare agreements with Etihad Airways in the first quarter of 2015, considerably expanding its network.

Travellers can now discover Morocco’s cosmopolitan port city of Casablanca with Air Seychelles’ daily codeshare flights on Etihad Airways.

Manoj Papa, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles said: “Every time we add a new codeshare destination with Etihad Airways, we are building more depth into our network and driving continued and sustainable growth in the Seychelles economy.”

ATHENS AND BELGRADE Air Seychelles continued to build its presence in Europe by codesharing on Etihad Airways’ flights to Athens and Belgrade from end January 2015, bringing to 12 the number of European cities available to guests through the codeshare agreement.

Air Seychelles began codesharing on Etihad Airways’ daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Casablanca, the business capital of Morocco, in early February 2015.

Mr Papa said: “This expansion builds on the hard work of the Seychelles Government, which has signed new air services agreements with Greece and Serbia, and deepens our successful partnership with Etihad Airways.”

Mr Papa said: “We are delighted to expand our codeshare on Etihad Airways to Casablanca, a city of four million that has for decades held a magnetic pull on travellers.

AMMAN

Jordan’s beautiful capital is now served by 14 weekly codeshare flights with Air Seychelles.

“The outbound tourism market in Morocco is expected to grow to 452,000 in 2015, and with this codeshare, travellers from this country now have convenient, one-stop access to Seychelles.”

AIR SEYCHELLES AND AIR MADAGASCAR SEAL CODESHARE AGREEMENT Manoj Papa, Air Seychelles’

In February 2015, Air Seychelles expanded its reach in the Middle East by adding Amman to its codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways. Under the terms of this agreement, Air Seychelles will place its flight code on 14 weekly flights operated by Etihad Airways between Abu Dhabi and Amman, the capital and largest city of Jordan. Mr Papa said: “This will continue to stimulate the number of travellers visiting our archipelago from the Middle East, an important source market that recorded over 20,000 arrivals in 2014.”

Chief Executive Officer, and Hery Rambeloson, Air Madagascar’s Commercial Passenger Director, celebrate the signing of the new codeshare agreement between the two airlines at the VIP Lounge in Seychelles International Airport.

Air Seychelles and Air Madagascar held a signing ceremony in February 2015 to seal a codeshare agreement between the two airlines.

MUMBAI

The event was held at the Air Seychelles VIP Lounge with Manoj Papa, Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive officer, and Hery Rambeloson, Air Madagascar’s Commercial Passenger Director, who represented Chief Executive Officer Haja Raelison.

Air Seychelles began to codeshare on 21 weekly Etihad Airways’ flights between Abu Dhabi and Mumbai, complementing its existing three-perweek, non-stop service to the metropolitan city.

Under the deal, Air Madagascar has placed its MD flight code on Air Seychelles’ twice-weekly services between Antananarivo and Mahé.

Mr Papa said: “These flights offer travellers more choice, flexibility and convenience, including daily connections to our archipelago and the option of combining a non-stop flight to Seychelles with a stopover in Abu Dhabi on the return journey, or vice-versa.” Travellers can book the new codeshare destinations through the Air Seychelles website on www.airseychelles.com, travel agents or the Air Seychelles sales offices.

Mr Papa said: “Forging such partnerships is at the heart of our business model and we are thrilled to be working closely with Air Madagascar to improve air connectivity in the Indian Ocean for the benefit of both regions.” Air Seychelles operates a two-class Airbus A320 on the MahéAntananarivo route, with 16 seats in business class and 120 seats in economy class, offering more than seven tonnes of weekly belly hold cargo capacity.

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NEWS

AIR SEYCHELLES CABIN CREW COMPLETE WORLD-CLASS TRAINING

Ten Air Seychelles cabin crew graduate from the Etihad Airways Training Academy.

Ten Air Seychelles cabin crew have graduated from the Etihad Airways Training Academy in Abu Dhabi after completing a demanding five-week course.

AIR SEYCHELLES CELEBRATES NEW DAR ES SALAAM FLIGHTS

Chief Executive Officer, Manoj Papa, presents Ms Maryvonne Pool, Honorary Consul for the Republic of Seychelles to Tanzania, with a plaque recognising her outstanding support to Air Seychelles.

Air Seychelles celebrated its new service between Seychelles and Dar es Salaam with an elegant cocktail reception held at the Serena Hotel in February 2015.

The group is the 13th from Air Seychelles to receive training at the state-ofthe-art facility where the programme covers safety and service training on the Airbus A330-200 and A320 aircraft.

The function brought together over 150 guests from the travel trade, private sector, business community and government, who were treated to the warm creole hospitality of Air Seychelles with live music and canapés made using ingredients from Seychelles.

The Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles, Manoj Papa, attended the ceremony and congratulated the graduates on their achievement. “The training programme is world-class and has equipped our crew with the skills and professionalism that are the foundation of our award-winning Creole service,” he said.

Guests were entertained by renowned Seychellois musician Philip Toussaint, who played reggae and séga hits, while Maasai dancers from Tanzania also provided lively entertainment.

This group brings the total number of Air Seychelles cabin crew to go through safety and service training at the Etihad Airways Training Academy to 194.

The event was held to celebrate the December 2014 launch of a twiceper-week direct service from Seychelles to the capital of Tanzania, which is operated by a new Airbus A320 aircraft.

AIR SEYCHELLES AND ETIHAD AIRWAYS SUPPORT SEYCHELLES CARNIVAL 2015

AIR SEYCHELLES SPONSORS ST MICHEL UNITED FC IN AWAY GAME

Air Seychelles is proud to be associated with the Seychelles Carnival for a second year running.

Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, and Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, have renewed their sponsorship of the Seychelles International Carnival of Victoria for 2015. As the official airline partners, Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways sponsored return flight tickets for the event, preferential cargo rates and an excess baggage allowance per passenger, worth a combined value of SCR 5 million. Mr Papa said: “Air Seychelles is proud to be associated with the Seychelles Carnival, which is a unique opportunity to celebrate the diversity of Seychellois culture while developing the growth of tourism. “The Carnival, which attracts hundreds of performers from arts troupes across the world, showcases the beauty of our Indian Ocean home to a global audience. It is perfectly aligned with our goal of promoting tourism in Seychelles and we are delighted to extend our support for 2015.”

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Air Seychelles has supported St Michel United Football Club by providing 10 return tickets to an away game in an important fixture in South Africa. The reigning champions of the Seychelles League took on Mamelodi Sundowns in a return leg of a Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League fixture in February. Mr Papa said: “We are delighted to support St Michel United’s participation in Africa’s premier football competition. They are a winning team that reflect the spirit of Air Seychelles. “Air Seychelles promotes healthy lifestyles and we see the benefits of supporting the development of sports and athletics, especially for our younger generation here in the Seychelles. “As part of this philosophy, we have previously worked with Etihad Airways to organise a series of very successful football clinics for aspiring junior players with football legend Patrick Vieira.”

Seven Coloured Earths, Mauritius

MAURITIUS

Now flying four times a week Travelling between Seychelles and Mauritius has never been easier. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for leisure or business, Air Seychelles now operates four flights a week, giving you more choice and flexibility when you travel.

airseychelles.com

HEALTHY TRAVELLING These gentle exercises, which you can carry out easily during your flight, will help blood circulation and reduce any tiredness or stiffness that may result from sitting in one place for several hours. Check with your doctor first if you have any health conditions which might be adversely affected by exercise.

Foot pumps:

Knee lifts:

Start with both heels on the floor and point feet upward as high as you can. Then put both feet flat on the floor. Then lift heels high, keeping the balls of your feet on the floor. Continue cycle in 30-second intervals.

Lift leg with knees bent while contracting your thigh muscles. Alternate legs. Repeat 20 to 30 times for each leg.

Knee to chest:

Forward flex:

Bend forward slightly. Clasp hands around the left knee and hug it to your chest. Hold stretch for 15 seconds. Keeping hands around knee, slowly let it down. Alternate legs. Repeat 10 times.

With both feet on the floor and stomach held in, slowly bend forward and walk your hands down the front of your legs towards your ankles. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds and slowly sit back up.

Shoulder roll:

Overhead stretch:

Hunch shoulders forward, then upward, then backward, then downward, using a gentle, circular motion.

OTHER TIPS FOR A COMFORTABLE FLIGHT • For your own comfort try and travel light.

Raise both hands straight up over your head. With one hand, grasp the wrist of the opposite hand and gently pull to one side. Hold stretch for 15 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

Shoulder stretch:

Ankle circles:

Reach right hand over left shoulder. Place left hand behind right elbow and gently press elbow toward shoulder. Hold stretch for 15 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

Lift feet off the floor, draw a circle with the toes, simultaneously moving one foot clockwise and the other foot counterclockwise. Reverse circles. Do each direction for 15 seconds. Repeat if desired.

Arm curl:

Neck roll:

Start with arms held at a 90-degree angle: elbows down, hands out in front. Raise hands up to chest and back down, alternating hands. Do this exercise in 30-second intervals.

With shoulders relaxed, drop ear to shoulder and gently roll neck forward and to the other side, holding each position about five seconds. Repeat five times.

• Wear loose clothing and elasticated stockings made of natural fibre. • Increase your normal intake of water and only if need be, drink alcohol but in moderation. • Use moisturising cream to keep your skin from drying out. • Take off shoes in the plane to prevent your feet from swelling up or wear shoes that will cope with expanding ankles. • Avoid heavy meals during the flight. • Short walks once every two hours are excellent for circulation. • Try to touch your toes when waiting in the aisle to stretch your hamstrings. • On arrival at your destination, have a hot shower or a relaxing bath. • On arrival a quick jog, brisk walk, or a vigorous scrub will help stimulate your circulation.

Air Seychelles disclaim any responsibility in the unlikely event that you may suffer an injury as a direct result of these gently exercises.

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Welcome Aboard Air Seychelles is pleased to welcome you aboard this flight and hopes that you will enjoy our services. Your cabin crew will do everything possible to make your journey pleasant. Should you need any assistance or information, please do not hesitate to call the cabin crew by pressing the call button located on the armrest of your seat. IMPORTANT

The aircraft is equipped with sensitive electronic navigation and control systems which may be affected by certain types of electronic devices. As a result, their use on board is restricted. The following devices are strictly prohibited and must be switched off once the cabin doors are closed, until the doors are opened at the end of the flight: • Dialysis machine, VHF scanner (for security reasons), personal appliances such as purifiers, humidifiers and any device that emits vapour, has a power source or produces a light. And any device the flight crew believes to be causing interference. Cabin crew shall be making the relevant announcements to remind passengers of the applicable restrictions on the various cellphone types and other transmitting devices. These include Laptop/notebook/ tablet computers with mobile phone data connection or satellite phones and mobile cellphones. HAND BAGGAGE For your own safety, please place your hand baggage either in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. The Cabin Crew will remove hand baggage; loose clothing, pillows and blankets from passengers seated in emergency exit rows and place them in the overhead compartment. These may be returned to them after take-off should they be required in-flight. Please ensure that the contents do not include any prohibited items; that the baggage or its contents do not spill out, to avoid injuries to you and your fellow passengers. INFANTS AND CHILDREN Air Seychelles offers a selection of baby meals to be warmed and served as required by parents. Special meals are also available for children and should be requested at least 24 hours before departure. Where possible, baby cots are available for infants with the following guidelines: • The infant must not exceed 11 kg (24 lbs.) or 12 months and should fit within the confines of the baby cot.

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HEALTH REGULATIONS Health regulations at Seychelles International Airport require that the aircraft must be sprayed. The spray used conforms to international regulations and presents no danger to your health. However, we suggest you cover your nose and mouth should you feel you may be inconvenienced by the spray.

• As a safety precaution, the infant is not permitted to sit or stand whilst in the baby cot. The infant should be secured by joining the flaps together and closing the zipper. • During turbulence, the baby cots cannot be used. The infant must be removed and secured on the parent with an infant seatbelt. • Baby cots may not be used for take-off and landing.

UNRULY/DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOUR ONBOARD AIR SEYCHELLES’ OWNED/OPERATED AIRCRAFT In terms of International Civil Aviation legislation and regulations, it is an offence for any person to endanger the safety of an aircraft or its occupants.

SPECIAL MEALS Air Seychelles offers a selection of special meals to suit the dietary and religious needs of passengers provided the request is made at least 24 hours prior to departure, preferably at the time of booking. SMOKING Smoking is not permitted on all Air Seychelles flights. SAFETY Safety is our first priority. Please watch attentively the safety video or safety demonstration given by the flight attendants and read the Safety Instruction Card located in the seat pocket in front of you. Seat belts must be fastened for take-off and landing and whenever the seat belt sign is illuminated during the flight. SEATING Whilst your seat is adjustable, it has to be in the upright position, with the foot-rest and tray table stowed, for take-off and landing. Each seat has an individual reading light, enabling you to read at night without disturbing your neighbour. COMFORT For your comfort, blankets, pillows and amenity kits are available on specific flights.

While in an aircraft a person must not: • Use any threatening, abusive or insulting words towards a member of the crew. • Physically assault, behave in a threatening, abusive or disorderly manner towards a member of the crew. • Intentionally interfere with the performance of the crew member’s duties. • Interfere with the normal operation of the aircraft. • Wilfully cause damage to an aircraft which renders it incapable of flight or which is likely to endanger its safety in flight. • Communicate any information which he/she knows to be false, thereby endangering the safety of an aircraft in service. • Drink from their own duty free bottles (so as to allow the cabin crew to monitor passenger alcohol consumption). In terms of Seychelles legislation it is an offence to smoke on any Seychelles registered aircraft. Smoking in the toilet compartments is strictly forbidden and it is deemed a safety risk and is lawfully punishable. Any person committing any of these offences while onboard an Air Seychelles flight may be arrested at his/her point of arrival and prosecuted in accordance with the applicable Civil Aviation legislation. Such prosecution may result in the imposition of a fine and/or imprisonment. RIGHT OF REFUSAL OF CARRIAGE Air Seychelles reserves the right to deny boarding or offload any person whose presence inflight could, under reasonable grounds, represent a potential danger to the safety of the aircraft or its occupants. This includes a person who: • is intoxicated or obviously under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to the extent that the safety of the aircraft and its occupants is likely to be endangered. • is uncooperative or fails to observe warning signs, lawful or safety instructions given by the crew. • behaves in a violent or offensive manner to the annoyance and objection of other passengers or the cabin crew. • causes any hazard or risk to himself, other persons, property or to the aircraft.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS Before leaving the aircraft, please ensure that you have all your personal belongings with you, remembering to check the overhead compartments as well as the seating areas.

PLEASE NOTE: In terms of International Civil Aviation legislation, the Commander (Captain) of the aircraft has complete authority and every person carried on an aircraft must obey all lawful commands given by the commander for the purpose of securing the safety of the aircraft and the persons and property carried therein.

TREZOR DUTY FREE SALES Duty free is available on all regional and international flights. Please consult the Trezor onboard shopping guide in the seat pocket in front of you.

He is authorized/empowered to take any action deemed necessary, including restraint, of any person who jeopardizes the safety of the aircraft or of persons or property on board. In terms of this authority the commander may request and/or authorize any member of the crew to render assistance in terms of restraint or action against such offenders. The primary function of a crew member is to act as a safety officer on board an aircraft. All Air Seychelles crew members are trained and licensed as safety officers in terms of International Civil Aviation regulations.

We now invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy the Air Seychelles in-flight service.

Bienvenue á bord Air Seychelles est heureux de vous accueillir à bord de ce vol et espère que vous apprécierez nos services. Notre équipage de bord rendra votre voyage le plus agréable possible. Si vous avez besoin d’aide ou d’informations, n’hésitez pas à appeler le personnel de bord en appuyant sur le bouton d’appel situé sur l’accoudoir de votre siège. IMPORTANT

L’avion est équipé de systèmes de contrôle et de navigation électronique sensibles qui peuvent être affectés par certains types d’équipement et gadget électroniques. En conséquence, leur utilisation à bord est limitée. Les périphériques suivants sont strictement interdits et doit être éteint une fois les portes de la cabine sont fermées, jusqu’à leur ouverture complète à l’arrivée: • Dialyseur, VHF scanner (pour des raisons de sécurité), appareils personnels tels que les purificateurs, humidificateurs et tout dispositif qui émet des vapeurs ou une source de lumière. Ou tout autre périphérique qui pourrait provoquer des interférences selon l’équipage. Le personnel de bord fera des annonces pour rappeler aux passagers les restrictions applicables sur les différents portables et autres appareils de transmission. Cela inclut PC/ordinateur portable/PC tablette ordinateurs avec connexion de données de téléphone mobile ou de téléphones par satellite et de téléphones cellulaires mobiles. BAGAGE À MAIN Pour votre propre sécurité, veuillez placer votre bagage à main soit dans le compartiment supérieur ou sous le siège devant vous. L’équipage de cabine rangera les bagages à main; des vestes, oreillers et couvertures des passagers assis dans les rangées menant à des issues de secours pour les placer dans le compartiment supérieur. Ils peuvent être retournés après le décollage si vous en avez besoin pendant le vol. Veuillez vous assurer que le contenu ne comprend pas d’ articles interdits et que les bagages ou leur contenu ne puisse pas se renverser pour votre sécurité et celle des autres passagers. BÉBÉS ET ENFANTS Air Seychelles propose une sélection de repas de bébé à réchauffer et servi suivant les instructions des parents. Les repas spéciaux sont également disponibles pour les enfants et doivent être demandés au moins 24 heures avant le départ. Dans la mesure du possible, des lits bébé sont disponibles en suivant les règles suivantes: • L’enfant ne doit pas dépasser 11 kg (24 livres) ou 12 mois et s’inscrivent dans le cadre d’un lit bébé. • Par mesure de précaution, l’enfant n’est pas autorisé à s’asseoir ou se tenir debout dans le lit de bébé.

Le nourrisson doit être sécurisét en joignant les volets ensemble et la fermeture. • Au cours des turbulences, les lits bébé ne peuvent pas être utilisés. Le nourrisson doit être retiré et mis en sécurité sur ses parents et attaché avec une ceinture de sécurité. • Les lits-bébé ne peuvent pas être utilisés pendant le décollage et l’atterrissage. REPAS SPÉCIAUX Air Seychelles propose une sélection de repas spéciaux pour répondre aux besoins religieux et diététiques des passagers à condition que la demande soit faite au moins 24 heures avant le départ, de préférence au moment de la réservation. INTERDICTION DE FUMER Tous les vols Air Seychelles sont non-fumeurs. SÉCURITÉ Votre sécurité est notre première priorité. Veuillez regarder attentivement la vidéo sur la sécurité ou la démonstration de sûreté donnée par les agents de bord et lisez les instructions de sécurité situées dans la pochette du siège devant vous. Les ceintures de sécurité doit être bouclées pendant le décollage et l’atterrissage et lorsque le signal correspondant est allumé pendant le vol. SIÈGES Tandis que votre siège est réglable, il doit être en position verticale, avec le repose-pieds et table-plateau rangés, pour le décollage et l’atterrissage. Chaque siège comporte une lampe de lecture individuelle, vous permettant de lire la nuit sans déranger vos voisins. CONFORT Pour votre confort, des couvertures et des oreillers, et un kit d’agrément sont disponibles sur des vols spécifiques. EFFETS PERSONNELS Avant de quitter l’appareil, veuillez vous assurer que vous avez tous vos effets personnels, sans oublier de vérifier les compartiments à bagages au dessus et autour de votre siège. LES VENTES HORS TAXES - TREZOR Les ventes duty free sont disponibles sur tous les vols régionaux et internationaux. Veuillez consulter notre magazine “Trezor” dans la pochette du siège devant vous.

RÈGLEMENT SANITAIRE Le règlement sanitaire à l’aéroport international des Seychelles exige que l’appareil soit désinsectisé. Le produit utilisé est conforme aux normes internationales et ne présente aucun danger pour la santé; cependant, si vous pensez qu’il peut vous incommoder, nous vous prions de bien vouloir vous couvrir la bouche et le nez avec un mouchoir.

PRÉVENTION DES COMPORTEMENTS PERTURBATEURS ET DES INDISCIPLINES À BORD DES APPAREILS APPARTENANT À AIR SEYCHELLES OU EXPLOITÉS PAR AIR SEYCHELLES D’après les règlements de l’Aviation Civile Internationale (OACI), toute personne qui: • Entreprend une action qui met ou est susceptible de mettre en danger les passagers, l’équipage et/ou l’appareil. • Refuse de se conformer à une injonction d’un membre de l’équipage (officier de sécurité). • Perturbe le déroulement normal du vol. • Agresse un membre d’équipage. • Perturbe sciemment le travail de l’équipage. • Ne tient pas compte des consignes de sécurité, des signaux lumineux en cabine ou des instructions verbales de l’équipage. • Cause volontairement des dommages à l’appareil qui le rendent inexploitable ou qui mettent à risque la sécurité du vol. • Communique sciemment des informations fausses, mettant ainsi en danger un vol, son équipage et ses passagers. • A un comportement gênant, perturbateur, indécent, fait preuve de violence à l’égard d’autres personnes, profère des insultes ou des obscénités. COMMET UNE INFRACTION PASSIBLE DE POURSUITES Le règlement de l’Aviation Civile Seychelloise stipule qu’il est interdit de fumer à bord de tout avion immatriculé aux Seychelles. Fumer dans les toilettes constitue un risque pour la sécurité et est puni par la loi. Quiconque commettra l’une ou plusieurs de ces infractions sera arrêté à destination et poursuivi en vertu des règles de l’aviation civile concernée et du règlement du transporteur. Ces poursuites peuvent conduire à une amende ou une peine de prison, voire les deux. La politique d’Air Seychelles, dans l’intérêt de ses passagers et de ses employés est de porter systématiquement devant la justice les cas de passagers perturbateurs et d’obtenir leur condamnation.

VEUILLEZ ÉGALEMENT NOTER QUE: D’après les règles de l’Aviation Civile Internationale (OACI), le Commandant de Bord est habilité et a le pouvoir de prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour assurer la sécurité des personnes et de leurs biens ainsi que celle de l’appareil, y compris la privation de mouvement pour quiconque pourrait menacer cette sécurité. Dans le cadre de ses fonctions, le Commandant de Bord peut demander à un ou plusieurs membres d’équipage de l’assister dans cette tâche, voire la déléguer pour neutraliser ceux qui commettraient des infractions. Air Seychelles s’octroie également le droit, conformément à ses conditions générales de transport de refuser l’embarquement à toute personne qui serait sous l’emprise de la drogue et/ou de l’alcool, ou qui représente un danger pour la sécurité, l’ordre et la discipline à bord. La première fonction des navigants est d’agir comme «officier de sécurité» à bord. Tous les membres d’équipages d’Air Seychelles sont formés et certifiés «officier de sécurité» au sens des règlements de l’Organisation Internationale e l’Aviation Civile.

Nous vous invitons à vous installer confortablement, Vous détendre et profiter du service à bord d’Air Seychelles.

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International Route Map Codeshare Route Network 13042015HM

Brussels

Belgrade

Athens Casablanca Amman Dammam

Jaipur Ahmedabad

Cochin Thiruvananthapuram

Brisbane

Airbus A320

Airbus A330-200

(Amirantes)

Aircrafts: 1 Cruise speed: 840 k/hr Business Class seats: 16 Economy seats: 120 Wing span: 111ft 9in Length: 123ft 3in Maximum range: 2930 nm

(VallĂŠe de Mai, Aldabra)

One aisle passenger cabin Pearl class: 2-2 four abreast Economy: 3-3 six abreast

Aircrafts: 2 Cruise speed: 870 k/hr Business Class seats: 18 Economy seats: 236 Wing span: 197ft 10in Length: 191ft 5.5in Maximum range: 4200 nm at maximum payload

Two aisle passenger cabin Pearl class: 2-2-2 six abreast Economy: 2-4-2 eight abreast

Bird Island

Denis Island

Domestic Route Map

Praslin Island

Route Network Fregate Island

Mahé Island

D’Arros Island

Desroches Island Alphonse Island

IN D IAN

OC E AN

SHORTS 360-300 Aircraft: 1 • Seat Capacity: Total 36 Max. Gross Weight: Take Off, 12,292 kgs Range: 630 nautical miles (1,165.5 km) Engines: Pratt and Witney PT 6A-67R Sea Level Thrust: SHP 1281

DHC-6 (TWIN OTTER) Aircraft: 4 • Seat Capacity: Total 19 Max. Gross Weight: Take Off, 5,669 kgs; Range: 490 nautical miles ( 907.5 km) Engines: Pratt and Witney PT 6A-27 Sea Level Thrust: SHP 680

ONLINE OFFICES South Africa

Capital: Pretoria Languages: English, Afrikaans, Currency: Rand Area: 1,221,037 km2, Population: 45,919,000 Air Seychelles destination: Johannesburg

Border Air Pty (Ltd), 280 OAK AVENUE RANDBURG JOHANNESBURG Reservations contact numbers for air seychelles: Tel: 011 326 440, 011 326 443, 011 326 4483, Fax: 011 781 2215, Sita: JNBSZHM Email: info-za@airseychelles.com.airseychelles@border-air.co.za

Mauritius

Capital: Port Louis Languages: French, English, Creole, Currency: Rupees Area: 2,040 km2, Population: 1,243,000 Air Seychelles destination: Plaisance Airport

Rogers & Company Ltd, Rogers House 5 President John Kennedy Street, PO Box 60, Port Louis, Mauritius Tel: (+230) 202 6671, Fax: (+230) 208 3540, Sita: MRURRHM Email: hm@rogers-aviation.com

United Arab Emirates

Capital: Abu Dhabi Languages: Arabic, English, Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED) Area: 83,600 km2, Population: 8, 264,070 Air Seychelles destination: Abu Dhabi

Omeir Travel Agency, Shk. Khalifa Street PO Box 267 Abu Dhabi Tel: (+971 2) 6123 470, Fax: (+971 2) 622 6799, Sita: AUHRRHM Email: Info-Abu@Airseychelles.Com or marketing@omeir.ae

Hong Kong

Capital: Hong Kong Languages: Cantonese, English, Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) Area: 1,104 km2, Population: 7,173,900 Air Seychelles destination: Hong Kong

Walshe Group Suite 906, Orient Tower 33 Lockhart Road Wan chai Hong Kong Tel: +852 3979 3488 or +852 3979 3489, Fax: +852 3979 3499 Email: airseychelleshkg@walshegroup.com

France

Capital: Paris Languages: French, Currency: Euro Area: 543,965 km2, Population: 66,616,416 Air Seychelles destination: Paris

Air Seychelles Ltd, Paris Office 27 rue de Berri 75008 PARIS Tel: +33 171 70 3321 Email: cozouf@airseychelles.com Web: www.airseychelles.fr

India

Capital: New Delhi Languages: Hindi, English, Currency: Indian Rupee Area: 3,287,590 km2, Population: 1,263,830,000 Air Seychelles destination: Mumbai

Jet Air Pvt Ltd 2-A Stadium House, 82 Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate, Mumbai 400 020 Tel: +91 22 22040685 / 82 Email: hmsales@jetair.co.in / hmres@jetair.co.in

Madagascar

Capital: Antananarivo Languages: Malagasy, French, Currency: Malagasy ariary Area: 587,041 km2, Population: 21,842,167 Air Seychelles destination: Antananarivo

Rogers Aviation (Madagascar) Ltd Lalana Solombavanbahoaka Frantsay 77, Antsahavola Antananarivo 101, Madagascar Tel: (261) 20 22 359 90, Mob: +230 497 2525 Email: vola@rogers-aviation.mg or mariolla@rogers-aviation.mg

Tanzania

Capital: Dodoma Languages: Swahili, English, Currency: Tanzania shilling Area: 947,303km2, Population: 47,421,786 Air Seychelles destination: Dar es Salaam

Global Connect Aero Ltd P O Box 5182, 1st Floor, Uhuru Heights, Bibi Titi Road, Dar es Salaam Tel: +255-786-102 205 Email: reservations@airseychellestz.com / info@airseychellestz.com mecca@airseychelles.com / gokul@airseychellestz.com

WORLDWIDE OFFICES HEAD OFFICE Seychelles Air Seychelles Ltd International Airport PO Box 386 Victoria, Mahé Seychelles Tel: +248-39 10 00/ Fax: +248-39 13 50 Fax: +248-22 59 33 (sales and reservations) Email: info@airseychelles.com Email: marketing@airseychelles.com Email: airseyrr@airseychelles.com Web: www.airseychelles.com EUROPE France Air Seychelles Ltd Paris Office 27 rue de Berri 75008 PARIS Tel: +33 (0) 17110 33 21 E-mail: HMFrance@airseychelles.com Web: www.airseychelles.fr Abu Dhabi Lisie Agripine Sales Executive International /Commercial Division Tel: +971 2 6177739 / Fax: +971 2 621761 M +971 50 6624230 Email: lagripine@airseychelles.com Taiwan Golden Foundation Tours Corp. Suite 502, No.142, Sec.4, Chung-Hsiao East Road, Taipei, Taiwan Tel: +886-2 2773 3266/Fax: +886-2 2776 5704 Email: hm.tpe@gftours.com.tw Contact: Daisy Chang Mobile: +886-932 136 326 Email: daisy@gftours.com.tw Contact: Reservations and Ticketing Ms. Anne Tsai Email: annetsai@gftours.com.tw Hong Kong The Walshe Group Ltd. Suite 906, 9/F, Asia Orient Tower, 33 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Tel: +852 3979 3488/Fax: +852 3979 3499 Email: airseychelleshkg@walshegroup.com Contact: Stephen Leung Mobile:+852 90287535

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Email: Stephen.leung@walshegroup.com Contact: Reservations and Ticketing Ms. George Chau Email: George.Chau@walshegroup.com MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA Abu Dhabi Omeir Travel Agency Shk. Khalifa street PO Box 267 Abu dhabi Tel: +971-2 6123 470/Fax: +971-2 622 6799 Sita: AUHRRHM E:mail info-abu@airseychelles.com Email: marketing@omeir.ae Contact: Ganesh Ullal- Marketing Manager Email: ganesh@omeir.ae Bahrain Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Wll Al khalifa road Building #302, block 304 PO Box 45 Manama Tel: +973-17 220 800 / Fax: +973- 17 213 458 Email: info-bh@airseychelles.com Contact: Kadhem Al Hamad Email: kadhem@ybakano.net Dubai Asian Air Travel and Tourism PO Box 65006 Dubai Tel: +971-4 286 8008 / Fax: +971-4 283 2115 Mobile: +971-50 2244713 E-mail: info-ae@airseychelles.com Email: airsey@emirates.net.ae / asttrvl@eim.ae Contact: Mr Abbas Abdulla General Manager Asian Air Travel And Tours Agency Email: abbas_atta@nrlgroup.ae Emergency cell: 00971503404425 Kuwait Pan Arab Travels Co PO Box 2842 Safat pc 13029 Tel: +965-241 5554/241 5556 Fax: +965-241 0873 / Sita: KWITOHM Email: info-kw@airseychelles.com Email: patravel@qualitynet.net Contact: Ms Ghadeer Al Shawa Deputy General Manager Direct tel: +965-5241 0830 Email: ghadeer@patravels.com

Mauritius Rogers & Co Ltd Rogers House 5, President John Kennedy St PO Box 60 Port Louis Mauritius Tel: +230- 202 6671/Fax: +230- 208 3540 Sita: MRURRHM Email: hm@rogers-aviation.com Contact: Samiira Golamhossen-Counter Agent Direct tel: +230 2026670/1/3 Mobile: +230 4972503/Fax: +230- 208 3540 Email: hm@rogers-aviation.com Contact: Amrita Koonjul- Help desk supervisor Email: amrita.koonjul@rogers-aviation.com Contact: Yvans Mestry- Operation Coordinator Tel: +230- 2026676/Fax: + 230- 2083540 Mobile: +230- 4972504 Email: yvans.mestry@rogers-aviation.com Contact: Priscille Tuher- Sales representative Direct tel: +230- 202 6680 Mobile: + 230 4972501/Fax: + 230- 2111 411 Email: pricille.tuher@rogers-aviation.com Contact: Annick Corroy- Marketing manager Direct tel: +230- 202 6662 Fax: +230 212 8886 Email: annick.corroy@rogers-aviation.com Contact: Soorya oogarah – Manager of Operations Direct tel: +230- 2026688 Fax: +230- 2128886/Mob: + 230 497 2525 Email: soorya.oogarah@rogers-aviation.com Oman United Travel Llc PO Box 599 Muttrah postal code 114 Sultanate of oman Tel: +968- 24780057/24780061 Fax: +968- 24780094/Sita: MCTSLLX Email: info-om@airseychelles.com Contact: Cshio Vettom Tel: +968- 703 303/ 791 710/ 94 54 707 Mobile: +968- 933 7937 E:mail: cashio@btioman.net Qatar Qatar Tours PO Box 1683 Doha Tel: +974- 4411414/ 4436002/ 4419753 Fax: +974- 4433 197/ 4351926 Sita: DOHRRTW

Email: info-qa@airseychelles.com Email: qatartours@dtco-qatar.com Contact: Shaji John/Mohammed Asghar Direct tel: +974 436 2703/583 0824 Saudi Arabia Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo PO Box 37 Dammam 31411 Eastern province Airline Centre PO Box 1878 Al khobar 31952 Tel: +9663- 8355832/ Fax: +9663- 835573 Email: info-sa-e@airseychelles.com Contact: G. Venugopal- Business Development manager Mobile: +966- 50- 5859629/ Email: gvenu@kanoosa.com Western province Kanoo Centre Kilo 7 Madinah road PO Box 812 Jeddah 21421 Saudi arabia Tel: +9662- 263 2959 ext.121/108/Fax: +9662- 263 2948 Email: info-sa-w@airseychelles.com Contact: Jamaan Al-Zahrani Mobile: +966- 508 498093 Email: jamaan@jed.kanoosa.com Central province Kanoo Building One block off king Abdul Aiz road PO Box 753 Riyadh 11421 Tel: +9661- 4772228 ext. 288/305/Fax: +9661- 2833041 Email: info-sa-c@airseychelles.com Email: othergsa@ruh.kanoosa.com Contact: Mohd Charles Madria South Africa Border Air 280 Oak Avenue Randburg 2125 JOHANNESBURG Reservations contact numbers for Air Seychelles: Tel: +011 326 4440/4443/4388 Fax: +011 781 2215 / Sita: JNBSZHM Email: reservations@border-air.co.za Email: airlinesres@border-air.co.za Email: airseychelles@border-air.co.za

ENGLISH-CREOLE

Hello Bonzour How are you? Konman Sava? I am well Byen Mersi Thank you Mersi Very much Mersi bokou Goodbye orevwar Hotel Lotel Room Lasanm Bed Lili Food Manze Coffee Kafe Beer Labyer Cold Fre Hot So Tea Dite Meat Lavyan Fish Pwason Bread Dipen Butter Diber Sugar Disik Salt Disel Bad Pa bon Today Ozordi Tomorrow Demen Now Konmela Quickly Vitman Slowly Dousman Hospital Lopital Police Gard Mr. Msye Mrs. Madanm Miss. Manmzel I Mon

You’re welcome Where do you come from? I come from....... What is your name? My name is.... Can you speak Kreol? Only a little I would like to learn more How do you find Seychelles? I like it here The weather is hot, isn’t it? Where are you going? I am going to... Please stop here How much? Wait a minute I have to get change Excuse me Where is the toilet? In the back Where may I get a drink?

You Ou He, She Li We Nou They Zot What? Kwa? /Ki? Who? Ki? /Lekel? Where? Kote? When? Kan? How? Ki mannyer? Why? Akoz? Which? Lekel? Yes Wi No Non To eat Manze To drink Bwar To sleep Dormir To bathe Bennyen/Naze To come Vini To go Ale To stop Arete To buy Aste To sell Vann Street/road Lari/Semen Airport Erport Shop Laboutik Money Larzan Cent Sou One Enn Two De Three Trwa Four Kat Five Senk Six Sis

Pa dekwa Kote ou sorti? Mon sorti...... Ki mannyer ou apele? Mon apel..... Ou kabab koz Kreol? Zis en pe Mon oule apran ankor Ki mannyer ou war Sesel? Mon kontan isi Sesel Letan i so, wi? Kote ou pe ale? Mon pe al...... Aret isi silvouple Konbyen? Esper mwan en pti moman Fodre mon ganny larzan sanze Ekskize Kote kabinen i ete sivouple? Deryer lakour Kote mon kapab ganny en keksoz pou bwar?

Seven Set Eight Wit Nine Nef Ten Dis Eleven Onz Twelve Douz Thirteen Trez Fourteen Katorz Fifteen Kenz Sixteen Sez Seventeen Diset Eighteen Dizwit Nineteen Diznef Twenty Ven Twenty-one Venteen Twenty-two Vennde Twenty-three Venntwa Twenty-four Vennkat Twenty-five Vennsenk Thirty Trant Forty Karant Fifty Senkant Sixty Swasant Seventy Swasanndis Eighty Katreven Ninety Katrevendis One hundred San Where is the hotel? Kote lotel i ete silvouple? Good morning Bonzour Good afternoon Bonnapremidi Good evening Bonswar Please come in Antre silvouple Please sit down Asize silvouple

How much does this cost? That’s quite expensive Help! No, thanks Please You’re welcome No problem Ok That’s right! A little bit Is everything ok? Not now Attention/watch out! We are looking for... I’m very thirsty I am hungry Where are we? How old are you? What do you need? What do they call that in Creole? How do they say... in creole?

Konbyen i vann? I ase ser Ed mwan! / O Sekour! Non, mersi Silvouple Pa-de-kwa Napa problenm oke Wi i bien! Piti piti Tou keksoz i oke? Pa kounye-a Atansyon! Nou pe rod Mon swaf Mon lafen Kote nou ete? Ki laz ou anan? Ki ou bezwen? Koman zot dir sa an Kreol? Koman zot dir an Kreol ?

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TRAVEL FACTS Currency

Language

The Seychelles Rupee (SCR1 = 100 cents). Notes SCR 10, 25, 50, 100 and 500. Coins SCR 1, 5 and Cents 1, 5, 10, 25. Most credit cards and travellers’ cheques are accepted. There is no restriction on the import and export of domestic and foreign currency in the country. Banks and Bureaux de Change are authorised dealers in foreign currency. For rates of exchange contact authorised dealers for which information can be obtained on Central Bank’s website at www.cbs.sc

Creole, English and French are the official languages of the Seychelles.

Credit Cards American Express, Mastercard, Diners Club and Visa cards are widely accepted.

Time Seychelles is four hours ahead of GMT and three hours ahead of Central European Time.

Public Holidays New Year January 1 Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday April 3, 5 & 6 Labour Day May 1 Corpus Christi June 4 Liberation Day June 5 National Day June 18 Independence Day June 29 Assumption Day, (festival on La Digue) August 15 All Saints Day November 1 Immaculate Conception December 8 Christmas Day December 25

Climate 26°-29° C all year round. Annual rainfall totals approximately 90 inches, with heavy showers between November and February. As the Islands lie beyond the cyclone belt, high winds and thunderstorms are rare.

Electricity 240 volts AC 50 Hz. Adaptors are provided by hotels.

Tourist Information The Seychelles Tourist Office is located in Independence House, Victoria, Mahé.

Tipping Restaurant bills normally include a service charge. Although not widely expected, tips are warmly received for personal service.

Clothes Very casual. For men, shorts and T-shirts during the day, and slacks for evening. Jackets and ties are rarely worn. For women, cotton wrap-arounds or shorts for daytime, cool dresses for evening wear.

Transport: An efficient bus service operates on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue between 0530-1900. Taxis are available and cars can also be hired on Mahé and Praslin and bicycles on La Digue. A valid international license is required for selfdriving. Air Seychelles operates flights between Mahé and Praslin throughout the day. Charter flights are also operated to other islands. An inter-island ferry service operates daily between the islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. L’Air Dezil operates a shuttle service between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue and other islands.

Customs Duty Free items are permitted for up to: - 200 millilitres of Perfume and Eau de Toilette. - 2 litres of beverages with less than 16% alcohol i.e beer, wine. - 2 litres of beverages with more than 16% alcohol i.e whisky, gin, rum etc. - 250 grammes of tobacco or 200 cigarettes. - Personal goods worth SCR 5000 for adults and SCR 3000 for under 18 years. For more information visit www.src.gov.sc

Accommodation Seychelles offers a variety of accommodation, from international resorts and medium-sized hotels with all facilities to guest houses, lodges and chalets on the smaller islands. Camping is not allowed.

Sports and Watersports

The Emergency number for fire, police or ambulance is 999. Victoria Hospital: 4388000.

Many hotels have excellent facilities for watersports centres offering a wide range of activities. Some also have dive centres and tennis courts. There is an 18-hole golf course at Lemuria Resort on Praslin and Seychelles Golf Course, a 9-hole golf course at Anse aux Pins, Mahé.

Medical Services

Museums and Libraries

Emergency Services

Victoria has a large and efficient hospital and most islands have health clinics. Some hotels provide duty nurses. Private doctors are available on call at all hotels – contact reception.

Post Office The central office in Victoria is open from 0800-1600 Monday-Friday and 0800-1200 Saturday.

Telecommunications Cable & Wireless Seychelles (CWS), the islands leading communications provider, is the operator of choice across mobile (3G+), broadband and fixed services. As a subsidiary of Cable & Wireless Communications PLC (listed on the LSE), the company delivers first rate business and consumer solutions including turnkey solutions for major international investors. CWS’ mission is “To provide world class communication services and solutions wherever and whenever people work, play and have fun”. No one knows Seychelles better. Telecom (Sey) Ltd, AIRTEL. Provider of Mobile GSM Telecom Services with 3G & Edge Network, Mobile broadband Data Services for High Speed Internet Access. Roaming with over 200 operators worldwide. Prepaid starter kits & recharge options available at Airtel Centres in Victoria, Providence, Praslin & selected retail outlets on main islands. Coverage on Mahè, Praslin, La Digue, Inner Islands, Fregate & Coetivy.

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The History Museum is situated on Francis Rachel Street, Victoria in the National Library Building. The Natural History Museum is situated on Independence Avenue, Victoria near to the Post Office. Kenwyn House directly opposite the main entrance to the National Library on Francis Rachel Street is one of the best preserved 19th century buildings of Victoria, renovated in 2005.

Shopping Local handicrafts include basketware, table-mats, hats, jewellery and paintings. Shops are open from 0800-1700 hours Monday-Friday and 0800-1200 hours Saturday. Some open Sunday morning.

Restaurants A range of cuisine is also available, from traditional Creole and French cuisine to Chinese. In addition to hotels and restaurants, several take-away outlets can be found in Victoria.

Nightlife Most hotels offer programmes for evening entertainment ranging from barbecues and dinner dances to folk singing. There are two cinemas in Victoria. Theatrical productions are sometimes staged in Creole, English and French.

INFORMATIONS UTILES Devise

Une roupie seychelloise = 100 sous. Il existe des billets de 10, 25, 50, 100 et 500. Il existe de la monnaie à 1 et 5 roupies, 1, 5, 10 et 25 sous. La majorité des cartes de crédit et des chèques de voyage sont acceptés. Il n’y a pas de restriction sur l’importation et l’exportation de devises étrangères et locales dans le pays. Les banques et les bureaux de change sont autorisés pour toutes les transactions en devises étrangères. En ce qui concerne les taux d’échange, prenez contact avec les courtiers autorisés qui obtiennent leurs informations de la Banque Centrale; site web: www.cbs.sc

Cartes de crédit Les cartes American Express, Mastercard, Diners Club et Visa sont généralement acceptées.

Décalage horaire Les Seychelles ont trois heures d’avance sur Paris.

Jours fériés

Nouvel An 1 janvier Vendredi saint, Dimanche de Pâques 3, 5 & 6 avril Fête du travail 1 mai Fête Dieu 4 juin Jour de la Libération 5 juin Fête Nationale 18 juin Fête de l’Indépendance 29 juin Fête de l’Assomption (La Digue) 15 août Toussaint 1 novembre Immaculée Conception 8 décembre Noël 25 décembre

Climat Entre 26 et 29 degrés Celcius, tout au long de l’année. Saison des pluies entre novembre et février (env. 200mm de précipitation). Les Seychelles étant hors de la zone des cyclones, les tempêtes sont rares.

Electricité Courant alternatif 240 volts. Les hôtels mettent des adaptateurs à disposition.

Information Touristique L’office du tourisme est situé à L’Independence House à Mahé.

Urgences Pour toutes urgences (ambulance, police, pompiers), il faut composer le 999. Victoria Hôpital: 4388000.

Services médicaux Victoria est dotée d’un hôpital tandis que la plupart des îles possèdent une clinique. Certains grands hôtels ont un service d’infirmerie.

Bureau de poste Les heures d’ouverture du bureau de poste à Victoria sont: de 8:00h à 16:00h, du lundi au vendredi et de 8:00h à 12:00h le samedi.

Télécommunications

Cable & Wireless Seychelles (CWS), le principal opérateur de télécommunications de l’archipel, propose des services de téléphonie fixe, mobile (3G+) et internet (ADSL). En tant que filiale du Groupe Cable & Wireless Communications PLC (coté à la bourse de Londres), la société offre des prestations innovantes pour les entreprises et les particuliers, ainsi que des solutions intégrées pour les grands comptes internationaux. Notre mission est “de fournir des solutions et services parmi les meilleurs au monde, partout et pour chaque instant de la vie”. Personne ne connaît mieux les Seychelles que nous. Telecom (Sey) Ltd, Airtel propose des Réseaux GSM, 3G, et Edge avec couverture intérieure/extérieur dans les îles de Mahè, Praslin, La Digue, Frégate et Coetivy. Des cartes de téléphone cellulaires sont disponibles dans les bureaux d’Airtel et des locaux spécifiques. L’accès au réseau ‘roaming‘ avec plus de 200 opérateurs internationales.

Langues Le créole, l’anglais et le français sont les langues officielles des Seychelles.

Pourboires

Le service est compris dans la plupart des restaurants. Bien qu’ils ne soient pas obligatoires, les pourboires sont toujours reçus avec un grand sourire.

Tenue vestimentaire Décontractée. Pour les hommes le port du short et du T-shirt la journée et du pantalon le soir. Pour les dames le port du short ou d’une jupe en coton la journée et robe légère le soir.

Transport: Un service de bus efficace fonctionne sur Mahé, Praslin et La Digue entre 5h.30 et 19 heures. Des taxis et des voitures en location sont aussi disponibles sur Mahé et sur Praslin et des bicyclettes peuvent être louées sur La Digue.Un permis valable de conduite international est exigé en cas de location de voiture sans chauffeur. Air Seychelles fournit des vols entre Mahé et Praslin durant la journée. Des vols charter sont aussi organisés vers les autres îles. Un service de ferry inter-îles fonctionne aussi entre les îles de Mahé, Praslin et La Digue. L’ »Air Dezil » propose aussi une navette entre Mahé, Praslin, La Digue et d’autres îles.

Les produits hors-taxe sont limités à: - 200 ml de parfum et eau de toilette - 2 litres de boisson contenant moins de 16% d’alcool, par ex. la bière, le vin. - 2 litres de boisson contenant plus de 16% d’alcool, par ex. le whisky, le gin, le rhum etc. - 250 grammes de tabac ou 200 cigarettes. - des biens personnels pour une valeur de 5.000 Rs par adulte et de 3.000 Rs pour les jeunes de moins de 18 ans. Pour plus d’informations, visitez notre site: www.src.gov.sc

Hébergement Les Seychelles disposent d’une grande diversité d’hébergement – allant des hôtels de grande, moyenne et petite capacité aux “lodges», chalets et bungalows sur les plus petites îles.

Sports et sports nautiques Beaucoup d’hôtels ont d’excellents centres de sports nautiques offrant une large gamme d’activités. Certains ont également des clubs de plongée et des courts de tennis. Il y a un golf de18 trous à l’hôtel Lémuria à Praslin, et le Seychelles Golf Course, un neuf trous à Anse aux Pins, à Mahé.

Museums et librairies Le Musée d’Histoire est situé dans la rue Francis Rachel, à Victoria, dans le bâtiment de la Bibliothèque Nationale. Le Museum d’Histoire Naturelle est situé dans la rue de l’indépendance, à Victoria, près du bureau de Poste. Kenwyn House, en face de l’entrée principale de la Bibliothèque Nationale dans la rue Francis Rachel, est l’un des bâtiments du 19ème siècle les mieux préservés à Victoria. Il fut rénové en 2005.

Shopping L’artisanat local offre des travaux en fibre (chapeaux, paniers etc.) en coquillages, en nacre ou encore en or (bijoux et objets décoratifs) ainsi que des œuvres d’artistes locaux. Les heures d’ouverture des magasins sont de 8:00h à 17:00h du lundi au vendredi et de 8:00h à 12:00h le samedi. Certains commerces restent ouverts le dimanche matin.

Restaurants Les Seychelles offrent une cuisine variée: créole et internationale. En dehors des établissements hôteliers et des restaurants, des services traiteurs sont à votre disposition à Mahé (Victoria) ainsi qu’à Praslin.

Vie nocturne La plupart des hôtels organisent des spectacles nocturnes: danses traditionnelles, dîners dansant ou barbecues sur la plage. Il y a deux cinémas à Victoria. Régulièrement, des pièces de théâtre en français, en anglais et en créole sont à l’affiche. Il existe aussi des boîtes de nuit à Victoria et Beau Vallon ainsi qu’à Praslin.

Silhouette Vol 26 No 2 | 81

DINING OUT

CREOLE Anse Soleil Cafe Anse Soleil, Mahé Tel: +248 436 17 00 Boat House Beau Vallon Mahé Tel: +248 424 78 98, Mobile: +248 251 0898 Email: richardmancienne@live.com Cap Lazare Tel: +248 428 01 00 / 252 46 42 Email: info@creoletravelservices.com Chez Batista Restaurant Takamaka, Mahé Tel: +248 436 63 00 Email: batistas@seychelles.net Domaine Du Soleil Restaurant Tel: +248 428 55 55 Email: sun@seychelles.net Katiolo Anse Faure Tel: +248 4375 453

Berjaya Beau Vallou Tel: +248 428 72 87 Maharajas Restaurant Tel: +248 434 68 69 Email: rm@themaharajasseychelles.com SOUTH ASIAN Kannel Four Seasons Resort Tel: +248 4393 000 ext. 1902 Email: Restaurants-Reservation.SEY@fourseasons.com

JAPANESE Teppanyaki Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Beach Resort & Casino Tel: +248 428 72 87 Email: bhrseysm@berjayaseychelles.com INTERNATIONAL/CREOLE Anchor Cafe Anse a la Mouche, Mahé Tel: +248 437 12 89 Email: keith@seychelles.net

Helios Restaurant Constance Ephelia Resort Tel: +248 4395 140 Email: info@epheliaresort.com La Scala Restaurant Tel: +248 424 75 35 Email: silscala@seychelles.net The Sea Shell Port Launay Tel: +248 4324026/2523968 Uncle Will’s Pizzeria Coco D’or Hotel Tel: +248 424 73 31 Email: reservations@cocodor.sc Lounge 8 Vista bay Glacis, Mahé Mobile: +248 2746808 Green Valley Anse aux Pins Tel: +248 437 1670 The Hilltop Restaurant Hilton Seychelles Tel: +248 429 90 00 Email: reservations@ thenortholmehotel.com

Fishtail Restaurant Tel: 4322214 Email: fishtail@seychelles.net

Au Jardin D’Epices Banyan Tree Seychelles Tel: +248 438 35 00 Email: reservations@banyantree.com

Le Reduit Restaurant Tel: +248 436 61 16 / 436 62 25 Email: lereduit@seychelles.net

Le Jardin des palmes Tel: 248 438 91 00 Email: jardindespalmes@email.sc

Marie Antoinette Restaurant Serret Road St Louis Tel: +248 426 62 22

Baobab Pizzeria Restaurant Beau Vallon, Mahé Tel: +248 424 71 67 / 258 38 68

Kaz Kreol Restaurant Anse Royale Mahé Tel: +248 436 16 80 Email: chefinparadise@hotmail.com

Beach Side Bistro Coral Strand Hotel Tel: +248 429 10 00 Email: mail@coralstrand.sc

La Belle epoque Eden Plaza Tel: +248 434 67 65 Email: labelleepoque.seychelles@gmail.com

Bel Air Restaurant Tel: +248 422 44 16 /46 16 Email: belair@seychelles.net

La Cocoteraie Restaurant AVANI RESORT & SPA Hotel Tel: +248 467 30 00 Email: reservation.AVANI RESORT & SPA@ lemeridien.sc

News Cafe 1st floor, Trinity House Victoria, Mahé Tel: +248 432 29 99 CHINESE Le Canton Chinese Restaurant Berjaya Beau Vallon Tel: +248 428 72 87 Email: bhrseysm@berjayaseychelles.com The Wok Chinese Restaurant Coco D’or Hotel Tel: +248 424 73 31 Email: reservations@cocodor.sc

Bravo Eden Island Tel: +248 4346 020 Email: bravo@seychelles.net

GOURMET Cyann “Signature Cousine” Constance Ephilia Resort Tel: +248 4395 001

BoardWalk Bar & Grill Eden island Marina Tel: 248 251 57 86 Email: boardwalk@email.sc

Maia Restaurant Luxury Resort Spa Tel: +248 4390 000 Email: reservations@southernsun.sc

Carefree Guesthouse & Restaurant Anse Aux Pins Mahé Tel: +248 437 52 37 Email: honey@seychelles.net

Chilli Bar & Steakhouse La Louise Tel: +248 4344 155

Chez Plume Resturant Tel: +248 435 50 50 Email: plume@seychelles.net

Zez Restaurant Four Seasons Resort Tel: +248 4393 000 ext. 1902

MOLOKO PIZZERIA New Port -Victoria Tel: +248 4610 888

Email: Restaurants-Reservation.SEY@fourseasons.com

INDIAN Mahék Indian Restaurant Coral Strand Hotel Tel: +248 462 10 00 Email: info@coralstrand.sc

82 | Silhouette Vol 26 No 2

Doubleclick Seychelles Maison La-Rosiere Palm Street Tel: +248 461 05 90 Email: bureau@seychelles.net

Jolie Rose 2 Restaurant Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market Tel: +248 422 54 51

La Palma Restaurant Coco D’or Hotel Tel: +248 424 73 31 Email: reservations@cocodor.sc

Le Cardinal Restaurant Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove Tel: +248 467 70 00 Email: reservations.fishcove@lemeridien.sc Le Jardin du Roi Domaine de L’enfoncement Anse Royale Tel: +248 437 13 13 Email: brymich@seychelles.net Le Mangrovia Restaurant Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove Tel: +248 467 30 00 Email: reservation.AVANI RESORT & SPA@lemeridien.com Le Café de L’ Horloge Tel: +248 432 35 56 Email: lerendezvous.seychelles@gmail.com Le Surmer Restaurant Le Surmer Hotel Pointe Conan, Mahé Tel: +248 424 18 11 Email: prgpalms@seychelles.net Les Cocotiers Restaurant Tel: +248 429 90 00 Email: reservations.seychelles@hilton.com Maia Luxury Resort & Spa Tel: +248 4390 000 Email: reservations@southernsun.sc Manresa Restaurant Manresa Small Hotel Tel: +248 424 13 88 The Parrot Berjaya Beau Vallon Tel: +248 428 72 87 Email: bhrseysm@berjayaseychelles.com The Board Walk Lounge & Bar Eden Island Tel: +248 443 63 03 The Havana Eden Plaza Tel: +248 441 13 18 Email: havana.edenisland@gmail.com Pirates Arms Tel: +248 422 50 01 Email: pirates@email.sc

La Plaine St Andre Tel: +248 4372010 Email: reservations@laplaine.sc

Pizzeria Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino Tel: +248 428 72 87 Email: sales@berjayaseychelles.com

La Plage Restaurant Beau Vallon Beach Tel: +248 4620240 Email: info@laplage.sc

Porto Cervo Eden Plaza Tel: +248 261 20 25 Email: vesta7525@mail.ru

La Perle Noire Restaurant Beau Vallon Tel: +248 462 02 20 Email: laperlenoire@seychelles.net

Saffron Banyan Tree Seychelles Tel: +248 438 35 00 Email: reservations@banyantree.com

Lazare Picault Restaurant Lazare Picault Hotel Tel: +248 436 11 11 Email: lazarpco@seychelles.net

Sam’s Pizzeria Tel: +248 432 24 99 / 32 34 95 Email: samad@samspizzeria.sc

Le Bourgeois Restaurant Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove Tel: +248 467 70 00 Email: reservations.fishcove@lemeridien.sc

Seselwa Bar Constance Ephilia Resort Tel: +248 4395182 Email: info@epheliaresort.com

DINER A L EXTÉRIEUR

Sea View Restaurant Coral Strand Tel: 248 421000 Email: Mail@coralstrand.sc

Beach Bar Restaurant Acajou Hotel Cote D’or, Praslin Tel: +248 423 24 00 Email: acajou@seychelles.net

Legend Restaurant Lemuria Resort Anse Tel: +248 428 10 88 Email: fnb@lemuriaresort.com

Sey si bon Eden Plaza Tel: +248 434 6833 / +248 251 5591 Email: sesibon@gmail.com www.sesibon.com

Black Parrot Restaurant Black Parrot Suites Tel: +248 429 05 55 Email: cocodeme@seychelles.net

Octopus Diving Center Berjaya Praslin Beach Hotel Anse Volbert, Praslin Tel: +248 423 22 22 Mobile: +248 271 54 41 Email: bpbfc@seychelles.net

Silhouette Restaurant Sunset Beach Resort Tel: +248 426 11 11 Email: sunset@seychelles.net Skychef Ltd Seychelles International Airport Tel: +248 438 17 63 Email: skychef@seychelles.net DELPLACE RESTAURANT Port Glaud, Mahé Tel: +248 437 83 52/ 25 88 999 Surfers beach restaurant Anse Parnell Tel: +248 278 3703/ 437 11 00 Email: surfersbeach@seychelles.net Takamaka Restaurant Tel: +248 437 20 10 Email: infobox@seychelleshotel.com The Sea Shell Port Launay Tel: +248 4324026/ 2523968 ASIAN FUSION Restaurant La Plaine St. Andre Au cap, Mahé Tel: +248 437 14 85 Zez Lounge Four Seasons Resort Tel: +248 4393222 Email: Restaurants-Reservation.SEY@fourseasons.com

RESTAURANTS – PRASLIN CREOLE Capricorn Restaurant Islanders Guesthouse Anse Kerlan, Praslin Tel: +248 423 32 24 Email: islander@seychelles.net Coco Rouge Baie Ste Anne, Praslin Tel: +248 423 22 28 Le Chevalier Bay Restaurant Anse Lazio, Praslin Tel: +248 423 23 22 Email: lechevalierbay@seychelles.net Les Lauriers Restaurant Les Lauriers Petit Hotel Cote D’or, Praslin Tel: +248 423 22 41 Email: laurier@seychelles.net INTERNATIONAL/CREOLE Acajou Hotel Restaurant Cote D’or, Praslin Tel: +248 423 24 00 Email: acajou@seychelles.net Beach Bar and Grill Lemuria Resort Anse Kerlan, Praslin Tel: +248 428 10 91 Email: fnb@lemuriaresort.com

Bonbon Plume Anse Lazio, Praslin Tel: +248 423 21 36 Bonm Ange Hotel L’Archipel Anse Tel: +248 428 47 00 Email: archipel@seychelles.net Britannia Restaurant Britannia Hotel Grand Anse, Praslin Tel: +248 423 32 15 / 423 39 15 Email: britania@seychelles.net Chateau de Feuilles Pointe Cabris, Praslin Tel: +248 429 00 00 Email: info@chateaudefeuilles.com Feuille d’Or Hotel L’Archipel Anse Gouvernement, Praslin Tel: +248 428 47 00 Email: archipel@seychelles.net The Fregate Berjaya Praslin Beach Tel: +248 428 62 86 Email: praslin.rsvn@berjayahotel.com The Britannia Grand Anse Tel: +248 423 32 15 Email: britania@seychelles.net Hibiscus Restaurant Coco de mer Hotel Tel: +248 429 05 55 Email: cocodeme@seychelles.net Indian Ocean Lodge Grand Anse, Praslin Tel: +248 423 33 24 / 23 34 57 Email: iol@seychelles.net The Jetty Restaurant La Reserve Hotel Anse Petite Cour, Praslin Tel: +248 429 80 00 Email: resa@lareserve.sc Kannel restaurant Four Seasons Resort Seychelles Tel: +248 4393222 Email: Restaurants-Reservation.SEY@fourseasons.com

Le Beach Restaurant Paradise Sun Hotel Anse Volbert, Praslin Tel: +248 429 32 93 Email: paradise@seychelles.net Le Dauphin Hotel Le Duc de Praslin Tel: +248 429 48 00 Email: leduc@seychelles.net Le Kato Noir Palm Beach Hotel Grande Anse, Praslin Tel: +248 429 02 90/429 02 92 Email: palmbeach@seychelles.sc

Pool Deck Restaurant Lemuria Resort Anse Tel: +248 428 10 88 Email: fnb@lemuriaresort.com Pool Grill Restaurant La Reserve Anse Petit Cour, Praslin Tel: +248 429 80 00 Email: resa@lareserve.sc

Cafe Le Monde Baie St Anne Tel: +248 423 21 11 Chateau St Cloud La Passe, La Digue Tel: +248 423 43 46 Email: stcloud@seychelles.net La Vanille Anse La Blague Tel: +248 423 21 78 La Digue Island Lodge Anse Reunion Tel: +248 429 25 25 L’Ocean Anse Patates Tel: +248 423 43 33

Port Side Cafe Baie St. Anne Jetty, Praslin Tel: +248 277 35 18

Pool Side Restaurant La Digue Island Lodge Tel: +248 429 25 25 Email: reservation@ladigue.sc

Sea Horse Restaurant & Bar Lemuria Resort Anse Kerlan, Praslin Tel: +248 428 12 81 Email: resa@lemuriaresort.com

Pecheur Restaurant La Digue Island Lodge Tel: +248 429 25 25 Email: reservation@ladigue.sc

Tante Mimi Restaurant Cote D’or, Praslin Tel: +248 423 25 00 Email: desisles@seychelles.net

Restaurant Le Dauphin C/o Le de Praslin Hotel Tel: +248 429 48 00

Touchdown Restaurant Amitie Airport Praslin Tel: +248 423 36 55 Village de Pecheur Praslin Tel: +248 423 20 00 RESTAURANTS LA DIGUE CREOLE Bernique Anse Reunion Tel: +248 423 42 29 Patatran Restaurant Patatran Village Anse Patates, La Digue Tel: +248 429 43 00 Email: patatran@seychelles.net Tournesol Tournesol Guesthouse La Passe, La Digue Tel: +248 423 41 55 Email: tournesol@seychelles.sc

Restaurant Patatran Hotel L’Ocean Anse Patates, La Digue Tel: +248 429 43 00 Email: patatran@seychelles.net Tarosa Restaurant La Passe, La Digue Tel: +248 423 44 07 Email: patatran@seychelles.net PIZZERIA/CAFE-BAR Gregoire’s comples Tel: +248 429 25 25 SEA FOOD Cafe Des Arts Cote D’or Tel: +248 429 48 00 Email: café@seychelles.net

Villa Authentique Restaurant & Bar Villa Authentique La Passe, La Digue Tel: +248 423 44 13

RESTAURANTS OTHER ISLANDS CREOLE Jolly Roger’s Moyenne Island Tel: +248 429 70 00 Email: info@creoletravelservices.sc

Villa Mon Reve Anse Reunion, La Digue Tel: +248 423 42 18 Email: vmonreve@hotmail.com

INTERNATIONAL/CREOLE L’habitation Restaurant Tel: +248 432 31 11 Email: habicerf@seychelles.net

Zerof Restaurant Anse Reunion, La Digue Tel: +248 423 44 39 INTERNATIONAL/CREOLE Cafe Le Monde Grand Anse Tel: +248 278 11 21/ 252 03 11

Please send updated information to creative@camerapix.co.ke

Silhouette Vol 26 No 2 | 83

PUZZLES 1

CLUES ACROSS 1. Rude boys; UK 1960s TV series (6,4) 6. International oil producers’ organisation (4) 9. Looking on the bright side (10) 10. Not right. Remaining (4) 13. Meteorological conditions (7) 15. Charm (6) 16. Call by a cricket umpire (2,4) 17. Found in pyramids (8, 7) 18. Northern French town (6) 20. A good singer should be this! 2,4 21. Obtaining (7) 22. Stunned confusion (4) 25. Fit and well, and in a top class, by the sound of it (2,4,4) 26. Christmas boy’s name (4) 27. Free-floating (10)

10 11

21 22

25 26 27

Answers down 1. Loot 2. Kite 3. Limpet 4. Less than nothing 5. Driven 7. Precarious 8. Cattle shed 11. Game warden 12. Busy Lizzie 13. Wetting 14. Roaming 19. Seance 20. Invert 23. Rope 24. Amps Answers across 1. Likely lads 6. OPEC 9. Optimistic 10. Left 13. Weather 15. Amulet 16. No ball 17. Egyptian mummies 18. Amiens 20. In tune 21. Getting 22. Daze 25. In fine form 26. Noel 27. Weightless

CLUES DOWN 1. Reposition tool to get booty (4) 2. Bird of prey, plaything for a windy day (4) 3. Marine gastropod (6) 4. Worthless and a minus quantity (4,4,7) 5. Chauffeured (6) 7. Perilous (10) 8. Bovine accommodation (6,4) 11. Is this animal carer up for it? (4,6) 12. Elizabeth’s hard-working plant (4,6) 13. Moistening (7) 14. Wandering (7) 19. A meeting to contact the dead (6) 20. Turn upside down (6) 23. Pore over this cord 24. Current units (4)

Sudoku

Place a number from 1 to 9 in every empty cell so that each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains all the numbers from 1 to 9. No number can appear twice in a row, column or 3x3 box. Do not guess – you can work it out by a process of elimination. Good luck!

2 8

4 8

6 2

7 2

3 1 9

4 6

6 9 4 5

7 1 8

WE WANT YOUR VIEWS! We aim to keep Silhouette as interesting and informative as possible to a wide cross-section of readers. Please let us have your views on the contents of this magazine. What do you like about it? Is there anything that you do 84 like? | Silhouette Voltopics 26 No 2 you would like to see more of? With your not Are there any that feedback we can make the magazine even better in future.

Please drop a line to the publisher: Camerapix Magazines Ltd. Email: rukhsana@camerapix.co.ke, creative@camerapix.co.ke, camerapixuk@btinternet.com Thank you. Rukhsana Haq, Editorial Director

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