Sesel Sa April

THE VOICE OF SEYCHELLES TOURISM

Miss Seychelles The year in the crown

Carnaval International de Vectoria 25th to 27th April

Desroches

The Zil Air Experience

FR EE

The conservation story

Lima Calbio is bigger than life and a great asset to the Seychelles Carnival. She is now an annual fixture to our island’s Carnival celebration and is passionate about the concept. Hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, said to be the birthplace of Carnival in its most copied form, Lima was pulled into costume from a young age and launched her Carnival ‘career’ as part of the band (group) in her own family. In Trinidad, the most pregnant of women participates in carnival and once the baby is born, they too join right in, with toddlers dancing and walking (or being carried) by their parents. It is a family affair and no one gets left out.

Her energy is addictive and you start swaying just by being around her. Carnival is part of her heritage and very much who she is. Lucky for Seychelles, she’s formed affection for the islands and is committed to working with STB in preparations for each Carnival and for 2014 she introduces a new concept to the Carnival by introducing for the first time ever the Children’s Carnival (page 48). Performing for many years, in both Soca and Calypso music, Lima herself has a leaning for Soca which is also described as the ‘soul of Calypso’. Soca unlike traditional Calypso songs – which sometimes has social commentary, is all about the fast paced beats and the lyrics sometimes contain the dance instructions, which adds to the energy.

For 2014, Lima is working with STB for the Children’s Carnival as well as being the lead in Seychelles own Trinidad and Tobago band which is sponsored by Petit Amour Villa and Boardwalk. The band hopes to see 100 masqueraders walking and dancing on the 26th April which is the day of the Carnival Parade.

Suzanne Verlaque Photographer | Lima Calbio Model | Potpourri Studio Venue

Foreword by Sherin Naiken CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board Once again, the Carnaval International de Victoria comes around – a time when Seychelles has another opportunity to co-host an event that is capturing the imagination of people across the globe for the way it represents a melting pot of different cultures and also a carnival of carnivals, allowing participants from the international world of carnival to participate alongside new-comers and Seychellois.

I am pleased that Sesel Sa! as the voice of Seychelles’ tourism has taken up the story of the carnival alongside its coverage of other important aspects of Seychelles’ tourism to give the reader an apercu of this important annual event that Seychelles is now hosting with its Vanilla Island partners, La Reunion, Madagascar and Mayotte and also with South Africa Kwazulu Natal.

As we broaden the scope of the carnival and embrace new partners we begin a brave new dynamic: opening up the south-western Indian Ocean to a new kind of tourism – regional tourism which, in turn, will eventually enhance connectivity between the Vanilla Islands and so grant visitors the opportunity to travel between them and savour their many, unique attributes.

Tourism is a very dynamic industry and is evolving under our very noses in ways that require us to move equally quickly if we are to have any hope of keeping pace. This necessitates that those of us in the industry keep abreast of that change and, importantly, also remain in touch with each other via important platforms such as Sesel Sa! which is already a vital tool for placing the latest tourism news at our disposal.

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CO NT E NTS

1.................................CEO foreward 4.................................Zil Air - Looking at the

unique expereince 11..............................Desroches - The

conservation plan 17..............................In the news 20..............................STO faces 21..............................Aviation 22..............................Holidaying in Reunion 24..............................Miss Seychelles interview 28..............................Vallée de Mai - 30 years on 30..............................Gastronomy - it's fishy…

36..............................Chef Interview 39..............................Dining in Seychelles

42..............................Carnival Special 57..............................The histroy of Sokwe 61..............................Stylish resort - Seychelloise owned 63..............................Petit Amour Villa - Service with

a little love 66..............................Calendar of events 69..............................STA 71..............................Featured Beach 73..............................Yacht Charter start up 76..............................Art and Nature 79..............................Maps of Seychelles 84..............................Contacts 88..............................STO Contacts

Sesel Sa! is a joint collaboration with STB and Paradise Promotions Ltd.

For more information with regards to advertising and editorial, please contact; Ineke Camille | E: ineke@seychellespublications.com | Tel: +2482520937 Marie France Watson | E: marie-france@seychellespublications.com | Tel: +2482512477 Graphic Design and Layout | Olivia Michaud | E: info@angelcreativedesign.com Published by Paradise Promotions Ltd. P.O Box 1539, Mahé, Seychelles Printed by ATLAS Printing Press LLC.

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Sesel Sa Magazine

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Heli-yeah

Talking choppers, and mid-air marriage proposals with Zil Air

By RJ Williams

Images by; Zil Air

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Editor’s Note: The names and details pertaining to some individuals mentioned in this article have been altered to keep their identities confidential.

When the rental car that Sara Tasker and her boyfriend had been driving around Seychelles' main island of Mahé suddenly broke down, she had plenty of time to survey her surroundings as they waited for help.

The car stopped dead near the playing field at Northeast Point, just before the coastal road bends away from the views of Victoria and the Ste Anne Marine Park, and instead toward the northern peninsula of the island.

TO FLY IS HEAVENLY, TO HOVER DIVINE Since its 2007 inception as a domestic commercial airline, these are the kinds of custom-built experiences Zil Air has strived to realise for its clients, according to commercial director Ashvin Seeboo.

Zil Air operates a suite of helicopter-based a la carte services with its three Eurocopter EC-120s – most commonly private island-to-island transfers and scenic flights – but as Ashvin tells it, personalisation and

Overhead there was the distant buzz of a helicopter.

Some friendly passersby stopped to check if they needed assistance, but her boyfriend Jerry insisted they just wait for the car rental company to show up.

We’re in Seychelles, he told her, and there are worse things than watching island life tick by.

The sound of the helicopter was getting closer, she noticed, as a group of children sauntered past smiling at them. The whirring grew louder, and louder still, until the grass on the field started shimmering in a way that could only mean the chopper had specific intentions to touch down in the field just metres away.

The curious glance she shot Jerry was met with a hint of a smile. They watched the chopper settle onto the grass, and then he took her hand as the flight crew disembarked and beckoned them closer.

What she initially thought was a stroke of bad holiday luck turned out to be a clever ruse put on by her boyfriend and helicopter operator Zil Air: Jerry asked Sara to marry him a few hundred metres above the Garden of Eden, and she said yes.

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exclusivity are what the company really aims to sell.

‘We try to promote what we do as much more than just a flight from point A to point B,’ he says, providing an example before being asked. ‘When we arrange excursions by air to island reserves like Cousin or Aride, our clients have their own warden or ranger for a completely private tour, rather than them having to join an existing group.’

Ashvin says Zil Air has worked extensively with its various partners and has built up a reliable network of third-party service providers to cater for their discerning clientele in a way that is consistent throughout each step of their service, be it a chauffeured transfer to its terminal or a gourmet picnic at a remote cliff-top accessible only by helicopter.

It’s also why the company invested heavily in its terminal and lounge adjacent to Seychelles’ International Airport on Mahé - no part of the ground experience can let down the flight.

RAREFIED AIR Whereas Helicopter Seychelles once held the monopoly on helicopter services in the country for a number of years, Ashvin doesn’t see Zil Air as holding that same distinction now.

‘We may be the only airline operating with helicopters but we still compete with Air Seychelles, with IDC and even Cat Cocos to an extent for our business,’ he says, noting that there are any number of options for getting between islands.

Ashvin believes the pitfalls of complacency that often drag service levels down for companies in positions of relative monopoly, can only happen when there’s no motivation to innovate.

‘We’re constantly developing and evolving our services and always want to ensure the client is at the centre of what we’re doing – it’s not about selling the same product on a day-in day-out basis just because we can,’ he says.

Zil Air’s expansion into fixed-wing aircraft is a case in point. In addition to its Eurocopters, Zil Air now operates a Vulcan Air PC68C, a small 4-passenger airplane that offers a great deal of flexibility for longer-range inter-island air travel, for both domestic customers on outer islands needing to bring small passenger numbers back and forth from Mahé, as well as for those with the means for a private charter.

While a 15-minute scenic flight is offered at the fairly accessible rate of €345, there's no getting away from the fact that most of Zil Air's clients sit at the front of the plane on their way down to Seychelles.

Handling such exclusive clientele requires a degree of discretion from staff, and a careful approach by the management to avoid compromising situations. When Seychelles played host to the Royal Honeymoon, Ashvin notes, media outlets offered vast sums to provide their photographers a way to train their lenses on the couple’s villa from the air. All such requests were denied out of respect for their privacy as well as Zil Air’s own business relationship with the resort in question – not coincidentally one of the company’s best customers.

There are cases, however, where even the most high profile of celebs would have to take a back seat to Zil Air’s operating procedures when it comes to medical emergencies. The nearest possible aircraft can be diverted at any time if a sick or injured individual is in need of a medical evacuation back to Mahé.

Med-evac, along with search-and-rescue and firefighting – in which aircraft are always on standby in the dry season –form just a small part of Zil Air’s business, but are essential cogs in the country’s infrastructure.

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FROM A HELICOPTER, EVERY ROUTE IS THE SCENIC ROUTE Daniela Kovic and Mirko Novak had been looking forward to their scenic helicopter flight throughout their holiday. After having spent more than a week experiencing the different islands, Seychelles was as idyllic as they had hoped on land and at sea, but Daniela knew it was going to be just as stunning from the air.

However, she didn’t know that Mirko had made some ‘supplemental’ arrangements with the help of Zil Air: on the morning of their flight a small team had gathered at the beach of Anse Marron on La Digue. The sand flew as they dug furiously all along the beach, unknown to anyone but themselves, and Mirko.

Once in the air, the pilot brought the couple over transparent turquoise waters to look down on some of Seychelles’ most precious places, like Anse Lazio and the rocky island of St Pierre off Cote D’Or beach. They swung out past the Sisters, Felicitie and Coco islands, before making their way to La Digue.

Tracing the coastline, passing the giant boulders of Anse Source d’Argent along the way, the pilot eventually brought them to a hover over Anse Marron.

On the beach, in huge capital letters clearly etched out in the sand, was a question for Daniela to answer.

Daniela said yes.

Image by Joris Lemmens

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Desroches

ISLAND

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T

he amount we travel, along with the way we travel as a human race, has risen vastly in the past 30 years. People are keen to expand their minds, vision and experience new and different cultures.

Mark Twain said: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

However, the ease of travel has led to an impact on the environment. Trees, plants and the habitats of native animals are being destroyed to make way for infrastructure, hotels and visitor attractions.

The definition of the word environment is: “the surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.” Many hotels and resorts across the globe are implementing environmental initiatives and Desroches Island has identified and applied key practices that will protect the flora, fauna, birds, marine life and animals that inhabit the paradise island.

The Desroches Foundation and Fund was founded to manage, maintain and protect the natural state of the island. Funds raised have already been allocated to projects undertaken by the Island Conservation Society (ICS), a Non-Governmental Organization registered in Seychelles, to oversee the day to day running of the environmental management of the island.

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Proud of its environmental initiatives, guests visiting the island can participate in the conservation of the island. Desroches has devised several ways in which guests can get involved and protect the island in the ocean, on the beach and on the island itself. Here’s how: JUST BOBBING ALONG ON THE BEAUTIFUL BRINY SEA-DESROCHES' MARINE AWARENESS PROGRAMME Careful! Not all people are considerate and many damage the aquatic environment without even realising. The Marine awareness programme was implemented as a guideline to guests and to protect the oceanic environment.

CORAL CARE Guests are encouraged not to damage the corals and avoid standing in sea grass beds. Corals have a very slow growth (between 1mm and 1cm a year!), which means that breaking a piece of coral of 10cm long may take 10 to 100 years to grow back!

DON’T CHASE ME!!

Turtles, spectacular fish in a dazzling array of colours, rays and sharks inhabit the crystal clear waters that surround Desroches Island. Chasing these beautiful creatures not only causes them distress but can also risk the safety of guests.

PLEASE DON’T TAKE MY HOME BACK WITH YOU… Shells-as tempting as it is to take a shell or two home as a memento of your time on the idyllic island of Desroches, these are in fact ‘homes’ for the many varieties of hermit crab. Desroches loves all creatures and would hate to see the hermit crab homeless, so please refrain from taking the shells from the beach!

WHAT A CATCH! Desroches Island offers some of the best game and fly fishing in the world! To safeguard the various species of fish, the island operates a strict catch and release policy. This is to protect the fish and to stop overfishing the waters.

BACK ON LAND…THE GENTLE GIANTS OF DESROCHES The Seychelles’ is renowned for its giant tortoises, however, these gentle giants were in danger of becoming extinct due to their ease of capture. The giant tortoises that inhabit Desroches are part of the re-introduction program which has been implemented across many of Seychelles’ islands.

In December 2009 forty-one giant tortoises from Silhouette were introduced to the island. Over 70

giant tortoises ranging from hatchlings to fully grown adults call Desroches their home. A visit to the baby tortoise breeding pen is a must! Here, you can hand feed the baby tortoises every day from 4.00pm. Peter the giant male tortoise lives in the giant tortoise breeding pen. He is 85 years old and loves a piece of fresh mango! Tip: ask the restaurant for some tortoise food and they will gladly supply chunks of apple, slices of mango and pieces of melon for you to feed the tortoises. Hop over the wall and Peter and his friends will welcome you! If you are lucky, you may witness George, who often visits the restaurant at breakfast time for his fruit!

TAKE A TORTOISE HOME As mentioned before, Desroches would prefer if you didn’t take the shells than line the beach home with you. However, as reminder of your stay on the island, you can adopt a tortoise! Desroches Sponsor a Giant Tortoise Campaign that was established in 2010, to help fund the giant tortoise breeding program as well as the restoration of the tortoise habitat.

WHAT A LOAD OF RUBBISH! Rubbish removal is vital to protect the coastline of the island. Staff and guests (willingly!) regularly walk the coastline to remove waste. Flip flops are the biggest contributors to the trash collected-all we can say is that there must be a lot of one footed people out there!!

Desroches employs one member of staff to ensure all the waste is correctly separated. This is vital when protecting such an unspoilt, pristine beauty like Desroches Island. Extra care must be taken with regards to waste disposal and this must be carefully monitored.

Coloured bins are used in the kitchen and staff areas and waste is split into each bin accordingly. Veggie and fruit peelings are composted. Wet food as well as cardboard is burnt in the incinerator.

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Glass, plastic and cans are separated and sent back to MahĂŠ with the barge, at the end of each month, and sold to a recycling company.

In order to improve our environmental consciousness, DIL Management has budgeted to buy a new incinerator, a glass crusher (so that it can be included in our concrete mix on villa construction) and a chipper machine that will allow us to include all the garden cuts, trimmings and coconuts in our own compost.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE! Desroches is an island surrounded by seawater. In order to limit the amount of bottled water consumed, the island has its own desalination plant to provide drinking water: comprising of three plants, two

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with the ability to generate 2,500 litres of drinkable water per hour and a third one with the capacity of producing 3,000 litres per hour, eliminating the need for plastic bottles and reducing cargo. Before becoming safely drinkable, the sea and veil water goes through a first phase of filtering where sand, salt and other residues are removed. It then goes through U.V. rays to eliminate possible bacteria.

TREE LOVING! The Landscaping Team has a strict policy to plant indigenous plants and no species are brought in from the main land. During the past year over 3000 indigenous trees have been planted on Desroches in conjunction with the eradication of foreign species such as the Casuarina trees. The wood from the Casuarinas is used to build furniture, door frames and

floor boards and used extensively in the buildings and guest suites on the Island. Any left-over items are shipped back to Mahé to be sold.

“TO TRAVEL IS TO LIVE”-HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN Those seeking a luxurious, unspoilt, ecological paradise need look no further than Desroches Island. Samuel Johnson once said: “All travel has its advantages. If the passenger visits better countries, he may learn to improve his own. And if fortune carries him to worse, he may learn to enjoy it.”

The projects undertaken to improve the environment on Desroches along with the programmes already in place are just the beginning. The team at Desroches Island are working towards the goal of being the first waste free island in the Seychelles. The environmental process is ongoing and the island is consistently seeking new ways in which to improve the ecology and ecosystems of the island. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In the words of Hans Christian Andersen “To travel is to live.” And we hope, dear reader, that you live a long and prosperous life!

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DESROCHES ISLAND – SEYCHELLES

An idyllic paradise... with over 14km of soft sandy beaches, Desroches Island is a refuge to experience nature without compromising on luxury.

www.desroches-island.com 16

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In The News

New York Times lists its ‘52 Places to Go’ in 2014 and this includes the Seychelles

‘Witness a city in transformation, glimpse exotic animals, explore the past and enjoy that beach before the crowds’ The New York Times said.

David Germain, the Seychelles Tourism Board Director for Africa and the Americas expressed his joy when he was informed

by Tour Operators that the Seychelles had been featured as one of the 52 places to visit in 2014 by The New York Times.

The mid-ocean islands of the Seychelles was the only destination from the Indian Ocean to make this prestigious list guiding American holiday makers in 2014. The CEO of the Tourism Board, Sherin Naiken on her part said that America is a growing market for Seychelles and one that will be receiving more attention by the marketing department. “Our Consul General in New York has been working closely with us in planning the development of the market.

We are starting to see the benefits from the works done so far and this review by the respected New York Times is proof of this” Sherin Naiken said.

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture also spoke about the inclusion of the Seychelles in the 2014 must visit tourism destinations list. “We have always believed in the Americas as a good target market for our tourism industry.

This is why we have worked to keep a degree of visibility on this big market only to keep us relevant in the world of tourism and as a holiday destination option.

Anse Lazio wins TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Beach Award

The iconic beach’s pristine beauty has once again clinched a spot among the top 25 beaches in the world to impress tourists. Anse Lazio has the added bonus of being accessible to tourists all year round.

In total, 276 winning beaches were named across Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and more. Anse Lazio was voted as one of the best beaches following reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travellers.

Meanwhile, for those curious to see the other contenders Anse Lazio has managed to surpass, the complete list of 2013 Travellers’ Choice Beaches can be found at: http://www. tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches For more details about Anse Lazio, please go to page 71.

Seychelles Tourism Board won The best of best NTO award The Seychelles Tourism Board won “Best of Best NTO Award”

by The Korea Travel News on 15th January, 2014. By the end of 2013, 13 million people traveled overseas, from the analysis

by Korea Culture and Tourism Research Institute. The Korea Travel News selected National Tourism Organizations’(NTO) promotional efforts are one of the key drives for this.

The Korea Travel News conducted a survey with 270 major tourism trades in Korea to find the best NTO in December 2013 for 3 weeks. Canada and Hong Kong won the 1st place, followed by Macao, Seychelles, Switzerland, Japan and Australia.

For the reasons why the trades selected the NTOs as the best are – 1) proactive marketing (27.4%), 2) Various Promotional Events (22.6%), 3) friendly communication (19%), then fast feedback, various seminars, provision of real time up-to-date information, and various educational programs followed.

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Among them, The Seychelles Tourism Board was reputed for its proactive marketing activities.

The Seychelles Tourism Board has been not only holding bi-annual Trade Seminars, but also proactively conducting sales calls and customized training to the trade partners. It has successfully launched SNS (Social Network Services) Marketing friends to promote Seychelles through online medium – blogs, facebook, and twitter.

The awareness of Seychelles in the Korean market has much grown, which Seychelles is one of the hottest 3 destinations for honeymoon, with Cancun and Mauritius.

Ms. Julie Kim, Regional Manager of The Seychelles Tourist Office, Korea said “Seychelles is well known as a honeymoon destination.

Now we are trying to expand the market as family, SIT and incentive destination. We are working on to bring Korean Air flight to Seychelles. This will contribute immensely to the air connectivity from North-east Asian countries as well as Korea itself.”

The Creole capital launches the International Creole Institute - a new chapter for the Creole Communities of the World

An International Creole Institute was officially opened on Friday 10th December in the mid-ocean islands of the Seychelles. The International Creole Institute continues to perpetuate the prime mission of the former Creole Institute of Seychelles. The development and the promotion of the Creole language and all that is Creole remains the mission of International Creole Institute. Having now acquired an international status, the institute will have an administrative council to represent the different Creole speaking countries in the region and further afield. The institutes mission is also broadened and its main working method will be through joint collaborative projects among Creole Countries and Islands and among organisations. When he was officially launching the International Creole Institute, Alain St.Ange, the Minister for Tourism and Culture said “today Seychelles is witnessing an important event in the history of the Creole Institute. It is with pride that Seychelles and La Reunion are offering to the Community of the Creole World a Creole Institute of International dimension.’’

Leading Hotels of the World welcomes Seychelles resort, Constance Lemuria into its rank and can now proudly bare the plaque at the entrance of the resort.

The Lemuria in Praslin bagged repeatedly the accolades for the Seychelles best golf resort and the Seychelles leading Spa resort – a major success considering the number of top rated Spa’s in the various resorts across the archipelago – and with three beaches and three swimming pools, plus the golf course, the Lemuria offers a complete holiday package for even the most discerning clientele.

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Seventh edition of the Seychelles’ popular Eco-Friendly Marathon proves to be a huge attraction for local and visiting athletes alike Early in the morning of Sunday 23 February, a crowd of nearly 1500 gathered at the waterfront before the new Savoy Hotel in Beau Vallon where massive activity signalled the start of the 2014 Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon.

As athletes swarmed around the starting line beneath a bank of giant, blinking stop-watches and went through their warm up routine to the vibrant sounds of motivational music, the atmosphere spoke volumes of the rising stature of an event which began from the humblest of beginnings with its first edition in 2008 Today’s Seychelles’ Eco-Friendly Marathon started off as the Eco-Friendly Marathon, the brain-child of Seychelles’ dynamic Honorary Consul in Korea Mr. Dong Chang Jeong and his assistant Ms. Julie Kim who over the years have poured their considerable energies into making the event the resounding success it has become in collaboration with the Seychelles Tourism Board and sponsors.

Since that time, slowly but surely, the event which features 5 & 10 km runs, and both full and halfmarathons, has grown in stature to the point where the 2014 edition boasted no less than 1465 participants, comprising 890 Seychellois and well over 500 foreign runners from a grand total of 35 nations.

The Seychelles Eco-Friendly Marathon is recognized internationally through the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS)

label. It is organized jointly by the National Sports Council, Seychelles Tourism Board and INOCEAN M&C (a South Korean company headed by Mr. Dong Chang Jeong) which is also the main sponsor for the event.

Beginning in the cool of the early morning, the longer races kicked off at 07.00 on a course that would take runners first to the north and north-east of the island, as well as Victoria and beyond, with the shorter 5 & 10 km runs and walk commencing an hour later and keeping the runners in the north, between Bel Ombre and Glacis.

Judging by the impressive turnout and by the smiling faces of the participants which consisted of athletes of all ages, (including a couple pushing a pram containing their baby) the 7th edition of the Eco-Friendly Marathon was especially well-received and appreciated by athletes and spectators alike.

Simon Labiche registered his 6th overall win of the full marathon in a time of 3h03:15 with Swedish runner Anneli Sodergards the new woman’s champ in 3h48:30.

The event culminated with a special Korean evening at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort on the evening of Sunday 23rd which doubled as a prize- giving ceremony for the marathon winners.

“I am delighted with the success of the Eco-Friendly Marathon”, enthused Korean Dong Chang Jeong, the event’s chief organiser, “and have ambitions to grow it to the point where we will have as many as 3000 runners in future.”

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Faces of STO

EDITH HUNZINGER

Head of the Seychelles Tourist Office in Frankfurt Edith Hunzinger, née Sauzier, was born in the Seychelles and moved to Germany in her 20s, where she started working as a shift leader in the passenger handling department at the Stuttgart airport also attending intensive courses in the travel trade industry.

She then moved to Switzerland and worked for 3 years as Marketing Director for Germany for the known Swatch Watches brand.

Since 1988, she has been working for the Seychelles government, heading the Seychelles Tourist Office in Frankfurt, with a brief hiatus, for a quarter of a century.

Responsible for German-speaking Europe – Germany, Switzerland, and Austria –, Edith has boosted visitor numbers from this market with a population of 100 million by 350% during her tenure so far and keeps recording double-digit growth even now. (1988 arrival figures from her Market 9.228 / 2013 over 42,000) Her heart and soul are deeply invested in her work, which she regards as more than just a job: “I am proud to be doing something I enjoy and at the same time serve my country in a key position that ensures the sustenance of the domestic economy.” Edith is married to Max Hunzinger, an event and incentive management entrepreneur and Honorary Consul of the Seychelles.

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LENA HOAREAU

PR and News Bureau Manager – UK and Europe Lena is the long-time PR face of the Seychelles Tourism Board.

She joined the Seychelles Tourism Marketing Authority (STMA) in 2004 as the Public Relations and Communications Coordinator, after having spent seven years as a journalist at the daily Seychelles Nation.

She was recruited to develop the online newsletter for the organisation and after successfully accomplishing that, she was promoted to the post of Customer Services Manager in the new structure of the Seychelles Tourism Board in 2005.

Her responsibilities were to oversee the information offices on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue as well as customer affairs which dealt directly with visitors’ issues and complaints.

Even though she held a different post, Mrs Hoareau was still actively involved in projects relating to Public Relations and others promoting the image of the organisation and the Seychelles as a tourist destination, especially from early 2010 onwards when more focus was on increasing the visibility of the destination on the international markets.

In August 2010, Mrs Hoareau went back fully to her specialised field when she was appointed Manager of PR and News Bureau of the Seychelles Tourism Board, a post she still holds up to date. The News Bureau is responsible for disseminating tourism news on Seychelles to the international media and press as well as dealing with press queries.

In 2011, Mrs Hoareau moved to London, UK, to head the new Seychelles Islands’ PR and News Bureau for Europe. The Bureau has been at the forefront of the destination’s strong visibility campaign initiated to put the islands in the news all over the world.

The office lends support to and assists the press and media with all queries on Seychelles. It also acts as the focal point for information which at the end allows journalists and editors to have the right information when writing on or featuring the islands.

Ms Hoareau says her job is very focal in extending the distribution of news on Seychelles to new media contacts throughout Europe and in regions yet to be tapped into.

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TINAZ WADIA

Manager for the Seychelles Tourist Office responsible for UK and Ireland.

Prior to joining the Seychelles Tourism Board, Ms Wadia was the Director of Sales at Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts. She is a seasoned marketer with over 20 years of experience in tourism and is well-known in the local tourism industry and also on the UK market. She worked with the then Seychelles Tourism Marketing Authority (STMA) in the early 2000 before moving to Banyan Tree Seychelles. During her time at STMA, she was responsible for the UK market, giving direct support to the overseas office at that time.

She is also a familiar face to the trade in the UK as she has represented Banyan Tree strongly on this market, including at trade fairs, road shows, sales calls and other marketing events.

Aviation News Direct Air Service to Seychelles with Air Austral Announced Inter Island air connectivity in the spirit of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands takes a new dimension now that Air Austral has announced that it will be holding direct flights to Seychelles from La Reunion as of June this year.

The new La Reunion to Seychelles flight operations will be on a Boeing 737-800, two times a week from the 3rd of June 2014.

The two flights are scheduled to depart La Reunion every Monday and Wednesday at 7.20 pm to arrive in Seychelles at 10pm, and return to La Reunion the following day at 9.55am.

"Our island's tourism industry will benefit from this opportunity and we have given our commitment to work with Air Austral to develop the route for the benefit of the airline and for the consolidation for the Seychelles’ Tourism Industry" said Minister Alain St.Ange.

President Didier Robert., Mr Male, CEO of Air Austral, Minister Alain St.Ange

Air Seychelles Awarded Prestigious 4-Star Skytrax Ranking Air Seychelles has been awarded the prestigious 4-Star Airline ranking by the airline review organisation, Skytrax, making Air Seychelles the first and only 4-Star airline in the Indian Ocean.

The achievement was announced to delighted staff and members of the public by Mr Cramer Ball, Air Seychelles’ Chief Executive Officer at the unveiling ceremony held at the Seychelles International Airport terminal on January 3rd 2014.

Mr Cramer Ball said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this recognition. We have been working very hard to enhance our product and service offerings. Our new ranking places us among the very best airlines in the world and confirms the significant progress we have made during the last two years.”

Air Seychelles

Air Seychelles is now proudly ranked as the No. 2 Airline in Africa and now also holds the No. 3 spot for Best Airline Staff in Africa.

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REUNION : UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

By Elaine LaFortune Reunion is a cultural gem with magnificent Creole architecture, very much identical to the Seychelles.

The plush center of this volcanic island has spectacular mountains as backdrop with hiking trails, surrounded with a shoreline with welcoming crystal clear waters.

A guesthouse, L'orky-Mel (very comfortable and welcoming place to stay when in Reunion) at Petite-Lle

Wild Card Destination

5 days on Reunion – sounded like a dream come true and indeed it was. The visit to cover the exposure of the Vanilla Islands could not culminate without touring this beautiful island. I quickly learned that the island offered more than I had anticipated. Much to my surprise, I was exposed to a vast adventure playground; A paradise for those seeking for an adrenaline rush, but similarly famous for the setting of some cozy guesthouses which harbour many tourists all year round.

I was equally surprised to know that Reunion, like Mauritius, was home to the sugar cane and the Litchis. While my palate at one point, slavered for something more, I knew that no one in his right mind would come to such an exotic island to eat mundane fast food, when the restaurants and cafés offer mouthwatering French food with that unique blending of Creole spices; which made me feel almost at home. Lunch was a delicate affair. The chicken curry and the Rougaille de Morue gave me reason to ponder on what a longer stay there would be like.

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It’s a Good Life

On following days, more of the island was revealed to me, including a visit to the Piton de La Fournaise, where my colleagues and I explored the vast lava flows of steaming hot rocks. Travelling a well sustained road, the journey led into the interior, stopping at the picturesque little town of St. Leu, where we could observe the parasailers come down from the adjacent mountain tops. We were told that parasailing is the picture-perfect escapade for whale lovers.

View from the guesthouse, Entre Deux Rêves

A Paradisiacal Place

The morning blue sky! I yearned for a helicopter ride… seduced to linger and take everything in all at once.

Mountain tops, shielded with vegetation, some jutting out like the teeth of the giant laying in profound sleep below, volcanoes long gone quiescent, yet leaving the apparent reminder that they might surface again one day, but not too soon with a bit of luck. I had to be sure that the pictures stayed in my head, which would allow me to write with the passion I felt on sight.

The impressions from Le Petit Marché de Saint Denis, held a miscellany of colours sounds and smells – the smell of freshly made coffee and French pastry drifted across the stalls, made for an experience one should not miss. Stalls selling fruit, vegetables, and spices from the island, along with a wide selection of fish, meat and flowers made me realise that Le Petit Marché was not as small as I had predicted. With the combination of the contemporary and the history, and the backdrop of a world heritage site, Reunion is bound to leave a mark on any visitor.

Lava flow of Piton de la Fournaise meets the coastline

Rougaille de morue (a mouthwatering dish) at MOCA

My last day turned out to be a fairy tale ending, as my return journey was to start, from the Roland Garros Airport back to the Seychelles. A heartfelt ‘au revoir’ was said, though of course, the hope of coming back for a proper sampling is highly plausible. Back to this island that is cut off from the rest of the world, with a nature that is untouched by the hands of man.

Parasailing in St Leu

Leading to the guesthouse

Parasailing in St Leu

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Photo credit; Suzanne Verlaque

I am truly proud to be a child of this Garden of Eden in all its beauty and all its splendour……..

Embrace the majestic beauty of our country, we are so lucky to be Seychellois

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MISS SEYCHELLES 2013 Our attitude is so unique. We live for the moment, which means we refuse to carry the frets of today over to tomorrow. At the same time, we are hard working, determined people. We get things done, without having to take life too seriously. That’s what makes us stand out, in my opinion” Speaking of standing out, while she travelled on behalf of the Seychelles, I ask her what she thinks was the quality that shone through the most in the presence of others around her. She instantly smiles, which in itself gives me a foresight of her reply.

“I definitely think it was my smile. If you have a genuine smile, people appreciate it. I smile a lot because I think it keeps me calm, even when I’m nervous. At the end of the day, it’s all part of the puzzle. What better way to receive others in the name of your country, be it here in Seychelles, or anywhere else in the world, with a warm smile? It’s true that I am more on the reserved side, but it has given me a boost in my confidence, especially since a lot of people associate me with it. So yes, definitely my smile. “

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By Martine Gontier

n this day and age, where life has you on your feet and in a rush on a more permanent basis than one actually desires, one of the hardest things to keep, I find, is a genuine smile. To keep your head above water regardless of how deep in and far out life may carry you and above all, to stay true to yourself when everything that is thrown at you tries with all its might to change you. It was a breath of fresh air to have the pleasure of having a warm coffee on a particularly wet Saturday morning with the radiant Miss Agnes Gerry, our very own Miss Seychelles 2013.

Right, so what do you ask a beauty queen that a probable thousand before you haven’t already asked?

What I wanted her to tell me is how representing our “particularly unique little dot on the map of the world” as she so charmingly put it herself, has impacted her as a person. She very rightly points out that she was not just a beauty queen, but also and above all the face and voice of the Seychelles and its people for a whole year.

“You’d think it would be a tough job, standing in the name of such a vibrant colour of faces and personalities, but it has become so natural to me. Yes, it’s hard to characterize the typical Seychellois. But one thing that will always make a true Seychellois stand out from a crowd, anywhere around the world, is the warmth that they carry with them, wherever they go.

What is it that you now know about Seychelles that you didn’t know before being crowned?

“That’s a tough one. When it comes to general knowledge especially historical and geographical facts, I can’t say I wasn’t well-equipped even before winning the title. I learnt a lot at school during my studies in Tourism and Tour Guiding at the Seychelles Tourism Academy. So for the most part, I think I knew quite a bit about my country even before.

How has your perspective of Seychelles changed since your reign as an ambassador of your country?

“I definitely appreciate the little things about Seychelles more, especially the fact that here, it’s summer all year round! I loved travelling, but being an island girl, I truly missed the sun and the warmth while I was away! I have also come to realise how truly unique Seychelles is, in all its simplicity and everything it has to offer.”

You have undoubtedly met different people, from different corners of the world while travelling. What was the most common question you’d get asked about Seychelles?

“I’d get asked ‘Where is Seychelles?’ a lot. I’m so used to this one that I actually expect someone new to ask me, to the point that I’m surprised when they don’t! I love answering it though, because it’s truly a wonderful feeling to show pictures off to them. I absolutely love their reactions when they see the beaches, the oceans and the flora and fauna. It’s definitely a big moment of pride for me when I hear them say how beautiful my country is”

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If you were to describe Seychelles in one sentence, what would it be?

“The most unique and beautiful place on Earth” What did you miss the most about Seychelles while you were away travelling?

“My answer will always go down to one thing-the people! While travelling, I noticed a difference in people’s lifestyle in general.

Everything and everyone moved at a much faster pace, sometimes forgetting to take a minute to breathe and enjoy the moment. In Seychelles, I’m not just another person, people are so warm and receptive here, I can’t help but miss them while I’m away.

I also really missed the warmth, the fact that it never gets too cold here in Seychelles is definitely something I appreciate more now.

That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the change, but like I said, I’m an island girl and always will be-my heart belongs to the sunshine of the Seychelles” What is your favourite thing about being a Seychellois? (she laughs) “Where do I begin? I love the fact that we are such a mix of cultures. It’s hard to describe a typical Seychellois physically. My favourite thing though will have to be the fact that we have such a love for life and everything it brings. We have a love for music, for food and for each other. We are friendly and welcome everyone

with a smile. I can’t blame tourists for falling in love with the place. So for me, my favourite thing about being a Seychellois is the fact that I represent a friendly and passionate people.”

If you were to recommend any meal to someone visiting, which would it be?

“My answer to this is a classic-the grilled fish of course! Something that comes from our very own waters will always taste extra special. There is a love with which the Seychellois prepare their food, and you can actually taste it with every bite. The grilled fish is my personal favourite; I’d recommend it with rice, accompanied by our signature Creole sauce.”

If you were to recommend any place to someone visiting, which would it be?

There are a few places I would recommend. There are the landmark places, like the Botanical Garden in Victoria, and the Vallée de Mai on Praslin Island. I would also recommend that they visit the Marine Parks for a great experience. Of course, the beaches are not to be missed, our oceans are unforgettable to say the least!”

What are your plans for the future?

“I would really love to go back and further my studies in the Tourism field.

I have already completed my two-year diploma course in Tourism and Tour Guiding at the Seychelles Tourism Academy, but I really wish to continue in that line of study. In terms of work, I would really love to work in the Tourism industry, I truly think that this is my calling. I have a great passion for it and it would be an honour for me to continue representing my country in any way I can” Any last words for our readers?

“From the bottom of my heart, I’d like to thank every single one of you who have supported me one way or another.

You made this journey that much more worthwhile. I am truly proud to be a child of this Garden of Eden in all its beauty and all its splendour. Thank you to all of you. My last words for you are this: Embrace the majestic beauty of our country, we are so lucky to be Seychellois” We take this opportunity to thank Agnes and wish her the success and prosperity in her future endeavours.

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© Frog974 Photographies

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Celebrating of conservation Since the arrival of the early explorers to the Seychelles, the Vallée de Mai has inspired wonder and amazement in all those who visit. Named the ‘Garden of Eden’ by General Gordon in 1881, this prehistoric forest has long been a place of discovery and adventure. Part of a global network of natural and cultural heritage sites under the umbrella of UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation) the majestic Vallée de Mai was recognised as an area that needed protection as early as 1966 when it was declared a nature reserve by the Seychelles government. 2013 was a historic year for the Vallée de Mai when it celebrated its 30th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the 9th December.

Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), a public trust, manages both Seychelles UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the Vallée de Mai, that has been under the protection of SIF since 1989.

Known as the ‘Green Heart’ of Praslin the Vallée de Mai has literally stepped out of the shadows in the past thirty years.

Although famed for the Coco de Mer and Black Parrot, this ancient forest’s secrets are starting to be unearthed with ongoing research finding many treasures. In 2009 a new species of frog was uncovered in the Vallée de Mai which occurs only on the island of Praslin. In the same year a forgotten species of chameleon, that was lost to science for nearly 200 years, was re-discovered in the forest. One of the largest gecko species in the world, the Giant Bronze Gecko, was Image credit; Aurelien and Veronique Brusini

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Image credit; Dennis Hansen

described just ten years ago and is found only in this palm forest, making it one of the world’s rarest reptiles. In addition to this, an array of plants and animals has been studied increasing our knowledge of the many unique species that make up this mysterious palm forest.

There have been many achievements over the

past thirty years but despite this the Vallée de Mai is still in danger. Poaching of the beautiful and valuable Coco de Mer nuts puts the future regeneration of the forest in peril, and endemic plant species fight for space with virulent invasive plants threatening the native biodiversity of the site. Firm action has been taken against these threats with an EC funded project tackling the invasive plant species and an expanded environmental education programme growing the conservationists of the future. With enhanced visitor services and effective conservation management the Vallée de Mai has become a world class tourist attraction.

Seychelles’ number one visitor attraction, a visit to the Vallée de Mai is like a step back in time, to a world where dinosaurs roamed the earth. A ‘must do’ for any visitor to Seychelles!

With thirty successful years under its belt, what next for the Vallée de Mai? With such a rich wealth of biodiversity that we are only just beginning to understand, the next thirty years will bring a great deal more research to help us to protect and manage the splendour of this forest. Alongside this, collaborative projects with the local community will ensure that there are ‘forest custodians’ for many years to come.

Image credit; Barbel Koch

Image credit; SIF

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Like Fish?

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ntroduce some unique fish dishes to your home with these 5 remarkable Seychellois Kreol recipes. They are sure to tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests.

From India comes the varieties of curries; from China the popular rice dishes and stir-fried vegetables; from France the aromatic blends of garlic and herbs and the Eastern Coast of Africa the coconut milk, cassava and banana infusions.

The Seychellois Creole cuisine has an amazing legacy from four continents with excellent use of spices, fruits and vegetables. Experience and taste this legacy.

Explore this legacy of culinary excellence! Whether it is for a light lunch or an experimental dinner choice, these recipes are sure to do the job.

By Alexandria Faure Chef Antoine Simoen

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Photo credit; Dominic Elizabeth

Simply Delish! White in colour and the perfect broth for a light lunch! The infusions of garlic, ginger and bilimbis make the dish exquisite and heart warming. It can always be eaten accompanied with rice, but don’t forget to add some crushed chillies to your serving for that extra fiery boost.

Ingredients 8, Cordonnier Fish or Parrot Fish 100g, Onions 20g, Garlic 10g, Ginger

Bouyon Blan - Fish Broth Making the Broth

10g, Bilimbis 50g, Fresh Tomatoes Salt, Pepper & Thyme to taste

Heat the oil in the saucepan and lightly fry the onions and the fresh tomatoes. After 5minutes add the pieces of seasoned fish, the Bilimbis, the ground garlic and ginger and thyme.

Add some cold water to the saucepan of ingredients and cover and cook for 20-25 minutes.

When cooked, adjust the seasoning to your taste, keep warm and serve.

Preparing the Fish & Vegetables Remove the scales and fins from the ‘Cordonnier’, gut and wash and cut them in halves and then slice them.

Season the pieces with salt and pepper and set them aside.

Peel, wash and slice the onions and fresh tomatoes. Peel and ground the garlic and ginger.

Wash and cut the Bilimbis into small quarters and set all aside.

20 - 25 minutes

4 Serves

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Stew Pwason, Fish Stew A delectable stew with an island twist. Tastes great with some crushed chillies and a serving of rice. The red colour adds a brightness to your plate and is definitely a hearty eating pleasure.

Ingredients 1kg, Red Snapper 1g, Onions 150g, Fresh Tomatoes 25g, Tomato Puree 20g, Flour 20g, Garlic 10g, Ginger Oil

Preparing the Stew Wash the fish and cut into one inch. Peel, wash and slice the tomatoes and the onions, Ground and crush the garlic and ginger. Set all aside.

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Photo credit; Dominic Elizabeth

Making the Stew Roll the fish cubes into the flour and fry them in the oil in a saucepan, then set aside.

Heat the oil in a saucepan and lightly fry the onions, ginger, garlic and tomatoes. Add a little water and bring to the boil.

Add the fried fish, the tomato puree and thyme and stir and cook for 15-20 minutes. Adjust the seasoning to your taste and serve.

15 - 20 minutes

4 Serves

Photo credit; Dominic Elizabeth

Yes, Banana and Fish – two ingredients that make for a tropical dish with a beautiful infusion. This is the ultimate traditional dish that reveals the eastern African influence in the cooking of Seychelles.

It tastes perfect accompanied with rice, cassava, sweet potato or a chutney.

Ingredients 4, Saint Jacques Bananas (Green) or 8, Gabou Bananas (Green) 1kg, Fish (Scad) 4, Coconuts or 3 Cans of Coconut Milk

Kat-Kat, Banana & Fish Preparation

for about 10-15 minutes in a little water. After it has boiled, cool with cold water and strain and peel the bananas and mash them.

Wash the Scad fish and cut into medium pieces. Season the pieces with some salt and pepper. Cover and cook the pieces in a little water for about 10-15 minutes in a pan.

When it is cooked strain the Scad fish pieces and put it to the side.

Grate the coconut, moisten with a little water, press it and put the milk aside. Or if you are using canned coconut milk, pour into a bowl and put to the side.

Cut off the two ends of the bananas and cover and cook

Put the crushed bananas and Scad fish pieces in a saucepan and pour the coconut milk while you stir. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for 10-15 minutes and stir from time to time with a wooden spoon. Adjust seasoning to your taste and serve.

10 - 15 minutes

4 Serves

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Kebab Ton, Tuna Kebabs In the full swing of spring and the approaching summer months, tuna kebabs are perfect for a BBQ or a light lunch accompanied with a salad. They taste amazing grilled or barbecued. Tastes really good with rice, chutney or a mixed leaf salad.

Ingredients 1kg, Tuna 300g, Onions 400g, Fresh Tomatoes 300g, Peppers 20g, Garlic 10g, Ginger 2, Limes Salt, Pepper, thyme to season

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Photo credit; Dominic Elizabeth

Rougaille Sauce Ingredients

and tomatoes for about 5 minutes.

Then add a little water and add the tomato puree and the ground garlic and ginger. Stir and season with salt, pepper and thyme to your taste.

Simmer for 10-15 minutes and keep warm to serve with the kebabs.

100g, Onions 100g, Fresh Tomatoes 25g, Tomato Puree 10g, Garlic 5g, Ginger Salt, Pepper, thyme to season

Cooking the Tuna Kebabs

Put a piece of Tuna, Tomato and Pepper and Onion on a skewer.

Marinate the tuna for about one hour in a baking tray with 20g of crushed garlic and 10g of crushed Ginger, squeezed lime juice, some olive oil and thyme.

Remove the kebabs from the marinade and season with a little salt and grill on a skewer for 15-20 minutes.

Set on the plates ready for serving and cover with a little Rougaille sauce.

Preparing the Tuna Kebabs

Wash and cut the tuna into one inch cubes and season with the salt and pepper and put to the side.

Peel and wash the onions, tomatoes and peppers and cut them into quarters. Remove the seeds from the peppers. Put the peppers and onions into boiling water separately and cool with cold water after boiled.

Preparing the Rougaille Sauce

Heat olive oil in a pan and lightly fry your finely chopped onions

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15 - 20 minutes

Serves 4

Stek Ton, Tuna Steak

Photo credit; Dominic Elizabeth

A great succulent alternative to red meat!

The Tuna steak can be grilled or barbecued or lightly fried, and tastes amazing with almost any side of your choice.

Whether it’s accompanied with fries, rice, cassava, mashed sweet potato or a salad it will taste great, the choice is yours.

Ingredients

Put the Tuna steaks to marinate in a baking dish with the garlic, ginger, lime, pepper and oil for about 30 minutes.

1kg, Tuna 100g, Onions 20g, Garlic 10g, Ginger 2, Limes Oil

Remove the Tuna steaks from the marinade and cook in a hot frying pan on brisk heat.

Serve immediately.

Preparing the Steak Cut the tuna into steaks of your preference and set aside.

Peel and wash the onions, garlic and ginger.

Chop up the onions and grind the garlic and ginger.

Squeeze the two limes and set the juice aside.

45-50 minutes

4 Serves

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The face behind Mahek

Mahek was the first Indian restaurant in Seychelles and opened its doors in 2002. He is the face of Mahek. We sat down with Master Chef Rahul Bhasin and talked about the food, the journey and his life here in Seychelles. He is married & parent to one daughter.

As the chef at one of the most popular restaurants on Mahé, what do you think makes it so special?

Mahek’s cuisine is mostly North Indian in origin and has a number of signature dishes with many of the dishes being my own recipes, passed down through the family. Certain recipes are known only to myself, like the spice mixes and the naan preparation amongst others. The selling point of the restaurant is that the food follows the proper process of preparation. There are no short cuts, some foods (items on the menu) take up to 24 hours of preparation - and there is the delicate mix of spices to create those great tasting meals. Cooking Indian food is no easy business.

Image credit; Suzanne Verlaque

Your Mahek story?

I joined Mahek from India in 2002 having been recruited by Nittin Vashist, who was the Financial Controller at that time, the Mahek concept was his idea. I worked with the previous management until 2007 when management changed, at which point I also needed to take care of some personal issues, and rejoined the team in 2009 until now.

When did you know you wanted to be a chef? What’s the story? How did it begin?

I grew up in a typically large Indian family which means that there was lots of food to cook for a lot of people, I often found myself in the kitchen and the interest grew from helping my grandparents and mother to then experimenting on my own. Many of the dishes served here in Mahek have special twists that come from my family and which I share with no one, even my guys in the kitchen (he laughs).

As part of my career I have worked with le Meridien ,Hyatt International,Taj luxury hotels as well as also for Nestle as consultant and I’ve done TV Shows for National program channel by the name of ‘Great Chefs of India’.

What do you enjoy most about being a Chef?

Here in Mahek we have mostly European clients and it’s a pleasure to my ears when I hear the guests commenting that mine is the

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best Indian food they’ve ever had, and they compare it to their home towns (the Indian cuisine in their home towns). It inspires me to keep trying to deliver better food.

Seychelles. Is this home?

Other then India, Seychelles is the only other place I know. When I left for the first time in 2007 I was still single and without children, this was in part why I delayed my return. When I did come back in 2009, I came with my wife. Our family quickly grew with the arrival of our daughter.

My family loves the island life and since we live close by to the hotel, I see them often. In India the work hours would be the same, but the travel time is often very long, which would mean that one would see less of their family. My wife is happy to see me so often and offers me a lot of support and understands my work, we are happy with our lives here.

Even chefs have to eat, when you’re not cooking, what foods do you enjoy?

My wife’s home cooked food.

If I’m attempting to cook an Indian dish at home, what one ingredient can I not do without?

locally but more importantly what is required for this type of cooking is great patience. It takes long hours to cook it properly, even if you do have all the right ingredients. That is why there is such pleasure in eating Indian food at restaurants, especially a place like Mahek where we take pride in our meals and prepare and cook our meals with great care following tradition. We also bear in mind the healthy conscious lifestyle, and we take care too to keep the meal as healthy as possible and reduce the fat content.

Creole food takes elements of all cultures which initially came to Seychelles. In regards to Indian cuisine, which dish currently eaten

by Seychellois (as a Creole meal), has stayed to its truest form?

In terms of Indian food as a whole, I think the creole chicken coconut curry has retained its characteristics.

This is closer to taste with South Indian dish.

What’s the plan for the future?

My line of thinking is you cannot stop trying or achieve to be better; I continue to experiment and try to excel in all my preparations and meals. For now, Seychelles is my home and Mahek is my work and here I keep on trying….

To cook authentic North Indian Cuisine, one needs an endless blend of spices, some of which can be found

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Coral Strand is a name that resonates in many of our hearts, for those who grew up in the North. Situated in the centre of one of the most beautiful beaches in the world – Beau Vallon beach, it is positioned to capture beautiful views from both sides with Silhouette island dancing on the horizon. To those visiting, Beau Vallon is a must see and therefore you’ve more likely than not, also walked past the hotel and been tempted by the inviting pool bar perched on the beach.

But it gets better. Newly introduced, Coral Strand is now offering Sushi!! There is, I’m sure many ways to rank sushi but the critical factor is the sushi itself and here, along with presentation, Coral Strand excels itself.

Sushi, the most famous of Japanese cuisine, consists of vinegared rice, and is usually wrapped around raw fish and other seafood.

It’s a favorite for many and with its introduction to the Coral Strand restaurant, Island Trader, there is a sigh of relief at its arrival.

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The sushi menu offers several options including one with a Creole twist call Seychellois sushi with octopus curry, in honour of our islands. Tasting as if the chef himself jumped in the water to catch the fish, never has a bite tasted so fresh. Island Trader, offers sushi delicately presented, the meal is a feast to the eyes as well as to the taste buds. There is also I hasten to add a splendid view to be had while enjoying your meal.

There is a range of offerings aside from the Seychellois sushi, with maki (sushi rolls which may or may not be wrapped with Nori – edible sea weed) and Nigiri (sushi rice with an accompaniment, usually raw fish or sea food). This too may or may not be wrapped with nori. Also on offer is the Californian roll and the Philadelphia Maki roll. The Californian roll was created to suite western consumers in the 1960’s (predictably in Cali! ) and is basically sushi ‘inside out’ as some apparently didn’t want to see the sea weed and it has a preference use of avocado. The ‘Phili roll’ is an interesting fusion of traditional sushi and the famous Philadelphia cheese. As in most sushi bars and resultants, Sashimi – raw fish served on its own is also available. Job, tuna, and red snapper are the local options.

Sushi is a meal that should be accessible to all and since Island Trader is reasonably priced there is no reason why we can’t all occasionally indulge in this simple pleasure.

NOTE: Ginger should be eaten between bites when eating different kinds of sushi, this refreshes the mouth.

Tel: 429 1000 Email: info@coralstrand.sc

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BoaBab

ISLAND STYLE PIZZA Still along Beau Vallon beach, tucked to the far right, nesting in the crook of a creek sits BoaBab pizzeria, arguably serving the best pizza on the islands.

The view will take your breath away as you watch the waves crashing on to the sandy white beach. It is possible to get lost in the sounds of these waves. With its open style design and sandy floor, dining at BaoBab is as close as you can get to outdoor dining without actually being outside. It entices a lazy, laid back attitude which should be embraced as cooking a pizza to perfection may take some time.

Cooked in an open wood burning oven, BaoBab pizzas are mouth watering, and you can be sure that you will finish yours in record time. If you’ve finished your meal, please be mindful of the next hungry family as the restaurant can fill up quickly.

Enjoy your pizza!

Before

After

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Seychelles thrives in the world of carnival

Carnival photos - Credit Paul & Benedicte Turcotte

By Glynn Burridge From out of the hazy glow of a Friday afternoon, as unprecedented crowds line the streets of one of the world’s tiniest capitals, come the first stirrings of carnival: a rustling of costumes like wings of giant insects, punctuated by a lone drum beat and the single sounding of a horn, announcing that the Carnaval International de Victoria is, once again, about to claim Victoria along with the hearts of its many spectators.

After its official opening on Friday 25th April 2014, Seychelles ‘’carnival of carnivals’’ is due to take to the streets for the fourth time and in much the same way on Saturday 26th April before the usual huge crowds and a sizeable contingent of the world’s press.

The Carnaval International de Victoria, now in its fourth edition is, in a way, an offspring of two much earlier carnivals: in 1972 and 1976 respectively, when Seychelles first dipped its toes into the world of carnival on the occasion of, first, the opening of its international airport and, then, its independence from Great Britain. Today’s version of those early attempts to woo the attention of world is different though, and for several reasons.

Firstly, perhaps, because, today’s spontaneous expression of cultural diversity, international good will and co-operation is played out against a very different backdrop than those of its predecessors when the planet was not such a frantic place and certainly less prone to such widespread, international strife and discord.

Also, reflecting the philosophy that in our modern world ‘’even an island cannot afford to be an island unto itself’’, Seychelles is co-hosting the 4th edition of its carnival with the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands of the Seychelles: La Reunion, Madagascar and Mayotte and also South Africa: Kwa Zulu Natal. This cooperation between island states who only a short while ago would have considered themselves rivals for market share in the jealously-contested, global tourism arena, demonstrates how conventional wisdom has changed and viewpoints are evolving to embrace perceived new realities.

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Certainly, on the strength of the press coverage it receives, the Carnaval International de Victoria has succeeded in capturing not just the attention of peoples from across the globe but also their imagination. This, as they witness a rare form of energy and an enviable dynamic that places camaraderie,

and generally soak up the carnival atmosphere of Seychelles’ very own melting pot of cultures.

Those delegations who have already confirmed their participation for 2014 include Notting Hill, Dusseldorf, Trinidad & Tobago and Brazil among several other cultural groups from a number of nations while the number of foreign press who will be present in Seychelles to cover the carnival has already risen to 135.

With this 4th edition, Seychelles is proving that carnival is alive and well in Seychelles and attracting ever-greater participation in an event which seems to have found a home among the islands.

joie de vivre and cross-border collaboration at centre stage in an international forum where participants have a unique opportunity to showcase the vibrancy of their respective cultures in one of the most direct ways possible.

As in previous editions, the 4th edition of Seychelles’ ‘çarnival of carnivals’, will take place over a weekend with Friday 25th April witnessing the official opening in Victoria, complete with welcome speeches by the organisers and visiting dignitaries to be followed by an evening of live musical entertainment, international food stalls and carnival extravaganza.’ A number of foreign navy vessels: French, British and Russian have confirmed their presence in port Victoria at the same time – something that can only add to the carnival razzamatazz as their crews join in the fun.

Day two, Saturday 26th, kicks off with the muchawaited, carnival procession with its kaleidoscopic mix of local and foreign participants that snakes through the capital in an explosion of colour, sound and spectacle as one of the defining, carnival moments. A special programme of carnival magic ensues including live music and entertainment from a variety of local and international acts that will regale the crowds until the small hours.

The third and final day is a dedicated family-fun-day when spectators have an opportunity to enjoy a raft of entertainment options in the capital, interact with carnival participants from both home and abroad

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Zydekats hit Seychelles shores Cajun fiddler Lisa Haley brings her merry band of Zydekats to the shores of Seychelles to join the many musicals festivities for the fourth annual Seychelles Carnival on the 25th to 27th April. This style of music has never been concerted before in Seychelles and is truly infectious, as you tap your feet with a smile recognizing the familiar tunes stemming from its deep rooted Creole history.

in this performance. Haley a fourthgeneration fiddler, dancer, vocalist, and songwriter inspires all ages as she marries the blues, country, zydeco, contemporary gospel and other styles to form a very unique and entertaining piece.

Lisa Haley studied classical music for over ten years and began performing when she was four.

Her parents hoped that she would pursue a respectable career in classical music; however, summer trips to Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Tennessee reinforced her Southern heritage. The resulting culture clash, gravitated young Lisa to the lively, quirky music of her forefathers. A style and form that comes more natural to her.

However the now Grammynominated singer and fiddler, has become one of the most successful performers in her field, refining the genre through contemporary experimentation it is one of the most original music genres in the world. With eight albums to her credit, including GRAMMY Nominated "King Cake," the latest "Joy Ride" and European release "Louisiana", Lisa ignites the spirits of Americana, Zydeco/Cajun, Jazz, Rock, Christian, and Folk fans.

Image credit: http://www.lisahaley.com/

By Nathalie Hodgson The Zydekats are a group performing traditional Cajun and Zydeco music. What is that you say? “Cajun music” is an older music form, derived from the original fusion of Irish and French folk traditions in southern Louisiana on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. Zydeco, on the other hand, developed later as a style that incorporated blues and R&B influences initially brought to the mainland by Haitian immigrants. Haley performs both styles of music simultaneously, bending them to suit her own creativity.

The music industry categorizes her under “Blues” as a matter of convenience, but there is so much more to blues or a Louisiana fiddler

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Her music has been featured in films such as 'Beverly Hillbillies,' 'Man In the Moon,' 'Rhythm of Life', and 'Red Dragon', ‘The Waterboy", "The Grave" and HBO's "Mr. Atlas" – which features her critically acclaimed song "Always Be Your Guide". She has toured throughout the US, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Azores, UK, France, Denmark, Finland, and Borneo.

Sesel Sa! got the chance to interview Lisa and here is what she had to say: Why Seychelles?

We are very excited to bring our songs to such beautiful places as The Seychelles, Mauritius and Rodriguez on this tour. Seychelles is a new place for us and we have many fans in Germany and all over Europe who

come to Seychelles for holiday so they will be thrilled. Our music is very joyful and healing much like your islands so we are very excited.

Will you be playing from your new CD and Grammy Nominated hits?

We will perform songs from our newest album, “Joy Ride,” and from our Grammy nominated album, “King Cake.”

From “Joy Ride,” we have such a variety, from our very joyful “Who’s Your Crawdaddy” to Swamp Blues “Cajun Lady” and our song dedicated to our Veterans, “More Than Anything.” Our very traditional Carnival song, “Mardi Gras!” that will be very relevant and I am sure will be a great hit.

Also of course our what we call ‘healing song’, “Always Be Your Guide” and the young people’s favorite, “Don’t You Tell Your Mother”. Plus a few of our very traditional Cajun and Zydeco songs from other CDs, and we will ask everyone to sing along with us – and dance of course.

The industry calls your music ‘blues’ however that is not correct, so what label or genre would you call it?

This is a very good question! We call ourselves “Americana/Cajun/Zydeco.” Different kinds of music business people (from music stores to radio, TV stations, and different kinds of festivals), call us different styles like Cajun/Zydeco, World music, Blues, R&B, Modal even Appalachian Bluegrass! There really is no category for us.

We cannot be placed in a box, we are too unique and will keep evolving with time as life should be. Not everyone can hum a song, but almost everybody can keep a good beat and this music has a beat for everyone.

Are all members of your band travelling to the Seychelles?

Yes! We are so excited to bring our whole band - with our “complete” sound as well. Each band member is extremely good at demonstrating the sound, history, and details of their instrument.

The line-up is myself, Lisa Haley, on the violin, David Fraser on the accordion, Andy Anders, bassist and Cam Tyler on the drums.

What would you like to see when you are on the islands?

Your country is among the most beautiful in the world and we are so lucky to be able to visit.

We are truly looking forward to see as much as we can.

But what is most important to all of us is to meet your people, hear your stories, learn how you live and what’s important to your lives, make friends, and bring joy.

Have you listened to the music from Seychelles before?

Yes! Your music is so very joyful!! Everyone must dance as soon as they hear it! We are excited to see what happens when our two styles of music “meet and mix”.

What did you think of it and its connection to the Creole in America?

Cajun is a mix of Irish Celtic. My Irish ancestors came to Louisiana in 1718, to escape a smallpox epidemic in Donegal, Ireland). They played joyful, traditional family Irish fiddle songs. Within one generation, they

were married into the LeBoeuf, Lambert and Thibideaux families, all speaking French. Their music mixed with the “mournful” French fiddle tunes – then “Joyful” won over the “Mournful”.

The Creole Zydeco is a mix of Cajun (Zydeco started 60 years after Cajun music), Blues, R&B, Jazz and Haitian tunes (from the islanders that were brought in to help harvest sugar cane in Louisiana). So I guess the stories behind the music are similar and the beats of some songs are definitely the same however I think our music is more upbeat with the fiddles being in the forefront.

What is the story behind naming your violin?

LOL My violin’s name is “Louie the Blue!” It comes from, believe it or not, a Bugs Bunny cartoon, where Bugs is being called “Louie” by gangster Al Capone. Al Capone chases Bugs into a room and says to him, “It’s curtains for you, Louie!” (meaning he’s going to shoot Bugs with a big machine gun. But Al pronounces ‘curtains’ like he’s from Chicago: “Coytins”). Then big, mean Al pulls the window curtains down, and they’re fluffy, pink lacy curtains like in a little girl’s room. Bugs says, “Hey, them’s kinda nice!” And then they become friends. Very playful and silly.

Our music can be very joyful, poetic, prayerful, powerful, and always comes back to the end goal of happiness that comes with being playful sometimes, like Bugs and Al. A deeply religious performer, she feels God deserves most of the credit for her work. “I’m planning on making a Christian Cajun record in the future, and really looking forward to it. I don’t plan to stop trying new things anytime soon’, Haley remarks.

Haley’s low, rough-edged, highly expressive vocals, colourful fiddle, big smile and big personality bring a real individual character to the stage. The songs are soulful and coupled with her originality and boundless energy that is felt on the first note; it is easy to connect to this music. Who knows she may be influenced and inspired by our island Seychellois Creole music to write a new song for her next album? Without a doubt you will find it hard to keep still with her fiddle stomping abilities and of course the original heartfelt lyrics and acoustics that a live band of her energy capacity conjures in an audience.

Lisa Haley and the Zydekats are one of a kind and should not be missed.

Further reading: • www.lisahaley.com • Songs: http://www.reverbnation.com/lisahaley2

to hear our latest album, “Joy Ride.”

• Videos: http://www.lisahaley.com/video_01.html

to download videos from summer tours in France

and Borneo • Newest Youtube video: http://www.youtube

com/watch?v=D_rnht_uoao

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What Our Children’s Carnival can one day look like The concept of Carnival is known the world over, with its most copied form originating from the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago where the carnival culture is ingrained into their very blood. Lima Calbio was here at the invitation of Minister St Ange for the first carnival four years ago and has been here every year since in various roles. Seychelles dubs her the ‘Queen of Carnival’, she however explains, “we were born into it, Carnival IS our culture”.

Also from Trinidad and Tobago cames Soca and Calypso music and also the steelpan – incidentally the only acoustic musical instrument to have been invented during the 20th century. All these elements are key components of Carnivals in the Caribbean and around most of the world including the UK who host the famous Nottinghill Carnival - who joins the

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Seychelles Carnival every year - who are effectively (originally) Trinidad and Tobago nationals, living in London.

Therefore it is only fitting that a national from this island nation, graces us not only as the lead of Seychelles’ own Trinidad and Tobago band, but Lima will also lead us into the world of ‘Children’s Carnival’ which is just that – a carnival dedicated to the Children. Around the world, the children’s carnival, like their adult counterpart would take to the streets, however Lima plans to take us on this journey in baby steps and come day 3 which is dubbed Family Fun Day, Carnival 2014 will hold its first Children’s carnival in the confines of Freedom Square.

In years to come we hope to see children in elaborate dress and costumes, parading down the routes in

well thought out themed costumes, however with plenty of time for these exciting shows, Lima guides us slowly. Schools are being approached to create teams (called ‘Bands’) based on themes and to accessories accordingly. A band should have a banner to show who they are but other than that, the possibilities are endless and can be as simple or as creatively detailed as your imagination desired. The key here is for participation, where a love for carnival can be born, encouraged and where the carnival concept can be understood, and it comes with the hope that in years to come, we too can build a culture of carnival as many island nations similar to ours have done before us. As in all things, it starts with the children.

Aside from the Children’s Carnival there’s lots more planned for Family Fun Day!* Family Fun – Sunday 27th April

final arrangements are still being decided upon however the Children’s Carnival will be kicked started on the previous Monday where Lima will host the Children’s Carnival Concert*. The bands will be judged and the prizes will be awarded on the same day. It is noted that there is a difference between a ‘float’ and the ‘masqueraders’, those walking and dancing.

Schools are not required to come with floats but may do so if they wish.

Other activities will be announced closer to the time but these will include the usual of face painting, bouncy castle, and other games and well as the food and drinks stalls to keep the hunger and thirst at bay. *For more details, please follow us on Facebook – Sesel Sa Magazine

The Children’s Carnival This will take place between 1 to 4 pm on a staged area within Freedom Square, as we go to print, the

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Family Sunday Closes with a concert and prize giving of best floats and here Minister St Ange and other dignitaries presents the awards…and the fun continues!!

Photo credit; Steve Nibourette

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With Carnival just around the corner and everything set for the 25th to 27th April 2014, we remember the sights of Carnival 2013 and look forward to another great show.

Photo credits; Paul and Benedicte Turcotte and Steve Nibourette

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Sokwe: The Forgotten Spectacle

By Alexandria Faure and Norbert Salomon

A colourful and harmonious blend of different ethnic groups, all of whom have brought some of their own customs and cultures to the islands and have contributed to the culture of Seychelles today. Cultural practices like Sokwe, Moutya, Tinge and many others are testimonies of human resilience and creativity under extreme conditions such as those encountered in colonial societies of the past. Since the African and Malagasy slaves and labourers are thought to have contributed to the creation of many of the dance forms in Seychelles, Sokwe is an interesting form that although not practiced by the majority of the population today; it still holds an important role in the presentation of the culture and identity here in Seychelles. Seychelles is much more than just a tourist destination but an important feature in the representation of mixed cultures, how they are celebrated, preserved and of how modernity and tradition are not a paradox but a combined way of life.

Fragments of diverse kinds that, in their endless voyage, come together in an instant to form a dance step. ~ Antonio Benitez-Rojo

Sokwe is a cultural practice that encapsulates the harmonious blend of ethnic influences. The notion of Sokwe can be described in two words: Rhythm & Performance; a creole manifestation tracing back to our African, Malagasy and French ancestors. The rhythm is a space, a space of ritual, song and dance, a crowd with one thing to share; their suffering, reminiscing their origins of a fertile cradle – Africa. A spectacle in the streets, fused with a comedic narrative and Sokwe encompasses many styles such as masquerade, comedy, dance, oral tradition and street performance. When the African and Malagasy slaves arrived in Seychelles the only baggage they brought with them was their indigenous cultural practices, beliefs and values. It perpetuated in their imaginations and through their struggle of being so far from home in a strange land, they practiced what they could remember. Sokwe was one of those practices. A Swahili word for Apeman or Gorilla. Africa’s presence reigns in its name, also connotating the themes of the performance and its organic style.

In Seychelles, Sokwe is presented as an open-air street performance. So far it is only known to have existed and been practiced in Seychelles

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within the Indian Ocean region, and now known to be traditionally practiced by the Florentine Family of Grande Anse. As a lesser-known feature of the culture of Seychelles, its roots reveal the legacy of a period of sea voyages and human interaction that have led to such an exquisite cultural mixture. At the beginning of the 1900’s it was very popular and after the 1950’s it slowly started disappearing from the streets of victoria.

A flagman with a long staff, whistling through a Molomba being followed by half human, half beast like performers dressed in big shabby costumes made of banana leaves. They brought the mystical out onto the streets as they emerged from the bush, singing and dancing. They sung to make the onlookers laugh, revealing a suffering of some sort in the plantations and singing funny songs that at times contained vulgar vocabulary. During the colonial times, labourers working on plantations could not communicate with other labourers from other plantations around the island – this can be interpreted as a plantation workers loyalty, which stemmed from their identity and social status which they associated with their masters and the plantation from which they cultivated on. It is believed that certain songs may have been used as a way for them to pass messages to each other that they wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise. Singing about hiding places and certain masters that paid them late. But Sokwe is not completely African.

During the French period of ruling in Seychelles, the French settlers celebrated their versions of the Mardi Gras but as something called Bal Mardi Gras in their halls. They dressed up in weird and funny costumes, entertaining themselves and their guests.

It is believed that the slaves implemented these elements within their indigenous masquerade practices from their African tribes and homelands.

However as a plantation society the Africans were mostly plantation workers and labourers in the outdoors, hence why many of the African influenced dances and practices take place outside in nature.

The affinity with nature is clear through the use of banana leaves for the costumes and the stage being the great outdoors. Interestingly enough, the music historian, Norbert Salomons’ research has found links between the performances of Sokwe here in Seychelles and the Mardi Gras performed in rural communities of Louisiana, USA and Haiti. The differences of course are in the songs that are sung and the costumes worn, which are patches of clothes sown together to create an outfit, but there are certain styles that are the same. The similarities are perfect examples of the ways that the slaves tweaked their indigenous practices and created unique ways of entertaining themselves and placing themselves as subjects of power. This showcases the strands

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of affinity that exists amongst the creole societies around the world and their cultural practices.

Seychelles is a popular destination with the likes of queens, princes and Arabian royalty, however it still remains a country yet to be discovered in every sense. From the mystical performance, to the hip shaking dances to the mouth-watering cooking.

Patrick Chamoiseau wrote it beautifully:

‘The new heroism of those who stood up against

the hell of slavery, displaying some obscure codes

of survival, some indecipherable qualities of

resistance, the incomprehensible variety of

compromises, the unexpected synthesis of life.

This happened with no witnesses, or rather with no testimonies…’

Sokwe is surely a historical treasure and is a testimony for the lives of the slaves, voicing the stories and accounts that their masters tried so hard to silence. In all its movements and exuberance exists the ritual of its ancestors and creators.

Historians are becoming more and more alarmed by the risk of Seychelles losing what the ancestors had fought so hard to create. Many questions still remain unanswered whilst a heritage slowly becomes read about and watched on video. Sokwe is sure to be a mystical performance practice very nearly lost in the past.

Jean Barnabé & Patrick Chamoiseau, In Praise of Creoleness, (France: Gallimard, 1993), p. 98.

Sources Personal Archives of Mr Norbert Salomon ( Music Historian) Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation, Mozaik: Tinge, Sokwe… lar enporte?

Robin Cohen & Paola Toninato, The Creolization Reader: Studies in Mixed Identities and Cultures, ( London & New York: Routledge, 2010) Stewart Charles, Creolization: History, Ethnography & Theory, (Left Coast Press Inc, 2007) Stuart Hall & Paul Du Gay, Questions of Cultural Identity, ( London: Sage Publications, 1996) Stuart Hall, Representation: Cultural Representations & Signifying Practices, (London: Sage Publications, 1997)

There is no denying it. The smell of Bwa Torti is not for the faint-hearted. Even well-known herbalist, Ferdinand Vidot, opts for the stem as opposed to the fruit – the odour culprit. Many people are more familiar with the juice which is made from Bwa Torti, whose scientific name is Morinda Citrifolia. Noni juice, as it is called, can be found on the shelves of a few selected places (Sey si bon - Crepes & Juice bar, Eden Plaza) Way before the medicinal properties of Bwa Torti came to light, local fishermen used it as bait in kazye – the traditional fish trap. They would take the fruit, crush it and mix it with sand and then the mixture would be inserted within the kazye before it took the plunge in the ocean. Mr Vidot, who has witnessed this several times while he was a fisherman on Praslin tells us that it would take minutes before the kazye would be swarmed with hundreds of kordonnyen.

Bwa Torti as bait ‘died’ with the introduction of nets which replaced the traditional fishing method - but as it turned out, Bwa Torti’s popularity was patiently waiting in the medicinal world. When we start talking about the medicinal properties of Bwa Torti, the conversation will be anything but short. Mr Vidot highlighted the more common uses;

• Migraine – you take 3 leaves and place it in a headwear (hat) and then place it on your head.

Heavy sweating that follows indicate that the ‘cure’ is taking place and once it stops, that’s the sign that

the migraine belongs in the past. Mr Vidot who suffered from migraine for almost 27 swears by it.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Alleviates back pain Alleviates arthritis Alleviates inflammation Alleviates hypertension Cleanses the insides Alleviates symptoms of menopause in women Treats Cystic fibrosis (in women)

For the longest time, people avoided the fruits of Bwa Torti due to low tolerance for the smell.

But, once research showed that the relief effect of the fruits worked quicker than that of the stem, many users starting holding their breaths. Mr Vidot explains that once the fruits are washed and blended, it can be drunk with juice or honey. The smell, thankfully, is the only thing users have to cope with since the fruit is tasteless.

Another interesting fact which Mr Vidot sheds light upon is the difference between Bwa Torti which is grown close to the sea and those grown closer to the mountains. His years experimenting and working with plants have taught Mr. Vidot that there is a difference in their healing attributes. ‘The taste is saltier, but more importantly, the healing qualities are stronger than the ones in the mountains,’ he explains. This also applies to all other types of plants.

Aside from folks looking for remedies for their ailments, Bwa Torti can also be used for the body’s general well-being.

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Stylish Resorts

By Nathalie Hodgson

Sesel Sa’s Nathalie Hodgson catches up with Stylish Resorts, a UK based travel tour operator, owned and run by a Seychelloise, Lydia La Rue. Lydia’s passion and love for her homeland inspired her to open a tour operator business in the UK where she has been living for many years now. Giving her the perfect lifestyle, of selling dream holidays and retaining close ties with her beautiful islands.

When Did You Join The Travel Industry?

This journey began when I joined the Seychelles Tourist Office in London in 1996 I had such a thrilling experience working there. I enjoyed talking about Seychelles and giving advice to prospective travellers for their holiday to Seychelles. The role was varied and ranged from advising consumers to attending trade fairs all over England. Many of the travel trade contacts I met then I work with closely with today.

It was there that I met my future business partner Caroline Chang-Leng, also Seychelloise. We both joined STO on the same day and struck up a great relationship. We have worked together for a long time since. We are very good friends and more like family really, so we make a very good team.

What inspired you to run your own business?

I had always dreamed of owning my own business and the knowledge and professional experience gained at the Seychelles Tourist Office gave me the confidence to take the plunge. For three years in my spare time I also studied for a Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management at Westminster University which also gave me the confidence to take the plunge.

Image credit; Lydia La Rue

The new business venture got underway in September 1997. With a business but no name, I initally chose Silhouette Travel as being evocative of the island in Seychelles that had such wonderful childhood memories for me. Initially working from a bedroom; the first holiday booking was for a wedding at Black Parrot Suites on Praslin. As I was in Seychelles at the time, I gate-crashed the wedding! It was a really beautiful occasion (stylishly organised by Ash Behari) and some of the family members still book their holidays with us to this day. A memorable moment indeed.

What are the main aims for the business?

Together, myself and Caroline, have developed and expanded the business over the years. The original and prime focus has always been to offer clients a unique, local insight into their holiday in Seychelles.

For example, for several years we organised specialist tours for exploring the “flora & fauna” of Seychelles with guests guided by local experts.

As Seychellois we know the Seychelles islands inside out and are able to give first hand advice on where to go and what to do in Seychelles. We are still the only

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travel operator in UK owned and managed by Seychellois.

For travel agents who have not been to Seychelles it is difficult for them to understand the logistics of getting around the islands, so they prefer to sell easier but less interesting holidays instead.

What are your future goals for Stylish Resorts?

Over time we have extended the scope of our holidays throughout the Indian Ocean and beyond. This was probably the most exciting phase – visiting and getting to know new countries for the first time. In addition we now feature Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Zanzibar as well as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman. Other destinations include Africa, Thailand, Malaysia and for the future we have our eyes on Vietnam - not bad from small beginnings.

What makes you different?

Firstly, we only offer those hotels that we have visited personally and can recommend. This way our clients get the benefit of our personal insight.

Secondly, we provide a personal and hands-on service being directly in contact with our client at every stage of planning and booking their holiday. Lastly, by bringing together our local contacts directly with our clients enables us to offer really great value.

How do you work?

We tailor make all our holidays. We provide a personal service and give free advice to clients. We get to know them to understand what they are looking for in their holiday. We then recommend the best combination of airline and hotels to best suit their requirements. We also offer a concierge service, providing those little touches to help make the holiday extra special.

Who are your key source markets?

Around 70% of our business is from repeat clients who are very happy to recommend their friends and colleagues to us. This is one of the most rewarding aspects for us; to be able to share our clients` excitement at the holiday places we love so much.

Over the years we have seen lots of changes in the UK market. In the past holidaymakers would be happy going to Seychelles to stay in smaller bed and breakfast or owner managed establishments for the true flavours and culture of Seychelles. More recently travellers seek private retreats or luxury resorts with facilities such as Spa, health centres and a variety of restaurants and kids club.

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How has the business expanded with technology of the Tourism Industry?

We showcase our luxury holidays in Seychelles through our website www.stylishresorts.com. This is not a booking engine because we want to talk to clients personally for that human touch. These days, with the cost of long-haul, clients need the reassurance that they are getting the holiday that is right for them. Although we work from an office, clients are always welcome to visit and now we have regular visitors.

The profile of Seychelles in UK has been enhanced substantially since Alain St Ange was appointed Minister of Tourism. Also, it is nice to be working together with other Seychellois at the Seychelles Tourist Office in London. These personal links make Seychelles feel so much closer to home for me!

What is the best part of your day Even after all these years I still get a buzz at Stylish Resorts with every new Seychelles holiday booking. But that is only part of it. It is a privilege and wonderful experience to stay at some of the most luxurious resorts in the world.

I am also fortunate in having the opportunity to return frequently to Seychelles and spend time with my lovely daughter, Trish who lives there, as well as visit our other destinations.

I really enjoy catching up with travel trade colleagues in Seychelles and hoteliers who are very supportive. Travel is a hospitality business and the people I meet are sociable and convivial. This makes so much of work a real pleasure. For me it is really fabulous to be providing a reciprocal link with Seychelles – the islands of my heritage.

To get in touch with Lydia La Rue you can contact her at Stylish Resorts Wickham House, 2 Upper Teddington Road, Hampton Wick, Kingstonupon-Thames, Surrey KT1 4DY Tel: +44 (0)20 8255 1738; Email: lydia@stylishresorts.com; Website: www.stylishresorts.com

Petit Amour Villa

Your Home Away From Home

Petit Amour. These two words which inspired the name behind the 4-bedroom luxury villa, located in the North West of Mahé, go way back to Michel Benoit’s childhood. His adopted mother painted these words on a plaque; and evidently made an impact on him.

While the English translation of Petit Amour is, ‘Small Love’, there is nothing small about the love which Michel and Jon-Anthony Perkins extend to the guests who walk through their doors.

THE CONCEPT OF A VILLA

Initially Michel wanted to build a villa as his retirement home. Plans soon changed and the plans for Petit Amour became the first of its kind to be submitted to the – then newly created Seychelles Investment Bureau (SIB). The concept of what a villa entailed was still blurry – it was neither a hotel nor a guest house.

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED

In the beginning Petit Amour operated as a villa, but Michel and Jon soon realized that the concept was not working as well as they had expected. They were unknown and the marketing side of things had not taken off with the fierceness that was required to bring in numbers. In addition to this, when Air Seychelles pulled the plug on the direct flights from Europe, the situation required some readjustment. And so, they decided to run Petit Amour as a Boutique Hotel as opposed to a Villa. They explain that it is possible for someone to rent the entire villa to themselves; but for the most part, the property is rented by the room. The first client under this new concept walked through Petit Amour’s doors in May 2012. Like they say, the rest is history.

HOW THEY’RE PICKED

The majority of their bookings are direct; holiday planners tend to go to the trip advisor website and search for establishments in Seychelles. Petit Amour (on tripadvisor) is the number one establishment in Glacis – ahead of many larger and even international hotel brands. Michel and Jon explain that whenever an enquiry comes in they respond immediately for they are aware that the person sitting on his/her computer in another corner of the world is waiting for a response – especially when they have sent several enquiries in a part of the world unknown to them.

Other bookings are made via booking.com and agoda.com

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MICHEL AND JON

Reviews do not get more personal than when the names of the owners are mentioned; in almost all of them. Their secret? “We work 16 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have good staff but we make sure we are there. We run this place as if family or friends have come to visit us. When someone gets here, we do whatever we can to accomplish their desires and we try and do that without adding to their costs. Guests appreciate that,” they reveal.

Michel and Jon just don’t work at Petit Amour Villa, they also live there. Their apartment is just below the villa, making them in tuned to everything happening at the villa all times of the day (and night). ‘This is our life. When you come in through that gate, you are coming into our lives. We sometimes forget that guests pay!” they say. For the duo, the boundary between client and friend can sometimes be a bit blurry.

AN EXAMPLE

In February, a young Russian couple honeymooned at Petit Amour Villa. They had booked a Mini Suite and on their last night, they were upgraded to the Master Executive Suite – which is the most expensive suite.

Oblivious to Michel and Jon’s plan, a honeymoon bath was organized for them. Upon their return to the Villa that night, the husband was alerted about the plan while the wife took her shower. As the photo indicates, this surprise would be one of their honeymoon memories they would forever cherish.

That same night a call for a last minute booking came in and because of what they had planned for the newly married couple, they could not accommodate additional clients so they said no. The point made here is that while they could have cancelled plans for the Master Executive Suite they wanted to create an unforgettable experience for their client and that mattered more than the money they would have earned with additional clients.

AN EVENING AT HOME

Despite having many dining options in the Glacis and Beau Vallon areas, Petit Amour Villa’s guest tend to have a preference to stay ‘home’ for dinner. “It’s a 2 and ½ hour affair with lit candles all over the place,” Michel and Jon explains. A cocktail (on the house) at

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7:30 pm sets the mood for the evening ahead. More importantly, it gives the duo a chance to find out how the day has been for their clients and what their plans are for the next day and of course, how they can help make those plans materialise. The cocktail also allows for the guests to meet each other and in most cases, it is the time that bonds are formed and by the next morning, all members of the Petit Amour family are having breakfast together.

Michel and Jon do stress though that all of this depends on the guests. Those who prefer to keep themselves are respected.

THE STAFF

The Petit Amour Villa staff also get their fair share of credit in the reviews. In an industry where turn-over is high, everyone is trying to find the secret recipe to

training and maintaining good staff. “As a team, we have worked long and hard to reach the level we are at now. A good line of communication and a high level of understanding is required if everything is to run smoothly,” Michel and Jon explains. “We talk to our staff. We’re constantly talking to them. They understand that the guests come first – every time.

With maximum ten guests at a time, it’s not difficult to give personal attention” they add.

At the same time, if they are not busy, they send their staff home earlier and when there are birthdays, the staff can take a bottle home to have with their family.

“It’s all about give and take,” they conclude.

WHY CHOOSE SEYCHELLES

“Seychelles, for the longest time, has been sold as the paradise on earth. It has the wow factor. Whenever it is mentioned, people are left with certain awe,” they conclude.

Note: Michel is still looking for the plaque his adopted mother wrote the words Petit Amour on. When he finds it, he will frame it and put it up on the walls in the Villa.

THE PERSONAL TOUCHES

Every room in Petit Amour Villa comes with a mobile phone which the client can use during their stay. “If they’re stuck on the other side of the island, we want them to be able to call us so we can help.

Michel and Jon also socialize with their guests outside of the villa. From dinning to clubbing, they sometimes accompany their guests on their adventures. If their company is not required, they also offer to drop them off to nearby dining places.

The personal touch starts the minute a booking is made. Would the guests need a taxi? Do they want to hire a car while they’re here? These are some of the few questions the duo immediately address. Personal touches at the end of the day is what makes Petit Amour stand out from the rest.

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Out And About Calendar of Events 2014

By Alexandria Faure & Nathalie Hodgson

If you’re looking for more than sun, sea and sand, plan your holiday with our exciting upcoming events, to experience an additional touch of culture, and local entertainment.

Carnival International de Victoria 25-27th April 2014

Seychelles’ very own ‘carnival of carnivals’. Make sure to be in Victoria to experience the 3 day extravaganza of dance, music and mouth-watering foods. Watch this space! Seychelles will be welcoming carnival troupes and performers from Mozambique, La Reunion, Kwa Zulu Natal, Brazil, South Africa, London and many more this year. It promises to be a glorious event.

Independence Day 29th June 2014

Also known as Republic Day, Independence Day in Seychelles is a national holiday that commemorates Seychelles' transition to an independent republic on this day in 1976. On this day many Seychellois show their national pride by flag flying, with beaches and parks are filled with families having picnics along with fireworks in the evening. Come join for some patriotic pursuits!

Fet Afrik 23rd-25th May 2014

Seychelles’ vibrant and colourful celebration of the islands’ rich historical link with Africa. A 3 day celebration, which gives you the perfect opportunity to experience the African heritage of Seychelles through music, dance, arts & crafts, food and fashion.

Africa Day 25th May 2014 A whole day dedicated to honour and celebrate African unity within the continent. Also to commemorate the 1963 founding of the Organization of African Unity, recognised today as the African Union.

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Miss Seychelles…Another World Beauty Pageant 31st May 2014

With the aim of showcasing and promoting the beauty of our islands to the world, the pageant will showcase a selection of island girls taking the stage for an opportunity to be crowned Miss Seychelles..Another World 2014 and later compete in the Miss World Beauty pageant.

A wonderful evening of elegance, as well as celebrating ‘beauty with a prupose’.

National Day 18th June 2014

Seychelles National Day is celebrated every year and marks the implementation of a multiparty democratic system in the country. The locals participate in the festivities along with music, flower shows and parades, Along with several cultural events that promote harmony and unity.

MICHAEL ADAMS PAINTINGS

P.O BOX 405, VICTORIA, MAHE, SEYCHELLES TELEPHONE 4361006, TELEFAX 4361200. adams@seychelles.net www.michaeladamsart.com APR - JUN 2014 ISSUE NO. 3 | SESEL SA!

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A Tale of Two Academies The Seychelles Tourism Academy and the Shannon College of Hotel Management

The Seychelles Tourism Academy and Shannon College of Hotel Management were unlikely partners. A distance of 5,400 miles separates their two countries. The climate, geography and landscape of the Seychelles Islands are a world apart from the island of Ireland which lies on the fringe of Europe. In 2008 however, the paths of the two institutions crossed at the right time and over the past six years, they have grown to become strong partners in educating the next generation of domestic Seychellois hotel managers.

Business studies

The Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA), the national hotel training agency, began a new programme in 2007; an Advanced Diploma in Hotel Management (ADHM). The driving force behind the launch of this new programme was the national development strategy ‘Seychelles Strategy 2017’ which identified tourism as a major engine of growth for the country. One of the major challenges identified by the government was to educate Seychellois in the profession of hotel management and to move away from having an industry that was largely managed and staffed by expatriates. The vision in launching the ADHM was to allow students to work in the hotel industry and gradually achieve management roles. It was also envisioned that through their success and ethos, the ADHM graduate would inculcate a renewed spirit of service and demonstrate that hotels were desirable places to have a career.

This was an ambitious vision for the industry to grasp and for the STA to implement. The search began in 2008 for an international education partner to join forces with STA and in January 2009 this search ended at Shannon College of Hotel Management located in the midwest of Ireland. Hotel management education has a long history in Europe. Many consider Switzerland to be the home of hotel management education, where specialised hotel schools opened as far back as 1893. Founded in 1951, Shannon College of Hotel Management is a ‘younger’ hotel school than some of its European counterparts; however similarities and synergies emerged between the Seychelles and Ireland, and between STA and Shannon College, that pulled the two institutions together.

Shannon College exterior

Practical training at Shannon College

Ireland and the Seychelles Islands share a colonial history and a wonderful, warm and welcoming spirit of hospitality.

Both nations are guilty of sometimes undervaluing tourism and hospitality as sources of wealth and are striving to dispel anti-service views in their respective tourism industries. Both nations have to arrive at a point where the populations embrace tourism and hospitality as desirable careers, where mothers and fathers are eager and proud to see their children work in the industry and where, in the Seychelles Islands, Seychellois general managers preside over leading hotels and are leaders in the tourism and general business community. Throughout its 62 year history, Shannon College of Hotel Management has been successful in responding to this challenge in the Irish hotel industry. The approach at Shannon College is to immerse students in professional practical training, hotel industry placements at operative and trainee management levels, an

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ethos of developing management skills and a comprehensive hotel business education.

Shannon College of Hotel Management is a dedicated hotel management college, specialising in undergraduate degrees in business studies and hotel management. The flagship programme is a Bachelor of Business Studies in International Hotel Management and is awarded by the National University of Ireland. In 2011 the first group of ADHM graduates from the Seychelles Tourism Academy were accepted into Shannon College of Hotel Management to complete their degree studies and many milestones have been reached since then.

Last year these 13 students graduated from Shannon College of Hotel Management with a Bachelor of Business Studies in International Hotel Management and they are embarking on management careers in the hotel and related industries.

The STA students should be proud of how they represent their country at Shannon College. At last year’s graduation ceremony, STA student Rose-May Payet received the prize for highest academic results of her graduating class which comprised 91 students from 15 different countries. The success continues with 11 more STA students due to graduate from Shannon College in March 2014 and a further 12 students are preparing to start their final year trainee management placement shortly. The building of a substantial presence of Seychellois at management levels is not a short or medium term project. For hospitality graduates, reaching the top of their career takes time and patience. These individuals, the industry and the government have committed to a long term approach to achieve a strong Seychellois managerial presence in hospitality. Their collective commitment will have an immeasurably positive outcome in the years to come.

The partnership between STA and Shannon College of Hotel Management and their shared journey has been made possible by the passion of those spearheading the project. Mr Peter Moncherry, General Manager of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), and Mr Flavien Joubert, Principal of STA, first visited Shannon College in September 2008 and have been

First batch of STA students arrive in Shannon in 2011

at the forefront of the project ever since.

They are products of former efforts to create a managerial class and both are imbued with a deep understanding of hotel keeping and hospitality. Mr Phillip J Smyth, Director of Shannon College and Ms Kate O’Connell, Registrar of Shannon College, grasped from the outset the importance of this project for the future of the Seychelles tourism industry and indeed for the future of the Seychelles economy. The success of this project is testament to the shared vision of many individuals and organisations in the Seychelles and Ireland; the SQA, the STB, the NHRDC, the Board of STA, the Minister for Tourism and Culture St Ange, the National University of Ireland, NUI Galway, the faculty of STA and the faculty of Shannon College.

First batch of STA students graduate from Shannon College in 2013

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Anse Lazio

A Piece of Heaven

Seychelles is world renown to be the home of nature’s best-kept secrets. On the north western side of the island of Praslin, is a secret waiting to be discovered.

Untouched, beautiful, breathtaking and nestled within a crescent moon shaped cove, Anse Lazio’s clear turquoise waters kiss the shoreline, behind a backdrop of tall swaying coconut trees and giant granitic rocks that shelter the white sands. Mahé has its fair share of alluring beaches, however once visitors arrive on the main island, there’s more than enough reason for them to leave, with some regret, and head to Praslin.

Visible from the Northern parts of Mahé on a clear sunny day, luckily enough Praslin is just a short boat, plane and helicopter ride away.

There are photos of Anse Lazio all over the Internet, on travel brochures, and as beautiful as these photos are, nothing compares to truly being there – taking your barefoot strolls and swimming in the warm turquoise waters.

The curving shape of the beach hidden in front a lush jungle backdrop captivates the beachgoer, giving them a feeling of total seclusion, whilst the soothing white sands and the crystalline blue waters of different colours shimmer under the sunshine captivating them and their souls. It’s almost too much to take in and you may find yourself rubbing your eyes with disbelief, that this could truly be nature’s best-kept secret, a piece of heaven here on earth.

Praslin getaways are ideal for any holidaymaker.

For the couple on their honeymoon this would be the perfect beach for a barefoot stroll and some spectacular romantic sunset photo moments. For families, a day trip to Anse Lazio could be the perfect ‘day at the beach’. Not only is the water clear, making it a delightful experience to see tiny little fishes swimming around, but Anse Lazio also offers calm waters, making it safe for children. There is enough shade to enjoy building sandcastles and just relax under swaying palms. For those who are a little more adventurous, get the best of both worlds and go for a snorkel! You will be amazed at the underwater beauty that lays hidden in the reef, which compliments the allure that is on the surface. Nature is still the ruling queen in Seychelles and much of the native land is left unspoiled. You won’t find any soaring hotel buildings on the shorelines or jetskis and boats that can ruin the view and the tranquility of the beach. Although you may find a beach café and a nearby restaurant sheltered under the coconut trees, once you reach the sands of Anse Lazio you will be transported into a realm of serenity, being surrounded by the magnificence that nature can offer.

Divine and of its own kind, don’t embark on your return flight back home without spending a day at Anse Lazio and visiting Praslin. 15 minutes away by plane and 60 minutes on a scenic boat ride, Praslin is ready to welcome you!

And Anse Lazio is ready to take your breath away.

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Photo credit; Gerard Larose

By Alexandria Faure

Sneak Peak

By Nathalie Hodgson Did you know that Seychelles have several live webcams across Mahe and one on La Digue?

These little cameras are not easily seen with the naked eye but can be very useful to the traveler.

They can check the weather forecast instantly and make a decision about the days itinerary or maybe organise a wave to a friend abroad, making them even more jealous about your island adventure.

You can even save a still image from the webcam using your phone for a unique holiday photo.

Or for most of us, who are indoors in front of the computer – where it is warm and cozy – and travel to the Seychelles through the eyes of web cams, dreaming about the sun kissed beaches and swaying palms.

They are located at: Beau Vallon Beach; attached to the roof of Coral Strand Hotel overlooking the bay Selwyn and Selwyn Clark Markets; overlooking the fish mongers stall Central Victoria; on Albert Street overlooking the pedestrian walkway La Digue; overlooking La Passe The camera refreshes every five seconds and you can see them at www.virtualseychelles.sc/webcam

Beau Vallon Beach

La Digue

Central Victoria

n Clark Markets Selwyn and Selwy

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Boating at affordable prices New Charter company Palm Travel run by Marie-France Hansen has big plans – thus husband and wife team up to bring ‘affordable Seychelles’ to boating, whereby all their clients; tourists and Seychellois alike can enjoy the splendors of our very much attractive oceans.

Palm Travel, who are you?

My wife and I started the company, Palm Travel Seychelles, in early 2014 after a full year of careful preparations and offer boat charter and boat excursions and have set up a concept to match the ‘Affordable Seychelles’-campaign. We aim on top of that to offer a service with a personalized touch. Being Scandinavian myself, we felt that there was a gap in the market and would like to assist in building a bridge for this market to the Seychelles islands, for them to experience the beauty, the tranquility, the romance and the untouched exotic away from the mass tourism that our islands offer in all is splendor.

Why choose Palm Travel for boat charters?

We at Palm Travel Seychelles have chosen to cater for qualityconscious guests but again at competitive and affordable prices.

We offer boat charters, where you hire the boat and crew for ½ day or a full day, and thereafter you sail wherever you want doing the activities that please you, since the boat is ‘yours’ for that ½ day or that full day. Alternatively you can join our popular boat excursions, where you join other guests going to the same destination for that day.

Another incentive to charter a boat is to experience a thrilling fishing trip ‘on your own boat’ in the open sea and with a very experienced crew who knows where to go. Fishing however sometimes requires great patience e.g. hauling in your catch (even with the help of our very experienced local skipper) but is a prize well worth waiting for.

The options are trolling the open sea and the very popular linefishing at the bottom of shallow fishing grounds. Our experienced skipper knows all the good fishing grounds nearby and will assist

Image credit; Palm Travel

you, the best way possible with your catch. And if it comes to catching the big game fish at the so called drop-of zone, he knows again where to go.

For quieter options, you may enjoy a grill on a peaceful, tropical and romantic beach where only the breaking waves at the reef and the ‘welcome’ of our local birds will ‘disturb’ the chosen idyll. Our

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requirements of a Scandinavian.

Seychelles can never and should never be a mass destination and this might again be one of our best cards to play for strengthening the future tourism in the Seychelles.

What is the plan for your company's future?

Again being Scandinavian myself, I believe that this market still has great potential and as an insider I feel I have adequate knowledge needed of the culture to lure Scandinavian clients to the islands and to match their high expectations.

local skipper is nothing but an expert in preparing the grill in the local Seychellois way – including using the eventual catch of the day. You will never forget that event! And while preparing the grill we will even entertain the children on the beach leaving you to relax in peace.

Finally but not least is the option of just a peaceful and romantic ride on the open and endless ocean waters.

We will on a boat charter take you wherever you might want and you can enjoy the private moments in beauty of the ocean. Sunset-cruises are also available – again to very affordable rates.

What are the challenges of setting up a new business within the local tourism industry?

We came up on the concept in 2013 but it took us as told a year to get everything finalized, therefore I’d say one needs a whole lot of patience, a passionate drive – and a very strong private economy. It takes a lot of work but with perseverance, one can get there.

As a new player in the industry, how do you think you can stand out?

We are committed to providing our clients a very personalized experience focused on the Seychelleois way, thus on our part show case the Seychelles as a wonderful holiday destination where an experience need not be luxurious for it to be memorable and perfect and where, while on the journey, clients enjoy the personal touch, thought through service, friendly staff and an all round perfect day.

Why should a tourist come to Seychelles? How do our oceans compare to other parts of the world?

We all know that Seychelles is a beautiful and beloved destination but for a Scandinavian tourist, it takes more than that. With options like Hawaiian and the Caribbean’s, Malaysia and Vietnam, our main selling point should be the unspoiled, peaceful, exotic and tropical romantic far away from mass tourism smelling of friendliness. Seychelles is currently not in the top 10 destinations for Scandinavians and we want to change that. Seychelles can for sure tick all the

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While in the long term we are focused on the boat charter, we will one day possibly expand our range of services, therefore we took the name “Palm Travels” in the event we do chose to expand.

What do your clients love the most?

On a final note, flexibility and the expected high standard of service on board are keys on a boat charter, since the boat is theirs for the day, and where they can do/decide whatever they might want. The clients enjoy and appreciate doing what they want to do/to be able to decide – just being within the security decisions of the skipper. In other words the clients appreciate very much knowing that the day is theirs on board but is furthermore relatively structured and their every needs catered for all along.

When they charter with us, we will try our very best to make also the day of today being very much memorable for our clients in each and every positive way possible.

For more information, please contact Marie-France Hansen Tel: (00248) 259 93 35 Email: palmtravelseychelles@gmail.com Website: www.palmtravelseychelles.sc.

N e w s F ro m S TO EMITT 2014 – East Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel Exhibition Istanbul, Turkey, January 30th – February 2nd 2014.

The 18th edition of East Mediterranean International Travel and Tourism Exhibition (EMITT), considered to be the world’s 5th biggest tourism fair with a 65.000 sqm space, took place in Istanbul from January 30th – February 2nd 2014. It hosted over 4,500 companies from the tourism sector representing 70 destinations from all around the world. The fair received operators, travel agencies, hotels, airlines, cruise operators, national tourist boards, transportation services, medical tourism providers and other tourism institutes.

Seychelles participated for the first time with a 20 sqm stand looking very elegant with a large picture of Anse Source D’Argent La Digue and the brand colours. The partners were: Creole Travel Services, with Mr. Eric Renard and Ms. Sharon Hoareau, Desroches Island Seychelles, with Ms. Amanda Lang-Larue, Raffles Praslin Seychelles, with Ms. Viktoriya Khaydukova, Seychelles 7° South, and with Ms. Anna Butler Payette.

The coco de mer now known as the icon of the islands no doubt brought great attention to the stand whereby many visitors stopped by to find out about the very particular form of coconut, to learn more about it and to take photographs with the biggest nut of the world.

The fair was also open to the public during the weekend and Seychelles had a great opportunity to showcase its cultural, geographical and natural attractions to a growing market, that proved to be very interested on the destination.

Seychelles also had the honour to win ‘Friendship of EMITT 2014’, a prize for the friendliest stand during the Fair 2014.

BIT 2014 – Borsa Internazionale del Turismo 13th February – 15th February 2014, Milan, Italy BIT is one of the most important international trade fairs in the tourism sector in Italy and it is a fundamental point of reference for the market. The 34th edition, which took place in Milan from the 13th to the 15th of February, recorded 62.170 visitors, with 100 countries represented.

The three-day event presented the main new features of tourism operators to the market and it is the place where international exhibitors meet the demand. This fair is also important as it generates new contacts, launches new products and promote image to a targeted Italian and International market: two days of business matching B2B – quality contacts, new business models and emerging trends to meet the

needs of all players in the tourism industry – and one day dedicated to the public B2C, helping travelers find the trip that suits them perfectly. This edition was also very important to launch EXPO 2015, taking place next year in Milan.

Seychelles participated with a 15 sqm stand with its brand decoration looking elegant and no doubt very attractive, with the brand images of beautiful Seychelles displaying the beaches, the forests, the coco de mer and all the activities and events in the archipelago. Italian & Foreign trade did not hesitate to stop by for enquiries, appointments and to get some publicity material about Seychelles.

The partner for this edition was Seychelles European Reservation (Seychelles Connect) with Director Ms. Daniella Payet Alis that seized this opportunity to reinforce the presence of the company on the market, targeting Travel Agencies and direct clients.

A lot of interest was shown for the destination: Tour Operators and Travel Agents stopped for meetings, enquiries and updates, many journalists were interested and asked for STB press Kit with the latest news on Seychelles and, last but not least, a lot of consumers, couples and families, showed interest in going to the archipelago for their next holidays, enquiring especially on guesthouses, collecting contacts, material and information.

BIT is confirmed an increasingly international business hub for all the industry players, from destinations to operators, from travel agents to travelers. The busy week ended successfully and leaving everybody eager for the flow of business to come their way.

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Ars et Natura Seychelles As soon as you step off the aircraft on to the tarmac and look up at the mountainous backdrop of Morne Seychellois the ‘inner artist’ in you starts to grow. Whether it’s in voice, dance, pen or paintbrush these islands somehow awaken your senses and tug at your creativity vibes to surface. As the group of Italian artists have experienced firsthand, travelling the islands to translate its magic into masterpieces but with a mission.

By Nathalie Hodgson It’s really no wonder that since the first plane set down on the shores of Mahé, international artists flocked here in large numbers to experience its secrets. Many even stayed, making Seychelles their home, as they could not bear to leave the sensations and inspiration they experienced here.

In June 2011, Alessandro Troisi from Italy completed an assignment on the birds of Cousin Island Reserve and his personal love affair began. As the coordinator of the Arts and Nature (Ars et Natura) wildlife artist group, he discovered a way to combine this love for unique Seychelles nature with their passion for the arts, thus the Art and Nature Seychelles project was born.

The group met as collaborators of the World Wildlife Foundation, some fifteen years ago, and travels the Image credit; Ars et Natura Seychelles

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globe on different art projects. As naturalists and wildlife enthusiasts their main aim is to educate and promote the necessity of preserving the natural environment. So through their paintings, photography and travel sketchbooks they market the incredible biodiversity of the islands and showcase it to the world.

Monette Rose, who runs the Seychelles Tourism Board office in Italy remarks ‘ This project is unique on many levels. It not only showcases the beauty of the islands but other rare qualities that people may not know about when reading a holiday brochure. It highlights our unique selling points of the flora and fauna, through paintings, drawings, images and much more.

People learn in many different ways but everyone loves looking at art whether they connect to it or not,

it is easier to learn visually and hopefully it will lead to further investigation and a visit’.

'The interaction between travelers and Tourist Offices has been nonstop. This activity has given Seychelles an extraordinary amount of media coverage in a very unique way which is why the journalists love it. It has given Mr Federico Gemma, one of the artists involved, the opportunity to sell his art work of (the bird on branch painted on Cousin Island) in London at the Pall Mall gallery at the Society of Wild life Artists 50th Anniversary Exhibition and also to exhibit Le Museum Henri Le Coq in

Marseille with the theme Voyage aux Seychelles. This is huge exposure for Seychelles in these exhibitions and events'.

With assistance from the Italian Seychelles Tourism Board office, they journeyed around the islands in June and October 2013 to transcribe the landscapes, flora and fauna, with special attention to the natural heritage areas, endemic species and also those in risk of extinction. ‘Seychelles being so rich, alive and colourful, it is easy to paint the first thing you see however, the sole purpose is to raise awareness, educate and promote the natural environment through specialized artwork thus highlighting

the importance of its preservation’ says Concetta Flore.

The group was also able to meet several local artists such as George Camille, Michael Adams, Camille Mondon, Christine Harter who welcomed them warmly and shared their passion for the Seychelles environment, and assured their interest and support for the project.

The Project has received UNESCO's patronage, for the extensive artistic display of the World Heritage site, Vallée de Mai. The project is also under the patronage of WWF Italia, WWF International and Birdlife International. ‘ The greatest challenge was organizing a group of 18 artists for a period of 15 days, cutting down the expenses with the help of STB and the sponsors, getting to see and sketch as much as possible in such a short time. We managed to see all the rare

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species on our list and enjoyed a wonderful bond between the artists which made the project even more gratifying’ says Alessandro.

The final pieces from the group’s first visit will be exhibited in July 2014 on Mahé and then Italy, France, England Scotland and Finland). In October 2014 the second group of 18 Italian artists will return to finish the project. Concetta Flore, one of the artists in the group explains “We wish that visitors coming to the exhibition will realize just how interesting and precious each species is, and will want to discover them personally and respectfully. From our experience, nature in the form of art communicates emotions that go deeper than other forms of representation. The exhibition, featuring many artists, will offer a variety of styles of art that will appeal and intrigue many age groups, races, cultures and across the tiers of society’.

A short film shot by Giovanni Ragone, portrays the artist’s adventures and will go live very soon and currently in production an illustrated book containing all the paintings and sketches by the 15 Italian artists and 5 Creole artists will be ready for the European exhibition dates. Limited edition reproductions will be on sale at affordable prices and will go towards the next phase of the project.

‘As a group we aim to continue with the exploration of the other islands of the archipelago,

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and our dream would be to paint Aldabra and its extraordinary nature one day’ explains Alessandro.

You can view the notes and personal accounts of the artist’s travels and works at: arsetnaturaseychelles.blogspot.com To contact Alessandro Troisi email him on aletroisi@pandion.it.

Where Am I? Do you think you know Seychelles?

This image is taken by the talented Shayne Pothin, somewhere but where? Send your answer to email ineke@seychellespublications.com along with why you love Seychelles in 200 words and you could win a Seychelles memorabilia from the Seychelles Tourism Board.

Good Luck.

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HONORARY CONSULS

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

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

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

Fax №: (+248) 422 40 65

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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WITH JURISDICTIONS IN THE SEYCHELLES

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

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

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

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

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

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

HONORARY CONSUL OF THE KINGDOM OF BELGIUM 1st Floor, Eden Marina House, Eden Island, Roche Caiman, P. O. Box 232, Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 434 61 61 / (+248) 251 11 05 Fax №: (+248) 434 61 00

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

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

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

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

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

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RESIDENT FOREIGN AMBASSADOR HIGH COMMISSIONERS IN SEYCHELLES HIGH COMMISSION OF INDIA Francis Rachel Street P. O. Box 488 Victoria, Mahé Tel № : (+248) 461 03 01 Fax №: (+248) 461 03 08

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

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION 3rd Floor, Oliaji Trade Centre, P. O. Box 161w Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 428 36 66 Fax №: (+248) 428 36 57

AMBASSADE DE FRANCE 1er Etage, La Ciotat, Mont Fleuri P. O. Box 478 Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 438 25 00 Fax №: (+248) 438 25 10

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA Bel Eau P. O. Box 730 Victoria, Mahé Tel №: (+248) 422 40 94

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

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

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

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SEYCHELLES DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS ABROAD BELGIUM Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles 1st Floor, 28 Boulevard Saint Michel Box 23, 1040 Brussels, Belgium Telephone №: (322) 733 60 55 Telefax №: (322) 732 60 22 Email: brussels@seychellesgov.com

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles Room 1105, The Spaces № 8 Dongdaqiao Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100020 People’s Republic of China Telephone №: (8610) 5870 1192 Telefax №: (8610) 5870 1219 Email: amb.legall@yahoo.com

ETHIOPIA Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles Bole, Woreda 13, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Telephone №: (25111) 62 97 721 Email: j.nourrice@gmail.com

FRANCE Ambassade de la République des Seychelles 51, Avenue Mozart, 75016 Paris, France Numéro de téléphone: (331) 42 30 57 47 Numéro de téléfax: (331) 42 30 57 40 Email: contact@ambsey.fr

GENEVA Permanent Mission to the UN Office and other International Organisations in Geneva Chemin Louis-Dunant 15b, 1202 Geneva Switzerland Telephone №: (41) 22 730 17 28 Telefax №: (41) 22 730 17 29 Email: geneva@seymission.ch

INDIA High Commission of the Republic of Seychelles F-4, Anand Niketan New Delhi – 110 021, India Telephone №: (9111) 241 141 02 Telefax №: (9111) 241 141 03 Email: seychelleshighcommission@gmail.com

INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles to the Indian Ocean Islands Maison Quéau de Quinssy, P. O. Box 656 Mont Fleuri, Mahé, Seychelles Telephone №: (248) 428 35 00 Telefax №: (248) 422 48 45 Email: cdoffay@mfa.gov.sc

SOUTH AFRICA Seychelles High Commission Unit D 02/01, The Village, Cnr Gleenwood & Oberon Avenue, Faerie Glen, 0043 Pretoria, Republic of South Africa Telephone №: (27) 12 34 80 270 (27) 12 34 80 720 Telefax №: (27) 12 34 069 Email: sez@seychelleshc.co.za

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles Villa № 6/1, Murror Area, 23rd Street, P. O. Box 43107, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates Telephone №: (9712) 491 77 55 Telefax №: (9712) 491 77 14/18 Email: seychellesembuae@gmail.com

UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND High Commission of the Republic of Seychelles 4th Floor, 11 Grosvenor Crescent, London SW1X 7EE, England Telephone №: (44) 207 245 06 80 Telefax №: (44) 207 235 75 09 Email: seyhc.london@btconnect.com

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles Suite 400C, 4th Floor 800 Second Avenue New York, NY 10017 United States of America Telephone №: (1212) 972 1785 Telefax №: (1212) 972 1786 Email: seychelles@un.int

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Climate Change and Small Island Developing State Issues c/o Permanent Mission of the Republic of Seychelles to the United Nations, Suite 400C 4th Floor, 800 Second Avenue New York, NY 10017 United States of America Telephone №: (1212) 972 1785 Telefax №: (1212) 972 1786 Email: seychelles@un.int

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Seychelles Tourist Offices & Representatives Worldwide HEADQUARTERS Chief Executive Officer Seychelles Tourism Board P.O. Box 1262 • Victoria Mahé • Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4 671 300 Fax: (+248) 4 620 620 / (+248) 4 620 640 e-mail: info@seychelles.travel sherin.naiken@seychelles.travel SEYCHELLES NEWS BUREAU Seychelles Tourism Board Bel Ombre, P.O. Box 1262 Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4 671 300 Fax: (+248) 4 620 620 glynn.burridge@seychelles.travel lena.hoareau@uksto.co.uk E-MARKETING Seychelles Tourism Board Bel Ombre, P.O. Box 1262 Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4 671 300 Fax: (+248) 4 620 620 email: info@seychelles.travel www.seychelles.travel FRANCE Office du Tourisme des Seychelles 18 Rue de Mogador - 75009 Paris • France Tel: (+33) 1 44 53 93 20 Fax: (+33) 1 44 53 93 32 e-mail: info-tourisme.fr@seychelles.travel GERMANY Seychelles Tourist Office Hochstrasse 17 60313 Frankfurt am Main • Germany Tel: +49 (0) 69 297 207 89 Fax: +49 (0) 69 297 207 92 e-mail: info@seychelles-service-center.de

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ITALY Seychelles Tourism Board Via Pindaro 28N Axa• 00125 Rome Italy Tel: + 39 06 50 90 135 Fax: + 39 06 50 93 52 01 e-mail: info-turismo.it @seychelles.travel MIDDLE EAST Mohamed Al Geziry Consultancy 100 Al Fattan Plaza • P.O. Box 36345 Dubai • U.A.E. Tel: (+971) 4 2865586 Fax: (+971) 4 2865589 e-mail: info-tourism.me@ seychelles.travel SPAIN Calle princesa, 40 28008 Madrid • Spain Tel: (+34) 91 702 08 04 Fax: (+34) 91 702 23 74 e-mail: info@turismoseychelles.com SOUTH AFRICA Cape Holiday Services 36 Union Road • Milnerton 7441 Capetown South Africa Tel: (+27) 21 551 5855 Fax: (+27) 21 551 5898 e-mail: seychelles@stoza.com SOUTH KOREA #411, Doosan We’ve Pavillion 58 Susong-dong • Jongno-gu Seoul • South Korea Tel: +82 2 737 3235 Fax: +82 2 737 3236 e-mail: consul@seychellestour.co.kr sey@seychellestour.co.kr

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UNITED KINGDOM Seychelles Tourist Office Fourth Floor, 130-132 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9SA United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 724 561 06 e-mail: info-tourism.uk @seychelles.travel CHINA Seychelles Tourism Board #8 Dongdaqiao Road, The Spaces Chaoyang District, Room 1105 Beijing, 100020 China Tel: +8610 5870 1192 Fax: +8610 5870 1219 e-mail: lrjll.sey@gmail.com ABU DHABI Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles, Villa number 6/1, Plot number 8, Muroor Area, Street 23 Abu Dhabi, UAE.Tel: + 00971 2 4917755 Fax: +971 2 4917718 e-mail: aliette.esther@seychelles.travel RUSSIA Access Russia Vorotnikovskiy Lane 8, bld. 1 of 12 1270006 Moscow Russia Tel: (7) 495 699 9351 Email: erussiayanova@accessrussia.ru SOUTH AMERICA BRAZIL Global Vision Access Rua Manoel da Nobrega 111# 41 Paraiso, Sao Paolo SP 04001-080 Brazil Tel: (55) 11 2367.3170 Fax: (55) 11 99627.3160 Email: gisele@globalvisionaccess.com

Contacts PHONE OPERATORS

EMERGENCY

AIRLINES

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

Central Police Station Victoria P.O. Box 46 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 428000 Fax: (+248) 4224412 Emergency: 999 Hotline: 133 / 112 E: office@police.gov.sc W: www.police.gov.sc

Emirates Airline Caravelle House Victoria P.O. Box 152 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4292700 / 4373008 E: ekseychelles@emirates.com W: www.emirates.com

Airtel Telecom (Seychelles) Emerald Building Providence P.O. Box 1358 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4600600 Fax: (+248) 4601602 W: www.africa.airtel.com/seychelles AIR SEYCHELLES Air Seychelles Ltd. (International & Domestic) Head Office Seychelles International Airport Pointe Larue P.O. Box 386 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4391000 Fax: (+248) 4391229 E: webinfo@airseychelles.com W: www.airseychelles.com Praslin Airport Amitié Praslin P.O. Box 386 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4284666 Fax: (+248) 4233055 International Flight Information Seychelles International Airport Point Larue P.O. Box 386 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4391200 Fax: (+248) 4391229 Immigration Office (Airport) Seychelles International Airport Pointe Larue P.O. Box 430 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 2713193 E: asupervisor@gov.sc

Baie St. Anne Police Station Baie St. Anne Praslin P.O. Box 46 Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4232332 Fax: (+248) 4232075 E: baiestanne-stn@seypolice.sc W: www.police.gov.sc Grand Anse Police Station Grand Anse Praslin P.O. Box 46 Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4233251 Fax: (+248) 4233933 E: grandanse-stn@seypolice.sc W: www.police.gov.sc

Kenya Airways Kingsgate Travel Centre Independence Avenue Victoria P.O. Box 288 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4323903 Fax: (+248) 4324162 E: sez.sales@kenya-airways.com W: www.kenya-airways.com Ethiopian Airline Mason’s Travel Building Revolution Avenue Victoria P.O. Box 459 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4288907 E: marenaud@masonstravel.com W: www.ethiopianairlines.com ZIL AIR

La Digue Police Station La Passe La Digue P.O. Box 46 Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4234251 Fax: (+248) 4234031 E: ladigue-stn@seypolice.sc W: www.police.gov.sc

Zil Air (Pty) Ltd. Pointe Larue P.O. Box 1110 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4375100 Fax: (+248) 4375101 E: info@zilair.com book@zilair.com W: www.zilair.com

Seychelles Hospital Mt. Fleuri P.O. Box 52 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4388000 Fax: (+248) 4388000 E: office@moh.gov.sc W: www.health.gov.sc

FERRY

Baie Ste Anne Praslin Hospital: 4233414 Logan La Digue Hospital : 4234255

Cat Cocos Ferry - Inter Island Boats Ltd Po Box 356 Kingsgate House,Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (248) 4297164 Fax: (+248) 4324845 Reservation: (+248) 4324843 Email: reservation@catcocos.com W: www.catcocos.com Praslin to La Digue Ferry Inter Island Ferry Ltd Tel: (+248) 4322329

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