Seychelles not just another place, another world
Welcome to the
Seychelles Located in the azure waters of the Indian ocean, just over 2 hours flight from Mauritius, 2 ½ hours from Reunion island, 4 hours flight from Dubai and Johannesburg and 6 hours from Singapore, are the exotic islands of the Seychelles. Stretching from four to ten degrees south of the equator, and made up of over 100 islands, the Seychelles lies outside the cyclone belt, keeping the country safe from tropical storms, and resulting in year-round sunshine, with temperatures ranging from 25°c to 32°c. These spectacular tropical islands are a mix of towering granite rocks, lush tropical forests, unexplored atolls fringed by teeming coral reefs and some of the world’s most spectacular beaches. The Seychelles is a dream destination and has a variety of accommodation options available, however many do not live up to the quality and standards expected of international travellers. To ensure you enjoy your dream holiday, we have focused on selected resorts that offer the highest standards to ensure your holiday investment returns incredibly fond and treasured memories. Island hopping is a great way to discover the different islands of the Seychelles.
General Information Whatever time of year you plan your visit you’re sure to have the opportunity to bask in warm equatorial sunshine. November to January are warmer months and can mean higher rainfall. Seychelles weather patterns are predominantly influenced by the two main trade winds which shift twice a year.
pre-north west condition, when the temperature warms up and winds remain very light. The north-west trade winds occur from December to March, causing a slightly wetter season coupled with higher temperatures.
During the months of May to October the south-east trade wind blows, leading to relatively cooler, drier and windier conditions, peaking in July and August. The wind shifts in November into a
The changing trade winds mean it is very important to consider where you stay when choosing a holiday in the Seychelles. Resorts such as Sainte Anne Resort & Spa offer guests a year round holiday destination as the choice of beaches on both the east and west side of the islands ensures guests have protection from the winds
Travel in Style
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Award winning Emirates provides flights to more than 120 destinations worldwide offering daily flights from Malta International airport with onward connections to Seychelles via Dubai. Winner of numerous international awards, their modern fleet with the latest in-flight entertainment facilities offer generous seat pitches in economy (32” to 34”), with adjustable footrest, headrest and lumbar support. Business Class offers a 60” to 62” seat pitch, sleeperette seats. First class sleeper seats have a pitch of 72” to 87”, plus a 7 course meal choice.
Activities Sailing Outside the cyclone belt and offering a yearround sailing season, moderate swells and gentle tides, there is no better way to enjoy Seychelles than by cruising its pristine waters by catamaran, keelboat, bareboat or kayak. Inner Islands with their secure moorings, myriad beaches, golden sands, hidden bays and secret coves and the Outer Islands of virgin territories featuring stunning lagoons are perfect for an island-hopping excursion. Diving Open the door to a vast world of marine extravagance as diverse and vibrant as it is unique. The Inner Islands, the remains of a submerged mountain range, rest on a shallow plateau that has encouraged prolific growth of marine life while the ‘Outer Islands’ are largely uninhabited and present the experienced diver with excellent diving spots where few have gone before. All diving is supervised by internationally qualified and insured Dive instructors with a number of courses of instruction available. Swimming and Snorkelling Step from uncrowded beaches straight into the warm embrace of the purest turquoise water and live your dream of a perfect tropical island lifestyle in the land of perpetual summer. And in the waters just offshore, you will discover the enchantment of the Seychelles marine parks where a living aquarium awaits you in the form of colourful schooling reef fish, octopus, lobster and turtle. Water sports For thrills of the ocean, enjoy a selection of water sports like water-skiing, parachute rides, jet-skis, banana rides and so much more. The waves and wind offer great windsurfing opportunities for
the novice and expert alike. Kite surfing is also popular. Fishing The stuff of fisherman’s tales- Seychelles makes for an unforgettable big-game fishing experience for both the seasoned and novice fisherman alike! You do not have to venture far from Seychelles’ shores to break fishing records in the archipelago. It has become the epicenter of salt-water fly-fishing and blue-water fly-fishing is also becoming increasingly popular so come cast your fly lines! Mind, Body and Soul Whether nestling in dreamy, mountain-side pavilions overlooking the ocean or occupying stylish niches within the luxurious cocoons of 5-star resorts, Seychelles’ spas offer natural elegance and refinement in pristine surrounds promising the ultimate voyage of personal transformation. From the signature treatments of dedicated spas offering relaxing massages with exotic herbal oils, scrubs, detox baths and invigorating wet-treatments to a full range of beauty and grooming services, Seychelles’ spas hold the key to a complete renewal of mind, body and soul. Walks and Trails Seychelles is a pristine sanctuary for diverse species of flora and fauna to be discovered by organized walks and trails though the lush countryside. Nowhere else on earth will you find unique endemic specimens such as the fabulous Cocode-mer, the largest seed in the world, the jellyfish tree, with only eight surviving examples, the Seychelles’ paradise flycatcher and Seychelles warbler.
Seychelles is also home to two U.N.E.S.C.O World Heritage Sites: Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll and Praslin’s Vallée de Mai, once believed to be the original site of the Garden of Eden. From the smallest frog to the heaviest land tortoise and the only flightless bird of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles nurtures an amazing array of endemic species within surrounds of exceptional natural beauty. Under the Stars Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the local clubs and bars where you can dance to the latest music until the small hours. Most large hotels have public bars and often host their own programmes of evening entertainment were you can try local dances such as the Sega and Moutia. Your can even tst lady luck at casinos on Mahe and Praslin.
Mahe Mahé is the largest island of the Seychelles and home to the capital, Victoria, the international airport and most of the Seychellois population. Mahe is 27 kms long by 10 kms wide and offers visitors an enchanting mix of tropical forests, majestic mountains, massive granite rocks and over sixty eight different beaches, dotted around the island. Most visitors arrive here only to transfer to their hotels on one of the other more exotic islands, but Mahé is certainly worth a look if you have the time. On the east coast, Victoria, the small bustling capital is the focus of all commercial activity and is easily explored on foot. Tropical vegetation, exotic fruits and street markets nestle alongside internet cafes, banks and restaurants. The main tourist centre on Mahe is Beau Vallon on the north west coast, which has a nice beach and an array of watersports including waterskiing, parasailing and banana boat rides.
Other places on interest include Baie Lazare with its long span of beach, the art studios in Anse a la Mouche and Anse aux Poules Bleues in the south and Morne Seychellois National Park, home to Mahé’s tallest peak at 905 metres. Mahé is surrounded by a string of satellite islands, six of which are found just off the east coast and help to create Victoria’s natural harbour. The most luxurious island is Sainte Anne, which feature an amazing marine park and an outstanding five star resort. This island is often used as a gateway to Mahe and island hopping tours by visitors wanting a fantastic island resort yet only ten minutes from the mainland.
Praslin Praslin is the second largest of the Seychelles islands and is easily accessible from Mahe by a regular air transfer which takes approximately twenty minutes or by sea via a fast catamaran ferry or a more relaxed paced schooner.
The island is home to some of the worlds finest beaches including Anse Lazio, voted one of the world’s best beaches and Anse Volbert located on the spectacular C’ote d’Or. Praslin is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Vallee de Mai, which features the Coco-de-Mer, a palm unique to the Seychelles. Lush tropical vegetation dots this pristine island and complements the amazing lagoons which have an abundance of different marine life.
The pace on Praslin is very laid back and leisurely and although public transport does exist, car, bicycle and foot are the most popular way to explore this island. Highlights of Praslin include the village of Baie Ste Anne, Cote d’Or, the Vallee de Mai and Grand Anse, the largest village on Praslin. The jetty in Praslin also offers visitors a daily departure to visit the exotic nearby island, La Digue, one of the most photographed islands in the world.
La Digue & outer Islands La Digue is considered to be the most traditional island of the Seychelles and is accessible from Praslin via regular water taxis.
Accommodation is very basic and mainly consists of guest houses so most visitors tend to take a day trip from Mahe or Praslin. Life is very easy going with walking, bicycles and the traditional ox cart the main means of transport. La Digue is most famous for its spectacular beaches including Anse Source D’Argent, one of the world’s best and most photographed beaches.
For those wanting to venture inland, a visit to Veuve Reserve is recommended. This reserve is home to the rare black paradise flycatcher only found in the Seychelles. A visit to L’Union coconut plantation is also suggested. This is also the entry to the famous beach Anse Source D’Argent.
Sainte Anne’ Sainte Anne Island is the largest of the satellite islands near Mahe, and is the perfect gateway to Mahe and beyond, offering guests a luxury island vacation and only a mere ten minutes by boat from the mainland, Mahe. This beautiful island was discovered on Sainte Anne’s Day and was the first place the early French settlers lived before colonising nearby Mahe. Now amidst the islands tropical unspoilt vegetation lies the stunning Sainte Anne Resort & Spa, a five star all villa private island sanctuary. Occupying nearly a mile of undulating coastline the only sounds are rustling palm trees and gentle waves lapping the white sandy beaches. Teeming with marine life the three beaches at Sainte Anne offer a unique experience of complete harmony and nature.
Sainte Anne Island is surrounded by a Marine National Park, home to more than 150 species of fish and magnificent underwater life. The island also offers fantastic hiking trails with pathways winding through lush tropical vegetation and rising to a peak of 240 metres. Sainte Anne is one of the most stunning islands in the Seychelles and its close proximity to Mahe and choice of beaches make it the perfect year round holiday destination in the Seychelles.
Dubai Stopover
on your way to Seychelles
Why not combine your holiday to the Seychelles with a stopover in fabulous Dubai? The location of the Seychelles, together with excellent flight connections on Emirates via Dubai, means that you can combine a wonderful holiday in Seychelles with perhaps a spot of shopping! Emirates airlines have a daily flight from Malta International airport. In order to assist you in selecting a hotel with facilities which best suit your needs and requirements, we have provided the rating of the featured hotels and apartment. This rating is issued by Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
Atlantis The Palm Jumeirah Beach, Dubai The incredible world of aquatic wonders and Palm Jumeirah’s flagship resort, is located approximately 25 kilometres from the city centre and 45 kilometres from Dubai International Airport. Rates start at €1030 for a double room
Jumeirah Beach Hotel Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Comfort, hospitality and leisure facilities of the highest standard are the hallmarks of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Rates start at €355 for a double room
T owers Rotana Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Towers Rotana is 15 kilometres away from Dubai International Airport and 10 kilometres from Jumeira Beach Front. It stands close to the Dubai World Trade Centre and Exhibition Halls and Dubai International Financial Centre. Rates start at €131 for a double room
Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai A part of the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Complex, this hotel is located only a short drive away from the beach, major attractions, lively nightlife and shopping malls. Rates start at €140 for a double room
Golden Sands Hotel Apartments Bur Dubai, Dubai This apartment hotel is conveniently located in Bur Dubai, close to shopping malls and souks. Rates start at €118 for a double room
Centro Al Barsha Al Barsha, Dubai This hotel is located close to Mall of the Emirates, Media City, Internet City and the commercial areas of Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Financial Centre. Rates start at €118 for a double room
Ibis Deira City Centre Deira, Dubai Located opposite the Deira City Centre shopping mall and within the business and commercial district of Port Saeed. Rates start at €118 for a double room
Mahe Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa Enjoy the comforts of this 5 star resort, a secluded hideaway along Beau Vallon Bay with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, nearby Silhouette and North Island, and magnificent sunsets! With 40 luxurious Villas nestled among small beach coves and on the hillside, the Hilltop Restaurant with its panoramic view, Ocean View Bar, Les Cocotiers Restaurant for fine dining under the stars, the Duniye Spa for relaxing treatments, a swim in the infinity pool, and much more, The Northolme will please you. Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa retains its old world Seychellois friendliness and charm, enhanced by its excellent service and casual elegance. Nearest Town: Victoria - 20 minutes Drive (Car) Nearest Airport: Seychelles International Airport - 35 minutes Drive (Car) Nearest Jetty: Inter Island Quay - 25 minutes Drive (Car) Island : MahĂŠ No. of Rooms : 40 Type of Hotel : Large Hotel, Spa Hotel Setting : Beachfront Address : PO Box 333, Glacis, MahĂŠ Tel : +248 4 29 90 00 Fax : +248 4 29 90 06 Website : www.hiltonworldresorts.com
Mahe
Constance Ephelia Resort Constance Ephelia Resort is a magical place to revive the senses. It is situated on two of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Mahe, overlooking the marine national park of Port Launay; Constance Ephelia Resort enjoys a unique location set within 120 hectares of land with luxuriant and rare vegetation. Ephelia Resort of Seychelles has five restaurants and bars. Each outlet has its own individual concept, design and decor, thereby optimizing the possibilities in terms of culinary and bar experiences. Giving you the best dining experience! The designs in Ephelia Resort reflect elegance and functionality along with a subtle touch of African influence. Each restaurant name has a subtitle, reinforcing the concept in just a few words. The resort is very much “child friendly”, and offers different menus to appeal to different ages - including gourmet baby food - are proposed throughout the resort. Bring the whole family with you, and enjoy the wonderful experience that Ephelia Resort can offer! Click on Book Now, and enjoy the vacation that you deserve! Take time out from the world to enjoy this taste of paradise - staying at Constance Ephelia will make you feel you’re witnessing the pristine beauty of the first morning on earth. Nearest Airport: Seychelles International Airport (12.4km) Nearest Jetty: Inter Island Quay - 1 Hour Drive Nearest bus stop: 06 Minutes’ Walk Island: Mahe No of Rooms: 224 junior & senior suites in addition to 53 family, beach and hillside villas Setting: Beach front Address: Port Launay, Mahé - Seychelles Tel: +248 4395 000 Fax: +248 4395 001 Website: http://media.constancehotels.com
Mahe Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove: a luxurious resort located amidst an exotic garden with a prime beach location on the beautiful island of Mahé. This property has undergone complete refurbishment and re-opened in June 2004 as a 5-star resort. Located in a unique setting at the end of the gorgeous Beau Vallon beach, Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove comprises 44 sea view rooms and 24 sea view and garden view suites, all with their own private balcony or terrace. Two restaurants offer inventive international cuisine with Creole touches. “Le Cocoloba Bar” is the perfect spot for a sundowner. Facilities include a free-form pool, a spa and fitness centre, and water sports with scuba diving and fishing on arrangement. With it’s history dating back to the founding year of 1943, Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove is the first and best established hotel in the Seychelles. It has established a reputation for relaxed, understated luxury and impeccable, personalised service. Nearest Town: Victoria - 15 minutes Drive (Car) Nearest Beach: Beau Vallon - 1 minute Walk Nearest Airport: Seychelles International Airport - 25 minutes Drive (Car) Nearest Jetty: Inter Island Quay - 20 minutes Drive (Car) Nearest Bus Stop: 1 minute Walk Island : Mahé No. of Rooms : 68 Type of Hotel : Large Hotel, Spa Hotel Setting : Beachfront Address : PO Box 35, Bel Ombre, Mahé Tel : +248 4 67 70 00 Fax : +248 4 62 09 01 Website : www.lemeridien.com/fishcove
Praslin
Britannia Hotel This small, cosy family hotel located at Grand Anse prides itself on its friendly welcome and convivial ambience. This hotel which owes its name to our Islands’ colonial past, has been fully upgraded but has nonetheless retained its traditions and, in particular, its culinary skills. Offering 5 standard rooms and 7 superior rooms, the hotel features a bar while its famous restaurant serves delicious Creole and international cuisine. The superior rooms feature air-conditioning, minifridge and television. This is an ideal location for a holiday and a convenient starting point for biking and excursions to the neighbouring islands. Island : Praslin No. of Rooms : 12 Type of Hotel : Small Hotel/Guesthouses, Seychelles Secrets Setting : Inland Address : Tel : Fax : Email :
Grand Anse, Praslin +248 4 23 32 15 +248 4 23 39 44 britania@seychelles.net
Nearest Beach: Grand Anse (on Praslin) - 5 minutes Drive (Car) Nearest Airport: Iles des Palmes - 10 minutes Drive (Car) Nearest Jetty: Baie Ste Anne Praslin Jetty - 15 minutes Drive (Car) Nearest Bus Stop: 5 minutes Walk Website : www.seychelles-resa.com
Praslin La Reserve Hotel This charming hotel is located on a secluded private beach at Anse Petite Cour on the north-east side of Praslin in the midst of a large tropical garden. Sheltered by the surrounding hills and the nearby island of Curieuse, the calm and shallow bay with its turquoise waters and coral reef offer an ideal place for swimming and snorkelling all year round. The main restaurant offers a breakfast buffet and at night a candle-lit jetty overlooking the sea. It serves authentic Creole and European cuisine. There is also an impressive swimming pool complete with swim-up bar and grill. Whilst preserving the colonial style, this hotel offers all modern amenities, including weekly cruises, sports fishing and snorkelling. Nearest Airport: Iles des Palmes - 20 minutes’ Drive (Car) Nearest Jetty: Baie Ste Anne Praslin Jetty - 10 minutes’ Drive (Car) Island: Praslin No. of Rooms: 40 Type of Hotel: Large Hotel Setting: Beachfront Address: Anse Petite Cour, Praslin Tel: +248 4 29 80 00 Fax: +248 4 23 21 66 Website: www.lareserve.sc
Praslin
Lemuria Resort This 5 star luxury hotel occupies a site of legendary beauty, blending in with the luxuriant vegetation of the island, amidst 150 hectares of scenic palm groves. In front of the hotel is the white sandy beach of Anse Kerlan where turtles still lay their eggs in tranquillity. 88 Junior Suites and 8 Senior Suites with palm leaf roofs, have been built with natural raw materials such as wood, marble and stone along with 8 two-bedroom villas with private swimming pool, and a Presidential Suite. This resort offers fine cuisine blending Seychellois flavours with the traditional recipes of French cuisine. With its spectacular 18 hole championship golf course, Guerlain Institute, health and fitness centre, land and water sport facilities you have luxury and comfort right on your door step. Greens fees are free of charge for residents of the resort. Constance Lémuria Resort is a member of “Relais & Châteaux”. Address: Anse Kerlan, Praslin Tel: +248 4281 281 Fax: +248 4281 001 Website: http://lemuriaresort.constancehotels.com/
La Digue La Digue Island Lodge The most well-known hotel on the island, La Digue Island Lodge, is large and luxurious, offering a variety of accommodation styles, all by the beach at Anse Réunion. There are a total of 69 rooms, 9 of which are contained within the attractive colonial Yellow House, which was built in the early 1900s and is one of Seychelles’ National Heritage buildings. The chalets, built of local takamaka wood and thatched with latanier leaves, have been carefully arranged amidst the lush vegetation of a tropical garden and some have direct access to the beach. The ‘Veuve’ Restaurant, close to the beach, offers views of the sunset and a wide variety of gourmet food. There is a large swimming pool and amenities for families, divers and honeymooners. Nearest Jetty: La Passe Jetty - 20 minutes’ Walk Island: La Digue No. of Rooms: 69 Type of Hotel: Large Hotel Setting: Beachfront Address: Anse Réunion, La Digue Tel: +248 4 29 25 25 / 4 23 42 32 Fax: +248 4 23 41 32 Website: www.ladigue.sc
St. Anne
Sainte Anne Resort & Spa Spread over more than a kilometer along the island’s three main beaches, the single-storey villas of this exceptional property are all sea facing, well protected from prevailing winds while offering total intimacy. In the 79 Garden Villas,Ocean Villas and Pool Villas, guests will enjoy almost 76 square metres of living area consisting of bedroom, lounge, bathroom, separate toilet, separate shower and walk-in wardrobe. Other features include outside shower and walled-in garden, gazebo and private garden with the Pool Villas offering a 13 square metre private pool. Three 1-bedroom Senior Villas with pool offer a living space of 161 square meters, and four 2-bedroom Presidential Villas with pool have an area of 234 square metres. An elevated 430 square metres, 3-bedroom Royal Villa boasts private pool and panoramic terrace. Five restaurants with refined, yet relaxed atmospheres offer gourmet Mediterranean and local cuisine. Services include health and beauty center with a Spa by Clarins and a wide range of land and nautical activities. Bicycles are included for Garden, Ocean and Pool Villas and Electric Golf Carts are included for Senior Villas with pool, Presidential Villas with pool and the Royal Villa. Transfers to and from the private island can be by boat or by helicopter. The establishment of Sainte Anne Resort is the initial venture into the Seychelles by Beachcomber Hotels. Island: St. Anne No. of Rooms: 87 Type of Hotel: Large Hotel, Private Island Resort, Spa Hotel Setting: Beachfront Address: Tel: Fax: Email: Website:
PO Box 388, Victoria, MahĂŠ +248 4 29 20 00 +248 4 29 20 02 res.sa@bchot.com www.beachcomber_hotels.com
Essential Information • It is essential that you contact your local GP regarding necessary / recommended vaccinations for the country that you are travelling to. • Passports must be valid for at least six months after your return to Malta • Visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the Maltese passport holder – any other passport holder please refer to your relevant embassy. • Dress code for hotels is informal during the day – however at night dress code will be smart casual – some hotels may require gentleman to wear a tie. • A fully comprehensive insurance policy is compulsory – It is also a requirement that you disclose details of any pre-existing illnesses to your insurers at time of booking. • Some countries have a departure tax payable locally. • Baggage allowance in general is 20kg in economy & 30kg in business class – sea plane transfers will have a baggage allowance of 20kg. Any excess must be paid directly to the airline at check-in. No guarantee can be made regarding carriage of excess luggage, so we strongly recommend travelling within your baggage weight allowance. • For various reasons, flight delays do occur from time to time. In these instances, every effort is made to minimise the inconvenience caused to you. Furthermore, airlines sometimes alter their flight timings and/or type of aircraft used on a route, often with little or no warning. In these instances, the number of nights at your chosen hotel(s) may be affected. Regrettably, no refunds can be made for any lost nights at your hotel due to flight delays. • Check-in time at most hotels is 14.00hrs. Checkout times are between 11am and 12 noon. Should you require an early check-in or late check-out please advise our sales staff at time of booking. Please note that a charge amounting to up to 1 additional nights accommodation will be payable.
• Hotel standards vary from country to country – please be aware that a five star hotel in one country may compare to a four star in another country – it is important you read the hotel description carefully. • Sea plane transfers only operate during daylight hours. If your flight into Seychelles arrives late at night, or if you have a very early morning departure, it may be necessary to stay overnight at an island close to Male airport or at the airport hotel. • Due to increased passenger numbers and security in international airports, we strongly recommend that you check-in for your flight at least 3 hours prior to departure. • Finally, in the unlikely event that you have any reason for complaint, it is important that you speak to our ground agents locally, or by calling our sales team, where every effort will be made to resolve the matter immediately. Should this not be possible, please forward full details of your complaint to our customer service department who will try to resolve the complaint. • For full booking terms and conditions, please refer to our booking form for comprehensive details.
Symbols Beachfront IDD in Room Telephone Air-Conditioning Room Safe Room Service Mini-Bar / Fridge TV in Room
• Currency – for those countries that you cannot buy the local currency in advance we recommend that you bring US dollars.
Fan
• Religious & Public Holidays in some countries may affect your holiday as some facilities may not be available – please check with our travel consultants.
Swimming Pool
Other Restaurant
Spa Disabled Facilities
Valletta - Tel: 21232211 B’Kara - Tel: 21443333 Hamrun - Tel: 21240203
Paola - Tel: 21667666 Sliema - Tel: 21322687 Gozo - Tel: 21551126
www.smsmondial.com.mt