THE VOICE OF SEYCHELLES TOURISM

The Man Behind Round Island

Delicious Seychelles Salads NEW! Adventure Tourism Activities

A chat with Dixie Bird Why are we a top fishing destination? FREE

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Composite Foreword by Alain St. Ange Seychelles Minister for Tourism & Culture Sesel Sa! is an eloquent testament to the fact that Seychelles is indeed well into the process of claiming back its tourism industry. This new tourism magazine is another first for the Seychelles Islands and it places at our disposal a useful and highly versatile, home- grown tool for promoting and supporting tourism to our islands. Sesel Sa! is an important tool for filling the information gap about Seychelles and about what Seychelles offers as a destination. Among other things, I consider it as a ‘brochure in real time’, designed to keep watchers of Seychelles tourism abreast of what is happening in the industry while providing consumers with useful information about the destination and the range of tourism products on offer. While the usefulness of any collateral may be gauged by the amount of time it spends on the shelf, Sesel Sa! is destined to be widely distributed ensuring that the Voice of Seychelles Tourism is heard across the globe Alain St.Ange as never before. Minister of Tourism and Culture Personally, I am very excited about what this may signify for the future promotion of our industry. Foreword by Sherin Naiken CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board

Seychelles is a must-experience destination with its own unique attributes which makes it difficult to be compared to other island destinations. We are blessed with a year-round summer, crystal clear azure waters and shimmering, sandy white beaches surrounded by lush green mountains. What a picturesque photograph for anybody wishing to experience nature at its most pristine! Indeed, it is important for us to highlight that we are more than just the sand, sea & sun. Seychelles also displays very proudly its short but very colourful heritage, its cosmopolitan population and variety of mouth-watering cuisines which together make up the distinctive Seychelles Brand. Therefore, a walk around one of the smallest capitals of the world - Victoria - is a must when on a visit to Seychelles. The Sesel Sa! magazine intends to bring the Greetings to all of our readers for the first edition of excitement closer to your home and here we our Sesel Sa! magazine. This publication has are hoping that your next holiday choice will be been carefully crafted with articles and images to Seychelles! whet your interest in coming to discover and Happy reading experience the marvels of the Seychelles Islands. The publication aims to reach all four corners of the world with an outreach of 500,000 readers through our various networks!

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 1 OCT -DEC 2 SESEL SA!| OCT Mavreen Pouponneau |E: Pouponneau Mavreen ADVERTISING Nathalie Hodgson (neé Savy) |E: Savy) (neé Hodgson Nathalie SA! SESEL EDITOR 54...... 51 -53...... 46 -50...... 44 -45...... 40 -42...... 38 -39...... 32 -36...... 27 -29...... 25...... 23 -24...... 22...... 17 -20...... 14 -15...... 9 -12...... 4 -7...... 2...... 1...... marie-france@seychellespublications.com | Tel: [email protected] |E: Watson France Marie CONTENTS Amy Michel |E: Michel Amy Sesel Sa! is a joint collaboration with STB and Paradise Promotions Ltd. Ineke Camille |E: Camille Ineke Published by Paradise Promotions Ltd. [email protected] | Tel: [email protected] Dixie Bird, Italy Spots Snorkeling SMAC Seychelles Medicinal A Touch ofPink Salt Chef Bradley LocalDelicious Salads Sustainable Tourism Aviation News Tourism Têteà Tête Let’s Dance Why ChooseSeychelles News The In Where Time Stands Still The Enchanted Island Table ofContents from andCEO Message Minister 2013 Printed by ATLAS. Cover by Suzanne Verlaque Suzanne by Cover ATLAS. by Printed [email protected] | Tel: [email protected] ISSUE NO. 1 [email protected] | Tel: [email protected] Sesel Sa Magazine Sa Sesel P.O 1539, Box Mah [email protected] 56 -57...... 77...... 76...... 74...... 71 -73...... 70...... 69...... 68...... 67...... 66...... 65...... 62 -64...... 61...... 60...... 58...... + 248 467 +248 13 |Mob: 00 + 248 467 +248 13 |Mob: 00 +2482520937 é , Seychelles Important Contacts Important STO Contacts The BucketList Hotel D'Application Seychelles TourismAcademy Where amI PickBeach La Diguemap Praslin map map Mahé Archipelego map Festival Kreol News from Seychelles Tourist Offices TheIslands Vanilla Calendar ofEvents Hotel deCharme +2482512477 +2482724291 +2482726097

Courting the EnchantressBy Nathalie Hodgson

It all started with a moment of realization. A spark in the mind, catching on a long lost feeling to flame and illuminate a forgotten childhood passion changing your life forever. For Sunil Shah that moment was the day he woke up and realized that there was something missing in his life. This is a bold statement coming from a man already so accomplished, being one of the directors of one of the most successful accounting firms in the Indian Ocean, married to an adorable wife who gave him three beautiful and intelligent children and with many wise investments to secure his family’s future. Who would wish for more? But on that day he declared that he did not want to be an accountant anymore and so just like that, he bought an island … Round Island.

Photo credits; Kerry de Bruyn

4 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 Courting the Enchantress

beauty of the island. This creation would have to So why an island? compliment the natural splendor of the island and From a young age Sunil would travel to his family this was the real test. He would need to find someone home in India and marvel at the architecture. ‘I with the right mindset for a concept with the was fascinated by the buildings and décor and ecological and environmental factors as top priority. loved spending time at our family home which The preservation of nature was not the only focus, is a masterpiece. My maternal grandfather was a but to also recreate the true Seychelles culture into renowned architect in the 1940-50s and was known every element of the project, a culture that the Shah for his outstanding work on the Indian Institute of family have lived and called home since 1894. Months Technology in Bombay and several other landmarks. I of study and planning, and a background of heritage realized creating was in my blood and I really enjoyed buildings guided Sunil to architect Mr Tony Joseph. working with the architects on past projects. Buildings After a site inspection Tony’s first words were ‘ I will are reflection of society and I wanted to leave a legacy only provide shelter to your guests by night, the rest like my grandfather did. Something everyone would the island will do’. also marvel at’. The first step was a full 3D topography scan to reveal But grand art requires a grand effort. A canvass on this every rock, tree and treasure. As well as cataloging the scale ‘the Enchantress’ as he calls the island ‘took over terrain this served to identify any mineral invasion of every aspect of my life. Tickling, teasing, torturing and the tree structures and other environmental issues at testing me; my character, my strength, my stamina hand. To enhance the island’s existing flora, in 2008 and she forced me to grow in all the aspects of my life. Sunil commissioned a fully irrigated and researched It has been a very humbling experience’. nursery which was cultivated under the stewardship With a few commercial building experiences under of local gardeners. The nursery which houses some his belt, Sunil set out for the largest architectural 200 species had over 20,000 plants transported to challenge of his life. But as he progressed down the island including a coco de mer. Sunil remarks the design and build route, he realized there no architecture in the world could compete with the Photo credits; Kerry de Bruyn

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 5 with a smile, ‘The landscaping imposed itself on the Conveniently, his passion and hobby for antique buildings and not the other way around’. Each villa posters has led him to showcase his collection has a different layout to ensure the preservation of throughout the hotel. These posters are authentic the terrain and rock formations and old trees. Many collectables and depict the travel, food, wine and additional courtyards were created to ensure the tree cinemas of the 1930’s and 40’s. Sunil explains, ‘ The branches were not touched. ‘Everything compliments only element of today is the technology’ Sunil says the island’ Sunil continued to explain. ‘For example with a sigh, ‘we had no choice but to place TVs etc in slate instead of ceramic was used for the pools, well the rooms, and of course the view of Mahe, from one why even try to compete with the magnificent blues side of the island’. Throughout the hotel you will also of the ocean? There is only natural wood and stone see originals from our most celebrated Seychellois and each villa is 8-9 meters above the beach and artists such as Tom Bowers, Nigel Henri and George completely camouflaged’. The idea being, that no one Camille providing a gallery experience in its own right. should recognize that the island is inhabited from the sea. ‘Two things should happen when someone steps onto Eco-traveller Delight this island’ he said ‘They should immediately have no doubt that they are in Seychelles. And they should There is one thing to build a multi-million dollar be transported back in time to the Seychelles of the tourism project, and another to showcase ethical 1930-40’s.’ standards incorporating eco-friendly and sustainable His eyes light up, as he likens this project to a ‘tropical practices from day one. This mindset is evident in cruise ship anchored offshore’. But the grand lady fundamental choices that are a part of global tourism SS Enchantress goes beyond themes of vogue travel sustainability efforts such as, no jacuzzis to ensure a unlike so many other quality hotels. More than low energy footprint, solar panels for the entire hot capturing luxury trends, she captures a time. The water system and only LED lights. The many gutters detail to which Mr Shah has put in collecting the right collect rain water to cater for irrigation and since they piece of furniture in each and every part of the hotel are in a marine park, an extensive investment was is admirable. ‘I scoured the global antique shops, made for a centralized sewage pumping mechanism restoring over 150 pieces in workshops in India. You that treats grey water and is then mixed with rain will not see anything fake or any sign of teflon’. water and used for irrigation. An entire hillside is organic and edible, filled with tropical fruits,

6 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 vegetables and herbs. This hotel is truly marked with detail and apart from Sunil, you can see the thoughtfulness, love and care that has been taken by all the opening team staff. Enchanted Island Resort The Shah family are not hoteliers and they do not pretend to be so. Having cultivated their unique vision into a design plan, they carefully researched to find the right management group who shared their vision and passion. ‘Things of value never come by chance, they come through pain and fortitude, and this project is one of them. This is more than just another commercial venture so the choice of partner was very important’. Jebel Ali Hotels were commissioned to take on the next step and share the personal touches of running the hotel. They agree with Sunil’s adjectives and direction for the island being ‘rustic, warm and unpretentious and therefore enchanting’ and so have embraced the Enchanted Island brand under their umbrella of hotels. This will ensure that it receives the global marketing support and media highlight it deserves. Sunil ends the conversation with ‘some meals are best cooked under a slow fire, and this one was definitely the case’. He is optimistic that there will be future tourism projects under the Enchanted theme, and he is very much looking forward to the opening and the wonderful adventures that it will bring. Enchanted Round Island will open at the beginning of November 2013 for more information go to: www.jaresortshotels.com/ Properties/EnchantedIsland/overview.aspx

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 7 8 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 Fishing where stands still By Glynn Burridge Time

Photo credits; Michael Arnephie OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 9 s a brand, the Seychelles resonates of the extraordinary possibilities for year-round powerfully as a unique collection of angling in this secret corner of the planet. islands, blessed with surreal, natural Increasingly, Seychelles is becoming a Mecca for beauty, a near-perfect climate, and a sports fishermen the world over, in search of a tiny population (88,000) enjoying the last frontier, where one of the finest mixed-bag Aquintessential island lifestyle in almost perfect catches can be found: wahoo, sailfish, barracuda, harmony. And all this is because some 150 million trevally, dorado, tuna, swordfish, shortbill spearfish, years ago, the planet’s crust fractured, and what amberjack, rainbow runner, and such sought-after we know today as the continents, were formed, trophies as the mighty blue, black and striped leaving a handful of island splinters to float freely marlin, all of which combine to propose the game across a universe of azure water to finally occupy a fishing experience of a lifetime. secluded corner of the western Indian Ocean, some With a legacy of artisanal fishing stretching back 1000 miles off the east coast of Africa: the Seychelles over more than 200 years, the fishing scene in the Islands...another world. Seychelles has evolved to accommodate world-class On a planet sorely damaged by Man’s depredations, trolling, jigging, popping, bottom-fishing, fly-fishing the Seychelles’ 115 islands (41 granitic and 74 coral) and blue-water fly-fishing, and the chance to have remained wonderfully untouched as, even challenge the record books in virgin waters, which now, they stir from their slumber of ages to provide have already yielded world records for bonefish, us with a glimpse of Earth in its first innocence. The bonito, dogtooth tuna, wahoo, rainbow runner, Seychelles is fast earning a reputation for providing giant guitarfish, moustache grouper and trevally, a range of extraordinary, authentic experiences barracuda and wrasse. to the discerning traveller in search of something The traditional fishing method of bottom-fishing special: eco-tourism; diving and snorkelling; sailing; produces an equally impressive catch, rewarding golf; spa & wellness; honeymoons...and fishing! you with some of the finest tasting fish on the Unfathomed, azure depths of open ocean; dappled planet: groupers weighing in excess of 30kg, as sapphire and turquoise lagoons where few have still well as massive trevally, kingfish, greater barracuda, ventured; shimmering sand flats, just made for the snapper, coral trout, sea bass, emperor, and bream. fly-fisherman; remote outer islands where the only More recently, the Seychelles has also become mast in sight is yours, and where the only footprints renowned for its salt-water fly-fishing, and casting around are your own...this is the stuff that fishing in your lines on the magnificent, little-visited flats of the Seychelles is made of. When you combine that the Outer Islands will provide prizes of feisty silver with 1 million square miles of exclusive economic bonefish, giant trevally, permit, triggerfish, milkfish zone, and the fact that Seychelles currently receives and sailfish. Blue-water fly-fishing is also gaining a mere 200,000 visitors, you start to get an idea popularity for the ultimate challenge of landing

10 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 large pelagic fish on light tackle. The Inner Islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue and their satellites, some with peaks rising nearly 1,000m high, offer a wide variety of fishing grounds easily reached by Seychelles’ fleet of modern fishing craft whose crews each have their choice spots where to introduce both fishing aficionado, and novice to the thrills of deep-sea, and bottom-fishing. Interestingly, there are also two low-lying coral islands, namely Denis Island, and Bird Island within the Inner Islands. The Inner Islands are convenient for both full and half-day fishing excursions, and offer exciting fishing opportunities for spectacular - and tasty - catches. Fishing grounds are some 24 miles from the main Island of Mahé, with a sharp drop off, from 50m to 2000m. Inner Island trips can take fishermen as far north as Bird, and Denis Islands (100km), where the ocean floor also plummets to great depths. Similarly, the islands of Frégate to the east, North Island and Mahé’s lofty neighbor, Silhouette, all possess fertile fishing grounds, and offer the opportunity to catch a great range of fish. The Seychelles’ dazzling chain of Outer Islands and their seldom-visited fishing grounds present unique opportunities for the intrepid fisherman to do battle with the heavyweights. In particular, the resorts of Desroches Island in the Amirantes Group, and Alphonse Island, offer convenient bases for forays into areas legendary for their great fishing where big-game, fly and bottom fishermen alike can test their skills to the limit. Further afield, sparsely populated islands such as Providence, Farquhar and Cosmoledo, accessible only on long-range fishing expeditions, present the ultimate challenge to the fisherman in search of truly exceptional experiences. Arguably, what has made the greatest difference in raising the profile and success of fishing in the Seychelles is the fleet of new, state of the art fishing boats available from 30ft upwards most of which cruise in excess of 25 knots with a top speed of 35 knots, and are equipped with the most modern fishing tackle, and accessories. Today, these are in the hands of a new, adventurous breed of skipper and mate adept at employing the very latest technologies, and joining forces with the older generation of experienced fishermen, they are proving to be a formidable combination. The fleet is further complemented by a number of excellent marinas (Eden Island, the Wharf, and Angel Fish) that have sprung up over recent years to provide a full suite of first rate facilities to leisure boaters. Several new fishing tackle outlets now offer the latest equipment for trolling, jigging, bottom-fishing and popping, and although each charter operator will cater for the needs of their individual fishing charter, anglers are still advised to bring along an adequate supply of favourite tackle, and to check equipment availability

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 11 with their fishing trip operator prior to booking. Seychelles is proud of its long-standing, enlightened conservation policies, adopted to ensure protection of fish stocks through best practice in the fishing arena, and the practice of ‘tag and release’ – were a fish is caught, and then released alive back into the water - has been widely adopted in order to safeguard local fish stocks. Seychelles’ Sports Fishing Club, started by local sports fishing enthusiasts, has now grown to over 400 members, and has a Facebook page: Seychelles Sports Fishing Club, http://www.facebook.com/ groups/seychellesfishing/ (Seychelles Sports Fishing Club, PO Box 1000, Mahé, Seychelles [email protected] ) which is becoming a natural hub of the local Seychelles fishing scene. Further information is available on the Seychelles Tourism Board website: http://www. seychelles.travel/en/home/fishing.php The islands even have their very own ‘SeaLife’ magazine launched in late 2011, and published bi-annually which gives great coverage of fishing in the Seychelles. Never has there been a better time to enjoy the thrill and challenge of a lifetime fishing in the Seychelles’ pristine waters where, in the words of a local author… ‘we still don’t have an inventory of exactly what lurks in the secret depths of these legendary isles.’

12 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 DESROCHES SUPPLIED

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 13 In The News tag line ‘From the Big Five of Africa...to the Best Five of the Seychelles’. It was in the Seychelles in 2012 that the very successful ROUTES AFRICA conference was organised.

Seychelles’ La Digue Island feast of the 15th August sees its biggest crowd ever at the open air mass.

The annual Roman Catholic feast of the Assumption, the 15th August which is also known as the La Digue Feast saw its traditional open air mass again this year celebrated by Bishop Denis Wiehe and the parish priest Fr. Francis. A visiting priest from Jerusalem was also on hand to assist Seychelles tourism personality in the celebration of the mass. takes over as Director for Africa The alfresco mass at the grotto en route to the picturesque Grand Anse at the UNWTO beach attracted a very large crowd of Taleb Rifai, the Secretary General of the UNWTO worshippers including many tourists who (United Nations World Tourism Organisation) were enjoying a holiday on the island announced at the 20th General Assembly of of La Digue, the island that remains one the UNWTO that Elsia Grandcourt, the former of the prime tourism destinations of the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board had been Seychelles. appointed as the new Director for Africa at the UNWTO. Elsia Grandcourt replaces Ousmane The mass was followed by a colourful Ndiaye who had been the Regional Director for procession to the St.Mary’s Church of Africa at the UNWTO for many years. La Digue and remains the focal point of the the islands annual celebrations. Elsia Grandcourt studied Hotel Management It is an opportunity for the tourists to at the SATEC Hospitality Training Centre in experience a part of the culture first hand. Singapore and has worked in Hotels, Airline, Side by side with the Diguois, whether Destination Management Company (DMC) they are followers or not for their annual before moving to the Seychelles Tourism Board celebrations, as everyone is welcome. as Deputy CEO and in 2012 to the position of CEO. Seychelles to be featured on Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and DSTV programme ‘Thru the Culture, Alain St.Ange said that he was proud Eyes of an African’ starting to see a Seychellois National appointed to such an important position at the UNWTO, “It is great Wednesday 4th, September for Seychelles and I am proud” Minister St.Ange 2013 said. Destination Seychelles is scheduled to be covered by the popular programme Seychelles tourism has been working hard ‘Thru the Eyes of an African’ now starting on Regional Integration with the islands its 7th season which will give coverage active promotion of the twin centre holiday of the islands and their appeal as a options with the African mainland using the tourism destination to African travellers.

14 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 This 3-part documentary that begins on Guillaume Albert of Inter Island Boat Wednesday 4th September and which Management Company said ‘this new boat can be viewed on DSTV’s Africa Magic is also equipped with a state of the art channel 154, apart from revealing the right control system which will accentuate many attributes of the destination will also considerably. It is our strong belief that feature interviews with Alain st. Ange, the this vessel will contribute to increasing Minister for Tourism & Culture and other tourism flux between our two islands and prominent members of Seychelles tourism ultimately benefit the business of Praslin industry. and La Digue operators’.

The airing of this programme falls in line Addressing the crowd at the launching with Seychelles’ policy of diversifying ceremony, Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles its tourism markets beyond these core, Minister for Tourism and Culture said traditional markets in Europe, many of ‘those of us who know the region well which are still struggling with economic will appreciate that the launching of this recession, to embrace other potential modern luxury fast ferry in Seychelles is a markets the BRICS countries and Africa success for the region’. which is a natural tourism partner of the islands. The French Ambassador to Seychelles, Mrs Genevieve had the honour of smashing the traditional bottle of champagne on the new boat with Minister Alain St.Ange and Mr Joe Albert jointly cut the ribbon to declare open the gang way to the vessel. Bishop Denis Wiehe of the Roman Catholic Church and Fr Danny Elizabeth of the Anglican Church blessed the vessel and crew. Inter Island Boat Company launches its biggest and fastest high speed ferry - The Cat Cocos- Isle of Mahe Inter Island Boat Company launched in August its new high speed ferry on the route Mahe to Praslin Islands. The Cat Cocos -Isle of Mahe, I the fourth ferry of the Cat Cocos fleet commissioned for the inter island crossing for over five hundred passengers in Business, Comfort Upper Deck and in the main cabin.

A state of the art thirty six metre long vessel designed with a dynamic fresco depicting the essence of Mahe with the Miss Seychelles symbolic Clock Tower of Victoria and In May 2013 Agnes Suzy Gerry was Trois Freres Mountain. Built in Australia, awarded the crown of Miss Seychelles. this latest acquisition represents an A graduate of the Seychelles Tourism investment of over one hundred million Academy (STA), with a Diploma in Tourism Seychelles rupees. and Tour Guiding, she credits her courses The demand for this size ferry highlights at STA for a lot of the skills she has today. the need for additional inter-island Currently employed by Air Seychelles in transport services and the future of this Sales and Marketing she is very passionate market. and dedicated to her career in tourism.

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 15

Why choose Seychelles? by Nathalie Hodgson & Glynn Burridge

Because, in a nutshell, the Seychelles islands are Inhabited since a mere 250 years, today, the Seychelles different, faithfully echoing their epithet: another islands are still unbelievably untouched, their primeval world - a world that triumphantly lends the fullest beauty cascading from lushly forested granite peaks, meaning to the word ‘unique’ when it used to describe through ancient hillside glades to the grandeur of a these sparkling islands’ amazing attributes. pristine, sapphire ocean. One of the few places left on the planet, where to rediscover our ancient past, Because, among other island destinations offering the freedom to roam free that is our birthright... and processed products and experiences, the Seychelles ourselves. A tropical destination fitted for any traveller. islands cling jealously to their primordial roots.

Photo credit; Imran Ahmad

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 17 Photo credit; Imran Ahmad The Adventurist With over 115 islands, and of those more than 20 islands to stay and, or explore for the day, ‘island hopping’ becomes a must when visiting the Seychelles. Each island offers something different, but parallel to each other. The further afield you go, the more diverse it gets, not only the islands’ accommodation, products, and offerings, but also the very landscape from granitic to coralline, giving you a change in flora, fauna, and activities. For inter-island travel, there’s a choice of air, or ferry transport on a regular daily basis.

For those wanting a little more adventure, you can find many walks and trails that will take you through mountainous terrain, to exclusive beaches only Photo credit; Imran Ahmad accessible via boat.

The Naturalist and Eco-tourist Since 75 million years, when this sparkling archipelago of 115 isles first floated free of the giant landmass of Pangea, to occupy its solitary niche in the azure expanse of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles islands have remained a sanctuary. A place where Nature’s bounty, trodden underfoot elsewhere, has been conserved, and protected in such forms as the planet’s tiniest frog, the super-rare jellyfish tree, the wondrous coco-de-mer, and Aldabra - the world’s largest raised coral atoll. The Seychelles islands, where almost half of the limited landmass is protected as nature reserves and parks, are home to no less than two UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Aldabra, and Praslin’s Vallée de Mai) and to some of the most spectacular seabird Chinese, Italian, Japanese, French, and Indian food colonies in the world, as well as 13 species, and 17 is readily available – the Seychelles Tourism Board’s subspecies that occur nowhere else on Earth. Classed website currently lists almost 150 places to eat. And among the rarest species to be found among the the range runs from beachside cafes, through to five- islands, are the Seychelles Scops Owl, Magpie Robin, star fine dining establishments. Paradise Flycatcher, Seychelles Warbler, Black Parrot, the flightless White-throated Rail, and the Seychelles But wherever guests stay, they must sample Creole White Eye. food, which is a delicious fusion of French, Indian, For nature lovers this is quite simply paradise. and Chinese dishes. Seafood and tropical fruits are mainstays of meals for the locals.

The Culturalist To accompany the meal we recommend the national The Seychelles offers a true multi-ethnic cultural lager, SeyBrew, and the Coco d’amour liqueur, to experience. For, among these secluded isles, await savour some locally produced beverages. the experiences of a lifetime amid the reassuring harmony, and welcoming friendliness of a multi-ethnic Similar to the people of the Seychelles, Seychellois Seychellois society with African, Chinese, European cuisine is a fusion of influences from different regions races, all calling Seychelles home, back from the of the world. From hot Indian curries, to Chinese colonial days. stir-fried fish and vegetables, and French aromatic This racial harmony, and blend of cultures, can be herbs. Food in the Seychelles is a testament to the seen in the mix of religious worship houses. From diverse people converged in peaceful harmony on Muslim temples, catholic, and Adventist, and orthodox these tiny islands. churches scattered all over the inner islands. Restaurants outside the hotels are usually small businesses operated by families. A few restaurants The Gastronome specialise in Indian, Chinese, and Italian dishes, as well The Seychelles’ history has ensured a rich variety of as other international cuisines. cuisine, and the opening of upscale properties has expanded the range still further.

18 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 Photo credit; Serge Marizy

The Fisherman fauna, and the stunning pristine beaches, some only The Seychelles was uniquely designed for all levels accessible by sea. of fisherman. It can be enjoyed on very much a year- Anchorages tend to be better during the south-east round basis that is divided into specific seasons, each trades (May to September), or during the calmer one suited to a specific type of fishing, and each one transition months (April and October), although each full of promise for the expert fisherman, and novice island may have its own particular configuration for alike. There is big game, bottom-fishing and fly-fishing favourable moorings, depending on the season. charters available, and with no fishing license required Water and refuelling facilities are available on the for recreational fishing and many expert fisherman islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, and the ready to take you out to the plethora of sites (night, seasoned yachtsmen and charter companies, provide or day), you are bound to get your dream catch. With all the necessary information required for inner, and more sea than land, the Seychelles is an uncrowded outer island excursions. fisherman’s paradise. The Diver The Sailor The Seychelles is on the African continental shelf, For many visitors, island hopping means sailing, with which means the sea is shallow in most dive sites or without power, between the Seychelles’ islands. (12 to 30 meters), which makes it perfect for novice Both international charter companies and local divers – but it also has wildlife, and wonderful diving operators, offer a wide choice of specialised craft, both experiences (such as wrecks) for established divers. sail, and power. Either on half, full, or multi-day trips to suit your wallet. Most sites off the main islands (including the six national marine parks) boast schools of grey reef Boat options include keelboats, catamarans, bareboat, sharks, groups of octopus, eagle rays, school of crewed, dive boats, cruise ships, and fishing boats. barracuda, bat fish, reef fishes, and morays, on a normal day. From August to September, it is easy to Sailing allows visitors to experience many more meet the giant whale sharks, and sometimes also the islands, many of which have no inhabitants, and no dolphins. accommodation; nothing aside from the flora and

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 19 Enjoy the various sites in small dive groups of the unspoiled underwater scenery. Crowded dive spots are unknown to us in the Seychelles!

The Pampered and Romantics Against a backdrop of world-class, five-star accommodation, with a standard of service and accommodation to match, one will be able to find the ideal holiday to suit your taste. From one island, one resort, beach holiday homes, super yachts, or just a hillside villa with 24 hour butler service, the Seychelles is the place to come. Lists of celebrities still flock her for that exclusive Photo credit; Serge Marizy and luxurious holiday, breaking away from the worries and pressures of the famed life, to simply be themselves ‘on holiday’. Refreshingly, the Seychelles islands today remain a sanctuary, not only for some of the rarest life forms on Earth, but also for modern travellers grown weary of the ordinary, and the mundane, in their holiday experiences elsewhere.

Today, with regular services by the national airline, Air Seychelles, and its equity partner Etihad Airways, Emirates Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways, the Seychelles Islands are now serviced by a vast global network, that makes them inaccessible as never before, and virtually one stop from anywhere on the planet.

Photo credit; Serge Marizy The Seychelles Islands…another world.

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ote D’Or Self Catering apartments COTE D’OR APARTMENTS, COTE D’OR, Praslin Cprovide the perfect gateway to Email: [email protected] one of the most distinctive islands of www.cotedorapartments.com Seychelles….Praslin.

20 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 Something about the granitic islands …

• The Seychelles’ granitic islands consist of 650 million-year-old granite rock and are the only oceanic islands in the world to be composed of continental deposits. • The granitic islands harbor one of the most important hawksbill turtle populations in the world. It is the smaller of the two turtle species that occur with any regularity in the Seychelles, reaching one metre in length and weighing about 80 kilograms. • The magpie-robin is endangered and only 178 or so are left in the wild. It is endemic to the granitic islands of Cousine, Cousin, Aride and Fregate. The eradication of all alien mammals from Cousine has given the species a fighting chance for a comeback. • The granitic group of Seychelles holds the world’s most important seabird sanctuaries from the frigatebird to the fairy tern.

MICHAEL ADAMS PAINTINGS

P.O BOX 405, VICTORIA, MAHE, SEYCHELLES TELEPHONE 4361006, TELEFAX 4361200. [email protected] www.michaeladamsart.com

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 21 Let’s Dance The music of the Seychelles Islands’ is, and has always musical heritage of the Seychellois sound: the one been, largely influenced by the instruments, and stringed ‘zez’ from Madagascar, the ‘bonm’, and the the dance of the people who chose to make their ‘kaskavel’. All were played during the long warm starlit homes here. The mix of musical (and dance) styles evenings on verandas, or by beach fires. adopted, and created by Seychellois people, reflects The ‘sega’ was originally only danced to drums, but the diversity of cultures that exist harmoniously, and nowadays the ‘sega’ is a modernised version of the influencing one another. traditional dance, with fiddles, guitars, and even There are lots of song and dance groups in the synthesisers, but the drums and the tantalising hip Seychelles, ranging from traditional local groups to swaying movements of the dancers remain. You may modern jazz, reggae, country, hip-hop, ballad, and be lucky to have a performance at your hotel after classic rock. You may also get the chance to watch a dinner, and don’t be shy to join in and learn, not only choir perform traditional anthems with a repertoire is it great exercise, but it is a wonderful dance to teach that includes sacred, popular, ancient, and even when you return back home! evangelical pieces. After the abolition of slavery, and the shift in colonial The ‘sega’ is found in the Seychelles, as it is on other power from the French to the British in 1814, musical Indian Ocean Islands, but the dance, and music instruments were more common, and new forms unique to the Seychelles is the ‘moutia’ - a dance of dance appeared in the Seychelles. In particular, seen by the old colonial authorities as so sexually the birth of ‘Kanmtole’ dancing –reminiscent of a brazen, that it was banned. After a week of hard Scottish Country Reel – and the ‘Contredanse’, which labour on the plantations, the workers would gather originated at the French Court, the ‘Mazok’, ‘Kotis’, and under the coconut palms, and dance to the sound the ‘Vals’. of the moutia drums. The large flat drums are made Dance still has a strong cultural presence in the from goatskin, and heated over a fire to tune, before Seychelles. There are competitions for all ages, held at being played. It gave slaves a different outlet for self- the end of every October, during the country’s annual expression. Messages and emotions in drum-based six-day Festival Kreol (Creole Festival). The National songs depicted their depressed feelings, heartache, Arts Council of Seychelles has also been very active and sometimes prayers in sombre lyrics, almost like in keeping alive the traditional dance forms, so as the chants. Seychelles’ music continues to evolve, it will not lose It is the ‘moutia’ that is most closely associated with the strong connection it has with the history of the the African heritage of the Seychellois people, but country. other African looking instruments also make up the

22 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 A Tourism tête-à-tête with Daniella Payet Alis

Recently appointed Vice Chairman of the principles of a lady who has spent 32 years selling Seychelles Hotel Tourism Association, and promoting Seychelles and her insights on Daniella Payet-Alis is an experienced the tourism industry of today. tourism expert. Her companies Seychelles Connect, Seychelles – Resa and the Seychelles Leisure and Business What is your driving force? Guide are constantly raising Seychelles’ My love for my country. My father was a tourism global profile. Sesel Sa! spent some time pioneer in the 1970’s on Praslin, and I would with Mrs Payet-Alis, getting to know accompany him on excursion trips to the Vallee the day-to-day challenges and guiding de Mai on the country’s first ever cruise ship, the Lindblad Explorer. I was exposed to new people, Photo credit; Seychelles Connect visitors to our country, and I enjoyed talking about and sharing my wonderful country with whomever wanted to hear at the age of eleven (an under aged tour guide). This became my passion and my life, just like my father before me I inherited a hard working love relationship with Seychelles tourism.

I strive every day to present the Seychelles differently, in its best light. It is a complex destination and we need to make it more consumable on every level. Identifying the issues, ‘thinking outside of the box’ and finding creative solutions for all the daily challenges presented. We are a small country, and so is the industry, and everyone has an impact. Whether in the tourism industry or not, everyone is responsible. One needs to always be aware of what affects the Seychelles as a product and be conscious of what needs to be done for continual improvement.

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 23 What would you say is flights into Europe (our main markets), Seychelles lost their pool of repeat visitors. In 2010 we had the most crucial factor to approximately 22% repeat visitors and today it is highlight in 2013? 8%. This also saw the average stay drop from 10- 11 days in 2010 to now 3-4 days. Loosing these Service, service, service. Tourism is a service ‘repeaters’ has changed the profile of visitors. based industry, we must listen to the needs of the Seychelles has started receiving tourists on lower clients and what they want. We will always need budgets. This has opened up the market for the a true, sound foundation to be able to build from. ‘service cottage industry’ which has filled the gap. High quality service is key to that foundation. Of course this means for the country we have This requires hard working, ethical, dedicated, to spend more marketing dollars to obtain the professionals who automatically give their time, ‘new potential traveller’ and seek a way to bring effort and support to do what is necessary. We in the business to the 3-4 star hotels again. We are blessed with a breathtaking product but have to find ways to get the budget traveler to without the people to make it consumable it is spend more whilst in the country. Life is change, worthless. and every change presents an opportunity. We must always remain positive with a productive and creative mindset to move forward to our What advice do you future and the future of the next generation of give to budding tourism Seychellois. professionals? Never be afraid of the uncertainties but thrive on the challenge to make it work for you. Due to the ever changing flight schedules and loss of direct

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24 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 The national carrier Sri Lankan It is the main airline serving Airlines will launch direct Maldives, and plays a key role in services to the Seychelles in flying Asian visitors to that island October 2013. destination. The airline will operate three Sri Lanka is known as an return services per week from inexpensive country with Colombo to the Seychelles, and attractive prospects for subject to regulatory approvals, shopping. In some circles, it is offer a through service to also believed the new flights Nairobi. could woo to Sri Lanka a fair The Seychelles have agreed share of the 9,000 Seychelles’ to a wide-ranging commercial residents presently travelling agreement that will give to Mauritius for shopping, or customers of Sri Lankan Airline, vacation. convenient access to Air Minister Joel Morgan said: Seychelles’ regional network “I commend the spirit of in the Indian Ocean and South collaboration that has Africa, including additional developed between the parties, services from Colombo to and the commitment and the Seychelles via Abu Dhabi. drive to make the new flights Customers of Air Seychelles a success. The new services will in turn enjoy access to new will boost business and leisure points in Sri Lanka, China, Japan, traffic to our islands, extend and Southern India, as well as the networks of both airlines Nairobi. in attractive ways and shall Sri Lankan Airlines (formerly Air delight their customers, I am Lanka) has a fleet of 13 Airbuses, confident it will facilitate further mostly A320-200 serving over 50 development of political and destinations in Asia, and Europe. economic relations between the In Europe, Sri Lankan Airlines two countries”. flies to London, Paris, and several other cities. In Asia, by Nathalie Hodgson destinations include Tokyo, Beijing, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Delhi, Bangalore, and Karachi. Sri Lankan Airlines also flies to Sydney, and Melbourne in Australia. Aviation News Aviation

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 25 Seychelles Aviation facts

Without doubt the biggest impact on Seychelles history came with the building of an international airport in the early 1970’s - tourism arrived. His Majesty Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Seychelles International Airport on the 20th March 1972, however the first jet aircraft, BOAC SUPER VC10 landed on 4th July 1971. From then on the gates where open for tourism. After the opening, the airline was established in 1977, following the merger of Air Mahé and Inter-Island Airways, as Seychelles Airlines and adopted the present title Air Seychelles in September 1978, advancing visitor numbers to a level оf 77,400 arrivals іn 1979. Seychelles now has an air traffic control center covering some 2.6 million square kilometers between the east coast of Africa and the Indian subcontinent. The center opened in June 1991.

26 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 The Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label The preservation of Seychelles for future generations. by Nathalie Hodgson

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 27 Photo credit; Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Division

The Seychelles archipelago is one of the world’s major biodiversity hots pots. Approximately 47% of the How Does It Work? country’s landmass, and some 228km of its ocean The SSTL is a third-party assessed, points-based territory, are under some form of protected status. certification scheme. In order to achieve the label, However, Seychelles’ biodiversity remains at risk a hotel needs to demonstrate that it has adopted a from a variety of human induced pressures making minimum number of sustainable business practices. conservation, and the sustainable use of biodiversity The criteria have been designed to be inclusive, and of vital importance for the country’s sustainable encourage an incremental approach to sustainability. development. Sinha Levkovic the Mangaer of SSTL states The beauty of the natural environment and the ‘We provide detailed assistance to all interested friendliness of the Seychellois people, form the core of operators in improving the sustainability of their the Seychelles’ tourism product. Careful stewardship of operations with useful tips, advice, and tangible these key tourism assets is essential to the sustainability incentives so that they meet the criteria’. The criterion of tourism, and to the integrity of the islands’ covers eight themes, and the more areas a hotel can ecosystem. obtain, the more points they gain. This spread of The concept behind the development of the Seychelles points’ ensures that certified businesses achieve a Sustainable Tourism Label (SSTL) originated from the minimum standard across all areas of sustainability, as Ministry of Environment and Energy in the preparation well as allowing businesses to excel in particular areas of Vision 21, and implemented by the Seychelles such as energy conservation, or recycling. ‘We seek to Tourism Board. encourage and guide improvements in sustainability outcomes as such the project is as much an educational process as an examination process’ says Sinha Levkovic What is the SSTL? ‘Small changes in their operations can save them The SSTL is a certification programme designed money later down the line, it could be simple things like specifically for the Seychelles. It is a voluntary, a solar heater panel, or a recycling bin for food scraps’. user-friendly programme to inspire more efficient, and sustainable ways of doing business. The SSTL is presently applicable to hotels of all sizes. It encourages Are You Selling a Sustainable hotels in the Seychelles to mainstream sustainability practices into their business operations, to safeguard Listed Product? the biodiversity, and culture of the Seychelles. This The criteria areas where points are allocated are: not only includes consideration to the human and Management - which includes policy, monitoring, economic resources on which future success depends. health and safety. Waste - on a small island, landfill

28 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 waste toxins can easily leach into the soil, and eventually back to the sea. Reducing, Reusing, and recycling are effective ways of cutting business costs. Water - as with waste, the first step is to reduce water use through conservation and rainwater collection, and then to explore options for water reuse, and recycling. Energy - which typically comprises up to 50% of a hotel’s utility operating costs. Reducing energy use is the area that is likely to have the most significant financial benefits to an enterprise. Staff - this criteria aims to recognize fair treatment of staff, and staffing Photo credit; Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Division opportunities given to local people to reduce staff turnover, and encourage loyalty. Conservation - the community and conservation criteria reflect the need to make a positive contribution to the local community, and to local conservation activities. Community - this may include receipts, or letters of gratitude from community groups, photos of conservation work, or testimonials from community members on their efforts on anyone of the criteria listed. Guest - this is proof of recognition of guest satisfaction in the form of letters, or surveys. So the next time you are staying in a Seychelles hotel, or experiencing any Seychelles’ tourism product, and are marveled by their extra effort, or for that matter a little disappointed, check if they have the Sustainable Tourism Label, and if not then tell them to get on board, and register. For more information go to www.seychelles.travel/sstl

Photo credit; Raymond Sahaquet

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 29 Seychelles National Anthem By: David André and George Payet (1996)

Seychellois Creole English Sesel ou menm nou sel patri. Seychelles our only motherland Kot nou viv dan larmoni. Where we live in harmony Lazwa, lanmour ek lape. Happiness, love and peace Nou remersye Bondye. We give thanks to God.

Preserv labote nou pei. Preserve the beauty of our country Larises nou losean. The riches of our oceans En leritaz byen presye. A precious heritage Pour boner nou zanfan. For the happiness of our children.

Reste touzour dan linite. Live forever in unity Fer monte nou paviyon. Raise our flag Ansanm pou tou leternite. Together for all eternity Koste Seselwa! Join together all Seychellois.

30 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 Seychelles CaesarNot Your Ordinary Salad

By Alexandria Faure

We all know that a salad is a healthy choice, but can get boring.

You don’t need to hire a personal chef to make tantalising dishes. You can always experiment! Tropical fruits and vegetables can make terrific, tasty and nutritious salads.

So lets go beyond the Caesar, Greek and Nicoise.

Try these exotic Seychellicious Salad recipes! Photo credit; Suzanne Verlaque credit; Photo

32 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 Caesar Salad

Breadfruit Salad Breadfruit can be baked, boiled, roasted, fried into chips and cooked with coconut milk and sugar to make the traditional dish of ‘Ladob’. The salad is easy to make and you can add other fruits and vegetables. It is said that Breadfruit was introduced to Seychelles towards the end of the 18th Century by French settlers who travelled from Mauritius. Breadfruit grew in abundance after being introduced by the Botanist Willaumez, Be Bold! who acquired the plant on travels at Tonga, in Add other fruits to the South Pacific. sweeten the taste. Ingredients • Breadfruit • Passion Fruit Zest • Salt & Pepper • Olive Oil • White Vinegar • White Onion Health Benefits: Recipe • Lowers blood cholesterol levels 1. Peel the breadfruit and boil for about 3 • Rich source of Fibre mins until just about soft. • Contains a good amount of Omega-3 and 2. Cut the breadfruit into slice or chunks Omega-6 fatty acids and chop the onions. 3. Mix the breadfruit and onions together • Cancer prevention and season with white vinegar, salt, • The boiled leaf lowers blood pressure and has pepper and passion fruit zest to taste. anti-inflammatory properties And Serve!

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 33 Creole Cassava Salad The nutrient rich Cassava can be boiled, baked, roasted and fried into chips. Its crunchy and sweet taste adds some great texture to any tropical dish.

Ingredients • Cassava • Passion Fruit Zest • Salt & Pepper Go Crazy! • Olive Oil • White Vinegar Add a hint of crushed chillies for a spicier taste. Passion Fruit Zest 1. Slice the passion fruit and with a teaspoon collect the juice without the seeds. 2. Add the collect juice to a small bowl and add a tablespoon of Olive oil and mix together. Health Benefits: 3. Add a little white sugar to neutralize the acidic taste. • Free from Gluten Cassava Salad • Good Source of Vitamin K and dietary 1. Peel the Cassavas and boil until soft. Proteins 2. Cut the cassava into preferred chunks • Chief source of minerals like Zinc, and put into a bowl. Magnesium 3. Sparingly add white vinegar, salt and pepper to taste. Copper, Iron and Manganese. 4. Drizzle some passion fruit zest over the • Contains Potassium top. • Very low in Fat And Serve!

34 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 Experiment by adding some Quinoa and Mint leaves.

Mango Salad Mangoes are sweet and mellow, with tons of health benefits! This salad is easy to put together, adds some colour to your dish and Be Bold! can be experimented with using a variety of ingredients and dressings. Add a hint of crushed chillies for a spicier taste. Great to eat with Grilled Red Snapper. Ingredients • Mangoes • Red Onions • Salt & Pepper • Olive Oil • White Vinegar Health Benefits: Recipe 1. Peel the mangoes and cut in preferred • Lowers cholesterol levels pieces into a bowl. 2. Chop the red onions and mix together • Improves memory and with the mango. concentration 3. Sparingly add olive oil, white vinegar, • Eliminates problems like indigestion salt and pepper to taste. • Alkalises the body And Serve! • Cancer prevention

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 35 Dressing

The Perfect Experiment by adding Pumpkin Salad 1/4 teaspoon of Topped with a passion fruit dressing, this pumpkin salad can soothe the cinnamon as well as sweetest tooth on earth. Great as a lunchtime accompaniment to a fried the coconut fish creole dish with rice. Ingredients • Pumpkin • Red Onions • White Vinegar • Salt & Pepper • Olive Oil Go Crazy! • Herbs Drizzle with some coconut cream for fragrant taste Recipe 1. Peel the pumpkin and boil until soft. 2. Cut the boiled pumpkin into small chunks and put into a bowl. 3. Chop the red onions and mix together with the pumpkin. Health Benefits: 4. Add some olive oil, white • Good source of zinc. vinegar, salt, pepper and herbs to taste. • Rich in Vitamin A that protects from age 5. Lastly add some passion fruit related macular disease. zest to sweeten the taste. And Serve! • Rich in Vitamin E, Iron, Potassium and Beta • Carotenoids help prevent cellular damage. • Great Anti-Oxidant.

36 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 Dream Dressings Your salads are now set for life. Tear this page out and stick it on the fridge!

By Alexandria Faure

The beauty of salad dressings is that you can be as Tropical Dressing creative as you want. The ultimate tropical mix! Simply refreshing, The recipes are just a guideline- add or remove sweet and exquisite to the taste buds. ingredients according to your taste! 1 cup cubed pineapples 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice Lemon & Vanilla Vinaigrette 10 mint leaves Sweet, versatile and fragrant! Proof that vanilla can go 100ml olive oil with anything! 1 teaspoon sugar

2 lemons Blend the ingredients to a smooth and liquid 1 Vanilla Pod (Split open and the seeds scraped) paste. or Vanilla Bean Paste 2 tablespoons grated light palm sugar Chilli Mango Vinaigrette 100ml olive oil A seriously spicy flavour balanced with a tasty A dash of Sea Salt fruity sweetness! Definitely a distinct feisty Mix all the ingredients together in a jug or shaker. mouthful.

1 chopped Mango Passion Fruit Zest 1 1/2 teaspoon of Honey A good source of vitamin A & C, anti-oxidant 1-2 finely chopped chillies properties and fibre. This dressing is a definite tangy 100ml Canola Oil or Olive Oil and fruity sensation. 1 Lemon (squeeze and collect the juice) 2 teaspoons White Vinegar 2 passion fruits (collect the juice with a 1 tablespoon of water teaspoon without the seeds) Blend the ingredients to a smooth and liquid 2 teaspoons grated light palm sugar paste. 100ml olive oil A dash of Sea Salt Mix all the ingredients together in a jug or shaker.

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 37 A Chat In The Kitchen with Chef Bradley

Photo credit; Chef Bradley

Sesel Sa! talks to Chef Bradley Larue about his passion for creole dishes, exquisite recipes and his latest venture at a Culinary Festival in Dubai in June this year.

by Alexandria Faure

e is a home grown Seychellois from Anse entering the kitchen, new ingredients, new recipes Boileau with a vision for taking creole and new chefs- it’s always an exciting environment cuisine to the next level and dreams of one to work in and to taste new things. There’s always a day opening his own Seychellois Creole challenge to overcome. HRestaurant serving traditional and revolutionised creole food. He is currently Chef De Partie at the L’Indochine What is your favourite dish to cook on restaurant at the Kempinski Seychelles Resort in Baie the L’indochine A La Carte menu? Lazare. He works and shares the passion for creole food in a team with two other Seychellois Chefs Ashley That is a tough one to answer. Personally I would say Ernesta and Henry Onezime, of whom he is proud to that I like to cook Seafood at Kempinski. From the work with. menu the one I really like to cook is the ‘Pan fried scallops with grilled asparagus pancetta, herb salad, mango cube and beetroot purée’. What do you enjoy about being a Chef? What’s your favourite Creole dish to The fact that everything is new for me. This can be cook? working with my colleagues and working with Chefs of different nationalities. Also the prospect of cooking My favourite is Fruit Bat Curry, I love to cook and eat it! and creating new recipes. New things never stop It’s my best one!

38 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 What are your favourite ingredients to cook with?

I love to cook with fresh herbs like Basil and Coriander. I find that they give an aromatic flavour to the taste of certain dishes. I plant a lot of spices, flowers and herbs at my home. One other thing is that I also like to use certain edible flowers in my cuisine.

What’s your best piece of advice for home enthusiasts?

Cooking is not difficult- it’s all about the taste. It’s a matter of being playful with your dishes and not rigidly sticking to the recipe. Different ingredients give different tastes and textures to food. Make your dishes your own creation.

Tell us about your experience at the Culinary Festival?

The festival was in collaboration with the Seychelles Tourism Board, Air Seychelles and Bloomingdales Home. It was my first time live cooking in front of the media and an audience. I was nervous but I felt privileged to present Seychellois Creole cuisine to the world. The audience tried the food and took home some recipes to try. We received some amazing comments and the people that attended loved the flavours of our food. My biggest privilege was representing my country and sharing our creole cuisine with the people that were there. It was such an honour and I would love to do something like that again.

What is your favourite Creole Salad to make?

That would be Palm of heart salad but mixed with some seafood. I also like to make sea cucumber salad. At the same time I like making dressings with fruits rather than just using olive oil and lime zest. You can make dressings with Guava, Starfruit, Soursop and Passion Fruit. Each gives a unique taste to the salad.

What is your advice for aspiring Chefs?

Don’t quit! It’s not an easy job being stood up for 12-14 hours and working under pressure. You have to have endurance and a lot of love for your work.

Give us a ‘must try’ dish!

I would go for something with prawns. Buy our local Takamaka Bay Dark Rum. Marinade the prawns in some Takamaka Bay, some garlic, spices and chillies. Cook them in a hot pan with some butter and fresh coconut milk, and serve with some rice.

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 39 A touch of Pink Salt Photo credits; Elizabeth Kinder credits; Photo 40 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 We head away from the 5 star, and travel guide listed restaurants to bring you a real gem. In a central and delightful location this café is like no other on Mahé. With its ‘shabby chic’ A touch of ambience coupled with the traditional and top quality cuisine, you will not only be spoilt with choice but charmed with a touch of local culture. Pink Salt

EDITOR SAYS: Wash it all down with the fresh exotic healthy vitamin boost juices Pink Salt, Victoria – ranging from fresh This quaint venue on the outskirts of lime, mango, passion Victoria, is a restored creole home, first fruit, guava, soursop, introduced to the public as Kaz Zanana, and mango, to the daily ‘Pineapple House’; the art gallery of Mr veggie extract of carrot, or George Camille, where fresh beverage beetroot. Guaranteed to were provided as you make your choice restore your vitamins and of artwork. Recently, however, it has hydration levels. had a culinary face-lift, and is slowly becoming one of the most sought after café, lifestyle dining options in town. The ambience is set immediately as you are received by the Seychelloise smiles of the waitresses in their cute tropical French aprons. The décor and surroundings are homely, and comforting, so as to prepare you for a full menu of home cooked meals. Everything from the lentil burgers, to the muffin, or cookies of the day, such as banana & coconut are made fresh! An ideal venue for a business lunch, or a casual get together with friends, or a wonderful stop while driving around the island, it is an address not to be missed.

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 41 Comfort comes in many flavours Whether you have a taste for the familiar, or a taste for something completely new, we have a taste for pleasing your palate. Hello to fine dining throughout your journey.

emirates.com/sc

Generous baggage allowance Gourmet cuisine Award-winning service

42 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 For more information contact your local travel agent or Emirates on 4292 700 or visit emirates.com Comfort comes in many flavours Whether you have a taste for the familiar, or a taste for something completely new, we have a taste for pleasing your palate. Hello to fine dining throughout your journey.

emirates.com/sc

Generous baggage allowance Gourmet cuisine Award-winning service

For more information contact your local travel agent or Emirates on 4292 700 or visit emirates.com Photo credit: Suzanne Verlaque credit: Photo

�edicinal Seychelles

44 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 Today, we largely take our health for granted with For an ailing liver, a tonic is prepared from the bark of the access to a wide range of easily accessible a guava tree, and the patient is then required to eat its medications, from across the globe. We are fruit. A tea infused from tender, young guava leaves constantly bombarded by advertisements from the is also very efficient in treating diarrhoea. Hangovers pharmaceuticals, and just a brief trip to the local are treated by crushing the leaves of korsol (Annona pharmacy will reveal the plethora of cures on hand to muricata), and placing them on the face. A handful of minister to our every ill. plants are associated with the cure of hyper-tension It was not always so, however. Even in the relatively including zambrovat, (Cajanus cajan) bwa koulev, bwa recent past, most people did not have access to zoliker, (Pittosporum senacia) bwa-d-renet, and korsol, medication which was not only expensive but also, in where an infusion of its leaves is said to reduce the many cases, experimental. Instead, they relied on their effects of the condition. forefathers’ knowledge of plants, and their respective Skin conditions are fought using katrepeng (Cassia healing properties. alata). The bark is boiled as a blood cleanser followed It is perfectly natural that practitioners of this ancient by a bath in the leaves, and also by kaspyant, (Cassia art were considered as the most important persons occidentalis) kastik, (Phyllanthus casticum) lendigo, in the community. The Seychelles’ very own Bonnom and kenkanz. di bwa, among others, devoted their lives to gaining The author has personal experience that an effective experience of Nature, and using that knowledge to way of treating a sprain is to apply a poultice of pat-d- heal the sick. poul (Eleusine indica), and common salt which greatly When the Seychelles was firstly settled, in the mid- reduces the pain arising from inflammation. 18th century, high on the list of items necessary for Ros anmer or periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) can a successful settlement would have been those that be used as a tonic, which grows in many gardens, would secure its health. Sources claim that the first and which has even been found to be useful in the settlers would have found somewhere between 300, treatment of leukaemia, particularly in children, to and 400 plants with medicinal properties to assist the common cedar tree. Cedar sap is used as a quick them in treating sickness within the colony. Sadly, a energy source, and even as a plant form of Viagra, and great many of these plants no longer exist, however seven conical tips of young leaf-growth boiled in one certain important plants have nonetheless survived, litre of water for 15 minutes, is said to make a powerful and are still in use today. energy drink. Mr. Ferdinand Vidot of Val D’Endor, Baie Lazare, However, not all plants are so benign, and their uses Mahé, a leading local herbalist, believes that among so beneficial. The Seychelles landscape contains the people responsible for the introduction of the several specimens such as fler pwason (Datura metel), use of medicinal plants in the Seychelles, the most also known as the Devil’s trumpet, or Jimson-weed, prominent were those French, Portuguese and African which is a powerful opiate which, if misused, can herbalists who brought their knowledge with them cause madness. from their respective homelands. Various parts of Over recent decades, our societies may have evolved medicinal plants are used for different purposes: the in many ways, often bringing cheap medicines within bark and leaves for making infusions; leaves for use reach of a large number of people, and so diminishing in preparing baths; the roots and, finally, the sap with their reliance on these traditional medicines so certain parts employed in conjunction with others, popular with our ancestors. However, there has been and sometimes separately. also been a certain resistance to new medications and One of Seychelles’ most highly-prized medicinal treatments, which are seen by some as too synthetic plants is bwa koulev (Psychotria dupontiae) with its and superficial, and with too many side-effects. Today, distinct clusters of berries which are almost ceramic we are turning once more to our ancient remedies to in appearance. This is a plant reputed to cure no less heal, which seems more in tune with the rhythms of than 15 different conditions, including headaches, Nature. hyper-tension, unclean blood, menopause, and nosebleeds. It is joined in popular acclaim by bwa by Glynn Burridge Seychelles dou (Craterispermum microdon), and bwa-d-renet (Dodonaea viscosa) whose root, bark, and leaves, provide valuable tonics, and sleeping aids.

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 45 A taste of some adventure tourism Island life has just got more exciting as the destination has moved into a more adventurous zone with zip lines, rock climbing, and abseiling available for all.

By Nathalie Hodgson

The Seychelles’ paradise is well known for beautiful behind them, Mr Johan Crunchie, and Mr Wynand white beaches, azure blue seas, year round tropical Dedruyn - who have worked together in the adventure weather, pristine forests, and mountains punctuated zone for more than 15 years, have established a with majestic granite outcrops. It is these granite Rock Climbing, Zip Line, and Abseiling facility, at the outcrops that provide the venue for a range of new Constance Ephelia Resort, Port Launay, Mahé. adventurous activities waiting to be explored. The activities are open to both Seychellois, and Specialised Multi Adventure Company (SMAC visitors, daring enough, or simply seeking more Adventures) - a group of dedicated adventure thrilling experiences in a professional environment. enthusiasts - have embraced the facilities provided by nature, and developed a new sport for the islands. With many years of adventure sports experience

46 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 Photo credits; Alexandria Faure & Nathalie Hodgson Zip Lines We were immediately greeted by two handsome young Seychellois men, Rupert, and Richard, followed by the South African trainee called Christo, who gave us the company spiel, took us through the equipment and safety measures. Their enthusiasm and energy is contagious as they explain each, and every activity, and the delights of each. There are eight aerial Zip Lines, built to international standards, approved, and certified by an International firm of structural engineers specialising in Adventure Tourism. They are suspended both within, and above the forest canopy, allowing the adventurer the opportunity to experience this pristine environment in breathtaking fashion. Zips are from 85meters to approximately 120meters. A buggy drive, and, or short walk up the Ephelia’s mountain side, brings you to spectacular views of the entire bay at Port Launay. This is worth the five minute trek, and the boys have a wealth of knowledge and experience, especially Rupert, a tourism management graduate, who first returned to the Seychelles to work for the Constance Group, but then was quickly attracted to the adrenaline, and fun work place SMAC offered. Being a small company, his marketing studies, and skills are being utilized, and at only twenty-three years old, he has full management responsibility. From the view point, you then trek to each jump point, and zip line, and glide through the forest canopy to experience the beauty, and adrenaline that this adventure provides. ‘We have so many different clients, of all nationalities and ages, but the ones I enjoy the most are the groups, and families’, says Rupert. ‘We see those that

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 47 are a little tense to begin with, and we provide continual encouragement, and an element of fun into it all. By the end of the session they want more’. Rupert explains that most of the bookings are direct from the hotel, however, many come from neighbouring five star hotels in the south. The average is around 12-15 persons a day, and this is increasing each month.

48 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 Rock Climbing Employing a beautiful 18meter high natural granite rock face, everyone can experience the exhilaration of this sport in a safe, and comfortable environment. There are three different locations to be explored, and the natural granite is graded with a top rope belay system. All equipment is supplied, and facility is suitable for ages 4, and up, and the activities are separated into two categories – the SMAC Crag, and the Smartie Wall. The SMAC Crag consists of 10 remarkable routes, with a difficulty between grade 12 for beginners, and grade 24, which is the intermediate level. The Smartie Wall, on the other hand, has been designed especially to cater to children. SMAC provides packages that suit different ages, and climbing level. Granite rocks tend to be weathered, and ‘tended’ naturally, so there are ridges, and holes to assist you climb. The boys will monitor your progress, and advise you on which foot to put where when you are feeling stuck. ‘The wall climbing is open to anyone interested, which means that you do not have to be a climber. The activities can be enjoyed by both young and old, while strength, and skills is not an issue in order to engage in this adventure’ said Rupert.’ I have had a four year olds climb the most challenging rock face without hesitation, I just stood there in awe. This sport is not just a physical one; it exercises your mind, and your fear barriers. Almost like a therapy, especially for those that are newcomers. Once they are down, they want to go again, and wonder why they were so nervous in the first place’.

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 49 Abseiling The abseiling wall is around 18meters, and you are strapped in harnesses, and tied to 12 Newton-tested ropes, secured in two marine-grade stainless anchors on top of the wall. SMAC staff provides you with detailed instructions if you are a first timer, and you can take your time to find ‘your way’ down the mountain. SMAC have plans to expand in the future, to ensure that other hotels and islands can enjoy this new, and popular sport that is really perfectly suited for the Seychelles.

SMAC operates on the wall from 0800-1130am, and again from 0230pm till dark, and bookings can be made at the SMAC office on +248 2 536 029 or +248 2 518 864, as well as through Ephelia Resort on +248 4 395 000.

50 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 Snorkeling in the

SeychellesDirect your clients and guests to the most clear, azure, and ideal waters for a lovely, and inexpensive excursion ideal for all ages.

Photo credit; Raymond Sahuquet OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 51 The Seychelles naturally has tailor made snorkeling SNORKELING TIPS expeditions with expert guides to help you explore this underwater library. However, if you are more While snorkeling, always bear in mind adventurous and want to hire a car and roam around these simple precautions: the islands, choosing the right area will not only save Minimize the duration of stay in time roaming the beaches and asking questions, but the water, or cover up to prevent also will guarantee sighting of many species of fish. sunburn/sunstroke. Be marveled at the number, and variety of fish species You can snorkel anywhere, but like the parrotfish, angelfish, damsel fish, lionfish, always obey any warning signs on sea turtles, rays and various corals, weeds, shells and display. crabs. Enjoy the sight of green sea turtle and Bat Fish, and various tropical fishes, too many to be mentioned. Over 47% of the Seychelles’ landmass is declared as a nature reserve, as well as the If you are lucky, in October you could even have 100% of the waters surrounding it, which a chance to see the majestic and harmless whale means the wildlife must absolutely be shark that will grace the coast lines looking for food. respected, and left in their habitat, therefore Specialized tours offer sightings as well in the selected do not collect wildlife for souvenirs, or pets. seasons.

The Seychelles offers some of the most amazing Popular snorkeling sites: snorkeling spots to be found anywhere else in the world. Because the islands rest on a shallow continental plateau, large coral reefs grow around the Mahé islands, creating calm and protected waters for the all Anse Royale - visited by car. This is the small secluded snorkeling enthusiast. beach in front of Île Souris. Further down the road is The best snorkeling spots can be found in the the main Anse Royale beach with restaurants, shops, Marine Parks, and locations close to the islands. and petrol station. Photo credit; Raymond Sahuquet Raymond credit; Photo

52 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 52 Port Launay Marine Park - visited by car. Follow the Chauve Souris Island – accessible via swimming from signs to public beach access. Cote D’Or beach.

Anse Diri - accessible only by sea. It is located near Curieuse Marine Park – visited only by boat. Port Launay Marine Park. Excursions are offered from Cote D’Or that visits Curieuse, St Pierre and Cousin Islands. Ste Anne Marine Park - 5 kilometers from Victoria, it encompasses six small islands (Cerf, Round, Moyenne, St Pierre Marine Park – visited only by boat. Long, St Anne, and Ile Cachee). Created in 1973, for the Excursions are offered from Cote D’Or that visits preservation of wildlife. You can hire a boat, or book a Curieuse, St Pierre and Cousin Islands. scuba-diving session, glass-bottom boat excursions, and snorkeling among the coral reefs. La Digue Anse Major beach - a part of the Baie Ternay Marine Anse Source d’Argent – visited by bicycle. Due to its Park. Accessible by sea or through a paved walk trail shallow waters, you may need to go out quite far to from Bel Ombre. Follow the sign posts. have a good sight of marine life.

Baie Ternay Marine Park – is visited by glass bottom Anse La Reunion – visited by bicycle. Immediate boat excursions, and dive expeditions. proximity to La Digue Island Lodge. Anse Lazio – this beach has lovely corners at either side of the main bay where fish tend to be hanging If you are not a keen swimmer, and do not like around. snorkeling, then we recommend the glass bottom boats offered to most of the Marine Park areas listed Praslin above. Cote D’or beach – popular beach with easy access via foot or car.

Cerf Island Resort, Seychelles … a little hideaway in the heart of the Indian Ocean

A wonderful wedding, honeymoon and holiday destination with modern day comforts as well as natural surroundings of marine park and a tropical paradise … Come & Experience a luxurious retreat just 10 minutes boat ride away from Mahe. www.cerf-resort.com

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 53 I sell Seychelles …

A chat with Dixi Bird By Nathalie Hodgson

We sat down with Mr Pino What has been something always the people and service Panunziois the owner of Dixi that has striked you that make a tourism industry. Bird Tour Operator in Rome, Italy as a point that can be who recently came down on yet improved? What has changed the most another educational trip to the Quality of service, in certain in Seychelles/ in tourism? Seychelles in July this year. He has hotels, could be improved. I think All the above locations were been selling Seychelles for over 40 it is an on-going job for everyone, unspoiled and untouched years and specializes in Seychelles government, the trade and each when I first visited Seychelles, only. individual tourism professional in and stayed so for many years. Seychelles. Recently, however, I am saddened How many educational to note that they have all been tours have you been on to What do you like the most built upon and, although the Seychelles? about selling Seychelles? tourism opportunities have I am a Tour Operator which The friendly character of the grown, it has lost some of its specialised on Seychelles Seychellois, it is the people and natural sparkle. Such is life and for over 40 years. We were the world is being so populated originally invited by the carriers so quickly. Seychelles still has the themselves, such as BOAC and opportunity to keep the jewels it British Caledonian. When Air was blessed with and intelligently Seychelles started operations, grow the tourism industry with we helped them organise an sustainability as priority. educational trip at least once a www.dixibird.it year with an average number of 12 participating Italian Travel Agencies, with the local assistance of Mason’s Travel.

What has been your greatest highlight when visiting? I am blown away on every visit with the combination of beautiful beaches set in the enchanting islands’ tropical forest, pristine sea and granite boulders. My favourite and special places being Port Launay on Mahe, Praslin’s Anse Lazio, La Digue’s Anse Source d’Argent, as well as unique islands such as Bird, Denis and Silhouette. There are so many highlights.

54 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 55 Hotel de Charme Located on a beautiful four kilometre beach of Grand Anse, on the Praslin island, surrounded by the takamaka trees, swathed by a cool sea-breeze, is a real small hotel ‘de charme’. The Villas De Mer Hotel is a family-run establishment; by two Seychellois professionals with full understanding and knowledge of the tourism industrial trends; accumulated after years of working in the industry. Awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in August 2013, they are a showcase of authentique Creole hospitality.

Located right on the beach, it is well known for its well furnished rooms, including 10 superior rooms and two junior suites, with a balcony, located in the tranquil environment of its gardens, creating a relaxed atmosphere. The hotel not only obtains its uniqueness and reputation from the architectural styles of its infrastructure or its perfect location, but through the implementation of its cultural touches throughout the stay.

‘My greatest achievement is customer satisfaction, I am thrilled to see the smiles and accolades and even hugs when they check out, I know they leave 100% happy and that they truly enjoyed their stay. They then return home but will always have us in their hearts’ says Hotel Manager, Ms Lydia Lablache with a

Copyright images; Villas de Mer (from Seychelles Connect. de Mer (from images; Villas Copyright big smile.

56 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 to other parts of the island. The flexibility of its team ensures a well planned schedule for all its clients, ranging from boat excursions and nature walks or just some tips on shopping locations!

This highly interactive environment proves to be a winning formula with Villas De Mer retaining 80% of their clientel as still European (even with the change in direct flights).

‘Today is a very different tourism industry to ten years ago’, Lydia continues to say. ‘There is a lot more hotels on Praslin so your product and service has to always be up to standard. It is harder to retain good Seychellois staff with the increase in competition. It takes time and a lot of effort to educate and train your staff to really love their jobs and what they do and not just put in the ‘9 to 5’. Superior Seychellois service is a large element of the service we offer so it is worth the investment every time’.

Villas De Mer represents the elegant fusion of pure comfort, consisting of all the unique elements for a small but luxury establishment of Praslin. They continue to create a well balance between providing Management ensures the integration of the a five star local service while keeping up with the Seychellois culture with a distinctive Creole touch. modernity of the tourism industry, always highlighting These touches range from the warm welcoming the importance of maintaining the true Creole Culture. Seychellois team coupled with their diverse skills to bring attention to detail for every client. Another Amitiel Praslin - Seychelles example is offering local snacks made from local fruits TEL +248 4233972 | FAX +248 4233015 and vegetables, the use of all local farm products, freshly caught fish on the beach and free transfers E-Mail [email protected]

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 57 Calendar of Events Be smart, and synchronize your visit to the Seychelles Islands, with one of the many exciting upcoming events, to experience an additional touch of culture, and local entertainment.

Tourism Ball 21st September An annual event designed as a climax to Tourism Week, proposing a venue of elegance and sophistication, as well as a unique opportunity for members of the government, and the Seychelles’ movers and shakers, to mingle, and network with members of the public. It provides a platform for all tourism industry stakeholders, and players, to celebrate their industry together, while enjoying a special social occasion.

Tourism Week 23rd – 28th September A week dedicated to celebrating the islands’ most important economic activity. Attended by tourism businesses’ to educate, and showcase their products, and very often, with curious tourists who join in for the celebrations.

Festival Kreol 25th - 31st October The Festival Kreol celebrates the preservation, and promotion of the Seychelles Islands’ cultural traditions, and is a manifestation of Seychellois pride in their respective African, Asian, and European heritage. The week-long festival provides a fascinating glimpse into the mystique of this small island nation, through celebrations of Creole music, dance, cuisine, dress, and language.

SUBIOS 22nd – 24th November This Festival of the Sea is an annual event that celebrates the Seychelles Islands’ magnificent marine heritage. Since its beginnings in 1989, it has been a popular forum for showcasing the islands’ close connections with the surrounding ocean, via a suite of marine- oriented activities, presentations, film shows, school projects, and the perennial image, and film competitions.

Christmas Classical Concert 20th December Meetings have already started to fine tune preparations for the end of the year festivities, kick started through a meeting with the Seychelles’ best musical performers and choirs, to launch a memorable ‘Christmas with the Stars’ programme, aimed to entertain both Seychellois, and their tourist visitors over the festive end of year season.

58 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 © Frog974 Photographies

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 59 The Vanilla Islands The Vanilla Islands concept is the result of an affiliation ‘The Vanilla Islands is the Indian Ocean coming alive of regional island nations: Seychelles, Madagascar, as one very attractive, interconnected entity offering a La Reunion, Mauritius, Comoros and Mayotte, who kaleidoscope of attractions to the discerning traveler’ have formed an exciting new travel destination brand. says Minister for Tourism and Culture Mr Alain St Created in La Reunion on August 4th 2010, the aim Ange. He was recently re- appointed as President this of this co-operation is to jointly market the region July 2013. He continues to say that ‘Tour operators rather than each member ‘going it alone’ to gain are continuously requesting for such twin centre or market share from the competing tropical islands of three islands regional packages of which they believe the world. fervently in its success. Holiday makers see our region as a long haul destination and they need to see the Vanilla is just one aspect of the common heritage maximum when making the trip’. joining these islands which, together, offer astonishing diversity to regional travelers. With each island Already, the concept of the The Vanilla Islands is boasting unique attributes, it is only logical that they advancing through special packages in collaboration should market the way they complement each other with airlines flying between the islands Air Mauritius, with a unique combination of itineraries featuring the Air Seychelles, Air Madagascar, Air Austral, Air France very best that the Indian Ocean has to offer. and Corsairfly; press trips to the islands; dedicated It will offer unique advantages such as enhanced visa- road shows; a website and training programme free travel between the islands as well as an improved for travel agents along with a vigorous marketing transportation network. Also, closer cooperation campaign will follow suite. between the tour operators, hotels and authorities For more information please contact Derek Savy on of the islands provides a homogenous marketing [email protected]. strategy that will streamline bookings from across the globe. [photo credit] tbc credit] [photo

60 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 Underground station News From STO

The Seychelles Tourist Office in United Kingdom will launch an extensive outdoor underground marketing campaign across London under the theme Affordable Seychelles. The campaign will cover 75 sites with 16 posters in Platinum London locations across a mix of commutes and central London stations. These stations cover the right clientel profile with a mix of demographics identified by the Seychelles Tourism Board’s new Manager, Ms Tinaz Wadia. The total reach is estimated at 9,611,938 people with around 5,015,569 estimated to read it over the two weeks.

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 61 Celebration of everything Creole

Photo credits; Joe Lesperance, Ministry of Culture

The ‘Festival Kreol’ (Creole Festival) first began some 28 years ago. Its purpose being to celebrate, and honor the country’s history, origin, identity, and culture. Due to the historical international influences, skeptics believed that there was not enough ‘culture’ to sustain such a festival. Unknowing to them, it is actually through these influences, and traditions from around the globe that has molded, and created the ‘Creole’ we know in the Seychelles today. And through the success of this event, the Seychelles has been labelled the Creole capital of the world. There is no doubt it is the largest event on the cultural calendar. A wonderful week full of

62 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 colours, sounds, flavours, and fragrances, celebrating Seychellois Creole, as well as French and English, is the ‘Creole’ within each of us, treasuring its traditions, an official language in the Seychelles. Throughout while embracing the opportunities of the present. the festival, the spoken word will be celebrated in The Chairperson of Festival Kreol Organizing poetry recitals, public speaking competitions, and Committee, Mrs Banjamine Rose, shares with us the book launches from Seychellois authors. The children objectives, and plans for the 2013 festival. ‘We have of the Seychelles are also very much involved, with listened to the general public at the end of each a Secondary School Quiz Competition, performance event, and the strongest feedback we received was of traditional songs and dances, and children’s art that the public wants more participation, not just competitions. entertainment. We have taken action, and now have The Creole Village at the National Culture Centre, this a majority of the festival activities concentrated in year will again host kiosks for authentique Seychelles’ the capital, Victoria. This way, more people can come creole cuisine, as well as arts and crafts, and other down and be apart of the celebration’. delicacies. They will sit alongside the special invited There’s an endless list of activities and events guests from our global Creole community; Mauritius, throughout the week; theatre, fashion shows, Rodrigues, Reunion, Mexico, and Louisiana, who will exhibitions, language forums, puppet shows, food also showcase their cultural heritage. fairs, and film-making projects. ‘There’s something for ‘Expectations are high’ says Mrs Rose, ‘and we have to everyone, regardless of age, or nationality, and with deliver a flawless event. It must entertain a variety of free, and paid events’ states Mrs Rose. social classes, as well as tourists. Each event must be

63 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 63 fun and educational at the same time. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes’. ‘From the spectacular opening ceremony that will be broadcasted on a huge outdoor screen in Victoria, to the grand closing ball, there’s a rich, vibrant experience to be had’ she concluded. As a tourist, you may only see the explosion of colour, music, and food, but for the Seychelles, this festival has more dimensions than meets the eye. The atmosphere promises to be electric, although always with the educational elements there to underpin the carnival spirit. A festival commemorating traditions’ brings everyone together firstly, and strengthens existing bonds of cultural identities. Through the general public’s participation, it educates the youth on the importance of culture, and fusing the traditional with the modern. It places importance of the Seychellois personalities, who have played a vital role in the preservation of its cultural heritage, championing education, as well as exuberant celebration of everything Creole. Vital elements for any sustainable culture, wouldn’t you say? The Festival begins on 25th September 2013, with the opening ceremony in Victoria. For more information, please go to www.festival-kreol.sc

64 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1

BeachAnse Intendance Pick

Background Located on the south-western coastline of Mahé, it already lends itself to be a little hidden discovery. Within one kilometer from the centre of Takamaka, up and down a steep, rocky jungle paved road to ensure privacy, this beach cannot be seen from the main roads, and is often described as one of the most beautiful bays on the island. Only a few coconut palms and trees provide shade, but you are captured by the Beach Morning Glories with purple-pink flowers that grow along the seashore, and of course the sparkling Indian Ocean view. Due to its swells and the fact that there is no reef, it is always popular with surfers, although swimming is reserved for the stronger and more courageous during the monsoon season (May to September). where each are perched on hilly terrain, and amid At the right end of the beach there are flags indicating exotic flora and fauna. There are also beachfront villas the swimming conditions (green - good, yellow - for so you can fall out of bed onto the beach on those good swimmers, red - do not swim due to strong continuous lazy days. currents). The high energy waves create the most powder soft white sand that makes this coastline a These villas combine the very best of Seychelloise gem for sunbathing, and long romantic walks. architecture – contemporary, colonial, and plantation On one end of this beach you will find The Banyan Tree décor – from high sloping ceilings, airy verandas, and Resort. It is a 60 luxuriously furnished pool villa resort, louvered doors.

Photo credit; Suzanne Verlaque OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 69 History a turtle hatching, (be warned you could get a call at sunrise for this!). Mr. Peter Sellars, the famous British actor in the Pink Panther movies and Mr. George Harrison a member What’s New of the Beatles, first bought the site (where the resort now stands) to make it their home in 1974. It was There is nothing better than a simple rum cocktail, and then reclaimed in 1977, and the Banyan Tree Resorts a fillet of fresh BBQ fish with sand underfoot. decided to build in 2002, preserving the original Banyan Tree Seychelles’ new Rum Shack is offering architecture of the former home to its original state these three simple pleasures on its opposite end which is now the main resort lobby. of the beach to the resort. In collaboration with a local rum distillery, Takamaka Bay Rum, the rum Highlight shack experience will present a relaxed beach party atmosphere to guests with nothing but the best of Anse Intendance is one of the few places on Mahé nature to enjoy. where turtles still nest. The beach is known under conservation terms as a turtle nesting rookery. Banyan Tree Resorts, and the Marine Conservation Society of Seychelles (MCSS), are monitoring the beach as part of the National Beach Monitoring Programme. The management of the resort recognises the vital importance of the environment and its integral ecosystems as a key concept in the operational practices of the Hotel. Guests can participate in the research alongside the MCSS staff to identify turtle nests, record and input habitats and their progress, assess threats and learn about ‘how to behave’, and ‘what to do’ in turtle encounter scenarios. There are periodic talks, and material given out to guests, and even notification to their rooms if they wish to see Where Am I?

Do you think you know Seychelles?

This image is taken by the talented Dominic Shaun Elizabeth, somewhere, but where? Send in your answers 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.

70 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 The Seychelles Tourism Academy Hotel D’Application

Training a new generation of tourism professionals with the practical experience they need right in front of their classroom.

by Nathalie Hodgson

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 71 he new Seychelles Tourism Academy’s new Hotel enter the tourism workforce, and fill the D’Application, the only one of its kind in the western positions in the industry.’ Indian Ocean, boasts not only a unique location, but The students go through a vigorous four also a unique role in training a new generation of young year programme at the Academy, where tourismT professionals, for careers in the hospitality industry via they have six months of theory, and its extensive suite of modern amenities. six months of practicum on all course Ideally located just 10 minutes from the scenic west coast of subjects, designed by The Shannon Mahé, the Seychelles’ principal island, and 20 minutes from the Tourism College of Hotel Management, world’s tiniest capital Victoria, the hotel’s spectacular location Ireland. If all subjects are passed, they overlooking the scenic coastline from Barbarons, to Port Glaud, obtain an Advanced Diploma Certificate. offers breathtaking vistas of virgin mountainside and pristine Depending on the course they have ocean, ideal for hotel guests to enjoy. specialised in, they are then presented It is in this inspiring setting, that students will have the to the STA panel (represented by both opportunity of honing a wide range of skills in a newly private, and public sectors) for an constructed, state-of-the-art, 30-bedroom hotel (varying from 3, interview, and if successful they move on 4, and 5 star categories) featuring twin villas with butler service, to the Bachelor degree at the 65 year old, public bars and restaurants proposing authentic Seychellois and renowned, Shannon Tourism College. Creole, international and special, themed cuisines, banqueting Before leaving, they are sponsored by & meeting rooms, and dedicated Wellness & Spa centre. Here, a hotel in the Seychelles on a mentor students will benefit from the highest standards of professional program, providing the necessary training in their chosen disciplines, providing them with the hands-on experience, knowledge, and skill sets necessary for top careers in tourism. This 8.2 million dollar hotel is not a sponsored project, or under any international grant scheme, but rather the foresight of the Seychelles government to further advance the education, and development of the tourism industry, and those that service it. Mr. Peter Moncherry, the Director of Seychelles Tourism Academy’s new Hotel D’Application, stated ‘At the new Seychelles Tourism Academy’s new Hotel D’Application, we aspire to offer a winning combination of sublime setting, excellent facilities, and the highest standards of instruction for the formation of tomorrow’s tourism professionals. Our main objective is to ensure that we have all levels of graduates to

72 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 support (not financially) on an educational level given in High Distinction Pass. for when they are studying abroad. This same hotel Graduated student Ms. Rosemary Lavigne said that guarantees them a placement upon completion of ‘The combination of studying at the Seychelles their degree. Tourism Academy, and in Ireland, has enriched me Mr. Moncherry states that ‘the course is for the with the professional skills, and experience that I am serious and dedicated students, with several stages of applying in my career today. I find that my experience examinations throughout the four years with visiting abroad truly helped to have a more holistic view of the international lecturers rotating through the course hotel industry. My proudest moments were winning schedule. Each year, some 20 students are accepted, the IHI Business Management Games (with fellow and around ten to twelve graduate. Then there is the Seychellois colleague Michele Andre), and being Bachelor degree to complete overseas which is the awarded Best Academic Student, and a scholarship most challenging of all’. for my Masters. This business demands hard work and Mr. Moncherry went on to state ‘that this ensures that time, but I love every second of contributing to my the returning graduates are of international standards country, and its tourism needs’. with not only the theory, but the practical experience The launch date is Easter 2015, and is a must visit for that one needs to start immediate employment’. locals and tourists alike, to experience the wonderful Ms. Rosemary Payet is one of these dedicated students scenery, and dining experience that it will offer. who was not only able to achieve her degree, but also For more information go to received the highest score that the College has ever www.seychellestourismacademy.edu.sc

Photo credit; Seychelles Tourism Academy Hotel

OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 73 Visit one of Seychelles’ coral islands for the experience of 6 pristine nature at its best. Take half-day or day sailing cruise around the islands Savour the sheer variety of to fully appreciate their Creole cuisine – one of the 1 unchanged beauty. planet’s most delicious – in a 7 number of restaurants dotted throughout the islands. Visit any one of Seychelles world-beating beaches, often voted best on the planet. Make a visit to the traditional island of La Digue where the 2 bicycle and the ox-cart are still Snorkel the turquoise shallows 8 chief modes of transport and of the islands and marvel at the where Time itself seems to 3 beauty beneath the waves. stand still. Take a guided tour into the Take a fishing expedition into mountains to discover some of Seychelles’ fish rich waters and the rarest flora and fauna on savour the thrill of landing – 4 earth. 9 then releasing – a bill fish.

Visit Praslin’s legendary Vallée Sip a delicious cocktail as you de Mai, UNESCO World Heritage watch the sun set over the isles Site and home to the amazing in the unforgettably romantic 5 Coco-de-Mer. 10 ambiance of a sunset cruise.

74 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 INSPIRED BY PASSION

Marc Farry, Senior Pro and Sunrise over the golf course golf ambassador. designed by himself.

Enjoy playing on fantastic golf courses.

MAURITIUS • SEYCHELLES • MALDIVES • MADAGASCAR

The magical settings nurture our passion to create The Ultimate Experience The Unique Experience

Begin the U-experience: call (230) 402 2772/73 or visit us at www.constancehotels.com

75 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 | SESEL SA! 75 Seychelles Tourist Offices & Representatives Worldwide

HEADQUARTERS ITALY UNITED KINGDOM Chief Executive Officer Seychelles Tourism Board Seychelles Tourist Office Seychelles Tourism Board Via Pindaro 28N Fourth Floor, 11 Grosvenor Crescent P.O. Box 1262 • Victoria Mahé • Seychelles Axa• 00125 Rome London, SW1X 7EE Tel: (+248) 4 671 300 Italy United Kingdom Fax: (+248) 4 620 620 / (+248) 4 620 640 Tel: + 39 06 50 90 135 Tel: +44 (0) 20 724 561 06 e-mail: [email protected] Fax: + 39 06 50 93 52 01 e-mail: info-tourism.uk [email protected] e-mail: info-turismo.it @seychelles.travel @seychelles.travel SEYCHELLES NEWS BUREAU CHINA Seychelles Tourism Board MIDDLE EAST Seychelles Tourism Board Bel Ombre, P.O. Box 1262 Mohamed Al Geziry Consultancy #8 Dongdaqiao Road, The Spaces Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles 100 Al Fattan Plaza • P.O. Box 36345 Chaoyang District, Room 1105 Tel: (+248) 4 671 300 Dubai • U.A.E. Beijing, 100020 Fax: (+248) 4 620 620 Tel: (+971) 4 2865586 China [email protected] Fax: (+971) 4 2865589 Tel: +8610 5870 1192 [email protected] e-mail: info-tourism.me@ Fax: +8610 5870 1219 seychelles.travel e-mail: [email protected] E-MARKETING Seychelles Tourism Board SPAIN ABU DHABI Bel Ombre, P.O. Box 1262 Calle princesa, 40 Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles 28008 Madrid • Spain Villa number 6/1, Plot number 8, Tel: (+248) 4 671 300 Tel: (+34) 91 702 08 04 Muroor Area, Street 23 Fax: (+248) 4 620 620 Fax: (+34) 91 702 23 74 Abu Dhabi, UAE.Tel: + 00971 2 4917755 email: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Fax: +971 2 4917718 www.seychelles.travel e-mail: [email protected] SOUTH AFRICA FRANCE Cape Holiday Services RUSSIA Office du Tourisme des Seychelles 36 Union Road • Milnerton 7441 Access Russia 18 Rue de Mogador - 75009 Paris • France Capetown South Africa Vorotnikovskiy Lane 8, bld. 1 of 12 Tel: (+33) 1 44 53 93 20 Tel: (+27) 21 551 5855 1270006 Moscow Fax: (+33) 1 44 53 93 32 Fax: (+27) 21 551 5898 Russia e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Tel: (7) 495 699 9351 Email: [email protected] GERMANY SOUTH KOREA Seychelles Tourist Office #411, Doosan We’ve Pavillion SOUTH AMERICA Hochstrasse 17 58 Susong-dong • Jongno-gu 60313 Frankfurt am Main • Germany Seoul • South Korea BRAZIL Tel: +49 (0) 69 297 207 89 Tel: +82 2 737 3235 Global Vision Access Fax: +49 (0) 69 297 207 92 Fax: +82 2 737 3236 Rua Manoel da Nobrega 111# 41 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Paraiso, Sao Paolo [email protected] SP 04001-080 Brazil Tel: (55) 11 2367.3170 Fax: (55) 11 99627.3160 Email: [email protected]

76 SESEL SA! | OCT - DEC 2013 ISSUE NO. 1 Contacts

PHONE OPERATORS EMERGENCY AIRLINES

Cable & Wireless (Seychelles) Ltd. Central Police Station Emirates Airline Francis Rachel Street Victoria Caravelle House Victoria P.O. Box 46 Victoria P.O. Box 4 Mahé, Seychelles P.O. Box 152 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 428000 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4284000 Fax: (+248) 4224412 Tel: (+248) 4292700 / 4373008 Fax: (+248) 4322777 Emergency: 999 E: [email protected] W: www.cwseychelles.com Hotline: 133 / 112 W: www.emirates.com E: [email protected] Airtel Telecom (Seychelles) W: www.police.gov.sc Kenya Airways Emerald Building Kingsgate Travel Centre Providence Baie St. Anne Police Station Independence Avenue P.O. Box 1358 Baie St. Anne Victoria Mahé, Seychelles Praslin P.O. Box 288 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4600600 P.O. Box 46 Tel: (+248) 4323903 Fax: (+248) 4601602 Seychelles Fax: (+248) 4324162 W: www.africa.airtel.com/seychelles Tel: (+248) 4232332 E: [email protected] Fax: (+248) 4232075 W: www.kenya-airways.com AIR SEYCHELLES E: [email protected] W: www.police.gov.sc Ethiopian Airline Air Seychelles Ltd. (International & Mason’s Travel Building Domestic) Grand Anse Police Station Revolution Avenue Head Office Grand Anse Victoria Seychelles International Airport Praslin P.O. Box 459 Pointe Larue P.O. Box 46 Mahé, Seychelles P.O. Box 386 Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4288907 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4233251 E: [email protected] Tel: (+248) 4391000 Fax: (+248) 4233933 W: www.ethiopianairlines.com Fax: (+248) 4391229 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.police.gov.sc ZIL AIR W: www.airseychelles.com La Digue Police Station Zil Air (Pty) Ltd. Praslin Airport La Passe Pointe Larue Amitié La Digue P.O. Box 1110 Praslin P.O. Box 46 Mahé, Seychelles P.O. Box 386 Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4375100 Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 4234251 Fax: (+248) 4375101 Tel: (+248) 4284666 Fax: (+248) 4234031 E: [email protected] Fax: (+248) 4233055 E: [email protected] [email protected] W: www.police.gov.sc W: www.zilair.com International Flight Information Seychelles International Airport Seychelles Hospital FERRY Point Larue Mt. Fleuri P.O. Box 386 P.O. Box 52 Cat Cocos Ferry - Inter Island Mahé, Seychelles Mahé, Seychelles Boats Ltd Tel: (+248) 4391200 Tel: (+248) 4388000 Po Box 356 Fax: (+248) 4391229 Fax: (+248) 4388000 Kingsgate House,Victoria, Mahé, E: [email protected] Seychelles Immigration Office (Airport) W: www.health.gov.sc Tel: (248) 4297164 Seychelles International Airport Fax: (+248) 4324845 Pointe Larue Baie Ste Anne Praslin Reservation: (+248) 4324843 Email: [email protected] P.O. Box 430 Hospital: 4233414 W: www.catcocos.com Mahé, Seychelles Tel: (+248) 2713193 Logan La Digue Praslin to La Digue Ferry E: [email protected] Hospital : 4234255 Inter Island Ferry Ltd Tel: (+248) 4322329

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