Seychelles: Best for luxury and activity seekers
Take a tropical island break
The Maldives is still the number one Indian Ocean destination for GCC travellers seeking a luxury getaway. But while its perfect for romance and honeymooners with its tiny atolls and one-island resorts – for clients looking to combine luxury with a more active break they might want to consider Seychelles or Mauritius which offer more diverse scenery and a plethora of exciting activities.
Why go? With its crystal clear waters, uninhabited islands, secluded beaches and protected nature reserves Seychelles offers the ultimate luxury Eid break.
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“The unique selling points of the Seychelles have been confirmed and reconfirmed in surveys as being what tourists from the GCC countries are looking for,” says Alain St. Ange, director of tourism marketing, Seychelles Tourism Board.
“The appealing year round summer climate, the privacy of the Seychelles beaches, the cleanliness of the islands, the safety of the Seychelles and the affordable experience these unique mid-ocean creole islands offer.”
This is the option for visitors looking to get away from it all in a secluded paradise. Guests can choose to stay on the mainland at Mahé, or travel to one of the many island resorts via seaplane or boat.
“The privacy of our visitors is and remains the driving mission of all the hotels,” says St. Ange. “Seychelles remains one of the few countries of the world where the concept of ‘personalised tourism’ is practiced.
Seychelles is able to claim that concept because it is not and will never be a mass tourism destination. No charter flights land in the Seychelles and the islands are not after the hundreds of thousands in visitor arrival numbers because that would make the island just another destination welcoming tourists.”
What’s on at Eid? As well as stunning beaches, Seychelles offers an array of activities including diving and snorkeling, sailing, fishing, hiking, spas, cycling and golf.
Island hopping is a popular activity as it provides the opportunity to visit vastly different environments - rocky granite islands one minute, dark green jungles and sandy beaches the next. Agents can sell Seychelles as one of the last untouched island destinations - advise customers to visit the region while it is still a secluded paradise.
HOW TO SELL
How to get there: Emirates from Dubai seven times weekly and Qatar Airways from Doha four times weekly.
Where to stay: Luxury five-star resorts offering private villas include: Banyan Tree Seychelles; Constance Ephelia Resort; Fregate; Four Seasons Resorts; Hilton Seychelles Northole Resort & Spa; Le Meridien Fishermans Cove and Denis Island Resort
Sample packages: Maia Luxury Resort & Spa situated on a private peninsula on the island of Mahe offers 30 spacious and private hilltop and beachfront villas, each with a dedicated butler and a private pool. Maia has a ‘Stay four nights pay for three offer’, including daily breakfast and one complimentary dinner per person, per day. The offer is valid until 25 December 2010
reservations@southernsun.sc / www.maia.com.sc
Visas: All nationalities can obtain a visa free of charge on arrival at Mahé International Airport as long as they hold a passport that is valid for six months from date of entry, proof of accommodation, sufficient funds and an onward flight ticket.
Useful link: www.seychelles.travel
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