Daily Archives: May 26, 2017

BROOK SABIN

Last updated08:42, May 26 2017

Kiwis Brook Sabin and Radha Engling sailed the Seychelles in a luxury yacht, and say its one of the most unforgettable ways to spend a week on the water.

Most of us dream of a tropical holiday on the water - and I think we've found the best place on Earth to do it.

There's a little cluster of islands off the coast of Africa where the sand is so white, the water so turquoise blue - you will think you're on another planet.

A place where everything is on a grand scale. The coconuts grow to 30kg, and giant tortoises get to 350kg.

READ MORE *Why Philippines is so popular *Why Croatia should be at the top of your bucket list *Italy's undiscovered secrets

BROOK SABIN/ONFLIGHTMODE.COM

The Seychelles is home to some of the best beaches in the world.

The Seychelles is a tropical paradise to rival the likes of Maldives and Tahiti. And the best way to explore the islands is by yacht.

Silhouette Cruises offers a week-long trip around six of the islands, with up to 18 guests. And you do it in serious style aboard a luxury all-inclusive yacht.

Our comfort took on a whole new level, when we discovered there were only 3 other guests and 10 crew to look after us!

BROOK SABIN/ONFLIGHTMODE.COM

The Sea Star can hold up to 18 guests.

After leaving Victoria, the country's capital of just 30,000 people, we headed straight for Beau Vallon - considered one of the best beaches on Mahe, the main island. There, it rained, and ominously looked like a storm was brewing. I was beginning to wonder if the magic of sailing the Seychelles would actually happen.

But that magic emerged the next morning, as we cruised under full sun to a secluded cove. Anchoring near the beach, we were greeted with a huge expanse of ultra-clear light blue turquoise water - so clear we could see swarms of fish, even deep down.

The captain had a knowing glint in his eye: if you thought that was good, wait 'till you see what I've got for you tomorrow.

And he was right. The next day we headed to the country's second biggest island; home to a beach consistently named one of the best in the world. Anse Lazio has incredible powder white sand, lined with granite boulders and coconut trees. It's famed for its turtles, and we found two swimming in the shallows.

BROOK SABIN/ONFLIGHTMODE.COM

Anse Lazio and its emerald blue waters.

There was even better to come.

Our next island was home to Anse Source d'Argent.

It isn't just rated as one of the best beaches in the world it often tops the list.

BROOK SABIN/ONFLIGHTMODE.COM

Anse Source d'Argent is protected by a lagoon so offers some of the calmest water in Seychelles.

But it isn't all about the beach and water sports.

We also had time to explore the island of Praslin; its thick jungle home to the biggest coconut on earth weighing up to 30kg.

They are rare and fiercely protected, with a $600 price tag to buy just one! You even face a 5 year prison sentence if you're caught trying to take one directly from the tree.

BROOK SABIN/ONFLIGHTMODE.COM

The Seychelles is home to the largest coconut on Earth. The picture above shows just the nut, the even larger husk has already been removed.

We also visited the island of Curieuse, a sanctuary for giant tortoises. The Seychelles variety are known as the ninjas of the tortoise world, because they can raise their huge bodies up to 400kgs on just their hind legs in search of low hanging leaves to eat.

It's a risky business, because if they flip over they risk death if they can't right themselves.

We were greeted by a huge tortoise on the beach, which has clearly worked out where the tourist boats arrive and decided it's much safer to simply wait there and let visitors pick the leaves for him.

BROOK SABIN/ONFLIGHTMODE.COM

he tortoises found in the Seychelles are some of the largest in the world:

It was an incredible week cruising, which came to an end all too quickly.

I've always been a bit reserved about multi-day boat trips. They seem to be either floating retirement villages, or party boats.

Our trip was neither. It was a floating hotel, where the focus was purely on the incredible surroundings. Just as it should be.

More information: Silhouette Cruises offers a variety of week long cruises, with prices starting around $2,600 per person including meals and water sports. Seeseychelles-cruises.com

Last year Brook Sabin@brooksabin) and his partner Radha Engling (@globaladmirer) quit their jobs and sold everything to travel. They started a blogonflightmode.comand now call themselves fulltime travellers, making a living selling travel photos and video all around the world. Each week Kiwis in Flight will take you on their adventures.

The writerwas a guest of Silhouette Cruises

-Stuff

See original here:

The Seychelles like you've never seen - Stuff.co.nz

Seychelles recently organized the visit of 15 youths and students from 8 countries to Kutai Kartanegara in East Kalimantan as part of its effort to help promote compassionate destinations of eco-culture in Indonesia.

Seychelles Special Envoy for ASEAN, Mr. Nico Barito, said the youth and students came from France, the Netherlands, Japan, Liberia, Madagascar, Belgium, Dominican Republic, and Italy.

Such initiative is spearheaded by Saint Ange Consultancy of the former Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine of Seychelles, Mr. Alain St.Ange, whom has included the Indonesian local cultures in the annual Carnival International de Victoria in Seychelles since 2011, said Nico Barito.

The initial 10-day itinerary from April 27 to May 5, 2017 has provided the international youth with excursion to various local destinations of eco-culture, mingled with local people.

The program gave economic benefits to local people, particularly homestay owners, restaurants, tourist guides, cultural activists, and handicraft traders, and has offered local youths rare opportunities to interact with youths from other countries, said Mrs. Rita Widyasari, the local premier of Kutai Kartanegara.

Mrs. Rita added that 2017 has been declared as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism by the United Nations, and Kutai Kartanegara is proud to participate and focus to promote tourists with the protection of the environment and culture and empowerment of women and youths as part of its program to achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG).

The program, which was coordinated through FORSEAA Forum of Small Medium Economic AFRICA ASEAN, would continue to bring international tourists, especially youths who want to explore nature adventure and eco-culture in Indonesia, said Mr. Rega, the Program Officer of FORSEAA in Indonesia.

He also said that FORSEAA will replicate the Kutai Kartanegara program for the development of culture tourism within other local governments of Indonesia.

Developing tourist destinations is like the question of what comes first the chicken or the egg. Our experience in Seychelles shows that when destinations are well promoted, tourists would come and the development of infrastructure and world-class accommodation would follow suit, Nico Barito said.

The Minister of Tourism of Kabupaten Kutai Kartenegara, Sri Wahyuni, introduced eco-culture tourism at the Regent.

The International Youth Excursion Eco Culture from 8 countries were accommodated with local tribes at a home stay in Lekaq Kidau Cultural Village.

Read more:

Seychelles promotes eco-culture tourism in Kutai Kartanegara, Indonesia - eTurboNews

The principal secretary for tourism Anne Lafortune attended the third extraordinary board meeting of the Regional Tourism Organization of South Africa (RETOSA) held at the Latitude Conference Centre in Durban on May 17.

Mrs. Lafortune was accompanied by the deputy chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Jenifer Sinon.

The aim of the meeting was to assess the progress of RETOSAs transformation process. The process is to transform RETOSA from a public-sector organization to one where national tourism boards and the private sector take ownership of it.

RETOSAs transformation process began in 2014 when the Southern African Development Community (SADC) ministers responsible for tourism agreed and directed the RETOSA board to look at ways of changing the organization to make it more relevant to member states, the private sector and all partners.

During the meeting, those present also discussed RETOSAs financial sustainability including member states contribution and the cash flow of the organization.

The mandate of the new RETOSA will be to develop and promote a vibrant regional brand; market, promote and stimulate Southern Africa as a destination for tourism, trade, commerce and investment; and formulate and carry out the regional marketing strategy.

The Seychelles Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine will be discussing the new mandate of the RETOSA board with the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHTA) and the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).

SHTA and SCCI will be requested to take part as members on the new revamped board.

STBs chief executive will also be a member of the new board.

It is to be noted that Kenneth Racombo was recently appointed as the head of resource mobilization and development and falls directly under the newly-recruited chief executive Desmond Golding of South Africa.

The new RETOSA board will be constituted in July 2017 where the private sector will be represented together with chief executives of tourism boards and it will be responsible for regional tourism Marketing.

Tourism policy which was previously a function of RETOSA will now be dealt with by a proposed tourism unit at the SADC secretariat.

Original post:

Seychelles at RETOSA's third extraordinary board meeting - eTurboNews

Experience true hospitality in the Indian Ocean. Picture: Maia Luxury Resort and Spa/ Giltedge Ocean Islands.

Sun-drenched Seychelles and Maldives appear the same on the surface but on closer inspection these tropical islands nestled in the Indian Ocean are quite different. Before deciding on your holiday, make sure you know what island country suits you the best.

Maldives main appeal is its one island, one resort philosophy. With over 1000 islands, its the worlds most geographically dispersed country. Visitors arrive on the airport island Mal, transferring to their island by seaplane or speedboat transfer. Seychelles, on the other hand, is mainly an island-hopping destination. Travellers start their holiday on one of the main islands exploring towns like Mah, La Digue and Praslin to explore the French culture of Seychelles (its cuisine, nightlife and markets) as well as hike through its nature reserves. After visiting the main islands, travellers hop onto their private island.

Appearance

While Maldives and Seychelles are both Ocean Islands, their appearance is quite different. Made up of coral, the Maldives hover just two meters above the sea. Some islands are surrounded by house reefs (which look like rings) that protect the islands from waves. That's why most of the worlds over-water villas are found in the Maldives.

Seychelles is a different island type entirely. Made from granite, its islands are rocky. Boulders frame shorelines and pearly-white beaches. But Seychelles outer islands are coral, small and flat, much like the Maldives.

Activities

In the Maldives, you go sightseeing underwater. Dive sites are everywhere. With over 1000 islands, the crystal-clear water offers high visibility. House reefs and lagoons are great for snorkelling and diving (check your resort has them!) as the colourful marine life is abundant here with whale sharks and manta rays. Snorkelling straight from the beach or your water villa is what Maldives is famous for!

Seychelles is a playground. Its great for active travellers who want to do both land-based and water-based sports: rock climbing, hiking, and mangrove kayaking. The remote outer islands offer world-class fly fishing as well as deep water game fishing.

Things to do for kids

Both Seychelles and Maldives are the perfect destination for honeymooners but and surprisingly theyre also extremely family-friendly. Both Indian Ocean islands do well for multi-generational travel. Your entire family will be in good hands with child-friendly activities and babysitting services.

Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, for example, is great for kids with its big treehouse, fantasy den, outside entertainment area and private swimming pool villas. The resort offers conservation activities for kids and the most delicious ice-cream parlor and chocolate room. Its parent-approved! At Six Senses Laamu, children can take part in the childrens club, yoga classes for children, spa treatments (foot and hand massages) and children's cooking class.

Seychelles is also family friendly if you chose the right resorts! Fregate Island has a kiddies club for ages 3 to 12. Kids explore the Castaway Trail with giant tortoises, small animals and endemic plants. At Six Senses Zil Pasyon, theres the Trouloulou Club for kite making, sand castle building to cupcake decorating. Theres also a bicycle that rides around the island and delivers ice-cream.

Accommodation types

Water villas in the Maldives are built on stilts hovering directly over the water and are connected to jetties that stretch out like arms from the main island. Some resorts offer luxury stand-alone water villas that can only be accessed by boat. These villas have direct access to the warm, ocean; some even have decks with private swimming pools or waterslides that go straight into the ocean. The latest trend in the Maldives is the retractable bedroom that allows you to stargaze directly from your bed, says Lylie Moolman, General Manager at Indian Ocean Islands. There are also options to overnight in traditional dhows (wooden boat) with all the comfort of a 5-star villa.

Resorts in Seychelles are built on a hillside or into the granite outcrops with views over the water. Seychelles luxury villas are hidden in the tropical landscape and are the epitome of barefoot luxury. The resorts range from luxury villas with 3 to 4 bedrooms with private pools (perfect for families looking for privacy) to beautiful one-bedroom hilltop villas with sunken baths and private infinity pools.

Hospitality

Both Maldives and Seychelles have great 24-hour butler services. Butlers make sure you have everything you need be it a midnight snack or an emergency hot chocolate for the kids. Local Maldivians are friendly and eager to please, making service levels top notch. Repeat clients often request the same butler during their stay. The Seychellois are more laid back in a typical island style, and have a charm of their own. Passionate about their country, Seychelles locals have no problem persuading visitors that their country is the best.

Read more from the original source:

Seychelles vs Maldives: which ocean island tops? - Independent Online

Today Seychelles proudly joins the rest of Africa in celebrating Africa Day. This is an occasion, for us not only to celebrate, but also an opportunity to take pride in our continent and its boundless diversity.

On this day, we need to reflect on the promise of Africa. Seychelles reaffirms this and stands in unity with all Africans determined to further our aspirations, and ambitions. These aspirations today are reflected in many things, not least on how Africa can further achieve Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Our Continent was built on the fusion of diverse peoples, and we drew inspiration and support from Africas longing for self-determination, freedom, and unity.

Africa Day not only marks the anniversary of the birth of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), on 25th May 1963, it also recognizes the need to embrace the values of equality, peace and progress that our forbears dreamt of. We owe it to them, to their sacrifices, and their devotion to steer our continent in the direction so as it may reach its full potential.

As leaders of the world of today, we are conscious that the lessons of our forefathers are the bridges linking our current generations to the next one, as we are further inspired by the core principles of solidarity, unity and the restoration of pride and dignity.

On this day, we need to reflect on the promise of Africa

In 2017, as we commemorate Africa day, we do so inspired by the theme Harnessing the demographic dividend through investments in youth, as a driver for continued sustainable development, progress and advancement of our continent.

The greatest wealth of nations are its people, and in particular their youth. As a young continent, our challenges should be transformed into greatness through the mobilization of our youth, to not only achieve the success we deserve to have but critically to redefine the future of our continent.

In Seychelles, our youth are the driving force behind many of our cross -sectoral achievements. Our vision lies on Seychelles capability to mobilise the strength and dynamism of our youth, who are already playing pivotal roles in the development of Seychelles and changing the socio-economic landscapes of our nation.

With strong indications of success not only evident in Seychelles, but across the African continent, we must continue to nurture the energy and spirit of entrepreneurship, of industry and self-empowerment of our young people and in doing so harness the potential of the next generation.

The theme also reflects on the urgency, to provide platforms, opportunities, support and resources to our youth, to foster their devotion and spirit, to not solely aspire to be leaders of tomorrow, but to be exemplary leaders of the current era. We, as the leaders of the African continent, must lead by example.

The perceived differences of our continent should never be utilised as weapons of our own disharmony. Our differences should be celebrated as stepping stones, leading to an Africa were unity, peace, stability, development, inclusiveness, respect and tolerance reign.

In celebrating the strengths, determination and courage of our great continent, let us celebrate Africa day 2017 Let us celebrate our Youths. Happy Africa day.

Original post:

Seychelles presents Africa Day Message - News Ghana