Hotel Updates: Enchanted Island Resort

Enchanted Island Resort Announces Appointment of New G.M. 

Enchanted Islands Resort, Seychelles, has announced the appointment of Abel Damergi as its new General Manager.

   

Damergi has already immersed himself in the operations on Round Island, the location of the resort, and he “looks forward to taking the offering and service experience to even higher levels throughout the course of 2015.”

Special Announcement: Aldabra Atoll Expedition

Ocean Oddyseys:  An Opportunity to Sell this Unique Experience

Dear Partners,

We would like to announce the planning of a 7-nights FIT-cabin Aldabra expedition from the 27th March to 3rd of April, 2015.

Mason's Travel News

Mason's Travel Welcomes Cruise Ship Regent to our Shores

Mason's Travel, last week, welcomed the cruise ship Regent to our shores as she visited the sunny Seychelles, an ideal location for visiting cruise liners who appreciate the calm, safe waters and the breathtaking scenery  of 115 islands.

Hotel Updates: Denis Private Island

Denis Private Island Wins World Luxury Hotel Award 

Denis Private Island is pleased to announce that it has recieved a World Luxury Hotel Award for 2014.

The resort has won the "Luxury Hotel - Best Scenic Environment" in the continent category  - a prestigious accolade bearing testament to the unique and pristine natural the environment the island offers. 

Mason's Travel News

Mason's Travel Sponsors the Seychelles National Conservation Fishing League

Mason's Travel is pleased to announce that they have teamed up with the Seychelles Sports Fishing Club (SSFC) to unveil the country's first ever Seychelles National Conservation Fishing League. 

This league seeks to encourage all anglers in Seychelles to conserve billfish by tagging and releasing with The Bill Fish program throughout the year whenever they are fishing. 

Hotel Updates: New Property Alert

AVANI Seychelles Barbarons Resort and Spa to Open February 2015

AVANI Hotels & Resorts, the vibrant upscale brand launched by Thailand-based Minor
Hotel Group in 2011, will add its first hotel in the Indian Ocean with the opening of AVANI
Seychelles Barbarons Resort & Spa on the 2nd February 2015.

Airline Updates: Please Be Advised

Attention Tour Operators and Travel Agents  

We have recently been experiencing some difficulties in regards to the 09h00 a.m. Domestic connections between Mahé and Praslin. This is mainly due to delays on the EK705 arrival. 

In light of this, we suggest that you schedule clients on a later Domestic flight as there may be delays with customs, immigration and  the (temporary) health checks.  

For more information, please contact us on webenquiry@masonstravel.com    

Special Announcement: Cat Cocos Inter-Island Ferry

Changes to Ferry Schedules on 21st of December 2014

The Management of the Inter Island Boats would like to inform you that there will be some changes on the Catcocos schedule.

Please see the changes below.

Hotel Updates: Banyan Tree Resort & Spa

Banyan Tree Resort & Spa Gears Up For Christmas Festival 2014

Banyan Tree Resort & Spa Seychelles will be hosting its annual Christmas festival this year. Running between 21 December and 6 January, guests to the resort can enjoy a full itinerary of activities to celebrate Christmas 2014 and to bring in the New Year.

To find out more, download the full itinerary, CLICK HERE!

Conservation News: Help Save Indian Ocean Bird Species

Saving Endangered Species in Seychelles and Mauritius

There is a big fundraising scheme to help fund veterinary support for endemic species such as the Seychelles Magpie Robin.  Wildlife Vets International, a British veterinary charity, aims to help the Seychelles islands and Mauritius's critically endangered birds and animals.

Hotel Updates:Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino

Construction Notice: Restaurant Closed for Renovations [UPDATED]

Further to the message below, the management of Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort and Spa would like to inform trade partners and the public that the restaurant is now open for lunch and dinner. 

Hotel Updates: Les Lauriers Eco Hotel & Restaurant

Temporary Restaurant Closure

The management of Les Lauriers Eco Hotel and Restaurant on Praslin would like to inform trade partners and members of the public that the restaurant will be closed until the 21st of December 2014 for its annual closure. 

Conservation Updates: Denis Private Island

Major Site for Mysterious seabirds discovered off Denis Island: the potential for a new form of eco-tourism

Article by: Adrian Skerrett, Island Conservation Society Seychelles

Tourism News: New Temporary Visa Requirements for some African States

UPDATED: Temporary Visa Requirement for Seychelles

Traditionally visitors to the Seychelles do not require a visa regardless of the nationality of the person. However, in view of the recent health concerns on the Ebola virus, the Public Health commissioner has announced certain travel restrictions.

Further to the above, the Department of Immigration and Civil Status has taken note of the seriousness of the health concern raised by the Public Health Commissioner has consequently introduced a temporary visa requirement for the nationals of the following countries:

Hotel Updates: Raffles Praslin Resort & Spa

Construction Notice: Urgent Maintenance Work at the Arrival area 

The management of Raffles Praslin Resort & Spa wish to inform you that as from today, we will be having Urgent Maintenance Work at the Arrival area/Arrival hall of the resort which will last until Wednesday, 3rd December 2014.

All private and company vehicles can drive in and proceed with picking up or dropping guests at the arrival/area hall.

Hotel Updates: Valmer Resort

Construction Notice: Minor Works Carried out in Parking Area

The management of Valmer Resort wish to inform you that minor repair and maintenance works are being carried out in the establishment's parking area.

The work site is far from any villas and should not create a disturbance, and the work that is carried out only between 9.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Saturday, will be completed by Friday the 12th of December 2014.

Hotel Updates: Crown Beach Hotel [Updated]

Renovations at Crown Beach Hotel 

Crown Beach Hotel Management wishes to inform all its partners that they are currently undergoing some minor touch up works in 2 of their rooms on the top floor. The touch ups needed urgent attention, hence the unforeseen plan and work program.

 Work is usually conducted between 10am and 4 pm and is due to be over by the 20th of December, and not the date as previously stated. 

 We wish to inform all our clients checking in to ensure that we still maintain a healthy  rapport with the guests. We regret the inconveniences that this may cause.

Hotel Updates: Denis Private Island

Denis Private Island Excels at  Luxury Travel Guide’s Global Awards 2014

Denis Private Island, Seychelles has been awarded ‘Best Luxury Private Accommodation’ in the Luxury Travel Guide’s Global Awards 2014.

The unique island hotel has also been featured in the 2014 Luxury Travel Guide - Africa &The Middle East Edition.

Read more CLICK HERE

Hotel Updates: Eden Bleu Hotel

Seychelles' Newest Hotel Opens for Business

As of November the 1st, the newest addition to the Eden Island Marina complex, Eden Bleu Hotel, is open for business.

Dubbed as 'Seychelles' first business hotel,' Eden Bleu is conveniently located a short distance from the Seychelles' International Airport, as well as the country's major business hubs of of Victoria, Providence and Port Victoria.

Hote Updates: L’Archipel Hotel

L’Archipel Hotel participates in the La Digue Offshore Fishing tournament 2014

 The popular hotel on Praslin, L’Archipel, participated in the 11th edition of the La Digue Offshore Fishing tournament to help support a worthwhile community project on La Digue.

This popular event organized by the Seychelles Sports Fishing Club (SSFC), saw the participation of 25 boats and over 200 keen anglers from Mahé, Praslin and La Digue

Construction Notice: Bernique Guesthouse

New Restaurant Under Construction

Bernique Guesthouse, La Digue, would like to inform that work is currently being carried out onsite in the construction of a new restaurant.

All work is carried out between 9:30am and 5:00pm, and all heavy, noise generating construction has already been finished. Currently wooden elements are being fitted and painting will commence soon so as to open the new restaurant - an added facility for guests - by the end of January 2015. 

Hotel Updates: Acajou Beach Resort

Acajou Beach Resort Readies for Grand Re-Opening

The Acajou Beach Resort (Seychelles) will re-open its doors on the 15th December, 2014 following the major renovation and expansion project that has been carried out over the past year, the resort has announced.

While the facilities, restaurants and vast majority of rooms will all be completed as scheduled in mid-November, the December opening date will allow additional time for the resort’s management to clear the grounds and continue landscaping works.

Hotel Updates: Chalets D’ Anse Forbans

Chalets D’ Anse Forbans Celebrates 20 Years Of Operation

It was 20  years  ago when Chalets d’ Anse  Forbans first opened for business.    The Seychellois managed and family run Self Catering Chalets are built on a former coconut plantation that has been in the family for generations. The location of the chalets is ideal as you are merely steps from the idyllic sandy beach of Anse Forbans. 

Conservation Updates

Mynas trapped on Denis Island to save rare endemic birds

The Green Islands Foundation is currently in the process of eradicating Common Myna birds from Denis Private Island as part of the GEF funded protected area project. Common Mynas cause problems worldwide and spread further every year, they are found on many islands within the Seychelles archipelago after being introduced from Mauritius in the 19th century. 

Hotel Updates: Hilton Seychelles Hotels

Hilton Seychelles Hotels Give Back to Local Community

In celebration of Hilton Worldwide’s third annual Global Week of Service, from October 19 – 25, more than 15 volunteers from Hilton Seychelles Hotels participated in painting a mural with Perseverance North Primary School. A total of 25 pupils joined us on Wednesday 22nd October 2014, to create a mural with a positive message for the students. Community service is an integral part of Hilton Worldwide’s culture, and volunteering occurs year-round across our portfolio of twelve distinct brands and more than 4,200 properties. 

Hotel Updates: Denis Private Island

A Slice of Private Paradise: Denis Private Island gets reviewed by the Travel Butlers

The Travel Butlers are safari holiday specialists offering tailor-made itineraries, friendly service, expert advice and affordable prices. The husband and wife team recently spent a night on Denis Private Island, and this is what they had to say, as told in their 5-Star review posted on Trip Advisor

Airline Updates: Air Seychelles & Etihad Airways

Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways Celebrate Growth

Air Seychelles and equity alliance partner Etihad Airways hosted a stunning cocktail reception at the Banyan Tree Resort on Thursday night to celebrate the on-going success of their partnership and the growth of the island carrier.

Updated Ferry Schedule

Mahé, Praslin and La Digue Ferry Schedule in Effect: 28th October 2014 to 31 March 2015

EIBTM 2014

Meeting Appointment Request for EIBTM from the 18th to 20th November 2014

Hotel Updates: Kempinski Seychelles Resort & Spa

Kempinski Seychelles Welcomes New General Manager

After successfully leading Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea for two years, Masami Egami joins Kempinski Seychelles Resort as the new General Manager. 

Airline Updates: Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways Unveils New Partnership Program, Air Seychelles Included

Etihad Airways has unveiled Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand which brings together like-minded airlines to offer customers more choice through improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.

Initially, six airlines will participate in the new partnership - airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, India’s Jet Airways, Darwin Airline, and Etihad Airways. 

Hotel Updates: Raffles Praslin Resort & Spa

Raffles Praslin receives accolade from Fodor's Travel 

For the second time Raffles Praslin has been listed in the "Top 100 Hotels in the World" by the prestigious Fodor’s Travel Guide.

Hotel Updates: Maia Luxury Resort and Spa

Renovations at Maia 's Tec Tec Restaurant 

Maia Luxury Resort and Spa wishes to inform you and your clients of an upcoming re-roofing project at the resort's Tec Tec Restaurant.

The resort will be re-thatching the Alang Alang, or Elephant Grass, roof of Tec Tec between the 17th October and the 9th November. During this time, there will be disruptions to the operating times of the restaurant.

Upcoming Events: Seychelles National Junior Fishing Tournament

Young Anglers Get Ready for 2nd Annual Seychelles National Junior Fishing Tournament 

The Seychelles Sports Fishing Club (SSFC) is organising its second National Junior Fishing Tournament on Saturday 22 November and is inviting all children aged between 7 and 16 years old to sign up for this exciting event.

Hotel Updates: Denis Private Island

Denis Private Island: Named One of the "Top 10 Romantic Seychelles Hotels"

Writer, Tim Ecott guides us through the Seychelles’ with his ‘Top 10 romantic Seychelles hotels’. As a frequent traveller to our islands, Mr Ecott is able to offer his take on some of the ideal honeymoon spots in this tropical archipelago of the Indian Ocean. Denis Private Island has without a doubt been mentioned, along with the likes of Fregate Island and North Island.

Seychelles in the Spotlight: Celebrities Seek Romance on our Shores

The Clooneys Choose Seychelles for their Honeymoon 

What better way to follow the wedding of the year than to honeymoon on an exclusive island in paradise Seychelles, far from the maddening crowds and safe from the prying eyes of international media.

Hotel Updates: Constance Lemuria Resort & Spa

Constance Lemuria Installs New Sushi Bar

A brand new sushi counter has been installed at the Legend pool bar at Constance Lémuria Resort & Spa.
The sushi menu is now available every Sunday for the  convenience and pleasure of their guests.

Conservation News: Constance Lemuria Resort & Spa

Lémuria Resort Contracts Expert to Help Save Sea Turtles

The three beaches of the Constance Lemuria Resort—Grand Anse Kerlan, Petite Anse Kerlan, and Anse Georgette—together host more nesting sea turtles than all other beaches of Praslin combined. In light of this huge significance to conservation, the management of the resort want to ensure the preservation  of this vital habitat.

Airline Updates: Air Seychelles

Air Seychelles Registers Solid Performance in First Half of 2014

Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, recently announced a strong first half-year 2014 (H1) financial performance, with double digit growth in revenue, passenger and cargo volumes, reflecting continued solid success in the airline’s business strategy.

Airline Updates: Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines Returns to Seychelles

Ethiopian Airlines has once again resumed its flight schedule to Seychelles, after having withdrawn from the island destination in March this year. 

The return of  "Africa's Airline of the year" was welcomed by both the Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture Alain St. Ange and the Seychelles Tourism Board's CEO Sherin Naiken, who attended the arrival of the first inbound flight, which landed on Monday.  

Hotel Updates: Constance Ephelia Resort & Spa

Constance Ephelia New Zealand Wine Festival 

Five winemakers will come to visit Ephelia between the 9th October 2014 and the 12 october 2014

New Zealand… Not only sauvignon blanc! Why this slogan?New Zealand is well known for it sauvignon blanc. On our wine dinners we are not using sauvignon blanc, that is why we decided to promote this event in introducing other grapes used in new Zealand.

Hotel Updates: Paradise Sun Hotel

Paradise Sun: A Culinary Fiesta

The Paradise Sun Hotel on Praslin is celebrating its culinary and cultural flair with various events in the line-up. 


Creole festival 25 – 31 October 2014

You can hear it in the music. You can feel it in the rhythm. You can taste it in the food. Festival Kreol is the biggest and most important event of the Seychelles cultural calendar. It offers the visitor a fascinating week full of the colours, sounds, flavours and fragrances of our corner of the Creole world. 

Hotel Updates: Constance Lemuria Resort & Spa

Constance Lemuria Partakes in Praslin Culinary & Arts Fiesta

Conctance Lemuria Resort and Spa recently took part in the Praslin Culinary and Arts Festival, held on Praslin Island, Seychelles.

Lemuria's culinary team, consisting of Hildy Sinon, Shariff Moustache and Jean Louven Sevattheean succeeded in winning the "Fish Dish" leg of the culinary competition, and the resort also walked away with the "Best Stall" award

Upcoming Events: World Climate Change Day

Octopus Dive Centre hosts presentation and informative dive experience

On the 21st of September,  for World Climate Change Day, Octopus Divers have organised a small presentation on Threats on Coral:  Learn and Act. 

The presentation will take place at 1:00 pm at the Octopus Diving Center on Praslin, followed by a dive to Therese Rock to the site of their project for the restoration of corals in that area.

Hotel Updates: Hilton Resorts Seychelles

Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa and Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa excel at the 21st Annual World Travel Awards

 The 21st Annual World Travel Awards has attributed five accolades to Hilton Hotels & Resorts in the Seychelles supporting further the testament of first choice for travellers seeking privacy, romance, luxury and an unforgettable experience in a paradisaical setting. 

Mason's Travel News

Mason's Travel opens new Jetty Office

Dear esteemed partners and travellers,

Mason’s Travel would like to inform you that we have recently opened our Mahé Jetty Office. located at Inter Island Quay on Mahé.

This office/additional service is the latest addition in our endeavour to continue to deliver the maximum assistance to our clients. 

Airline Updates: Air Seychelles

Madagascar Added to Air Seychelles' Growing Regional Network

Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, announced the launch of direct flights to Antananarivo, Madagascar, commencing 3 December 2014.*

The twice-weekly flights to the capital’s Ivato International Airport (TNR) will be operated using a two-class Airbus A320 aircraft with 16 Business Class and 120 Economy Class seats.
 

Hotel Updates: Raffles Praslin Resort & Spa

Raffles Praslin wins World Travel Award

For the 3rd consecutive year, Raffles Praslin, Seychelles, emerged victorious at the World Travel Awards, and was named “Seychelles’ Leading Hotel” for 2014.

Following a voting process involving tourism and hospitality professionals, the resort was noted for its exceptional facilities, seamless service and bespoke experiences.

Hotel Updates: Enchanted Island

Enchanted Island Resort wins World Travel Award

Enchanted Island Resort, the first international property in the JA Resorts & Hotels portfolio, received the prestigious title of Seychelles’ Leading Villa by the World Travel Award Africa & Indian Ocean. The winning villa was designed to reflect the unique charm of Creole architecture and merges in harmony with the natural landscape. 

Airline Updates: Air Seychelles

Air Seychelles to Launch Services to Dar Es Salaam

Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, today announced the launch of twice-weekly flights to Dar es Salaam to commence on 2 December 2014, marking the next stage of growth in the airline’s regional strategy.

The Tanzanian capital becomes the third destination in Air Seychelles’ Indian Ocean and African network, after Mauritius and Johannesburg.  The route will be operated using a two-class Airbus A320 aircraft with 16 Business Class and 120 Economy Class seats.