Mason's Travel News

Mason's Travel Participates in STB Treasure Hunt

A team of Mason's Travel employees recently participated in the Seychelles Tourism Board's annual Treasure Hunt.

This fun event sees teams from local Destination Management Companies (DMCs), as well as from the Seychelles Tourism Academy, participate in a treasure hunt through the streets of Victoria, the nations' capital.

Hotel Updates: Le Meridien Fisherman's Cove

Le Meridien Fisherman's Cove Welcomes New GM

Le Meridien Fisherman's Cove, on Mahé Island, Seychelles, is delighted to announce the appointment of  Mr. Romain Chanet as their new General Manager, as of 7th July 2015.

Romain joins the team after a successful tenure as hotel manager for Le Meridien Ile des Pins, New Caledonia, a position he has held since  April 2013.

Ferry Schedules: Cat Cocos

Temporary Changes to Cat Cocos Ferry Schedule

Please take note that the technical stop of Isle of La Digue has been extended until 15th October 2015.

Please see below for the amendments to the ferry schedule. We will keep you updated on any further changes.
 

Fly Fishing in Seychelles

The Seychelles Fly Fishing Season Commences Shortly

Article Courtesy the Alphonse Fishing Company


May 2015 marked the end of the incredible 2014/2015 seasons as we wrapped up at Alphonse, Desroches, Astove and Cosmoledo. Our fleets of boats were hibernated, the gear packed away and guides sent home to recharge their batteries. Four months have passed and our teams are back at the various destinations and in full swing with pre-season preparations.

Hotel Updates: Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa

Updated Ferry Times Between Mahé and Silhouette Island for Hilton Labriz Guests

Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa  have updated the schedule for their ferry that runs between their transit lounge on Mahé Island and the resort on Silhouette Island.

Please see below for the updated schedule:

Hotel Updates: Raffles Praslin, Seychelles

Raffles Praslin Seychelles Named in the Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Awards

Raffles Praslin Seychelles, the luxury resort on Praslin Island, Seychelles, has been named in the Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Awards as the one of the best hotels in Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean

Hotel Updates: Cerf Island Resort

September Update from Cerf Island Resort, Seychelles

Nestled into the lush hillside overlooking the sea, Cerf Island Resort is a cluster of 24 lovely spacious villas, each of which have been built to high standards and designed to blend into the naturally elegant surroundings.

Here is an update from the resort regarding recent projects that they have undertaken to improve guest experience:

Industry News: Seychelles for the Chinese Market

Chinese Press Delegation on Visit to Seychelles

A 10-member delegation representing the Chinese press are in Seychelles on an 8-day visit to explore, experience, and capture the unique beauty of these islands.

Their mission here is to photograph and video shoot the various unique points of Seychelles. Pcpop.com, xitek.com, pchome.com, zol.com, Breadtrip, and Travel and Photography are the media being represented on this trip. One of China’s rising stars in photography is also part of the group.

Hotel Updates: Indian Ocean lodge

Indian Ocean Lodge Once Again Sponsors Next Hot Model UK 2015

Following the coveted Grand Final at The Grand Hotel, Brighton on 4th September 2015, aspiring models Layla Harris and Will Glover have been crowned the male and female winners of the hallowed Next Hotel Model UK 2015 competition, walking away with a life-changing two year modelling contract with FIRST Model Management and a destination photoshoot in The Seychelles.

Live the Seychelles Experience . . . Scuba Diving in Paradise!

Scuba diving in Seychelles' Outer Islands with Ocean Odysseys

Article By Cedric Charlaix

Inhabited by a handful of humans, dominated by birds and tortoises, the outer islands of Seychelles start to appear after a few days crossing from Mahé. For the experienced scuba  diver, the different groups of islands offer some of the best dive sites in the Indian Ocean, and according to some, the world.

Special Announcement: Aldabra Atoll Expedition

Ocean Oddyseys:  An Opportunity to Sell/Visit this Iconic Destination

After several years that the Aldabra group of atolls was not visited, Ocean Odysseys has returned with a batch of successful cruises and fly-fishing expeditions to the remote islands.

This February, MV Maya’s Dugong left Port Victoria for  the first 14-nights ECO expedition of 2015.

Hotel Updates: Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino

Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino Announce Recent Improvements

Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino is pleased to announce several  updates at the  resort which we have  implemented in efforts to  improve the  product offerings for  all of their guests.

Hotel Updates: Banyan Tree Seychelles

Temporary Closure to Saffron Restaurant: 17 - 30 September 2015

Banyan Trees Seychelles has announced that the resort is currently in the process of renovating and upgrading their Saffron Restaurant

Maintenance to this restaurant will take place effective 17 - 30 September 2015. This activity will result in no inconveniences towards any guests in terms of noise. The following changes have been made to mitigate for the renovations: 

Ferry Schedule

Temporary Amendment to Cat Cocos Ferry Schedule: 18 - 30 September 2015

Attention trade partners and travellers, Cat Cocos has announced a temporary change in their ferry schedules for the period between 18 - 30 September 2015.

To view the updated timings, please see below:

Ferry Schedules: Cat Cocos

Changes to Cat Cocos Ferry Schedule as of November 2015

Please be advised that as of 01 November 2015, the Cat Cocos ferry will be running on a new timetable. 

The current schedule will remain in affect up until and including 31 October 2015.

Attractions and Activities

New Aquarium Opens in Seychelles

A new aquarium in has opened in Seychelles, offering tourists and locals alike the opportunity to discover the amazing secrets of the underwater world without even getting their feet wet.

Eden Aquarium, which is situated in the Eden Plaza mall on Eden Island just off the eastern coastline of the Seychelles’ main island of Mahé, opened last week, with an official launch ceremony.

Competition: Win a Trip to Seychelles

Seychelles Tourism Board announces imminent international ‘My Seychelles Experience’ video competition

Prize: An all-inclusive, super VIP holiday in Seychelles.

The CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Sherin Naiken, announced an imminent international video competition at the tourism Board stand at the National Show on 29th June. In the company of Minister for Tourism & Culture, Alain St. Ange, P.S. for Tourism, Anne Lafortune and members of the press she gave details of the competition which is due to commence on July 29th.

Live the Seychelles Experience

With Mason's Travel and Enchanted Island Resort

Enchanted Island Resort, now open since August 2014, is a luxury boutique hotel with only 10 Villas on the small Round Island off the eastern coast of Mahé. As you make way for your 10 minute journey from Mahé into the Sainte Anne Marine Park, one would never assume that this islet hosts an award winning Resort , let alone an outstanding restaurant.

Hotel Updates: Le Domaine de La Reserve

Temporary Closure of Le Domaine de La Reserve

Please note that Le Domaine de La Reserve on Praslin Island, will be temporarily closing as from 14th to 22nd December 2015 (both dates inclusive) for General Maintenance on all facilities and common areas.

Airline Updates: Ethiopian Airlines

Temporary change to flight schedule between Seychelles and Ethiopia

Please be advised that departure time of ET878 from 10sep-24oct is revised per below set up time: 

Mason's Travel Partner Hub

New Video Gallery Section Added to Mason's Travel Partner Hub Website

We are pleased to announce that we have added a new video gallery section to our Partner Hub website. This function is now live on the website, and there are two galleries to view: one for Mason's Travel company and destination videos, and another for hotel and resort videos.

Competition: Win a 3 Night Stay in Seychelles

Win 3 Nights in a Private Villa  at Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa

Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa is giving you the opportunity to win a 3 night stay for two in a private villa at the exclusive resort, situated on Silhouette Island, Seychelles. The competition is currently running on popular social media network, Facebook.

To participate in the Hilton Labriz September Competition, you need to follow the below steps:

Airline Updates: Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines Posts More Profit Than All Other African Carriers Combined

Ethiopian Airlines’ $175 million profit for the 2014/15 fiscal year is more than what the rest of Africa’s airline industry posted over the same period. Ethiopian Airlines has been the most profitable in Africa for several years, exceeding its revenue and profit targets for the fiscal  year.

Activities and Attractions

Redevelopment of Mission Lodge (Venn's Town) Underway

The Seychelles Heritage Foundation has commenced works on the re-development project at the Mission Lodge. The works will be aimed at enhancing the service and infrastructure to future guests.

At this stage the works are being carried out close to the car park entrance. Guests can still enter from here and visit the Lodge with minor interruption.

Conservation News

The GEF-SGP Shark Project: Specimens Donated to Natural History Museum

According to the National Plan of Action for Conservation and Management of Sharks, the shark population of Seychelles has dramatically declined over the years. It was thus fitting that the Natural  History Museum of Seychelles was presented with a collection of 17 shark species last Friday at a  ceremony that also marked the end of the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) shark project. 

Conservation: Denis Private Island

Memoirs from our conservation volunteers

6:00am wake up; 6:30am breakfast; 7:00am work; 11:45am lunch; 2:00pm back to work; 4:30pm finish work; 6:15pm dinner; 9:30pm bed; Repeat.

This is the everyday routine for the two Canadian conservation volunteers, Jodi Crawford and Chelsea Lefler, who have been working for GIF on Denis Island for ten weeks now. Although their routine may seem mundane, the hours between fuelling up on food and falling into bed are anything but. 

Hotel Updates: New Property: Deckenia

Mason's Travel Welcomes Deckenia to Our Portfolio

As of early 2015, Mason's Travel has added another property to our accommodation portfolio - Deckenia, offering accommodation on Praslin Island, Seychelles.

Privately situated on the beachfront of Anse Gouvernement, Deckenia is a luxurious villa offering five bedrooms with a central infinity pool as well as 2 private pools for the bedrooms overlooking the beachfront.

Industry News

Seychelles Tourism moves to consolidate its presence in India

Seychelles Tourism moves to consolidate its presence in India as Air Seychelles announces India Rupees 33,000 fares (inclusive of all taxes) between Mumbai and Seychelles

Tourist Attractions: Mission Lodge

Upgrading and Adding More Cultural Value to Mission Lodge 

In an attempt to improve the visitors’ experience whilst conserving the authenticity of Mission Lodge - one of Seychelles’ most valuable heritage sites - four local leading construction companies  have pledged their support to help bring back this site to its original splendour.

Hotel Updates: Surfers Beach Restaurant & Self-Catering Chalets

Temporary Closure of Restaurant

Surfers Beach Restaurant & Self-Catering Chalets has advised that the restaurant will be closed for a period between 04 September and 07 October 2015.

During this period the hotel will not  be offering accommodation on a Bed & Breakfast basis;  all bookings  must be made only on EP (Room only) basis.