Industry News: Annual World Luxury Hotel Awards

Seven hotels and resorts in Seychelles honored with at the Annual World Luxury Hotel Awards Gala Ceremony

Once again, the Seychellois hospitality is fêted as seven establishments in Seychelles have been recognized for their excellence in the tourism industry at the Annual World Luxury Hotel Awards Gala Ceremony. The 12^th edition of the award took place on November 10, 2018 at the Ayana Resort and Spa in Indonesia, Bali.

Airport Updates: Payanke Lounge

Mason’s Travel welcomes the new Payanke Lounge

Mason’s Travel staff were invited to view the new Payanke Lounge last Friday. The team were keen to see the new addition to the airport, seeing that we receive numerous requests for a day-use lounge. We all know how tiring it can be to wait around an airport so the news that travelers can now have access to a lounge, is just an additional benefit to any Seychelles traveler. Guests can relax, have a meal and freshen up as they wait for their departure flights in the comfort of the Payanke Lounge.

Hotel Updates: North island

Jungle Bells On North Island

Christmas has come early on North Island this year. The hotel has surprised its Beach Buddies with a custom-built jungle gym. Perfectly timed for the festive season, it will keep the little ones busy for hours.

Hotel Updates: JA Enchanted Island Resort

Festive Season Special Offers at JA Enchanted Island Resort

The Christmas season is just around the corner and JA Enchanted Island Resort is feeling very festive this year. Mason’s Travel is pleased to introduce many special deals on offer and invites guests to join them for the special occasions and celebratory dinners.

Hotel Updates: Fregate Island Private

Offers Not To Be Missed On Fregate Island Private

For those who are dreaming of an exotic island getaway this cold festive season, Mason’s Travel has great news to share. From family and honeymoon offers to free night offers – there is no better time to book a dream holiday for 2019 on Fregate Island Private than now. 

Upcoming Events: MCB-Staysure 2018 Tour Season

Seychelles Tourism Board invites Golf enthusiasts to attend December event in Seychelles

Golf enthusiasts from around the world are invited to attend the final tour of the MCB-Staysure 2018 Tour Season, to take place in Seychelles between December 14^th and 16^th on the Island of Praslin.

Airline News: Ethiopians Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines Received ‘Best Airline in Africa’ Award For the 7^th Consecutive Year

Ethiopian Airlines has won 2018 Best Airline in Africa Award for the 7^th year in a row from African Airlines Association (AFRAA) on November 27, 2018 at the assembly’s 50^th annual general assembly being held in Rabat, Morocco.

Recent Events: Seychelles Ocean Festival 2018

Seychelles Tourism Board relaunches Seychelles Ocean Festival

As part of its mandate to revive the Seychelles Ocean Festival, the Seychelles Tourism Board relaunched the event over the weekend of November 23 to November 25, 2018.  The festivities were held as part of the global Year of the Reef campaign.

Traveler Information: The Inter Island Boats

The Inter Island Boats Achieved Its News ISO Certification

If you ever took a ferry in Seychelles, then you probably know Cat Cocos! The Inter Island Boats are happy to announce that they recently achieved its new ISO9001:2015 certificate, for their Quality Management System (QMS) from EXOVA BM Trada, UK!

Hotel Updates: Denis Private Island

Denis Private Island Earns Two Accolades at International Hotel Awards 

Denis Private Island has added a pair of international awards to its resumé, taking top Indian Ocean honours in two categories. With 25 free-standing cottages and a distinction for being more of a remote island retreat than typical hotel, Denis was named the World Luxury Hotel Awards’ Best Luxury Romantic property, as well as Best Luxury Boutique property.

Live the Seychelles Experience

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Seychelles

Stunning tropical beaches, lush hills, a laid-back tempo, warm weather and palm trees everywhere you go. If you’re dreaming of a tropical paradise that appears in countless adverts and glossy travel brochures, then you should definitely put Seychelles on your travel list and here are 10 reasons why.

Hotel Updates: Six Senses Zil Pasyon

Six Senses Zil Pasyon Welcomes Hospitality Graduate from St. Kitts

With the continued growth and expansion of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, the brand lends its support to growing and developing future hospitality leaders. 

As part of the upcoming resort development on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts, which is scheduled to open in 2021, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas and Range Developments has awarded a scholarship to a hospitality graduate from Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC). 

Seychelles Tourism News

Iconic Historical Landmark Reopens its Doors to Visitors in Victoria

Tourists coming to visit the exotic islands of Seychelles now have a new attraction to put on their to-do-list as the iconic Kenwyn House reopens its door as a gallery in the country’s small capital, Victoria.

Located on Francis Rachel Street, Kenwyn House is one of the few remaining French colonial style house left in the island nation. Built in 1855, it was home to the colony's chief examiner at the time, Dr. James Henry Brooks.

Hotel Updates: Denis Private Island

Denis Private Island Revises its Flight Schedule

Dear customers and trade partners, please note that due to further adjustments in the operational functions of Air Seychelles, Denis Private Island has revised its flight timings. This will be applicable as of the 28 October 2018. 

"Please be advised that as of Sunday 28th October 2018, the Denis Private Island scheduled flight will now depart Mahé at 11:20am instead of 12:05pm," explains a post on the hotel's website.

Mason's Travel News

Mason's Travel: Building a Stronger Team

For over 40 years, Mason’s Travel continues to deliver the highest standards of service to tourists from all over the world, on a daily basis. But have you ever wondered who’s behind the scenes of all this great work and how we keep our spirits up?

Hotel Updates: Les Lauriers Hotel and Restaurant

Temporary Closure of Les Lauriers Hotel

Dear customers and trade partners, please note that Les Lauriers Hotel, located in Anse Volbert Village, Praslin will be closed from the 1st of December to the 28th of February 2019 due to repair works.

Les Lauriers Restaurant, however, will remain open during the festive season from the 22nd of December to the 5th of January 2019.

Hotel Updates: Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare

The Secret to Kempinski Seychelles Resort’s Award-Winning Spa

On Saturday 27 October, Kempinski The Spa was once again recognised by the travel and tourism industry as Seychelles’ Best Resort Spa at the 4th Annual World Spa Awards Gala Ceremony in the Maldives. This is the third year running that Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare’s luxury spa has been awarded this outstanding industry accolade.

Hotel Updates: Bird Island Lodge

Changes to Flight Schedule to Bird Island

Dear customers and trade partners, please note that Bird Island Lodge has revised its flight timings. This will be applicable as of the 01st January 2019 onwards.

“Due to further adjustments in the operational functions of Air Seychelles, Bird Island Lodge’s flight times will be brought back by 25 minutes as of January 2019," explained a communiqué from the hotel.

Seychelles Tourism News

Travel Agents in Corsica Now in a Better Position to Sell the Enchanting Islands Following the Escapades Seychelles Roadshow

Travel Agents on the Ile de Beauté, Corsica, France are now in a better position to sell the enchanting islands of Seychelles after participating in the Escapades Seychelles Roadshow.

The show was held in the cities of Ajaccio and Bastia earlier on October 11, 2018 and October 12, 2018. It was the second time that this popular roadshow, carried out by the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Office in France with support of the Seychelles Trade partners, were present in these towns.  

Airline Updates: Air Seychelles

Air Seychelles Hosts 120 School Children On-Board Airbus A320 Aircraft

Air Seychelles, recently welcomed a group of 120 excited school children from Baie Lazare and Takamaka primary schools on an educational tour on-board the airline’s Airbus A320 aircraft at the Seychelles International Airport.

Seychelles Tourism News

Seychelles Tourism Board Launched Another Branded Taxi Campaign in French Capital Paris

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) brought some visual warmth to the French capital Paris with the launch of a branded taxi advertising campaign. Running through the autumn-winter promotional season, the campaign is part of STB’s communication plan for that period.

Seychelles Tourism News

Another Successful Nordic Roadshow: Seychelles Tourism Board Attracts New Agents

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) attracts new agents to sell the destination as it took to the road for the fifth Nordic Roadshow in five cities held between September 24 to September 28. Each day of the roadshow, STB and its partners took to a different city - Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Helsinki and Aarhus in Denmark - to meet the key players on the market.

Hotel Updates: Bliss Mahe Seychelles

Bliss Boutique Hotel Changes its Name

Important news for all of our partners and customers! We would like to announce that “Bliss Boutique Hotel” has now been renamed to “Bliss Mahe Seychelles”. This will be applicable from the 01st November 2018 onwards. 

The hotel is situated on the beachfront of Glacis along Mahé’s northwest coast and is offering spacious, elegantly decorated sea-facing rooms with access to a private beach and a naturally formed seawater swimming pool. 

Seychelles Tourism News

Seychelles Conquers Well-Frequented Irish Bridal Show

The Seychelles Islands made a big impact at the Wedding Journal Show in Belfast.
The destination stood out as the sole honeymoon destination to be exhibiting at the event, which took place at the Titanic Exhibition Centre 29th - 30th September 2018.

The autumn Wedding Journal show returned with an increased number of wedding and honeymoon products and services all under one roof to help newly engaged visitors plan their big day.

Seychelles Fishing News

Alphonse Island Fishing News: A Great Start to the Season

The neap to spring tidal movement for the week afforded us great opportunity to target most of the anglers favoured quarry. 

The season began with some very familiar names on the cards, all of which new what stood ahead of them. The guides where rearing to go and even though the weather didn't play its parts both the guests and the guides pushed through and produced some impressive results.

Hotel Updates: Pied Dans L'eau

Temporary Closure of Pied Dans L'eau: 01.06.2019 - 30.06.2019

Please note that Pied Dans L'eau, on Mahé Island, Seychelles,  will be closed for renovation works from  1st of June 2019  until 30th June 2019 . The hotel will reopen on the first of July 2019. 

Hotel Updates: H Resort Beau Vallon Beach Seychelles

The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach Seychelles Wins at World Travel Awards 2018

The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach was awarded the title of Seychelles' Leading Green Resort 2018 at the 25th Annual World Travel Awards Gala Ceremony which was held at the International Convention Centre in Durban, South Africa on October 6, 2018. 

Airline News: Air Seychelles

Air India and Air Seychelles Sign New Codeshare Agreemenent 

Air India and Air Seychelles are now offering travellers enhanced connections on their respective networks following the signing of a codeshare agreement between both airlines yesterday, Thursday, 4 October, 2018.

Under this new codeshare agreement, Air India will place its “AI” code on Air Seychelles regional services between Mumbai to the Seychelles and Johannesburg. In turn, Air Seychelles will place its “HM” code on Air India domestic services to eight cities including Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Kochi, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Trivandrum and also on its international services between Mumbai and Bangkok.

Seychelles Tourism News

Seychelles and Sri Lanka Celebrate 30 Years of Successful Diplomatic Relations

A cocktail event was held at the Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo on Friday September 21, 2018 to commemorate this 30th anniversary since the two countries established diplomatic relations.

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) joined forces with the Seychelles High Commissioner, for Sri Lanka, Mr Conrad Mederic, in celebrating the memorable event.

Seychelles Tourism News

Seychelles Participates in 2018 IFTM Top Resa Exhibition -  France’s Main International Trade Fair Dedicated to Tourism

Seychelles targets increased visibility and further growing the French market as it participates in the 40th edition of the IFTM Top Resa Trade FairThe 40th Edition of IFTM Top Resa was held at the Porte de Versailles in the French capital Paris.

The Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine, Honourable Didier Dogley led the island destination’s 12-member delegation to the event. 

Seychelles Tourism News

Minister Dogley Pays Visit to German STB Office and Experiences Travel-Agent Event

The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) team in Germany has been honoured to host the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Didier Dogley in Frankfurt.

Minister Dogley started off his official visit to few STB offices in Europe on his way to the IFTM Top Resa tourism fair in Paris, France.

Hotel Updates: Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove

Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove Welcomes New General Manager

Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove  has welcomed Marc Wozniak as the new General Manager to the Mahé Island based hotel. 

Marc completed his hospitality apprenticeship in Germany and has since been able to gain professional experience in Europe, America, Asia and Africa.

Hotel Updates: Auberge Anse Boileau

Breathing New Life into Auberge Anse Boileau

Since 2016 Michael & Lyn Lavigne have been the proprietors of the Auberge. In mid 2016 they embarked on a gradual renovation of both the front and back of house.

 

In late 2017, the restaurant had a minor refurb with a new roof, refreshed wooden furniture and a brighter look, with wonderful vibrantly coloured walls and new décor. 

Airline Updates: Edelweiss Air

Swiss Leisure Airline, Edelweiss Air Adds its Name as Third Non-Stop European Flight to Serve Seychelles

The A340-300 airbus, Melchsee Frutt was welcomed by the customary water canon salute upon its arrival at the Pointe Larue airport in Seychelles.

After a 9-hour flight from the airport of Zurich, Edelweiss Air, owned by Swiss International Air Lines and affiliate of the Lufthansa Group landed at 10 am on Sunday September 23, 2018 with some 300 passengers on-board.

Seychelles Tourism News

Seychelles Delegation to Attend IFTM TOP RESA Trade Fair in Paris France 

The Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine Mr. Didier Dogley and the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive Mrs. Sherin Francis, will both shortly be heading to France to attend the IFTM Top Resa International Trade Tourism Exhibition.  

Hotel Updates: Hilton Hotels Seychelles

The Hilton Labriz Jetty at Belombre Witnessed the Launching of the #ilovekradioSeychelles Radio Competition

The launch of the radio competition took place on Friday 14th September 2018 at the Hilton Labriz Lounge Jetty at Bel Ombre.

Seychelles Tourism News

Seychelles Welcomes the Final Event of the Staysure 2018 Tour Season in December

Officially announced in May this year in a press conference in London; Seychelles will be hosting the closing the international golf tournament Staysure 2018 Tour Season in December.

Hotel Updates: Hilltop Boutique Hotel

Updates from Hilltop Boutique Hotel

After four years of operation, Hilltop Boutique Hotel on Mahé Island, have a announced a series of changes and improvements recently, or soon to be, implemented.
Find below a list of these changes provided by Irene Fonseka, Managing Director of the establishment. 

Hotel Updates: La Digue Island Lodge

La Digue Island Lodge Renovates "Yellow House"

La Digue Island Lodge is now ready to allow its guests to enjoy the unique experience of its iconic "Yellow House."

The recently renovated “Yellow House,” the famous La Digue colonial house which dates back to the 1900s, is now back in operation and ready to welcome future guests. 

Hotel Updates: Six Senses Zil Payson

Six Senses Zil Payson Invites Groups and Familise with the Opening of Their 3-Bedroom and 4-Bedroom Luxury Villas

Six Senses Zil Payson announced that their 3-Bedroom and 4-Bedroom luxury villas are open and offer modern and award winning designed accommodation for families and larger groups. The architecture is spectacular and recently won the Prix de Versailles  2018, which you can read more about here.

Hotel Updates: Cerf Island Resort

Cerf Island Resort Scoops Two Industry Awards

Cerf Island Resort has announced that the establishment has once again been recognized with a 2018 Certificate of Excellence, based on the consistently great reviews that they have earned on TripAdvisor - the world's largest travel site.

The resort has also announced that they are a winner in the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2018. The official announcements of the category details and the annual gala awards ceremony will take place at the Ayana Resort and Spa in Bali, in  November. 

Hotel Updates: Six Senses Zil Pasyon

And the winner is…Zil Pasyon at 2018 Prix Versailles

Six Senses Zil Pasyon has been named the winner of the 2018 Prix Versailles for Hotel Exteriors, following on from the announcement as continental winner, Africa and West Asia, for hotels in the Special prize Exterior 2018 category.

The Prix Versailles recognizes the most remarkable architectural structures, both interior and exterior, across a range of developments. 

Hotel Updates: Le Duc de Praslin

Le Duc de Praslin Announces New Extension Project

Le Duc de Praslin launches extension of 20 new modern deluxe rooms with state of the art rooftop gym, architectural swimming pool & luxurious spa

Le Duc de Praslin Hotel & Villas has started an extension project adjacent to the hotel on the grounds of the old standard rooms at the far northern end of the property.

The project is expected to take 10 months to complete with an opening date set for August 2019. The operation of the hotel will not be affected and guests will be able to benefit from all the hotel’s existing facilities.

Hotel Updates: Kempinski Seychelles Resort

Helping Would-be Grooms to Pop the Question in Style: Kempinski Seychelles Resort Launches Menu of Marriage Proposals  

“Bubbly Moments” is the title of a selection of marriage proposals launched by Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare giving would-be grooms plenty of time to book the perfect winter-break proposal in paradise and pop THE question in style. The highlight of this collection is the “Best of Seychelles Aerial Proposal”, which includes a three-day luxury island-itinerary with a proposal from a helicopter. 

Hotel Updates: Indian Ocean Lodge

Indian Ocean Lodge Notches TripAdvisor Award 

Excellent guest reviews have awarded the Indian Ocean Lodge on the Seychelles island of Praslin with TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for 2018. 

The annual awards scheme of the world’s leading travel website, the Certificate of Excellence programme has been honouring hospitality businesses that deliver consistently great service across the world since 2011. 

Seychelles Fishing News: A1 Fishing

August Update from A1 Fishing

A1 Fishing Update- with a quiet month of June/July, fishing has picked up in the last 3 weeks and both our boats Alati and Special K having some good fishing going 3-5 Blue Marlin and 18-37 sailfish on the billfish side. Some nice size yellow fin tuna (25kgs+) and a couple of Dorados.

More great fishing days outlined below: 

Hotel Updates: Hilton Hotels Seychelles

Hilton Hotels Seychelles  Opens New Labriz Lounge & Bar

Hilton Hotels Seychelles has recently opened to guests and the public their Labriz Lounge at The Hilton Jetty at Bel Ombre on Mahé Island, Seychelles.

With a weekly lineup of entertaining events,  a stunning location and a large selection of refreshing beverages, Labriz Lounge is worth a visit if spending time on Mahé. 

Conservation Updates: Denis Private Island

The Denis Survivors’ Club: Trans-Located Birds Given New Lease On Life

The populations of two once critically endangered bird species in Seychelles are at their most stable since before mankind colonised the Indian Ocean archipelago, in part thanks to their new home on Denis Island. Populations of both bird species are thriving on the island as a result of restored native habitats on Denis and an extensive monitoring programme carried out by the resident conservation organisation Green Islands Foundation (GIF).

Seychelles in the Spotlight

Five Seychelles resorts featured in the 2018 Condé Nast Traveler China Gold List

Seychelles’ hospitality industry has once again been thrown into the spotlight, as five Seychelles resorts have been bestowed with a prestigious travel award in China.

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Frégate Island Private, Maia Luxury Resort & SPA, North Island and Six Senses Zil Pasyon, are featured among the recipients of the 2018 Condé Nast Traveler China Gold List awards.

Hotel Updates: Six Senses Zil Pasyon

Six Senses Zil Pasyon Welcomes Resort Manager & Executive Chef
Bryce Seator and Christian Pedersen Join the Resort’s Executive Team

Bryce Seator joins Six Senses Zil Pasyon as resort manager, bringing 15 years of international hospitality experience. Bryce will oversee daily operations for the private island resort. Prior to moving to Seychelles, Bryce served as executive assistant manager of rooms at Six Senses Zighy Bay.