Travel Bulletin Indian Ocean Supplement 2013

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Indian Ocean

Your one-stop guideto all the latest news and developments

in the Indian Ocean

All About the

January 2013

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If a client walks into your agency in search of a holiday thatwill deliver limitless luxury a million miles away from theireveryday life, but they are restricted to a certain budget,

would you suggest one of the many resorts in the Indian Ocean?The chances are that, a few years ago, hotels in Mauritius, the

Maldives or the Seychelles may not have been top of your list ofrecommendations. However, today, with more and more five-starresorts offering all-inclusive options, the Indian Ocean is becomingmore accessible for your customers who want affordable luxury.

The all-inclusive options allow clients to budget for their entireholiday, and is more of a priority now more than ever.

Operators such as Hayes and Jarvis and Enchanting Holidays haveseen an increase in demand for resorts in destinations such asMauritius on the back of hotels introducing all-inclusive packages.

Juliet Darlington, Hayes and Jarvis Indian Ocean productmanager, said that Mauritius in particular has been working hardto offer price-competitive luxury, all-inclusive holidays. “As thedemand for value increases, all-inclusive – at all price points –looks certain to be the way forward for the region”.

Shafique Cockar, head of product, contracting and marketing atEnchanting Holidays echoes this feeling and said that hoteliersare contacting him on a daily basis to find out what offers areselling so that they continue to deliver what guests can afford,

So with affordable luxury and value being the key buzz phrasesfor the Indian Ocean in 2013, in this supplement, we find out allagents need to know about what’s happening in the Seychelles,the Maldives and Mauritius with a regional round-up looking atthe growth in demand for other destinations in the region such asMadagascar and Sri Lanka.

With new resorts opening, more established hotels adding newaccommodation options and operators introducing twin centreson the back of new flights, 2013 looks set to be a busy one forthe Indian Ocean. Ensure you are fully briefed on all thesedevelopments by making the most of our All About the IndianOcean supplement.

Angela CroninSupplements editor

Indian Ocean

Welcome

All About the Indian Ocean 3

Published by

Lower Ground Floor, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX

Tel: 020-7834 6661Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe

Written and researched by: Angela CroninEmail: [email protected]

Design/Layout: Genaro Santos & Nicky ValsamakisPrinted by: Premier Press

Cover Picture: ANGSANA VELAVARU Resort and SpaISSN: 0956-2419

CONTENTS

8 - The Maldives

4 - Seychelles

12 - Mauritius

14 - Regional round-up

All About the


4

The dream destination

From luxury hotels with world-class spas to breathtaking scenery thatprovides the perfect backdrop to a romantic break, Seychelles TourismBoard consultant Glynn Burridge sheds some light on why theSeychelles is the perfect holiday destination

Since that distant time when the115 granite and coral islands thatmake up the Seychelles became

scattered over a secluded corner of theIndian Ocean, they have remainedsanctuaries for some of the rarestspecies of flora and fauna on earth. Sorare, that the Vallée de Mai whichnurtures the legendary coco-de-mer,was once thought to be the original siteof the biblical Garden of Eden.

The islands are also synonymous withstunning natural beauty, the wonderfulharmony enjoyed by the multi-ethnicsociety and a near perfect climate wherethe temperature is always somewherebetween 24 and 33 degrees celsius,earning the islands a reputation as ‘landof perpetual summer’.

The Seychelles Islands’ brand, theSeychelles Islands… another worldechoes the grand diversity, awesomenatural beauty and cultural vibrancy thatcharacterise the Seychelles holidayexperience. And today, with enhanced airaccess to Europe, Africa and Asiaprovided by airlines such as Emirates,Qatar, Etihad, Air Seychelles, Ethiopian,Kenya Airways, Condor and Transaero,Seychelles is effectively just one stopfrom anywhere on the planet and

accessible as never before.The Seychelles Islands…another

world, is the embodiment of theconcept that Seychelles remains one ofthe purest, most environmentally intactdestinations on earth offering a greatdiversity of experiences and acceptingaround only 200,000 visitors a year.

Certainly, one of the Seychelles’greatest assets is the exotic assortmentof its multitude of islands and thevariety they offer to visitors wishing totake in a selection of islands during thecourse of their stay.

Room with a viewOut of all of the 115 islands, currentlyonly 16 have hotels, several of whichoffer the most luxurious amenities and allof which possess their own naturalcharm. They offer everything from theopulence of world-famous, five-starresorts to the picturesque charms ofaffordable smaller hotels, Creole guesthouses and self-catering accommodation.

International hotel chains such asHilton, Le Meridien, Four Seasons,Kempinski and Banyan Tree alreadyoperate hotels on the islands with othersincluding Emirates looking to constructnew hotels. The islands of Bird and Denis

located to the north of Mahé, Frégate tothe east and Desroches to the south eachoffer diverse and unforgettable islandexperiences.

Nature’s wayEqually, the wonderful variety ofSeychelles’ flora and fauna with its highproportion of endemic species nurturedwithin one of nature’s last pristinesanctuaries makes it an excitingdestination for naturalists, ornithologistsand eco-tourists alike.

There are a number of specimens thatare endemic to the Seychelles, whichinclude: the jellyfish tree, with only eightsurviving examples; the wondrous coco-de-mer; the Seychelles paradiseflycatcher, and 13 species and 17 sub-species of bird life.

The Vallée de Mai, once thought to bethe original site of the Garden of Eden,and legendary Aldabra, the world’slargest raised coral atoll, are bothUNESCO World Heritage Sites. From thesmallest frog to the heaviest land tortoiseand the only flightless bird of the IndianOcean, the Seychelles boasts an amazingarray of endemic and indigenous specieswaiting to be discovered along its severalnature trails.

All About the Indian Ocean

Frégate Island Private is an island retreat that involves guests in itsecological ethos during their time in this exclusive hideaway


All at seaWith 115 diverse islands spread across an area of 8.75 millionsq miles of sparkling waters, it is easy to understand whyseafarers believe that God created the Seychelles with the sailorin mind. Chartering a yacht provides perhaps the mostrewarding way of discovering the hidden treasures of thearchipelago at one’s own pace and whim, cruising in cyclone-free waters and enjoying a dazzling array of inner islands withgolden beaches fringed by warm, turquoise waters.

It should not be overlooked that the Seychelles has some ofthe richest fishing grounds in the world and you do not have toventure far from the shoreline to break fishing records.Seychelles boasts one of the most varied catches on the planetwhich varies from sailfish, whaoo and tuna to barracuda,trevally, streaker and even the mighty marlin.

Underwater adventuresWith so many islands scattered across the Indian Oceanbetween 4º and 10º south of the equator, it is little wonder thatanother of the Seychelles’ outstanding resources lies in theimpressive diving opportunities it offers to experienced andnovice divers alike. Myriad dive sites promise a marineextravaganza as diverse and vibrant as it is unique.

This living aquarium enjoys comfortable year-roundtemperatures of between 24º and 30º celsius and lies outsidethe cyclone belt. Colourful reef fish, octopus, lobster and turtleflash in the shallows surrounding the inner islands, while moreadventurous dives offshore include the Ennerdale wreck androcks that are the playground for larger groupers and stingrays.

Love is in the airNo account of the Seychelles’ riches can be consideredcomplete without mention of its reputation as ‘the islands oflove’ and it is little wonder that lovers are inspired to take theirvows and wed in this gentle and romantic atmosphere. SensualSeychelles creates the idyllic ambience for an unforgettablewedding day or honeymoon beneath swaying palms alongsidesilken waters fringed by the silver-soft sands of discreet islandhideaways as has been endorsed by the recent honeymoon ofthe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and a host of VVIP’sbesides.

Business and pleasureAll in all, you can’t get much further away from the maddingcrowd. And it’s amazing how blue skies and white beachescan clear the mind and inspire the imagination. That is whyas a venue for small conferences and select companyincentives, the Seychelles represents a powerful partnership

of business and pleasure. For today’s weary traveller, fatigued from the stresses and

strains of an unrelenting modern lifestyle, the Seychelles spaand wellness experience represents a powerful antidoteoffering soothing treatments designed to melt away thestresses and strains of modern living, energise the weary bodyand nurture the soul. Whether nestling in dreamy,

“One of the Seychelles’greatest assets is the exotic

assortment of its islandsand the variety they offer”

The fruit from the legendary coco-de-mer palm tree, endemic to the Seychelles

Seychelles


A luxury eco retreat in the Seychelles has teamed up with theZoological Society of London to launch an Ecologist for a Dayexperience and a new Island Wildlife book, both of which willhelp to raise funds for ZSL’s vital conservation projectsaround the world.The new book about Frégate Island’s rare and exotic species isavailable at the ZSL Gift Shop at London Zoo. The luxury hideaway’s Ecologist for a Day package offers guestsof all ages the opportunity to join the island’s 40-strong ecologyteam and participate in a number of activities including:overnight beach patrols to observe and monitor turtle nesting,egg laying and hatching during nesting season; observation andmonitoring of the world’s seventh rarest bird, the criticallyendangered Seychelles magpie robin; coral reef monitoring;planting endemic trees as part of the island’s ongoingreforestation programme; clearing ‘alien’ vegetation and helpingendemic species to flourishGuests can also join the Adopt-a-Tortoise programme, whichis designed to safeguard the juvenile Aldabra giant tortoise –a project that has seen Frégate Island Private become hometo the second largest population of this rare species oftortoise in the world.

Sample product: Elegant Resorts offers seven nights for theprice of six from £10,500 per person based on twosharing a one-bedroom villa on a full board basis, flights andhelicopter transfers.

Frégate Island teams up with ZSL


mountainside pavilions overlooking the ocean or occupyingstylish niches within the luxurious cocoons of five-starresorts, the spas in the Seychelles offer natural elegance andrefinement in pristine surroundings promising the ultimatevoyage of personal transformation.

There are also great golfing opportunities available on theislands with a nine-hole course on Mahé and an 18-holechampionship course on Praslin offering a sublime golfingexperience combined with stunning panoramas of virginforest and azure ocean.

The Seychelles has all this to offer and more but perhaps itsmost enduring attraction is the security it offers and itsenviable pace of life amid the tranquillity and multi-racialharmony of the islands.

Here, cocooned within the reassuring atmosphere of a largefamily, there is still ‘time to enjoy’ the finer things of life andto appreciate the elements of a truly refreshing Creoleculture and enviable island lifestyle.

Get the lowdown

6All About the Indian Ocean

Geography: 115 islands make up the Seychelles, 41 Inner Islandsconstitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth whilea further 74 form the five groups of low-lying coral atolls and reefislets that are the Outer Islands.Best time to go: the temperature rarely drops below 24°C or risesabove 32°C. It is generally cooler when the northwest tradewinds blow during the months of November to March. The sea isgenerally calm and the weather warm and humid. The months ofMay to October bring drier, cooler weather, and livelier seas.Time difference: +4 hours in our winter, three in the summer.Language: there are three official languages in Seychelles:Creole, English and French. Religion: Roman Catholicism remains the dominant religion ofSeychelles. Inoculations: none are required

Operators that feature the Seychelles include: Abercrombie &Kent Travel; Bales Worldwide; Beachcomber Tours; Cox & KingsTravel; Elegant Resorts; Explore; Exsus Travel; Hayes & Jarvis; ITCClassics; Kuoni; Ramblers Worldwide Holidays; Travel 2; W&OTravel; and Virgin Holidays. This is not a fully-inclusive list.Getting there: airlines that serve the capital Mahe include:Air Seychelles; Air Austral; Emirates Airlines; Ethiopian Airlines;Etihad Airways; Kenya Airways; Qatar Airways; andTransaero Airlines.Flight time: 13 hoursCurrency: the Seychelles rupee.Tipping: most restaurants, hotels, taxis, porters, etc alreadyinclude a 5%-10% service charge or "tip" and so tipping is notobligatory in Seychelles.For more details: www.seychelles.travel

Seychelles

A holiday in the Seychelles isn’t completewithout a visit to the Vallee de Mai forest

The exclusive island retreat of Desroches has teamed upwith the Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge in thenorthwest province of South Africa to offer a 10-nightBush and Beach package. The offer includes four nightsat the game reserve of Madikwe Hills watching out forthe big five followed by six nights at Desroches. Pricesstart at €5,920 per person and includes accommodationbut not international flights.

The Banyan Tree, Seychelles has a ‘seven nights for theprice of five offer’ based on selected departures.Prices start at £2,835 per person – a saving of £1,500 percouple based on two sharing a hillside pool villa on abed and breakfast basis, with flights and transfers.

News in brief


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8

No limits on luxuryJust when you think the Maldives couldn’t offer anything more exotic andextravagant, the destinations raise the bar to a whole new level

When it comes to luxury, theresorts in the Maldives arealways trying to push the

boundaries to stay ahead of the game.The hotels and their island paradises

have built up a reputation for having thewow factor – from underwaternightclubs to villas with glass-bottomedfloors and 24-hour butler service – whilestill delivering affordable luxury.

The resorts have faced toughcompetition from other destinationsaround the world which have been quickto ensure they add value for their guestsin tough economic times with offers,such as free upgrades to half-board andcredits to use in their spas or otheractivities.

The luxury hotels in the Maldives havefought back and introduced premium,all-inclusive packages to attract visitors,which operators are saying have provedto be very popular.

In challenging financial conditions,while holidaymakers are still spending,they want to know exactly how much theentire holiday will cost them, and thepremium all-inclusive packages havereally hit the mark.

In this section on the Maldives, wecatch up with what’s new for 2013 andwhat resorts are popular for nicheholidays and those luxury boltholes thatdeliver on service, quality and thatultimate paradise feel.

What’s newGold Medal and luxury sister brandSignature from Thomas Cook haveintroduced two new properties in theMaldives for 2013 that are exclusive tothe operators.

The five-star, all-inclusive KihaadMaldives set on Kihaadhuffaru Islandoffers a choice of suite and villaaccommodation. The resort, which is a35-minute seaplane transfer from Male,offers a number of activities for guests toget involved in, including diving, tennis,

badminton, snorkelling, windsurfing,kayaking, fishing, sailing and squash.

Due to open early this year, theadult-focused Centara Ras FushiMaldives is also new to the Signaturefrom Thomas Cook brochure for 2013.Sample product: Signature from ThomasCook offers seven nights’ all-inclusive atthe Kihaad from £1,999 per person, whileseven nights’ half-board at the CentaraRas Fushi Resort and Spa start at £1,389.

The Four Seasons Explorer in theMaldives has been introduced to thePure Luxury brochure for 2013.

The three-deck catamaran, which canaccommodate up to 22 guests, visitsreefs and virgin dive-sites, uninhabitedbeaches and secluded villagecommunities as it cruises between theFour Seasons properties at Kuda Huraaand Landaa Giraavaru, a pristinehideaway in the Baa Atoll.

Per Aquum resort of NiyamaMaldives is also new to the Pure Luxurybrochure. Here guests can do as much oras little as they choose. For the moreactive there’s photography sessions,sports yoga and the world’s firstunderwater nightclub. Sample product: Pure Luxury offers anine-night Four Seasons Explorer hoteland cruise experience from £5,869 perperson, based on two sharing andincludes flights, three nights’ half-board

at the Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa,three nights’ full-board accommodationon board the Four Seasons Explorer, threenights’ bed and breakfast at the FourSeasons Resort Maldives at LandaaGiraavaru and transfers.

Meanwhile, prices at Niyama Maldiveswith Gold Medal start at £2,439 perperson for seven nights’ B&B includingflights and transfers.

Hayes and Jarvis believes the launchof the newest Centara resort, Centara RasFushi Resort and Spa, which is due toopen this spring, will boost demandfurther for all-inclusive holidays.

Set on the island of Giraavaru, thefour-star resort is a 15-minute speedboatride from Malé airport, so offers one ofthe most convenient island locations.

The operator said popular resorts suchas Kuredu, Lily Beach and the existingCentara Grand Island Resort and Spawere already accounting for increasingamounts of bookings, proving the strongdemand for all-inclusive resorts.

Indian Ocean product manager, JulietDarlington said: “An increasing number ofIndian Ocean resorts are going the extramile to differentiate themselves when itcomes to luxury, for example the CentaraGrand Island Resort and Spa in theMaldives includes a welcome champagnecocktail, daily champagne buffetbreakfast and $100 spa voucher per day

Maldives


An overnight stay on the private island of Gaathafushi ispart of the W Retreat Maldives holiday offering for 2013


offersin an all-inclusive package. Wehave seen a rise in interest in premiumall-inclusive packages in the region, withresorts offering extras such as free on-demand films, spa treatments,international brand drinks andchampagne.”

Mosaic Holidays features some newhotel openings in the Maldives in its2013 programme.

These include Centara Ras Fushi andKanifushi and managing director SabinaShaida also believes they will besuccessful as there is such a demand forall-inclusives.

Shaida said: “Holidaymakers are stillspending but want to be reassured by thefact they know exactly how much theyare spending. We have seen a steadyincrease in bookings for qualityall-inclusive resorts in the Maldives,particularly. Lily Beach and ConstanceMoofushi are especially popular.”

Shaida said stopovers are anothergrowing trend as they offerholidaymakers the chance to combine anIndian Ocean holiday with a few nights indestinations such as Dubai,

The launch of a new Turkish Airlinesflight from Istanbul to the Maldivesopens up a twin-centre holiday offering

between these two countries. Theservice operates five times a week.Sample product: a 10-night twin-centrethat includes three nights’ B&B at thePera Palace in Istanbul and seven nights’B&B at the Vivanta by Taj Maldives costs£2,399 per person.

The Residence hotel Group openedits first property in the Maldives last year.

The Residence Maldives resort islocated in beautiful Gaafu Alifu Atoll andfeatures diaphanous living spaces andprivate beach and water villas withthatched roofs and high ceilings. Theresort offers a number of excellent diningchoices and a multitude of recreationalactivities from waterskiing and islandexcursions to yoga on the deck of theMaldives’ first and only Spa by Clarins.

Lux* Maldives is hosting a seven-dayUnderwater Festival from 15-21 April.

As part of the celebration, guests willbe able to take part in underwateractivities, such as learning how to takephotos underwater, but it is also suitablefor novice or keen divers, who are justcurious about the life in the coral reefs.

Western and Oriental offers sevennights at the Underwater Festival for£1,329 per person for seven nights’ B&Bincluding flights and transfers.


Geography: 1,190 islands make upthe Maldives, 200 of which areinhabited and 105 of these areresorts.Climate: the temperature rarelychanges, with the average being30°C. Maldives has two distinctseasons; dry season (northeastmonsoon) and wet season(southwest monsoon), with theformer extending from January toMarch and the latter from mid-Mayto November.Capital: MaleTime difference: +5 hoursLanguage: Dhivehi but English iswidely spoken in resorts.Religion: IslamBest way to get there: there is anumber of airlines that fly to theMaldives from the UK both directand indirectly. These include:British Airways, Emirates, EtihadAirways, Oman Air, Qatar and SriLankan Airlines.Currency: rufiyaaMore info: visitmaldives.com

Get the lowdown

The overwater massage space at the Kuramathi


For a £529 supplement, guests canenjoy nine dives and one fluo night diveper person, an underwater photographyand filming course, a movie-editingcourse, a whale shark education day anda free-diving/Apnea course for beginners

Nice and nicheIf you have clients looking to learn a newskill or two while they are holidaying inparadise, Olhuveli Beach and Spa Resortmight just have what they are looking for.

Located on the tip of South Malé Atoll,the four-star Olhuveli is home to one ofthe only registered kite-surfing schools inthe Maldives. Surrounded by a naturallyshallow and sandy bottom lagoon, it isthe perfect place for beginners to try theirhand at the water sport.

Private lessons start at $80 per personand add an enviable skill to boast aboutback at home.

Waterski lessons are also availablewith beginners’ lessons starting at $55per person. For guests who want to pick

up a PADI diving qualification while onholiday, Olhuveli’s five-star PADI SunDiving Centre is fully equipped to supportall diving abilities and offers a range ofcourses including tailored training forbeginners from $175 per person. Sample product: British Airways offersseven nights’ half-board for the price ofsix at Olhuveli Beach and Spa Resort from£1,349 per person, including flights andspeedboat transfers.

For clients looking to indulge theirpassion for water sports, Gold Medalrecommends they head to one of theluxury resorts in the South Ari Atoll.

The five-star properties that offerdiving facilities include the CentaraGrand Island Resort, Lily Beach, Lux*Maldives and Constance Moofushi,where a PADI Discover Scuba Divingcourse costs from $150.Sample product: Signature fromThomas Cook offers seven nights’all-inclusive at the Constance MoofushiResort from £2,379 per person.

Spa lovers might be interested in thelatest concept from the spa at Kurmathiisland resort set in Rasdhoo Atoll.

The resort has taken over themanagement of its spa and has rolled outa new “essence of wellbeing” philosophyto take its spa experience to a new level.

Spa director Pedro Catarino leads theteam of masseuses, beauticians,receptionists, and a yoga and meditationinstructor, and has enlisted the assistanceof a renowned spa consultant who hasput together a new spa menu, which nowcomprises a comprehensive list ofauthentic therapies ranging from theancient art of Ayurveda to the pacifyingeffects conveyed by the preserved secretsof Balinese therapies.

A whole new addition to the Spa is theYonka skin care line; an all-naturalproduct range, which pioneers inaromatherapy and phytotherapy practices

The partnership of Yonka andKuramathi has resulted in many newtreatment options available for guests,

Maldives


including five skin-care programmes.Meditation has also been also

introduced along with yoga classes.Sample product: Kuoni offers sevennights’ full board including flights andtransfers from £1,359 per person.

The One&Only Reethi Rah hasteamed up with James Duigan,personal trainer and health guru to thestars, to train the resort’s in-housepersonal training team in the art ofBodyism and Clean&Lean living, whichwas founded by Duigan.

One&Only Reethi Rah is the onlyhotel to offer this to its guests outsideof the Bulgari Hotel in London.

The spa at the One & Only Reethi Rahhas also introduced watsu, a form ofaquatic therapy, which quiets the mind,relaxes the body and opens the heart.

Alternatively, Six Senses Laamu isthe ideal destination for clients keen toget stuck into activities. The menu ofactivity options include: surfing the YinYang wave, an eight-foot break just offthe island’s shore; kite-surfing from anearby sandbank; windsurf, canoe,catamaran sail, wakeboard and waterski; dolphin spotting; and diving andsnorkelling among staghorn andmushroom corals with Laamu’s residentmarine biologist.

LuxuryW Retreat Maldives is offering visitorsthe opportunity to really experience aprivate island retreat in 2013.

Guests will be taken over to theprivate island of Gaathafushi byspeedboat to spend a few hours in anafternoon to top up their tan, or for theultimate romantic experience, spendthe night on the island and relax whilea private chef sets up a special candlelitbarbecue as the sun sets.

W Retreat and Spa Maldives boastsmany bars to chill out in and an AWAYSpa for some TLC for the mind, body andspirit. The hotel features 78 retreats,either on the beachside or overwater.Sample product: Abercrombie andKent offers seven nights at the W withtwo of the nights on Gaathafushi Islandfrom £6,755 per person, includingflights and transfers.

The Beach House Collection hasrelaunched its flagship five-star hotel,the Beach House at Iruveli Maldives.

Located on the northernmost atoll ofthe Maldives, the retreat has 83thatched villas, suites and pavilions,located on the beach or perched overthe lagoon, each with a private pool andan attentive villa host.

The resort also has De’ Spa, which offersa number of self-rejuvenationprogrammes encompassing aromatherapy,yoga and meditation in 10 secludedpavilions, which feature treatment beds, arain shower and flower baths.

Other facilities include a PADIfive-star dive centre, fitness centre, andthree swimming pools as well asexcursions offered on a Maldivian Dhonior speedboat, with visits to localinhabited islands, fishing andsnorkelling trips. Sample product: HummingbirdHeymaa Travel offers seven nights’ B&Bfrom £1,607 per person, includingflights and transfers.

Coco Collection, an establishedportfolio of Maldivian-owned resortshas launched Coco Privé Kuda HithiIsland – a private island retreat.

Accommodation comprises of onegrand Master Residence and fiveluxurious villas for accompanying guests.

The island’s Master Residence is splitinto two levels. The upper level

incorporates an open bedroom, livingarea and large master bathroom, whilethe lower level comprises of a library,dining room, living room, cocktail barand gymnasium with steam shower.

The five villas, two of which haveprivate pools while the others share theinfinity pool, offer generous living space.

Additional focal points include anentrance water feature with raised firepit and a vast wine-cellar. Coco Privé’schef is on hand to develop any dish theguests require. Guests also have accessto the five fine-dining restaurantslocated at the neighbouring resortCoco Bodu Hithi.

Prices start at $8,000 per night inlow season.

The Taj Exotica Resort and Spa hasjust put the finishing touches to its$400,000 renovation of Taj Exotica Resort& Spa’s Rehendi Presidential Suite.

Seclusion-seeking couples can nowstep from their suite on to a privatesand-deck that stretches into thelargest lagoon in the Maldives, as wellas take in the ocean-life from theirglass-walled bathroom. There are alsoopen-air salas for relaxing and diningand a 15ft infinity pool.

The Rehendi Suite costs from £5,500per night.

Maldives


Niyama boasts the world’s first underwater nightclub


12

Like its neighbouring destinations in the Indian Ocean, in recent years, Mauritius has been a victim of its

own success, with many holidaymakersconsidering that its luxury offering is outof their price range.

However, this idyllic island is pulling outall the stops to show that Mauritius canoffer affordable luxury too.

Juliet Darlington, Indian Ocean productmanager for Hayes and Jarvis, said Mauritiushas been working hard to offerprice-competitive, all-inclusive breaks.

“As the demand for value increases,all-inclusive – at all price points – looks

certain to be the way forward for theregion,” said Darlington.

“The rise in availability of all-inclusiveresorts in Mauritius is a great selling pointfor agents looking to promote thedestination to their clients and demonstratethe growing diversity of the destination at athree, four and five-star level.”

And while the island is a favourite withBritons who want to enjoy somewell-deserved R&R, Mauritius also appealsto golfing enthusiasts and nature lovers.

So we catch up with the hotels andoperators to find out what’s new for 2013,what is happening in the luxury end of themarket and how Mauritius is keepingvisitors who are looking for somethingslightly more than sun, sea and sand happy.

What’s newMauritius specialist Enchanting Holidayshas added a number of new luxury hotelsto its 2013 brochure.

The programme, which features 47resorts, now includes the Four Seasons andAngsana properties in Mauritius. Lookingforward to 2013, Shafique Cockar, head ofproduct, contracting and marketing, said: “Iam delighted with last year’s success. Wesurpassed our targets, and this year is alsolooking superb and we have already secured50% of our target with forward sales.”

Cockar said that the operator, which alsospecialises in offering wedding andhoneymoon and golf holidays to Mauritius,firmly believes that the understanding andsupport from the hotels and airlines alike isinstrumental in creating a wholly upwardtrend for sales to Mauritius.

“The worldwide competition is toughand the hotels have realised this and havebeen proactive in coming up with fantasticoffers on a regular basis.

“I get calls from the hotels on a dailybasis asking me what sort of prices areselling and what offers are floating around.Also, the hotels have been forthcoming in

doing joint marketing campaigns, which is agreat help in increasing brand awareness.”

Enchanting Holidays offers agents abasic commission of 13% withopportunities to earn higher levels.

The specialist will also be hosting anagents’ luxury fam trip to Mauritius inconjunction with Air Mauritius aroundJune this year.

Sunset Faraway Holidays haslaunched its 2013-14 collection ofLuxury Worldwide Experiences, whichfeatures the St Regis Mauritius, plus thenewly introduced Luxury Apartments andVillas in Mauritius offering moreflexibility for families.

The St Regis Mauritius Resort opened atthe end of last year on the southwestcoast of the island and prides itself on itsultra-luxury offering such as 24-hourbutler service. Seven nights’ half-board atSt Regis Mauritius start at from £2,165 perperson, including flights and transfers.

Western and Oriental has added theLong Beach Mauritius hotel for 2013.Prices lead in at £1,525 per adult and£1,080 per child for seven nights’ half-board.

The five-star Heritage the Villas inMauritius has slashed 20% off its rackrates for 2013.

The discount can be combined with

contracted special offers such as theearly-booking bonus of 10% savings and thefree night offers of seven for the price of six.

These offers give agents access to a 40%saving on two, three and four-bedroom villasat Heritage the Villas, which is situated onthe Domaine de Bel Ombre in southwestMauritius adjacent to neighbouring HeritageLe Telfair and Heritage Awali resorts

Prices start at £420 per night in atwo-bedroom pool villa.

Meanwhile, sister hotel Heritage LeTelfair has launched Gourmet Bliss, whichoffers guests staying on a half-board basisthe chance to dine at seven differently

themed restaurants across the Domaine deBel Ombre area for a supplement of £55 perday per adult and £27 for children under 12.

The 61-room Shanti Maurice resort onthe south coast of Mauritius has puttogether a number of offers for 2013.

Guests can get seven nights for theprice of five, 10 nights for seven or 20nights for the price of 14. There is anadditional 10% discount on bookingsconfirmed 30 days prior to arrival.

Families travelling with up to threechildren under 12 will receive another roomfor the children on a complimentary basis,while couples who wish to have theirhoneymoon or anniversary at ShantiMaurice will receive a 50% discount onaccommodation, a private dinner, a PranayRitual per person at the Nira Spa and acomplimentary upgrade to the nextavailable room category. All offers are validfor stays from now until 22 December andall the room rates are on a half-board basis.

Luxury hotel chain Anantara isventuring into Mauritius with theopening of the Anantara La ChalandResort and Spa on the island’s southeastcoast next year.

The new 160-room resort will be nestledalongside 800 metres of pristine beach.Attractions within the area include naturalsand dunes and a marine park.


Mauritius

The future’s all-inMauritius is embracing the demand for all-inclusive to ensure it continues to offer affordable luxury to all

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Luxury marketThe Constance Le Prince MauriceMauritius has reopened after anextensive refurbishment.

The refit included the upgrading of allof the suites and villas, the introduction ofnew dining venues, a new wine cellar andthe refurbishment of the main restaurant.

A new heated swimming pool and afloating bar have also been introduced,and the spa has benefitted from some TLCwith Sisley products now featured. Thehotel has also added 12 children’s roomsin the existing suites for families.

New room categories have been addedat two Beachcomber properties.

The Royal Palm has new adults-onlyexecutive suites with extra benefits suchas massages, private yoga, personaltraining and facials. Rates are from £311per person per night.

Meanwhile, 108 new deluxe rooms havebeen introduced at the all-inclusiveShandrani Resort and Spa and newfour-bedroom retreats have been addedat Dinarobin Hotel Golf and Spa, whichis located in the southwest of the island.

The villas boast expansive modern livingareas, equipped with flat-screen TVs andmedia hub, set at the heart of the villawith large double doors opening onto anextensive terrace.

Beachcomber Tours offers nightly ratesstaying in a new Dinarobin Villa start from£1,680 a night bed and breakfast.

Nice and nicheAny young budding Rory McIlroys may beinterested to hear about the new junior golfacademy at the Paradis Hotel and GolfClub in the southwest part of Mauritius.Private professional coaches are on handto show beginners the basics and offercoaching to more seasoned junior golferson how best to improve their game.

Families can also take advantage of thecomputer software and video technologyavailable at the academy, a great way toshow junior golfers how they’re pitchingand putting.

The resort has an array of water sportsto complement the golfing academyincluding kayaking, water-skiing andsailing, as well as a mini club for three to12-year-olds. Accommodation includesfamily suites with bedrooms speciallydesigned for children. Thirty-minutelessons at the Junior Golf Academy are£25 per person including complimentarygreen fees for under 12s.

The 50-room boutique resort of AngsanaBalaclava in the northwest corner ofMauritius has launched a host of culturally-themed experiences to celebrate itsheritage as one of the first ports of call forDutch settlers in the 17th century.

Local culinary expeditions, Sega dancelessons and tailor-made wellnessprogrammes give guests a taste ofMauritian life during their stay at theboutique resort.

The Mauritian cooking courses fromresident chef Curtis Saminadas start at€50 per person, while classes in Segadance with a local Sega expert start at€40 per person and a choice of threewellness journeys at the on-site spa –Angsana, Wellness and Ayurvedic –lead in at €110 per person per day.

The prestigious Royal Palm resort inthe north of Mauritius is offeringguests the chance to learn to cook theMichelin-starred way in March.

Tom Aikens from theMichelin-starred Tom AikensRestaurant in London, will be puttingin an appearance at the hotel from25-27 March in a series of one-offmaster classes that will show guestshow to cook modern French cuisine.

Guests will also be able to sit down tofour-course dinners cooked by thecelebrity chef, over the three nights.

The event will conclude withchampagne on the beach and ademonstration of Mauritian cuisine hostedby both Aikens and Royal Palm’s award-winning French chef, Michel de Matteis.

Prices for the course start at £150and include two morning masterclasses with Tom Aikens. The TomAikens Master Class Week is availableto book through Beachcomber Tours.Seven nights’ half-board start at£3,950 per person including flights and transfers.

Seven nights for the price of five is just one of the offers available at the luxurious Shanti Maurice


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The Adventure Company

14

Regional round-upIf you want a bitof wildlife withyour luxuryholiday, then it'stime for you toexplore the otherdestinations inthe Indian Ocean

As the luxuriously exoticdestinations of Mauritius, theMaldives and the Seychelles

become more familiar to holidaymakersso does their desire to explore more ofthe Indian Ocean.

In this regional round-up, we catch upwith the operators to find out what theyhave to offer in 2013 when it comes tothe more off-the-beaten-trackdestinations in the Indian Ocean.

MadagascarIntrepid Travel launched its WorldwideFamily Adventures 2013 brochure earlierthis month featuring new family holidaysin Madagascar.

The 12-day Land of the Lemurs tourgives families with children aged sevenand older the opportunity to explore

Madagascar’s traditions and head into therainforest to search for lemurs, which areonly found on the island of Madagascar.

The tour also includes a visit to aformer royal retreat of AmbohimangaPalace, taking a rickshaw to a sweetfactory, discovering hot springs andhitting the beach. Prices start at £1,659per person excluding flights with a 20%discount for children aged 11 and under.

To launch the new brochure, Intrepid isoffering a 10% discount on adult andchild places for bookings made from 15January to 28 February 2013, fordepartures up to 31 August. Travel agentsshould quote the promotional code 9502at the time of booking.

The three-part BBC2 documentary onMadagascar by Sir David Attenboroughplayed a significant part in increasing


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bookings to the Indian Ocean destinationby 70%, according to Cox and Kings.

The escorted tours specialist also saidthat forward sales for 2013 suggest thiswill continue.

Cox and Kings’ Madagascar Adventureis a 14-day/11-night private tour givesparticipants the opportunity to discoverthe island’s wildlife and naturallandscapes with visits to AnalamazaotraReserve, home to the largest livinglemurs, the primary forest of theMantadia National Park and Mitsinjoforest where visitors may spot nocturnallemur species, such as mouse, greaterdwarf and eastern woolly lemurs and thecapital of Antananrivo. Prices start at£2,895 including flights and transfers.

The operator has also seen a growingdemand for Madagascar and Mauritiustwin centres and offers a 15-day/12-night trip including four nights inMauritius and eight nights inMadagascar from £3,395 per person. Theprice includes return flights to Mauritiuswith British Airways and connectingflights to Antananarivo, privatetransfers, excursions andaccommodation with breakfast dailyand some other meals.

Sri LankaVirgin Holidays has a 12-day Highlights ofSri Lanka tour that gives visitors a realinsight into the country and its culture.

The tour takes in the ancient rockfortress of Sigiriya and impressivesculptures at Polonnaruwa to thebeautiful tea plantations around NuwaraEliya and the famous Yala National Park.

Visitors can extend their stay to includea few days at one of the beach resorts inSri Lanka or arrange a twin centre with ahotel in the Maldives. Prices start at£1,995 per person on a mixed board basisand include flights and transfers.

Intrepid Travel has introduced a newSecrets of Sri Lanka tour to its WorldwideFamily Adventures 2013 brochure.

The eight-day tour is for families withchildren aged seven and older and coversSri Lanka’s highlights. Families can takeon the challenge to climb to the top ofthe Sigiriya Rock Fortress, take a jeepsafari in Minneriya National Park, see theTemple of the Tooth in Kandy, visit a teaplantation and explore small villages onfoot. Prices lead in at £829 per personexcluding flights.

Meanwhile, the 15-day ElephantParadise itinerary offers families theopportunity to get up close to wildelephants and turtles.

The tour includes the chance to climbto the summit of Lion Rock, enjoy anelephant-back adventure through thebush, canoe down a jungle-flanked river,camp in a tea plantation and relax onpalm-fringed beaches. Prices start at£1,199 per person excluding flights.

Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spashas unveiled plans to open a newproperty in Sri Lanka next year.

The Kalutara Resort and Spa will belocated on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.The resort will offer 138 guest rooms andsuites, an Anantara Spa, two swimmingpools and a Thai speciality restaurant.

On the Go Tours has launched twogroup tours in Sri Lanka.

The eight-day Colombo Caves & Kandyvisits the jungles, mountains and ancientruins of Sri Lanka.

Highlights include the famous SigiriyaRock Fortress, the historic Temple of theTooth in Kandy, Pinnawala ElephantOrphanage, tea plantations, UdawalaweNational Park, which is home to theelusive leopard and 400 elephants, GemMine and Colombo city tour.

Prices start at £679 per person,excluding flights.

Meanwhile, the 12-day Buddha andBeach tour combines the best sites of SriLanka from the Colombo, Caves andKandy tour before heading off to thebeach resort of Kalutara, originally animportant spice trading port.

Kalutara is the perfect place to squeezein a bit of shopping too as it has anumber of local markets that sell localcrafts. Prices for this tour start at £989per person.

Cox and Kings saw a 60% increase inpassengers travelling to Sri Lanka lastyear. A spokeswoman for the operatorbelieves the increase is a lot to do withthe fact that Sri Lanka is rich in cultural,archaeological and natural treasures andalso offers great value for money withprices to suit all budgets.

This has been reflected in the fact thatSri Lanka was recently named thebest-value, long-haul destination in thePost Office Travel Money's Long HaulReport 2012.

The operator is optimistic that bookingswill increase further this year with thelaunch in March of British Airways flightsto Colombo from Gatwick. The airline willfly to the capital three times a week.

Cox and Kings’ popular Sri Lanka tour isits 14-day/12-night Sri Lanka: theEnchanted Island tour, which leads in at£2,295 per person, and includes flights,transfers, excursions, and accommodationwith breakfast daily.

Finally, the first boutique five-starresort in the newly developed PasikudahBay on the Eastern Province of Sri Lankais due to open on 14 February 2013.

The Beach House at Pasikudah willbe accessible via a 60-minute seaplanetransfer from Colombo or a five- hourdrive. It comprises 34 suites, some withplunge pools, and two beach pavilions.Each has floor to ceiling doors withstunning beach and sea views beyondand a personal host.

Facilities will include a 30-metreinfinity pool, a spa, gym, PADI five-starSun Diving School, watersports centre,library, internet cafe, floodlit tennis andbadminton courts and a kids’ club.

Pasikudah in the Eastern Province ofSri Lanka was once a popular tourismdestination but in 1983, due to the civilwar, the area became off-limits. Withthe civil war over, this small coastalresort is gearing up to receive an influxof visitors.

Regional round-up


The Beach House at Pasikudah will be the first hotelto open in the newly developed Pasikudah Bay


Terms & Conditions: 1. Value of bookings is by individual agent not by Abta number. 2. Agents must be Abta bonded and over 18 years of age. 3. Prizes are as stated and cannot be changed or exchanged for cash alternatives. 4. Bookings must be made with Cox & Kings between 1 January and 28 February 2013. 5. Vouchers will be dispatched at the end of the promotion period.

ATOL 2815 ABTA V2999

Until 28 February 2013, the more you book the more you earn and as the value of your bookings increase so does your reward.

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• Total bookings over £10,000 receive £50 in Love2Shop vouchers• Total bookings over £20,000 receive £125 in Love2Shop vouchers• Total bookings over £30,000 receive £300 in Love2Shop vouchers

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Documents

Travel Bulletin Indian Ocean Supplement 2013