Travel Bulletin Indian Ocean Supplement 2013

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All About the

Indian Ocean

January 2013

Your one-stop guide to all the latest news and developments in the Indian Ocean

Produced by

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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Welcome

All About the

Indian Ocean I

f a client walks into your agency in search of a holiday that will deliver limitless luxury a million miles away from their everyday 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 of recommendations. However, today, with more and more five-star resorts offering all-inclusive options, the Indian Ocean is becoming more accessible for your customers who want affordable luxury.

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

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

Juliet Darlington, Hayes and Jarvis Indian Ocean product manager, said that Mauritius in particular has been working hard to offer price-competitive luxury, all-inclusive holidays. “As the demand 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 at Enchanting Holidays echoes this feeling and said that hoteliers are contacting him on a daily basis to find out what offers are selling so that they continue to deliver what guests can afford, So with affordable luxury and value being the key buzz phrases for the Indian Ocean in 2013, in this supplement, we find out all agents need to know about what’s happening in the Seychelles, the Maldives and Mauritius with a regional round-up looking at the growth in demand for other destinations in the region such as Madagascar and Sri Lanka.

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

Angela Cronin Supplements editor

All About the Indian Ocean

CONTENTS 4 - Seychelles

8 - The Maldives

12 - Mauritius

14 - Regional round-up

Published by

Lower Ground Floor, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX Tel: 020-7834 6661 Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe Written and researched by: Angela Cronin Email: angelacronin2003@yahoo.co.uk Design/Layout: Genaro Santos & Nicky Valsamakis Printed by: Premier Press Cover Picture: ANGSANA VELAVARU Resort and Spa ISSN: 0956-2419

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The dream destination

From luxury hotels with world-class spas to breathtaking scenery that provides the perfect backdrop to a romantic break, Seychelles Tourism Board consultant Glynn Burridge sheds some light on why the Seychelles is the perfect holiday destination Frégate Island Private is an island retreat that involves guests in its ecological ethos during their time in this exclusive hideaway

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ince that distant time when the 115 granite and coral islands that make up the Seychelles became scattered over a secluded corner of the Indian Ocean, they have remained sanctuaries for some of the rarest species of flora and fauna on earth. So rare, that the Vallée de Mai which nurtures the legendary coco-de-mer, was once thought to be the original site of the biblical Garden of Eden.

The islands are also synonymous with stunning natural beauty, the wonderful harmony enjoyed by the multi-ethnic society and a near perfect climate where the temperature is always somewhere between 24 and 33 degrees celsius, earning the islands a reputation as ‘land of perpetual summer’.

The Seychelles Islands’ brand, the Seychelles Islands… another world echoes the grand diversity, awesome natural beauty and cultural vibrancy that characterise the Seychelles holiday experience. And today, with enhanced air access to Europe, Africa and Asia provided by airlines such as Emirates, Qatar, Etihad, Air Seychelles, Ethiopian, Kenya Airways, Condor and Transaero, Seychelles is effectively just one stop from anywhere on the planet and 4

accessible as never before.

The Seychelles Islands…another world, is the embodiment of the concept that Seychelles remains one of the purest, most environmentally intact destinations on earth offering a great diversity of experiences and accepting around only 200,000 visitors a year.

Certainly, one of the Seychelles’ greatest assets is the exotic assortment of its multitude of islands and the variety they offer to visitors wishing to take in a selection of islands during the course of their stay.

Room with a view Out of all of the 115 islands, currently only 16 have hotels, several of which offer the most luxurious amenities and all of which possess their own natural charm. They offer everything from the opulence of world-famous, five-star resorts to the picturesque charms of affordable smaller hotels, Creole guest houses and self-catering accommodation.

International hotel chains such as Hilton, Le Meridien, Four Seasons, Kempinski and Banyan Tree already operate hotels on the islands with others including Emirates looking to construct new hotels. The islands of Bird and Denis

located to the north of Mahé, Frégate to the east and Desroches to the south each offer diverse and unforgettable island experiences.

Nature’s way Equally, the wonderful variety of Seychelles’ flora and fauna with its high proportion of endemic species nurtured within one of nature’s last pristine sanctuaries makes it an exciting destination for naturalists, ornithologists and eco-tourists alike.

There are a number of specimens that are endemic to the Seychelles, which include: the jellyfish tree, with only eight surviving examples; the wondrous coco-de-mer; the Seychelles paradise flycatcher, and 13 species and 17 subspecies of bird life.

The Vallée de Mai, once thought to be the original site of the Garden of Eden, and legendary Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll, are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the smallest frog to the heaviest land tortoise and the only flightless bird of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles boasts an amazing array of endemic and indigenous species waiting to be discovered along its several nature trails.

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Seychelles All at sea With 115 diverse islands spread across an area of 8.75 million sq miles of sparkling waters, it is easy to understand why seafarers believe that God created the Seychelles with the sailor in mind. Chartering a yacht provides perhaps the most rewarding way of discovering the hidden treasures of the archipelago at one’s own pace and whim, cruising in cyclonefree waters and enjoying a dazzling array of inner islands with golden beaches fringed by warm, turquoise waters.

It should not be overlooked that the Seychelles has some of the richest fishing grounds in the world and you do not have to venture far from the shoreline to break fishing records.

Seychelles boasts one of the most varied catches on the planet which varies from sailfish, whaoo and tuna to barracuda, trevally, streaker and even the mighty marlin.

Underwater adventures With so many islands scattered across the Indian Ocean between 4º and 10º south of the equator, it is little wonder that another of the Seychelles’ outstanding resources lies in the impressive diving opportunities it offers to experienced and novice divers alike. Myriad dive sites promise a marine extravaganza as diverse and vibrant as it is unique.

This living aquarium enjoys comfortable year-round temperatures of between 24º and 30º celsius and lies outside the cyclone belt. Colourful reef fish, octopus, lobster and turtle flash in the shallows surrounding the inner islands, while more adventurous dives offshore include the Ennerdale wreck and rocks that are the playground for larger groupers and stingrays.

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

of business and pleasure.

For today’s weary traveller, fatigued from the stresses and strains of an unrelenting modern lifestyle, the Seychelles spa and wellness experience represents a powerful antidote offering soothing treatments designed to melt away the stresses and strains of modern living, energise the weary body and nurture the soul. Whether nestling in dreamy,

Frégate Island teams up with ZSL

“One of the Seychelles’ greatest assets is the exotic assortment of its islands and the variety they offer” Love is in the air No account of the Seychelles’ riches can be considered complete without mention of its reputation as ‘the islands of love’ and it is little wonder that lovers are inspired to take their vows and wed in this gentle and romantic atmosphere. Sensual Seychelles creates the idyllic ambience for an unforgettable wedding day or honeymoon beneath swaying palms alongside silken waters fringed by the silver-soft sands of discreet island hideaways as has been endorsed by the recent honeymoon of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and a host of VVIP’s besides.

Business and pleasure All in all, you can’t get much further away from the madding crowd. And it’s amazing how blue skies and white beaches can clear the mind and inspire the imagination. That is why as a venue for small conferences and select company incentives, the Seychelles represents a powerful partnership All About the Indian Ocean

A luxury eco retreat in the Seychelles has teamed up with the Zoological Society of London to launch an Ecologist for a Day experience and a new Island Wildlife book, both of which will help to raise funds for ZSL’s vital conservation projects around the world.

The new book about Frégate Island’s rare and exotic species is available at the ZSL Gift Shop at London Zoo. The luxury hideaway’s Ecologist for a Day package offers guests of all ages the opportunity to join the island’s 40-strong ecology team 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 and monitoring of the world’s seventh rarest bird, the critically endangered Seychelles magpie robin; coral reef monitoring; planting endemic trees as part of the island’s ongoing reforestation programme; clearing ‘alien’ vegetation and helping endemic species to flourish Guests can also join the Adopt-a-Tortoise programme, which is designed to safeguard the juvenile Aldabra giant tortoise – a project that has seen Frégate Island Private become home to the second largest population of this rare species of tortoise in the world.

Sample product: Elegant Resorts offers seven nights for the price of six from £10,500 per person based on two sharing a one-bedroom villa on a full board basis, flights and helicopter transfers.

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Seychelles

A holiday in the Seychelles isn’t complete without a visit to the Vallee de Mai forest

mountainside pavilions overlooking the ocean or occupying stylish niches within the luxurious cocoons of five-star resorts, the spas in the Seychelles offer natural elegance and refinement in pristine surroundings promising the ultimate voyage of personal transformation.

There are also great golfing opportunities available on the islands with a nine-hole course on Mahé and an 18-hole championship course on Praslin offering a sublime golfing experience combined with stunning panoramas of virgin forest and azure ocean.

The Seychelles has all this to offer and more but perhaps its most enduring attraction is the security it offers and its enviable pace of life amid the tranquillity and multi-racial harmony of the islands.

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

News in brief The exclusive island retreat of Desroches has teamed up with the Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge in the northwest province of South Africa to offer a 10-night Bush and Beach package. The offer includes four nights at the game reserve of Madikwe Hills watching out for the big five followed by six nights at Desroches. Prices start at €5,920 per person and includes accommodation but not international flights.

The Banyan Tree, Seychelles has a ‘seven nights for the price of five offer’ based on selected departures.

Prices start at £2,835 per person – a saving of £1,500 per couple based on two sharing a hillside pool villa on a bed and breakfast basis, with flights and transfers.

Get the lowdown Geography: 115 islands make up the Seychelles, 41 Inner Islands constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74 form the five groups of low-lying coral atolls and reef islets that are the Outer Islands.

Best time to go: the temperature rarely drops below 24°C or rises above 32°C. It is generally cooler when the northwest trade winds blow during the months of November to March. The sea is generally calm and the weather warm and humid. The months of May 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 of Seychelles.

Inoculations: none are required 6

Operators that feature the Seychelles include: Abercrombie & Kent Travel; Bales Worldwide; Beachcomber Tours; Cox & Kings Travel; Elegant Resorts; Explore; Exsus Travel; Hayes & Jarvis; ITC Classics; Kuoni; Ramblers Worldwide Holidays; Travel 2; W&O Travel; 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; and Transaero Airlines.

Flight time: 13 hours Currency: the Seychelles rupee.

Tipping: most restaurants, hotels, taxis, porters, etc already include a 5%-10% service charge or "tip" and so tipping is not obligatory in Seychelles.

For more details: www.seychelles.travel All About the Indian Ocean

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Maldives

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

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hen it comes to luxury, the resorts in the Maldives are always trying to push the boundaries to stay ahead of the game.

The hotels and their island paradises have built up a reputation for having the wow factor – from underwater nightclubs to villas with glass-bottomed floors and 24-hour butler service – while still delivering affordable luxury.

The resorts have faced tough competition from other destinations around the world which have been quick to ensure they add value for their guests in tough economic times with offers, such as free upgrades to half-board and credits to use in their spas or other activities.

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

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

In this section on the Maldives, we catch up with what’s new for 2013 and what resorts are popular for niche holidays and those luxury boltholes that deliver on service, quality and that ultimate paradise feel.

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

Due to open early this year, the adult-focused Centara Ras Fushi Maldives is also new to the Signature from Thomas Cook brochure for 2013.

Sample product: Signature from Thomas Cook offers seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Kihaad from £1,999 per person, while seven nights’ half-board at the Centara Ras Fushi Resort and Spa start at £1,389.

The Four Seasons Explorer in the Maldives has been introduced to the Pure Luxury brochure for 2013.

The three-deck catamaran, which can accommodate up to 22 guests, visits reefs and virgin dive-sites, uninhabited beaches and secluded village communities as it cruises between the Four Seasons properties at Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru, a pristine hideaway in the Baa Atoll.

Per Aquum resort of Niyama Maldives is also new to the Pure Luxury brochure. Here guests can do as much or as little as they choose. For the more active there’s photography sessions, sports yoga and the world’s first underwater nightclub.

Sample product: Pure Luxury offers a nine-night Four Seasons Explorer hotel and cruise experience from £5,869 per person, based on two sharing and includes flights, three nights’ half-board

at the Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa, three nights’ full-board accommodation on board the Four Seasons Explorer, three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and transfers.

Meanwhile, prices at Niyama Maldives with Gold Medal start at £2,439 per person for seven nights’ B&B including flights and transfers.

Hayes and Jarvis believes the launch of the newest Centara resort, Centara Ras Fushi Resort and Spa, which is due to open this spring, will boost demand further for all-inclusive holidays.

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

The operator said popular resorts such as Kuredu, Lily Beach and the existing Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa were already accounting for increasing amounts of bookings, proving the strong demand for all-inclusive resorts.

Indian Ocean product manager, Juliet Darlington said: “An increasing number of Indian Ocean resorts are going the extra mile to differentiate themselves when it comes to luxury, for example the Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa in the Maldives includes a welcome champagne cocktail, daily champagne buffet breakfast and $100 spa voucher per day

What’s new Gold Medal and luxury sister brand Signature from Thomas Cook have introduced two new properties in the Maldives for 2013 that are exclusive to the operators.

The five-star, all-inclusive Kihaad Maldives set on Kihaadhuffaru Island offers a choice of suite and villa accommodation. The resort, which is a 35-minute seaplane transfer from Male, offers a number of activities for guests to get involved in, including diving, tennis, 8

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

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The overwater massage space at the Kuramathi

offersin an all-inclusive package. We have seen a rise in interest in premium all-inclusive packages in the region, with resorts offering extras such as free ondemand films, spa treatments, international brand drinks and champagne.”

Mosaic Holidays features some new hotel openings in the Maldives in its 2013 programme.

These include Centara Ras Fushi and Kanifushi and managing director Sabina Shaida also believes they will be successful as there is such a demand for all-inclusives.

Shaida said: “Holidaymakers are still spending but want to be reassured by the fact they know exactly how much they are spending. We have seen a steady increase in bookings for quality all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives, particularly. Lily Beach and Constance Moofushi are especially popular.”

Shaida said stopovers are another growing trend as they offer holidaymakers the chance to combine an Indian Ocean holiday with a few nights in destinations such as Dubai, The launch of a new Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to the Maldives opens up a twin-centre holiday offering All About the Indian Ocean

between these two countries. The service operates five times a week.

Sample product: a 10-night twin-centre that includes three nights’ B&B at the Pera Palace in Istanbul and seven nights’ B&B at the Vivanta by Taj Maldives costs £2,399 per person.

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

The Residence Maldives resort is located in beautiful Gaafu Alifu Atoll and features diaphanous living spaces and private beach and water villas with thatched roofs and high ceilings. The resort offers a number of excellent dining choices and a multitude of recreational activities from waterskiing and island excursions to yoga on the deck of the Maldives’ first and only Spa by Clarins.

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

As part of the celebration, guests will be able to take part in underwater activities, such as learning how to take photos underwater, but it is also suitable for novice or keen divers, who are just curious about the life in the coral reefs.

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

Get the lowdown Geography: 1,190 islands make up the Maldives, 200 of which are inhabited and 105 of these are resorts.

Climate: the temperature rarely changes, with the average being 30°C. Maldives has two distinct seasons; dry season (northeast monsoon) and wet season (southwest monsoon), with the former extending from January to March and the latter from mid-May to November.

Capital: Male Time difference: +5 hours Language: Dhivehi but English is widely spoken in resorts.

Religion: Islam Best way to get there: there is a number of airlines that fly to the Maldives from the UK both direct and indirectly. These include: British Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Qatar and Sri Lankan Airlines.

Currency: rufiyaa More info: visitmaldives.com 9

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Maldives For a £529 supplement, guests can enjoy nine dives and one fluo night dive per person, an underwater photography and filming course, a movie-editing course, a whale shark education day and a free-diving/Apnea course for beginners

Nice and niche If you have clients looking to learn a new skill or two while they are holidaying in paradise, Olhuveli Beach and Spa Resort might just have what they are looking for.

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

Private lessons start at $80 per person and add an enviable skill to boast about back at home.

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

up a PADI diving qualification while on holiday, Olhuveli’s five-star PADI Sun Diving Centre is fully equipped to support all diving abilities and offers a range of courses including tailored training for beginners from $175 per person.

Sample product: British Airways offers seven nights’ half-board for the price of six at Olhuveli Beach and Spa Resort from £1,349 per person, including flights and speedboat transfers.

For clients looking to indulge their passion for water sports, Gold Medal recommends they head to one of the luxury resorts in the South Ari Atoll.

The five-star properties that offer diving facilities include the Centara Grand Island Resort, Lily Beach, Lux* Maldives and Constance Moofushi, where a PADI Discover Scuba Diving course costs from $150.

Sample product: Signature from Thomas Cook offers seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Constance Moofushi Resort from £2,379 per person.

Spa lovers might be interested in the latest concept from the spa at Kurmathi island resort set in Rasdhoo Atoll.

The resort has taken over the management of its spa and has rolled out a new “essence of wellbeing” philosophy to take its spa experience to a new level.

Spa director Pedro Catarino leads the team of masseuses, beauticians, receptionists, and a yoga and meditation instructor, and has enlisted the assistance of a renowned spa consultant who has put together a new spa menu, which now comprises a comprehensive list of authentic therapies ranging from the ancient art of Ayurveda to the pacifying effects conveyed by the preserved secrets of Balinese therapies.

A whole new addition to the Spa is the Yonka skin care line; an all-natural product range, which pioneers in aromatherapy and phytotherapy practices The partnership of Yonka and Kuramathi has resulted in many new treatment options available for guests,

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Maldives including five skin-care programmes.

Meditation has also been also introduced along with yoga classes.

Sample product: Kuoni offers seven nights’ full board including flights and transfers from £1,359 per person.

The One&Only Reethi Rah has teamed up with James Duigan, personal trainer and health guru to the stars, to train the resort’s in-house personal training team in the art of Bodyism and Clean&Lean living, which was founded by Duigan.

One&Only Reethi Rah is the only hotel to offer this to its guests outside of the Bulgari Hotel in London.

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

Alternatively, Six Senses Laamu is the ideal destination for clients keen to get stuck into activities. The menu of activity options include: surfing the Yin Yang wave, an eight-foot break just off the island’s shore; kite-surfing from a nearby sandbank; windsurf, canoe, catamaran sail, wakeboard and water ski; dolphin spotting; and diving and snorkelling among staghorn and mushroom corals with Laamu’s resident marine biologist.

Luxury W Retreat Maldives is offering visitors the opportunity to really experience a private island retreat in 2013.

Guests will be taken over to the private island of Gaathafushi by speedboat to spend a few hours in an afternoon to top up their tan, or for the ultimate romantic experience, spend the night on the island and relax while a private chef sets up a special candlelit barbecue as the sun sets.

W Retreat and Spa Maldives boasts many bars to chill out in and an AWAY Spa for some TLC for the mind, body and spirit. The hotel features 78 retreats, either on the beachside or overwater.

Sample product: Abercrombie and Kent offers seven nights at the W with two of the nights on Gaathafushi Island from £6,755 per person, including flights and transfers.

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

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Niyama boasts the world’s first underwater nightclub

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

The resort also has De’ Spa, which offers a number of self-rejuvenation programmes encompassing aromatherapy, yoga and meditation in 10 secluded pavilions, which feature treatment beds, a rain shower and flower baths.

Other facilities include a PADI five-star dive centre, fitness centre, and three swimming pools as well as excursions offered on a Maldivian Dhoni or speedboat, with visits to local inhabited islands, fishing and snorkelling trips.

Sample product: Hummingbird Heymaa Travel offers seven nights’ B&B from £1,607 per person, including flights and transfers.

Coco Collection, an established portfolio of Maldivian-owned resorts has launched Coco Privé Kuda Hithi Island – a private island retreat.

Accommodation comprises of one grand Master Residence and five luxurious villas for accompanying guests.

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

incorporates an open bedroom, living area and large master bathroom, while the lower level comprises of a library, dining room, living room, cocktail bar and gymnasium with steam shower.

The five villas, two of which have private pools while the others share the infinity pool, offer generous living space.

Additional focal points include an entrance water feature with raised fire pit and a vast wine-cellar. Coco Privé’s chef is on hand to develop any dish the guests require. Guests also have access to the five fine-dining restaurants located at the neighbouring resort Coco Bodu Hithi.

Prices start at $8,000 per night in low season.

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

Seclusion-seeking couples can now step from their suite on to a private sand-deck that stretches into the largest lagoon in the Maldives, as well as take in the ocean-life from their glass-walled bathroom. There are also open-air salas for relaxing and dining and a 15ft infinity pool.

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

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Mauritius

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ike its neighbouring destinations in the Indian Ocean, in recent years, Mauritius has been a victim of its own success, with many holidaymakers considering that its luxury offering is out of their price range.

However, this idyllic island is pulling out all the stops to show that Mauritius can offer affordable luxury too.

Juliet Darlington, Indian Ocean product manager for Hayes and Jarvis, said Mauritius has been working hard to offer price-competitive, all-inclusive breaks.

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

Cockar said that the operator, which also specialises in offering wedding and honeymoon and golf holidays to Mauritius, firmly believes that the understanding and support from the hotels and airlines alike is instrumental in creating a wholly upward trend for sales to Mauritius.

“The worldwide competition is tough and the hotels have realised this and have been proactive in coming up with fantastic offers on a regular basis.

“I get calls from the hotels on a daily basis asking me what sort of prices are selling and what offers are floating around.

Also, the hotels have been forthcoming in

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

These offers give agents access to a 40% saving on two, three and four-bedroom villas at Heritage the Villas, which is situated on the Domaine de Bel Ombre in southwest Mauritius adjacent to neighbouring Heritage Le Telfair and Heritage Awali resorts Prices start at £420 per night in a two-bedroom pool villa.

Meanwhile, sister hotel Heritage Le Telfair has launched Gourmet Bliss, which offers guests staying on a half-board basis the chance to dine at seven differently

The future’s all-in Mauritius is embracing the demand for all-inclusive to ensure it continues to offer affordable luxury to all certain to be the way forward for the region,” said Darlington.

“The rise in availability of all-inclusive resorts in Mauritius is a great selling point for agents looking to promote the destination to their clients and demonstrate the growing diversity of the destination at a three, four and five-star level.”

And while the island is a favourite with Britons who want to enjoy some well-deserved R&R, Mauritius also appeals to golfing enthusiasts and nature lovers.

So we catch up with the hotels and operators to find out what’s new for 2013, what is happening in the luxury end of the market and how Mauritius is keeping visitors who are looking for something slightly more than sun, sea and sand happy.

What’s new Mauritius specialist Enchanting Holidays has added a number of new luxury hotels to its 2013 brochure.

The programme, which features 47 resorts, now includes the Four Seasons and Angsana properties in Mauritius. Looking forward to 2013, Shafique Cockar, head of product, contracting and marketing, said: “I am delighted with last year’s success. We surpassed our targets, and this year is also looking superb and we have already secured 50% of our target with forward sales.”

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

Enchanting Holidays offers agents a basic commission of 13% with opportunities to earn higher levels.

The specialist will also be hosting an agents’ luxury fam trip to Mauritius in conjunction with Air Mauritius around June this year.

Sunset Faraway Holidays has launched its 2013-14 collection of Luxury Worldwide Experiences, which features the St Regis Mauritius, plus the newly introduced Luxury Apartments and Villas in Mauritius offering more flexibility for families.

The St Regis Mauritius Resort opened at the end of last year on the southwest coast of the island and prides itself on its ultra-luxury offering such as 24-hour butler service. Seven nights’ half-board at St Regis Mauritius start at from £2,165 per person, including flights and transfers.

Western and Oriental has added the Long 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 in Mauritius has slashed 20% off its rack rates for 2013.

The discount can be combined with

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

The 61-room Shanti Maurice resort on the south coast of Mauritius has put together a number of offers for 2013.

Guests can get seven nights for the price of five, 10 nights for seven or 20 nights for the price of 14. There is an additional 10% discount on bookings confirmed 30 days prior to arrival.

Families travelling with up to three children under 12 will receive another room for the children on a complimentary basis, while couples who wish to have their honeymoon or anniversary at Shanti Maurice will receive a 50% discount on accommodation, a private dinner, a Pranay Ritual per person at the Nira Spa and a complimentary upgrade to the next available room category. All offers are valid for stays from now until 22 December and all the room rates are on a half-board basis.

Luxury hotel chain Anantara is venturing into Mauritius with the opening of the Anantara La Chaland Resort and Spa on the island’s southeast coast next year.

The new 160-room resort will be nestled alongside 800 metres of pristine beach.

Attractions within the area include natural sand dunes and a marine park.

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

Luxury market

Nice and niche

The Constance Le Prince Maurice Mauritius has reopened after an extensive refurbishment.

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

A new heated swimming pool and a floating bar have also been introduced, and the spa has benefitted from some TLC with Sisley products now featured. The hotel has also added 12 children’s rooms in the existing suites for families.

New room categories have been added at two Beachcomber properties.

The Royal Palm has new adults-only executive suites with extra benefits such as massages, private yoga, personal training and facials. Rates are from £311 per person per night.

Meanwhile, 108 new deluxe rooms have been introduced at the all-inclusive Shandrani Resort and Spa and new four-bedroom retreats have been added at Dinarobin Hotel Golf and Spa, which is located in the southwest of the island.

The villas boast expansive modern living areas, equipped with flat-screen TVs and media hub, set at the heart of the villa with large double doors opening onto an extensive terrace.

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

Any young budding Rory McIlroys may be interested to hear about the new junior golf academy at the Paradis Hotel and Golf Club in the southwest part of Mauritius.

Private professional coaches are on hand to show beginners the basics and offer coaching to more seasoned junior golfers on how best to improve their game.

Families can also take advantage of the computer software and video technology available at the academy, a great way to show junior golfers how they’re pitching and putting.

The resort has an array of water sports to complement the golfing academy including kayaking, water-skiing and sailing, as well as a mini club for three to 12-year-olds. Accommodation includes family suites with bedrooms specially designed for children. Thirty-minute lessons at the Junior Golf Academy are £25 per person including complimentary green fees for under 12s.

The 50-room boutique resort of Angsana Balaclava in the northwest corner of Mauritius has launched a host of culturallythemed experiences to celebrate its heritage as one of the first ports of call for Dutch settlers in the 17th century.

Local culinary expeditions, Sega dance lessons and tailor-made wellness programmes give guests a taste of Mauritian life during their stay at the boutique resort.

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

The prestigious Royal Palm resort in the north of Mauritius is offering guests the chance to learn to cook the Michelin-starred way in March.

Tom Aikens from the Michelin-starred Tom Aikens Restaurant in London, will be putting in an appearance at the hotel from 25-27 March in a series of one-off master classes that will show guests how to cook modern French cuisine.

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

The event will conclude with champagne on the beach and a demonstration of Mauritian cuisine hosted by both Aikens and Royal Palm’s awardwinning French chef, Michel de Matteis.

Prices for the course start at £150 and include two morning master classes with Tom Aikens. The Tom Aikens Master Class Week is available to book through Beachcomber Tours.

Seven nights’ half-board start at £3,950 per person including flights and transfers.

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The Adventure Company

Regional round-up If you want a bit of wildlife with your luxury holiday, then it's time for you to explore the other destinations in the Indian Ocean 14

A

s the luxuriously exotic destinations of Mauritius, the Maldives and the Seychelles become more familiar to holidaymakers so does their desire to explore more of the Indian Ocean.

In this regional round-up, we catch up with the operators to find out what they have to offer in 2013 when it comes to the more off-the-beaten-track destinations in the Indian Ocean.

Madagascar Intrepid Travel launched its Worldwide Family Adventures 2013 brochure earlier this month featuring new family holidays in Madagascar.

The 12-day Land of the Lemurs tour gives families with children aged seven and older the opportunity to explore

Madagascar’s traditions and head into the rainforest to search for lemurs, which are only found on the island of Madagascar.

The tour also includes a visit to a former royal retreat of Ambohimanga Palace, taking a rickshaw to a sweet factory, discovering hot springs and hitting the beach. Prices start at ÂŁ1,659 per person excluding flights with a 20% discount for children aged 11 and under.

To launch the new brochure, Intrepid is offering a 10% discount on adult and child places for bookings made from 15 January to 28 February 2013, for departures up to 31 August. Travel agents should quote the promotional code 9502 at the time of booking.

The three-part BBC2 documentary on Madagascar by Sir David Attenborough played a significant part in increasing All About the Indian Ocean

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

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

The escorted tours specialist also said that forward sales for 2013 suggest this will continue.

Cox and Kings’ Madagascar Adventure is a 14-day/11-night private tour gives participants the opportunity to discover the island’s wildlife and natural landscapes with visits to Analamazaotra Reserve, home to the largest living lemurs, the primary forest of the Mantadia National Park and Mitsinjo forest where visitors may spot nocturnal lemur species, such as mouse, greater dwarf and eastern woolly lemurs and the capital of Antananrivo. Prices start at £2,895 including flights and transfers.

The operator has also seen a growing demand for Madagascar and Mauritius twin centres and offers a 15-day/12night trip including four nights in Mauritius and eight nights in Madagascar from £3,395 per person. The price includes return flights to Mauritius with British Airways and connecting flights to Antananarivo, private transfers, excursions and accommodation with breakfast daily and some other meals.

Sri Lanka Virgin Holidays has a 12-day Highlights of Sri Lanka tour that gives visitors a real insight into the country and its culture.

The tour takes in the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya and impressive sculptures at Polonnaruwa to the beautiful tea plantations around Nuwara Eliya and the famous Yala National Park.

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

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Intrepid Travel has introduced a new Secrets of Sri Lanka tour to its Worldwide Family Adventures 2013 brochure.

The eight-day tour is for families with children aged seven and older and covers Sri Lanka’s highlights. Families can take on the challenge to climb to the top of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, take a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, see the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, visit a tea plantation and explore small villages on foot. Prices lead in at £829 per person excluding flights.

Meanwhile, the 15-day Elephant Paradise itinerary offers families the opportunity to get up close to wild elephants and turtles.

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

Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas has unveiled plans to open a new property in Sri Lanka next year.

The Kalutara Resort and Spa will be located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

The resort will offer 138 guest rooms and suites, an Anantara Spa, two swimming pools and a Thai speciality restaurant.

On the Go Tours has launched two group tours in Sri Lanka.

The eight-day Colombo Caves & Kandy visits the jungles, mountains and ancient ruins of Sri Lanka.

Highlights include the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the historic Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, tea plantations, Udawalawe National Park, which is home to the elusive leopard and 400 elephants, Gem Mine and Colombo city tour.

Prices start at £679 per person, excluding flights.

Regional round-up Meanwhile, the 12-day Buddha and Beach tour combines the best sites of Sri Lanka from the Colombo, Caves and Kandy tour before heading off to the beach resort of Kalutara, originally an important spice trading port.

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

Cox and Kings saw a 60% increase in passengers travelling to Sri Lanka last year. A spokeswoman for the operator believes the increase is a lot to do with the fact that Sri Lanka is rich in cultural, archaeological and natural treasures and also offers great value for money with prices to suit all budgets.

This has been reflected in the fact that Sri Lanka was recently named the best-value, long-haul destination in the Post Office Travel Money's Long Haul Report 2012.

The operator is optimistic that bookings will increase further this year with the launch in March of British Airways flights to Colombo from Gatwick. The airline will fly to the capital three times a week.

Cox and Kings’ popular Sri Lanka tour is its 14-day/12-night Sri Lanka: the Enchanted Island tour, which leads in at £2,295 per person, and includes flights, transfers, excursions, and accommodation with breakfast daily.

Finally, the first boutique five-star resort in the newly developed Pasikudah Bay on the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka is due to open on 14 February 2013.

The Beach House at Pasikudah will be accessible via a 60-minute seaplane transfer from Colombo or a five- hour drive. It comprises 34 suites, some with plunge pools, and two beach pavilions.

Each has floor to ceiling doors with stunning beach and sea views beyond and a personal host.

Facilities will include a 30-metre infinity pool, a spa, gym, PADI five-star Sun Diving School, watersports centre, library, internet cafe, floodlit tennis and badminton courts and a kids’ club.

Pasikudah in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka was once a popular tourism destination but in 1983, due to the civil war, the area became off-limits. With the civil war over, this small coastal resort is gearing up to receive an influx of visitors.

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