Travel Bulletin Indian Ocean Supplement 2014

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All About the

INDIAN OCEAN January 2014

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

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www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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Editor’s note

All About the

INDIAN OCEAN T

he Indian Ocean is without a doubt going through some dynamic times at the moment. While the couples, weddings and honeymoon market still makes up the lion’s share of its visitor pie chart, families are making a beeline for the islands in the Indian Ocean that are offering all-inclusive packages, kids’ clubs and larger accommodation.

The stunning surrounds and culture of the Seychelles, Mauritius, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Madagascar are also attractive to parents, keen to drag their children away from their iPads and Nintendos to see what the real world has to offer. And what a lot the Indian Ocean has to serve up.

Stunning beaches, a colourful underwater world teeming with marine life, deep-sea fishing excursions, dolphin cruises… the list is endless.

Hotel groups such as Beachcomber have seen family bookings increase with the market representing 30% at some of their hotels.

The countries that make up the Indian Ocean are also perfectly placed to satisfy adventurous clients, who may

want a twin or even triple-centre holiday, and the recent introduction of the Airbus A380 on the service from Dubai to Mauritius is playing a big role.

Twin centres between the Indian Ocean and the Middle East, or Africa are more accessible than ever before, and for agents who know this market, there is lots of potential to encourage clients to consider these types of holidays.

And while luxury accommodation is still a key part of many people’s holidays, the quality of the experience is also vital with an increase in demand to get under the skin of a country, to see how local communities live and work.

Operators, and indeed hotels themselves, are responding to this demand by working with ground handlers to come up with excursions that can offer cultural experiences.

So, I hope you enjoy this supplement and the advice and information helps you to convert interest into bookings and bigger commission for you all.

Angela Cronin Supplements editor

CONTENTS What’s new..............................4

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11

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Hotel hotline............................6 Family holidays ......................8 Holidays for less than...........11 Seychelles ............................12 Multi centres ........................14

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe

Design/Layout: Prashant AP & Nicky Valsamakis Printed by: MCR Printers

Published by

Written and researched by: Angela Cronin

Lower Ground Floor, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX Tel: 020-7834 6661

Email: angelacronin2003@yahoo.co.uk

All About The Indian Ocean

Cover Picture: Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives ISSN: 0956-2419

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What’s new

The resorts in the Indian Ocean are adapting to the changing world of holidays with new offerings to meet the expectations of honeymooners, who are now returning with their children, and visitors who want to mix and match their island escapes Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts has introduced an all-inclusive option at its Angsana Ihuru property in the Maldives

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ot traditionally seen as a destination that ticks all the boxes for the family market, affordability and new accommodation options are making the islands in the Indian Ocean a more desirable option for parents who want their children to experience countries that are perceived to be more exotic than the classic Mediterranean resorts.

Ross Pakes, senior product manager for the Indian Ocean at Abercrombie and Kent, says the operator has seen increased demand for families in the Indian Ocean and accommodation is a key factor.

“Our top picks are Four Seasons, Conrad Rangali and the One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives as well as the One&Only Le Saint Gerain in Mauritius. All of these are developing to provide either two-bedroom villas or larger villas that can accommodate families. They also have great kids’ clubs, with lots of activities so the parents can relax.”

Elegant Resorts has also seen a rise in bookings from families. Tara Taylor, product manager, Europe, North Africa, Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf and Middle East, says: “We are definitely seeing families becoming more adventurous and travelling to longhaul destinations.”

New flight options are also making

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the Indian Ocean a desirable twincentre destination. A&K’s Ross Pakes says: “ We’ve seen an increase in people moving around – the Seychelles is popular for islandhopping and more people are now treating the Maldives as a twin-centre destination and staying in more than one property.”

Elegant Resorts’ Tara Taylor says the Indian Ocean still remains popular with the weddings and honeymoon market, while A&K’s Ross Pakes says the operator has noticed quite an increase in honeymoon sales for the Maldives, “particularly combined with Sri Lanka as British Airways flies to Sri Lanka via the Maldives. Sri Lanka offers excellent value for money so we have been looking at affordable options in the Maldives to match clients’ expectations.”

So 2014 looks set to be a promising one for the Indian Ocean, and here’s a quick round-up of what some of the operators and hotels have in store for the next 12 months.

Cosmos Holidays The operator has launched its Indian Ocean brochure for departures from May 2014 to April 2015 with an expanded range of luxury properties in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Mauritius.

Cosmos is featuring the east coast of

Sri Lanka for the first time with the introduction of the coastal village resort of Passikudah and the historical port city of Trincomale for 2014. Seven nights’ bed and breakfast lead in at £1,199 per person at the Jungle Beach in Trincomalee.

Newly featured resorts in the Maldives include Chaaya Island Dhonveli, North Male Atoll and the Vilamendhoo Island Resort. Prices start at £1,435 per person for seven nights at Chaaya Island Dhonveli.

The Mauritius programme has been expanded to meet demand and now features the 20 Degrees Sud in Grand Baie with seven-night prices from £1,489 per person and the Elitebranded Le Cardinal in Trou aux Biches, seven nights from £1,879 per person.

Meanwhile, sister brand Cosmos Tours and Cruises has introduced a new, 13-day Sri Lanka Northern Explorer tour for those wanting to see a lesser-known area of Sri Lanka which not many other tour operators feature.

Prices start at £2,045 per person and include flights, 10 nights’ halfboard and guided sightseeing.

Intrepid Travel The specialist has launched a food tour in Sri Lanka that aims to showcase the destination’s best street All About The Indian Ocean

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News round-up Arrival of A380 gives Mauritius services a huge boost Paul Scudamore checks out the new Airbus A380 service from Dubai to Mauritius The Indian Ocean is full of hidden (and not so hidden) gems, and Mauritius is one of them.

From the UK it’s easy to get to – the choice of scheduled airlines includes Air Mauritius, Emirates and British Airways – and it’s a delight to arrive at.

The heat at any time of year welcomes you with open climate arms the second you step out into the tropical air.

With only a four-hour time difference from the UK, the jetlag is minimal. And now with the recent launch of the daily Emirates Airbus A380 super-jumbo service from Dubai, which UK passengers connect to from the airline’s A380 flight from Heathrow, getting to Mauritius has become an even more pleasurable experience.

The impact of the introduction of the daily A380 service between the Emirates hub in Dubai and the island cannot be underestimated. As Dev Babooa, the research and development manager of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, said in an exclusive interview last month with Travel Bulletin in the island’s capital Port-Louis: “We cannot be more excited by this launch. It has come at the right time and we will see a real resurgence in UK arrivals which had dipped because of the global recession from a high of 107,000 in 2008 to 99,000 last year. But now we’re looking at 2014 achieving upwards of 103,000.

“The A380 means an extra 53,000 seats a year, and then there’s TUI’s Dreamliner weekly service from the UK which is due to start in May which will mean another 8,000 seats available. It’s all very good news for UK tour operators, travel agents – and for us.”

food, local specialities, home cooking and unique food and drink experiences.

The 15-day Real Food Adventure will give guests the opportunity to prepare a traditional Sinhalese dinner with a local family, learn to make string hoppers and roti, tour a herb and spices garden, stay overnight at a tea plantation and pick leaves to make a fresh cup of tea, explore the rock caves of Dambulla, meet Unawatuna’s famed stilt fishermen and relax on the white beaches of Tangalle.

Prices start at £1,275 per person and include 14 nights’ accommodation, 14 meals, tours and tastings, local transport and a local tour leader.

Wildlife Worldwide The wildlife tours specialist has introduced a new programme that features two trips to Madagascar.

Just Conservation tours take travellers behind the scenes of national parks and conservation organisations and allows them the chance to collaborate with scientists, research teams and wardens.

The 10-day Land of the Lemurs: Conservation in Action itinerary focuses on Madagascar’s Ranomafana National Park where visitors will learn about the threats to the lemur population through existing conservation projects. They will get to see the lemurs in their natural habitat and engage with local communities.

Prices start at £1,895 per person based on two sharing including flights with flexible departures between April and August 2014.

The 11-day Breeding of the Greater Bamboo Lemur makes the most of the breeding season in November to study the endangered greater bamboo lemur, with the guidance of lemur expert, Dr Patricia Wright.

Prices lead in at £1,995 per person based on two sharing including flights with a 1 November 2014 departure date.

Kuoni The operator is building on the demand for twin centres between the Indian Ocean and the United Arab Emirates with the launch of its very first Indian Ocean and Arabia brochure.

The Maldives has been Kuoni’s number one holiday and honeymoon destination for the last two years, with Mauritius the top overseas wedding choice for 2013. Commercial and product manager Sheena Paton says 60% of Kuoni bookings to the UAE are combined with the Indian Ocean as the UAE makes an excellent stopover.”

The programme features new multi-centre holidays combining the Maldives with Dubai or Cape Town with Mauritius.

There is also a number of new properties in the Seychelles and new tours in Sri Lanka.

All About The Indian Ocean

Hotel news in brief Heritage Le Telfair in Mauritius has its sights set on football widows in June and July whose partners will be engrossed in the 2014 World Cup. The football-free Girls Fly out package includes: two free spa treatments; 50% off any extra spa treatments; cooking class with one of Heritage’s chefs; wine-tasting session; and complimentary yoga and tai chi sessions.

Seven nights’ half-board start at £1,299 per person, valid for stays between 1 June and 14 July 2014, which includes flights and transfers.

Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts has introduced an all-inclusive option at its luxury Angsana Ihuru property in the Maldives. Kuoni features seven nights’ all-inclusive at the five-star Angsana Ihuru, Maldives in a beachfront villa, including flights and transfers from £2,495 per person.

Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa has become the first resort in the Maldives to launch cultural tours inviting guests to experience another side to the paradise islands of the Indian Ocean.

The luxury resort’s new guided excursions include a range of cultural and recreational tours suitable for both couples and families.

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Hotel hotline

It seems that luxury is just as much about the “experience” as it is the accommodation these days as new resorts focus on immersing their guests in island life

Seychelles Enchanted Island Resort Clients looking for a real castaway experience need look no further than the new, five-star Enchanted Island Resort in the middle of a designated national marine park, close to neighbouring islands Sainte Anne, Moyenne, Long and Cerf.

The island, which opened at the end of last year and is the first international property for Dubai’s JA Resorts and Hotels, has just eight one-bedroom private pool villas and two, twobedroom Enchanted Signature Villas that can be booked on an individual or exclusive basis.

Each villa features a private infinity pool, walkway to the beach, deck, outdoor rain shower, French bathtub, king-size bed, LED screen with satellite channels, DVD player, iPod docking station and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access.

The Bounty Restaurant overlooks the resort’s main swimming pool and serves up contemporary, international and Creole cuisine, while the Castaway Bar offers a variety of cocktails and aperitifs. In-villa dining and private gourmet experiences on the beach are also on offer.

Serena Spa manages the spa that overlooks the Indian Ocean from its elevated position on the island.

How much? Rates lead in at £1,232 for a private pool villa per night. This price includes a 30% introductory offer which is available until 28 February 2014 To book: reservations@jaresorts.com Mauritius Zilwa Attitude The rustic 214-room Zilwa Attitude opened its doors recently and its focus is all about local living. It is also the first hotel on the island to have been given a Creole name – Zilwa means islander.

Guests can experience a sunrise boat trip with the local fishermen, cook a Mauritian curry, enjoy a lesson in the Creole language and dine at a local home where they can get to know a local family and learn about what life is like for Mauritians.

How much? Hayes and Jarvis offers seven-nights’ all-inclusive with prices from £1,199 per person, including transfers and flights.

To book: tel: 01293 735831; hayesandjarvis.co.uk Zanzibar Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas and Spa. This exclusive resort, poised to open next month, will be located on the white sands of Paje beach, which is a popular kitesurfing destination due to its steady, year-round winds and flat shallow waters.

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There are 11 villas in total, five one-bedroom villas, five twobedroom villas and one three-bedroom villa. Each villa has a private swimming pool, outdoor bathtub, private recreational area and view of the beach.

The resort’s restaurant will serve freshly caught fish, tropical juices and local cuisine, while the spa will offer a wide range of treatments based on natural, locally sourced ingredients such as sea salt, cloves and seaweed.

How much? African Pride offers seven nights’ full-board in a one bedroom villa from £2,033 per person including flights.

To book: african-pride.co.uk Maldives Velaa Private Island This exclusive, intimate resort opened earlier this month in the Noonu Atoll, with its name and home taking its inspiration from the generations of sea turtles that have inhabited the island for countless years.

Comprising 43 private villas and five private residences, which feature four bedrooms. Eighteen of the 43 villas are built over water, the romantic villa is the only exclusive villa that has to be reached by boat.

Activities on offer include submarine expeditions, diving, snorkelling, windsurfing and sailing. There will also be a Troon Short Game Golf Academy, the first in the Maldives.

The island will have a My Blend by Clarins spa, one of only a handful in the world and will also feature the first ‘snow room’ in the Maldives.

How much? Prices start at £914 per night including breakfast and excluding tax.

To book: velaaprivateisland.com Kandolhu Located in the heart of the Maldives, in North Ari Atoll, the small island of Kandolhu is now home to a boutique resort that opened earlier this month, following an investment of £7m.

The island has 30 villas in five different categories, on land and over water, each distinct in design and the majority with private pools. The ethos of the resort is to offer a Maldivian island experience as opposed to a holiday resort one, “the perfect combination of ‘small island Maldives’ and affordable luxury,” according to resort general manager Abdul Latheef.

The villas are scattered around the island on the beach with sea views or set over the water with direct access to the Indian Ocean.

Board options include bed and breakfast, full-board or all-inclusive with diving available at four à la carte restaurants located on the island.

All About The Indian Ocean

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Hotel news Other features include a beach bar with panoramic views of the sea, a water sports centre offering diving and nonmotorised sports and excursions.

The Kandholhu Spa offers a complete wellness experience in its four treatment rooms each with separate male and female wet areas and a gym.

How much? Kuoni offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast in a Jacuzzi beach villa, including flights and transfers from £2,099 per person, based on two sharing.

To book: tel: 01306 747008 or kuoni.co.uk One&Only Reethi Rah This luxury resort in the Maldives has welcomed a new addition to its accommodation offering.

Made up of two separate villas, the Grand Sunset Residence is a three-bedroom villa with a private 50m² swimming pool and an impressive outdoor living and dining area in which guests can enjoy meals prepared by their own private chef.

The new villa has a 24-hour host and two complimentary golf buggies to help the guests get around the island.

Every room in the Grand Sunset Residence is equipped with the latest technology, including a high-speed internet connection, Bang & Olufsen BeoCom5 telephones, iPads and 55-inch LCD televisions with built-in Bose, surround-sound systems.

The villa also has its own Smeg wine cellar bar, espresso and tea-making machines, a built-in steam room and a

AN ESCAPE TO THE SUBTLE ACCENTS OF AFRICA

couple’s size rain shower room with outdoor access to the lagoon.

How much? Carrier offers seven nights’ B&B from £14,005 per person based on six people sharing the residence at including, return World Traveller flights with British Airways from and return private transfers.

To book: tel: 0161 492 1358; carrier.co.uk Cheval Blanc Randheli Located in the unspoilt Noonu Atoll in the northwest of the Maldives archipelago, Cheval Blanc Randheli is aiming to offer a tailor-made experience for its guests – the resort even has its own bespoke seaplane.

The resort features 15 island villas, 15 water villas and 14 garden villas, all with their own private infinity pool.

Facilities include four culinary art restaurants, yoga, pilates and relaxation pavilions, Cheval Blanc spa, hot baths and a swimming pool. There’s also a Carousel Kids’ club and Paddock Teens’ club.

Experiences on offer include a day of big game fishing on board a luxury yacht or the chance to explore the lagoon by canoe. There’s also free diving, submarine excursions or fully equipped scuba diving available.

How much? Abercrombie and Kent offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast from £6,790 per person, including flights and transfers.

To book: abercrombiekent.co.uk.

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Family holidays

The fun factor

Traditionally seen as a couples-only destination, resorts in the Indian Ocean are pulling out all the stops to cater for the family market as all-inclusive options and larger accommodation make the islands a more desired alternative for a summer break

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he resorts in the Indian Ocean are starting to pay more attention to the lucrative family market as more parents are opting to travel further afield with their offsprings.

All-inclusive options and accommodation that create a home-from-home feel are key drivers in this increase, as well as top-notch kids’ clubs that give parents the opportunity to relax, while the children enjoy some of the many activities on offer.

We look at what resorts are up to for 2014 when it comes to making sure the kids are alright.

Maldives Bandos Island Resort and Spa In common with other operators, Travel 2 is seeing the Maldives becoming an increasingly popular holiday choice for families.

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“The region is extremely safe, the waters are calm and shallow and many of the resorts offer plenty of activities for children.

“The Bandos Island Resort and Spa is really popular with our families as its accommodation offering makes it an affordable option. A family of four can stay in a superior room and there are plenty of food options for both parents and kids,” adds Carolina Svensson, product manager.

“For families looking to stay in five-star accommodation, Travel 2 recommends IruFushi Resort and Spa where kids stay, play and eat for free throughout the year.”

How much? Travel 2 offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast for a family of four from £3,829 based on two adults and two children sharing including flights and transfers. This offer is available from 1 May to 30 June 2014.

All About The Indian Ocean

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Family holidays

Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives This new, five-star resort comes highly recommended from Destinology as a holiday haven for families as it has spacious villas and a daily programme of entertainment and activities for all ages packaged up in its Platinum Plus plan.

For children aged four to 11, the kids’ club offers a range of diverse activities from 9am to 9pm, including mask-making, fish-feeding, waterballoon fights, juggling lessons, face painting and quizzes.

For young adults aged 12 to 16, the resort also offers a weekly variety of activities specially catered to the age group, including pool tournaments, beach football, special island excursions, sushi-making classes, fitness classes, DJ lessons and special disco nights.

How much? Destinology offers seven nights’ all-inclusive from £6,999 for a family of four staying in a Sunset Junior Suite between 1 June and 31 August 2014. This price includes flights and seaplane transfers.

Mauritius Anahita the Resort If parents ever hear the phrase “I’m bored” from their children during their stay at Anahita, then they know their kids must be hard to please.

The resort’s OurSpace kids’ club caters for children as young as eight months up to 12 years of age and has activities including kayaking, sailing, a trip to lle Aux Cerf, modelling, educational games, exploring the Indian Ocean either on a snorkelling trip or by glass-bottom boat, getting messy with Gloop, water sports, golf and much more, including a Kids’ Adventure Park at Domaine de L’Etoile, where kids can enjoy mini jet skis, quad bikes and zip wires to pedal karting, trampolines and a giant inflatable castle. There is even a mini town with specially designed traffic signals and mini electrical cars.

The resort’s Escape Club is aimed to cater for the needs of 13-18 year olds. A daily programme offers a wide

All About The Indian Ocean

range of outdoor activities from snorkelling, waterskiing and kayaking trips to friendly tennis knock-outs, Frisbee tournaments and trips to neighbouring island Ile Aux Cerf.

For those who prefer a more chilled pace, the club is fully kitted out with the latest sound system, games consoles and an outdoor relaxation area. There’s also a menu of special activites on offer throughout the year including Henna tattoo lessons, Indian Curry nights and popcorn and movie evenings.

The resort, which has its villas set around a little harbour village area also has its own private nature reserve, where guests will encounter giant tortoises. There are horse-riding and quad-bike tours to the highest parts where there are fantastic views of the island. Beachside, there’s all the usual Indian Ocean water sports and there’s also a little private island where guests can go and play.

How much? Turquoise Holidays offers seven nights’ B&B from £4,440 for a family of four in a two-bedroom, garden-view suite including transfers and international flights.

Heritage Awali Golf and Spa Resort Virgin Holidays recommends Mauritius as the perfect family destination and is a great alternative to the Caribbean.

Worldwide product development executive Caron Streeter says: “Mauritius boasts idyllic beaches, plenty of natural beauty to explore such as the coloured sands at Chamarel and numerous all-inclusive hotels, which help families to plan their budget ahead and avoid those wallet-draining unexpected expenses.”

A great choice for families is Heritage Awali Golf and Spa Resort, says Streeter.

“Set within the Bel Ombre Estate, a former sugar plantation on the island’s south coast that is edged by crisp white beaches and lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters, the resort has plenty to entertain both children and parents, including one of

the largest spa villages in the Indian Ocean.

“While mums and dads try out the spa, younger members of the family can enjoy the kids’ club or take part in excursions designed with teens in mind. There’s also a golf course and a multitude of water sports to take part in, with three restaurants to choose from in the evenings,” she adds.

How much? Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Heritage Awali with Virgin Holidays costs from £4,903 for a family of four including fights and transfers. The price is based on a departure on 8 April 2014.

The Residence Mauritius Fun activities that have been introduced recently at The Residence Mauritius coupled with great familyaccommodation put the resort high on the family-friendly list for Turquoise Holidays.

Children staying at The Residence Mauritius can now learn the traditional dance of Mauritius, Sega.

It’s a musical expression of the Mauritian way of life and the team at the Planter’s Kids Club will show littleones the steps and moves to this dance. They will also have the opportunity to dress in ruffled skirts, flowery shirts and shorts.

Also new is underwater treasure hunting. A treasure map is given to each child or family and the first to discover the hidden treasure in the snorkelling zone is crowned the winner and the Residence Mauritius’ ‘Best Pirate’ award.

Children will also have the opportunity to indulge their creative side with the fun, new tie-dye workshop, where they create their own designs on white T-shirts.

Mini-cooking classes will also allow kids the chance to release their inner Jamie Oliver by cooking up some mouth-watering dishes alongside the hotel’s chef.

These new activities complement the exisiting ones available at the Planter’s Kids’ Club, which is for children aged three to 12.

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Family holidays Children can spend their days enjoying organised treasure hunts, snorkelling classes, face-painting, glass-bottom boat tours, pony rides and even fashion shows, plays and films.

Children can also now join their parents in the Sanctuary Spa thanks to a range of treatments designed just for kids.

How much? Turquoise Holidays offers seven nights’ halfboard for a family of four in two Colonial Garden View Rooms from £5,430 per family including two adults and two children. The price includes flights and transfers.

Seychelles MAIA Luxury Resort and Spa in the Seychelles Forget your VIP areas, it’s all about VIK zones at the MAIA Luxury Resort and Spa, located on a private peninsula on the southwest coast of Mahé Island.

Very Important Kids, or as they are known in resort as the VIKs, have plenty to keep them busy during their stay with games, art projects, cinema nights, sports and aquatic excursions, and not forgetting the MAIA Treasure Hunt, where kids are taken on a seven-clue treasure hunt through Maia to find Captain Boileau’s ancient buried jewels.

Wildlife tours of La Digue and Bird Island, which is popular with kids because of the dramatic volcanic rock formations, rare birds and turtles, are also on the agenda.

The grown-ups may be interested to know that the resort is also relaunching its spa next month, partnering with

Budapest brand, Omorovicza, treatment menu will showcase three body massages and five natural facials, including the Gold Après Soleil Facial, which is not available anywhere else in the world.

How much? Carrier offers seven nights’ half-board from £13,245 per family based on two adults and one child sharing an oceanfront villa. Flights and transfers are included.

Sri Lanka For families who love a bit of an adventure on their holiday, Mountain Kingdoms has just the trip for them.

The 14-day Indian Ocean Family Adventure in Sri Lanka crosses this country from east to west with a local guide who engages all the members of the family on this fun-filled tour.

Highlights include: riding on elephants to see leopards; cycling; white-water rafting; seeing cultural sights such as the Dambulla Caves and Sigiriya Rock; enjoying train rides to see the tea plantations; and wildlife safaris in Uda Walawe and Yala National Parks.

The tour ends with some well-deserved chilling time on the beaches of the south coast.

How much? Prices lead in at £2,155 per adult and £1,695 per child (ages 7 to 11), including flights. Departure dates are 6 April 2014, 27 July 2014, 21 December 2014 and 29 March 2015. Mountain Kingdoms offers 11% commission on land-only prices

Agent’s corner Travel Counsellor Jack Leaf gives us an insight into what it’s like to sell holidays to the Indian Ocean.

How many holidays on average do you sell to the Indian Ocean every year?

Indian Ocean is one of my biggest selling destinations as the weather is excellent all year round.

What's your best-selling Indian Ocean destination and hotel?

Mauritius is my best-selling island destination. I sell a lot of the One&Only Le Saint Geran. I love Shanti Maurice, it’s stunning.

Have you noticed a trend in how people holiday in the Indian Ocean?

Families are definitely becoming a bigger market for the Indian Ocean, but among my client base, it is still couples, mainly honeymooners, that are driving my principle business to the region.

What sort of information would you like to receive more of from suppliers?

The luxury operators have excellent product knowledge to complement my own. I find it easier to sell Mauritius, Reunion Island and the Maldives having been there. However, I have never been to the Seychelles, and with the absence of direct flights, I find it more difficult to sell. And the same for Zanzibar but to a lesser extent. The other problem is the negative publicity about Nairobi which is the main hub from London to Zanzibar.

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How much interaction do you have with tourist boards?

Indian Ocean includes the African coastline too and the Kenya Tourist Board provides excellent agent evenings. Mauritius and Seychelles hotels also put on an event once or twice a year in a Central London hotel. I guess it’s all there with online training, which also leads to fam trips.

Which training programmes have you completed?

I am not too keen on online training programmes, even though I can see it’s the direction in which the travel industry is heading. I tend to speak to the tour operators or search online for my answers. I also like to learn at hosted events or on location or by speaking to those in the know.

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Holidays for less than...

From going on safari in the lemur forests of Madagascar to taking it easy on the Seychelles island that has the royal seal of approval, here is a round-up of some of the best package offers around at the moment

£1,000 Geckos Adventures has a small group, 13-day Spices of Ceylon tour that visits Pinnawela elephant orphanage, rides around the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, explores the caves at Dambulla and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, goes surfing in Galle, and indulges in street food in Colombo.

How much? Prices lead in at £775 per person, excluding flights.

To book: 0845 863 9722; geckosadventures.com/trips/gihs Sunset Faraway is offering seven nights’ bed and breakfast in a superior room at the five-star Kurumba in the Maldives from only £999 How much? Prices lead in at £999 based on 3, 10, 17, 25 May and 1 and 5 June 2014 departures, including flights.

To book: 020 8774 7100; sunset.co.uk £2,000 Transindus has a 14-day Emerald Isle group tour that starts in the capital city of Colombo, before travelling inland to the Cultural Triangle of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy.

How much? Prices lead in at £1,995 per person, including flights, based on a departure date of 20 November 2014 To book: 020 8566 3739; transindus.com Sunset Faraway has seven nights’ B&B at the five-star Kandolhu Island, Maldives in a Jacuzzi beach villa.

How much? Prices from £1,799 for 21 May-18 June 2014, which includes All About The Indian Ocean

a saving of up to £970 per couple. Flights are included.

To book: 020 8774 7100; sunset.co.uk Turquoise Holidays is offering seven nights for the price of five in a luxury garden pool villa at the Residence Zanzibar including two free nights and an early-booking discount How much? Prices lead in at £1,595 per person including daily breakfast and dinner, return resort transfers and international flights. This represents a saving of £550 per person and is valid for travel until 21 December 2014 To book: 01494 678400; turquoiseholidays.co.uk; 2by2 Holidays has a nine-night private safari of eastern Madagascar that gives visitors the chance to explore the lemur forests of the Perinet Reserve, and to relax on St Marie Island, famous for its diving, deep-sea fishing and whales.

How much? The nine-night tour costs from £1,595 per person excluding flights.

To book: 01582 766122; 2by2holidays.co.uk £3,000 Kuoni has seven nights’ all-inclusive at the five-star Angsana Ihuru, Maldives in a beachfront villa, including flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow with group transfers in resort.

How much? Lead-in prices for 2014 are from £2,495 per person, based on two sharing.

To book: 01306 747008; kuoni.co.uk

£5,000 Peregrine Reserve has a 13-day small group Sri Lanka Revealed tour that includes a private tea masterclass in the hill resort of Nuwara Eliya, the chance to spot leopards on a jeep safari in Yala National Park, a private sunset cocktail party in Kandy, a private city tour of Anuradhapura, a tranquil boat ride through the mangroves of Koggala Lagoon to a cinnamon plantation, and a traditional lunch at Priyamali Gedara.

How much? Prices lead in at £2,990 per person excluding flights To book: 0845 863 9604; peregrinereserve.com/risr Just Seychelles is offering seven nights’ all-inclusive at Desroches Island in the Seychelles, with savings of 30% and two nights free. The island was popular with Prince William and Kate before they got married.

How much? Prices lead in at £2,989 per person in a beach suite from May to July, representing a saving of £3,300 per couple. The price includes international flights and inter-island flights.

To book: 020 8840 0969 justseychelles.com Elegant Resorts has five nights’ B&B in a beach villa at the One&Only Reethi Rah How much? Prices from £3,725 per person, based on two people sharing including flights and yacht transfers.

Departures are on 1 April 2014.

To book: 01244 897538; elegantresorts.co.uk.

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Seychelles

The destination of dreams If you have clients who want to get away from it all for a week or two, look no further than the island paradise that is the Seychelles.

Glyn Burridge, consultant to the Seychelles Tourism Board, provides an insight into what this fabulous destination has to offer

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he Seychelles ticks all the boxes when it comes to planning a holiday to a dream destination. The islands offer diversity, stunning natural beauty, a vibrant culture, a perfect year-round climate where the annual average is between 24 and 33°C and its hotels are truly out of this world.

There is also an extensive frequency of flights to the islands with airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Air Seychelles, Kenya Airways, Condor and Transaero serving the Seychelles capital of Mahe.

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.

While there are 115 islands that make up the Seychelles, only 16 of the islands have hotels, and these range from luxury, five-star properties to boutique, more affordable hotels, Creole guesthouses and self-catering villas.

There’s also the islands of Fregate and Desroches that offer that truly exclusive, island-life experience, fit enough for a royal couple. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge holidayed on the island of Desroches before they were married, as the resort offered them an escape from the intrusions they regularly experience.

They then honeymooned on North Island two years ago.

It’s easy to see why, with its glorious, white, sandy beaches, clear, blue seas and paradise lost feel that the islands are popular with young couples, people looking to tie the knot or honeymooners.

The spa facilities at the resorts are also a big part of what the luxury hotels have to offer.

While the top-quality resorts are a big draw, many visitors to the islands are keen to explore the Seychelles’ flora and fauna with its high proportion of endemic species.

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Nowhere else on earth are to be found unique specimens such as the jellyfish tree, with only eight surviving examples; the 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.

The islands also lay claim to being home to the world’s smallest frog, the heaviest land tortoise and the only flightless bird of the Indian Ocean.

Water sports enthusiasts are also drawn to the Seychelles as it offers calm seas to sail in, and for those who love the underwater world, there is a myriad of of dive sites that promise a marine extravaganza as diverse and vibrant as it is unique.

This living aquarium enjoys comfortable year-round temperatures of between 24 and 30ºC 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.

Remaining with the activity theme, golf lovers will be pleased to hear they can get in a round or two at the ninehole 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.

So for those looking to escape the stresses and strains of the modern world and enjoy the finer things in life, the Seychelles is the place to go.

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It’s a twin thing…

Fancy a safari in Kenya with a few days on the beach in Zanzibar, or is a short, cultural break in Oman followed by a week on the beach in the Maldives more your cup of tea? It seems the possibilities are endless these days with new flight options offering increased flexibility

A stay at The Residence Zanzibar (pictured above) is a great place to relax after a safari in the eastern Naboisho Conservancy of the Masai Mara in Kenya. Meanwhile, Greaves Travel offers a triple centre break combining the Taj West End in Bangalore, the Vivanta by Taj Madikeri (pictured right) and Vivanta by Taj Coral Reef in the Maldives

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he islands in the Indian Ocean are a single-centre holiday destination in their own right, but as holidaymakers look to get more out of their two-week annual holiday, operators are seeing an increasing demand for twin and triple-centre breaks.

Ross Pakes, senior product manager for the Indian Ocean at Abercrombie and Kent, says there is definitely a noticeable rise in twin-centre breaks as people look to pick and mix their holiday desires.

“Holidays combining safaris with beach relaxation in Mauritius and the Seychelles are popular with our clients,” says Pakes. “South Africa is the best option as there are direct flights to both islands most days.

“There’s also a trend to combine the Middle East with the Maldives – particularly Oman, which has been big for us for several months. Flights connect easily, with Oman Air flying to Male via Muscat, or Emirates serving Male via Dubai.”

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We asked the operators to put together some twin- and triple-centre package ideas for 2014 and here is what they came up with.

Dubai and Mauritius For the best of both worlds, Virgin Holidays recommends Mauritius and Dubai as the perfect Indian twin-centre.

Worldwide product development executive Caron Streeter, says: “Dubai offers glitz, glamour and a world-class cosmopolitan city, while a stay on the island of Mauritius provides a tropical long-haul getaway with plenty to see and do. In Dubai, shopaholics can enjoy exploring the Mall of the Emirates, while adrenaline junkies can go dune bashing in the desert. In Mauritius, there’s the coloured sands at Chamarel to enjoy, the botanical gardens in the district of Pamplemousse or an afternoon in the island’s capital of Port Louis.”

How much? A 10-night, twin-centre break in Dubai and Mauritius with Virgin Holidays, including return flights,

transfers, three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hilton Dubai Creek, followed by seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Jalsa Beach Hotel and Spa starts from £1,428. The price is based on a departure date of 12 May 2014.

India and the Maldives Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces has the perfect triple-centre break for your clients who want to embrace their inner adventurer.

The trip starts with a two-night stay at the Taj West End Hotel in the “garden city” of Bangalore. This is the number one city in the Indian deep south as it is the beating heart of India’s booming IT industry. However, it has earned the nickname of the “garden city” as it has some amazing parks complemented by some striking architecture, such as the centuries-old Lalbagh Botanical Gardens and the Bull Temple at Basavanagudi.

Three days follow at the Vivanta by Taj Madikeri in the mountains of Coorg just outside Bangalore. Guests can lose

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Multi-centres

themselves in 180 acres of rainforest and enjoy activities such as nature trails, bird watching, a plantation tour or a walk through the organic vegetable gardens.

This triple-centre adventure rounds off with a flight to the Maldives for seven nights at the Vivanta by Taj Coral Reef resort where there will be plenty of time to soak up the sun and relax with a range of Indian wellness signature treatments and rituals at the Jiva Spa. How much? Prices start at £3,275 per person with India specialist Greaves Travel, including 12 nights’ bed and breakfast, transfers, sightseeing and excursions.

South Africa and Mauritius “The safari indulgence that South Africa offers with the exotic appeal of Mauritius is the perfect solution for clients who want to combine some adrenaline-pumping action with the ultimate relaxation option,” says 2by2 Holidays founder Claire Farley.

This 10-night break includes a safari at a luxury private game reserve in Mpumalanga, where there is the opportunity to enjoy some spectacular game viewing with the chance to spot some of the big five as well as cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, the list is endless. Oh, and of course, enjoying an African sunset or two over the reserve is also high on the agenda.

Day four starts with a flight to Mauritius for six days of sun, sea and spa treatments the Mauritian way. There will be plenty of opportunities to just relax or

All About The Indian Ocean

enjoy a wide variety of activities on offer including, sailing, canoeing, waterskiing, windsurfing, beach volleyball, tennis, water polo, catamaran cruises, deep-fishing, diving, horse-riding and the odd cultural excursion to the capital of Port Louis.

How much? 2by2 Holidays offers this 10night twin centre with prices from £2,745 per person.

Sri Lanka and the Maldives “These two destinations complement each other perfectly,” says Carolina Svensson, Travel 2 product manager.

“The ideal combination is to spend seven nights touring around Sri Lanka before a short one-hour flight to the Maldives, spending another seven nights relaxing in one of the beautiful Maldives all-inclusive resorts.”

How much? Travel 2 recommends an eight-day Discover Sri Lanka Tour combined with seven nights at the Embudu Village, Maldives on a fullboard basis. Prices lead in at £1,719 per person including flights and boat transfers and departure dates between 1 May and 30 June 2014.

Kenya and Zanzibar A stay at the luxury in the Ol Seki Hemingways Mara camp of the Masai Mara followed by some time out at the opulent Residence Zanzibar resort is just the ticket for your clients who fancy combining an African safari experience to remember with a few days on an Indian Ocean beach.

The intimate Ol Seki Hemingways Mara camp, which has only 10 luxury tents, is set on a rocky promontory, overlooking the Isupukiai River Valley on the eastern Naboisho Conservancy, and guests can enjoy panoramic views over a wilderness area teeming with game.

The Naboisho Conservancy borders the Mara and guests can view the game in the camp surrounds as there are no fences to inhibit the animals.

Then it’s off to the Residence Zanzibar located on a beautiful, long sandy beach, flanked by coconut palms and 32 acres of garden.

The resort is home to 66 villas, each with their own swimming pool and sun terrace.

Food is a big feature of the hotel’s offering with Arabic and African cuisine combining to create some tantalising dishes along with Middle East and Mediterranean dishes too.

The Spa at The Residence Zanzibar offers beauty treatments by luxury French brand Carita.

An all-inclusive option has recently been introduced along with a kids’ club.

How much? A 10-night safari beach honeymoon costs £3,350 per person and includes three nights at Ol Seki Hemingways Mara Camp in Kenya (on an all-inclusive basis including game drives) with seven nights at the Residence Zanzibar (on a half-board basis). Flights and all transfers are also included.

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