Sainte Anne Insight #1 - June 2013

Our FIRST Newsletter!

I N S I G H T

JUNE 2013

BEST WISHES TO SEYCHELLES Rewarding Excellence Sainte Anne Resort believes in celebrating

Welcome to the inaugural issue of Sainte Anne Insight.

This fulfils a longstanding need for disseminating news and information to members of our staff, our partners and wellwishers as well as to the community at large.

With this newsletter, we aim at keeping you updated about our work and help you know about our ongoing drive and initiatives for the progress of our dear colleagues and the improvement of the end service to our esteemed guests.

Just as newspapers report about the activities, happenings, stories and achievements of a country or a community, we want this publication to be a photography of our life on this wonderful island of Sainte Anne. We have our own human stories of accomplishments, of pride and satisfaction that we want to share.

success and in highlighting accomplishments of its

comments for employee recognition,” says Norbert

employees. Employees take pride in being part of

Couvreur, General Manager of SAR. "We also want to

such a collaborative environment. Our employees

recognize those consistently hard-working individuals

will not only receive outstanding rewards and

our guests don't always meet but whose efforts are

recognition, but will also continue to work in a family

witnessed by their colleagues”

and friendly atmosphere. This approach is consistently labelled with “great camaraderie” feelings together with a tremendous sense of pride when contributions to exceptional guest experience are recognized.

The headline of this first issue stamping the seal of reward for excellence is most fitting to the spirit of our teamwork at Sainte Anne Resort.

We work tirelessly every minute to perform the tasks while improving our skills, learning new concepts and making dreams come true.

We shall exploit this newsletter to focus on many aspects of our life at work but we shall also use this forum to report about the efficient work in all our services which are sometime blurred by the lack of exposure. The Sainte Anne Insight will put the record straight.

At Sainte Anne Resort we value human relations at its best, we pride ourselves about the support we offer to our employees for their career and civic development, we uphold top class guest experience concept, we admire and encourage laudable community initiatives and we yearn for the continued success of the hospitality industry of Seychelles.

This is what Sainte Anne Insight is all about. I hope this newsletter enables you to have a glimpse of these great insights about Sainte Anne Resorts.

Norbert Couvreur - General Manager

“When you're entrenched in operations you have opportunities to see who really go above and beyond the call of duty,” he explains. “Sometimes peers can

During this month of National Celebrations, the Management and Staff of Sainte Anne Resort wishes another year of success to the Republic of Seychelles. Let the flag of Seychelles fly even higher with economic and social progress

attest to a person's job performance even better than a

To further infuse a culture of excellence and drive for accomplishment an “Elite Employee Award” initiative will launched in the coming weeks. It will be held every quarter, culminating in the final event of “Employee of the Year” that will be celebrated during the staff party

manager can.”

Winners will be honoured at a formal reception,

UTILITIES P.2

“ The Elite Employ ee Award program is so

Manager will be the motivating force behind this

comprehensive that people will really feel special

initiative and head the committee.

because of all the recognition they will receive,”

This new system is designed to give an equal opportunity to the employees to show their best in each department, and at the end, to motivate them to produce the best performance to achieve the highest standard of service.

By having the best employee program, in accordance with its mission statement, Sainte Anne Resort will be teamwork and training.

CONTENTS

where the General Manager and Director of HR will present the awards.

at the end of each year. The Human Resources

able to ensure the continuous improvement through

Sainte Anne Insight will regularly spotlight our multifaceted activities and events better, while engraving them in the book of our history. Our hard-working colleagues who care about the guests deserve more than ever to see their work highlighted, their dedication appreciated and their professionalism recognized.

“It's really important not to rely solely on guest

Nichol Thelermont, the Sainte Anne Resort HR Manager says. “It's great to feel all the enthusiasm in our committee's selection meetings. It's fun and even a bit competitive to sell your nominee to the rest of the group.”

“You have to attend to the needs of your employees as

• Increased Comfort for Our Customers and Employees • More Power at Sainte Anne Resort

DIGITAL P.3 • Beachcomber Hotel launches new website • Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013 to Beachcomber

well as to those of your guests. It's important to recognize people who nurture each other and make the work environment better for everyone.”

PEOPLE P.4 - 5 • For the love of the job

Elite Employee Award Guidelines Selection at departmental level

11. Eager to learn & develop Elimination process

Nomination of contenders will be made by section Heads and submitted the Head of the Department on scheduled dates. All sections are expected to be represented unless justifiable reasons are given for non-participation, for example if no one meets the standard.

The Head of Department may in his opinion include any Head of section in the selection of participants nominated throughout the department and from there select the most deserving candidate to represent the department.

Nomination of the candidate will be made by filling the prescribed form and submitting it to the Human Resources Manager who will chair the committee comprising all Heads of Departments.

Selection at Committee level At this point in time, the respective Head of Department will present a strong case to support the preferred candidate and may include any supporting evidence to back the contender for the 'Employee Award'.

Criteria for selection may include any/all of the following: 1. Excellent work performance 2. Desirable attitude 3. Exemplary behaviour 4. A Role model: • On time all the time • Never absent without good reason • Medical leave – no concerns 5 . N o d i s c i p l i n a r y re c o rd fo r t h e p a s t 1 2 months* 6. Observes rules & regulations 7. Excellent grooming & demeanor* 8. Letter of appreciation/positive guest comment* 9. Good interrelations with colleagues & associates 10. Positive, cheerful and confident*

• André Dufrenne, Sainte Anne Ranger • Colvine Jumaye, happy mother and bright Chef de Partie • Promotion in finance department

The contender should score at least six (6) out of the seven (7) highlighted items represented by * representing the most essential traits of an outstanding employee.

The elimination process will be debated among the Heads of Departments, in the event of a tie between two contenders, the Human Resources Manager reserves the right to make the final choice. The same will apply for selecting the Employee of the Year.

Equality of opportunity Considering the nature of work distribution in the hospitality industry, there will be two categories of employees, the front of house and heart of house.

Therefore, at the end of each contest, there will be two winners.

Front of House include: • Restaurant & Bar • Kitchen (Buffet staff) • Front Office • Guest Relations • Boutique • Housekeeping • Sports & Leisure • Boat House • Security

GUESTS P.6 - 7 • Miss Seycelles Final Countdown at Sainte Anne Resorts • William Bader: a Sainte Anne passionate, a love story with Beachcomber • A German Actor enjoying Sainte Anne Resort

EXPOSURE P.8 • Tapping the World Market in the UAE • Sainte Anne Resort at 'Escapades Seychelloises'

Heart of House include: • Administration • Staff Residence• Reservations • Human Resources (HR,Training, Infirmary, Staff • Canteen, Security) • Maintenance • Kitchen • Garden & Landscaping.

It is expected that the most deserving and meritorious will be rewarded for a better spirit of competition towards excellence

COMMUNITY P.9 • Community Contribution • Preparing To-morrow

FLASHBACK P.10 • History of Sainte Anne

CALENDAR Quarterly Schedule

Notice

Deadline

Result

Award

July - Sep

End of Aug

Mid Sep

End of Sep

First Monday in Oct

Oct - Dec

Mid Nov

End of Nov

First week in Dec

Annual Gathering

PRESS REVIEW P.12

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UTILITIES

SAINTE ANNE INSIGHT

More Comfort for Our New Desalination Plant Customers and Employees

production capacity will jump from 200m3 to 500m3 with the new plant. It is far beyond the need for daily consumption.

Apart from guaranteeing a continuous flow of water to the hotel facilities, this new plant will also ease the burden on the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) which will be able to use this precious commodity to serve tens of households on Mahe.

Sainte Anne has this pleasant distinctive natural characteristic of being off the s h o re s of M a h e , wh i c h constitutes its charm and which also gives the opportunity to do a little trip at sea to reach the island.

However, this sea transfer requires particular security and comfort for employees and guests daily.

The boats providing quick and regular transfers must be in very good condition. Hence the decision of Sainte Anne Resort Management to continuously improve the service by

ordering new ones for transporting both staff and guests.

A new boat for the staff has already been delivered in May, a brand new 25-seater that is in service in the channel between the island Mahe and Sainte Anne.

Another identical boat is under construction to give more transfer opportunities to our employees. The Bel Air 1 and 2 were built in the Seychelles by the Sea Fever Workshops Boat Charter in Mahe which is owned by Walter Larue

Marcel Antat Assistant Maintenance Manager

Sainte Anne Resort invests heavily to improve its utility facilities for water supply. With its hundreds of guests and employees, no risk is taken as regards the fluid supply of water to the hotel.

A new desalination has just been commissioned to add to the other plants which service the hotel. The total

“The quality of our desalinated water is up to international norms of quality. We analyse water samples every day to make sure the quality is maintained at all time” Marcel Antat says. “You reckon that for this huge hotel operation, we need to have a normal and regular inflow of water.”

The new installation which comes from German company Promaqua will surely add a new dimension to the utilities at Sainte Anne Resort

POWER BOOST AT SAINTE ANNE RESORT

serve for emergency transfers as well as for special occasions.

Another larger boat, the Sainte Anne 2 has also been ordered to improve customer service. We will come back on this new order in our next edition.

The construction of another boat, the Sainte Anne 3 is already at an advanced stage in this same workshop and will

So, in a few months, the number of boats would have increased from 3 to 5, which will greatly help to provide our employees and our guests flexibility and comfort

The hotel has recently received its third high-powered generator from Caterpillar. It is a 800F Diesel Model with an engine power of 725KVA. This generator adds considerable back-up power to the existing capacity to face emergency situations of power failure.

Our colleagues must have these resources available for them to treat the guests in the best conditions and to perform their duties efficiently.

Our Maintenance Manager, Felix Alphonse is a happy man. He has

made it a point to have his team commission the new engine days after its arrival on the island: “It was a delicate operation to bring this huge consignment from Mahe and to finally put it on its designated site. My team did a great job to install it and make its power available to the hotel. Now we are prepared to supply enough power in case of any problems arising on the grid.” Felix says.

Indeed, it was a delicate operation to transfer this oversized machine to Sainte Anne Resort, but now that it is in place, the hotel is power-safe

DIGITAL

SAINTE ANNE INSIGHT

TRIPADVISOR CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE 2013 AWARDED TO BEACHCOMBER & SAINTE ANNE RESORT For the second year in a row, all Beachcomber hotels have been rewarded with the prestigious TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013.

Travellers from around the world have consistently commended all nine Beachcomber properties with praise for service, facilities and accommodation in Mauritius and Seychelles.

This certificate honours hospitality excellence and is only given to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller's reviews.

Only a prestigious 10 per cent of hotels

3

Beachcomber Hotels launches its brand new website

listed on TripAdvisor receive this award.

This award proves the perfect complement to the list of TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards® 2013.

As a reminder, Royal Palm, Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa, Paradis Hotel & Golf Club, Trou aux Biches Resort & Spa, Shandrani Resort & Spa and Le Victoria have all received an award in one or several of the following categories: • Top 25 hotels in Mauritius • Top 25 luxury hotels in Mauritius • Top 25 hotels for service in Mauritius • Top 3 hotels for families in Africa

User-friendly, modern, sale-oriented and optimised for social networks: the brand new Beachcomber Hotels' website has taken centre stage on Friday 10thMay 2013.

Making the most of its vast image bank, brand new videos and exclusive interactive content, the new website has been developed in-house with a responsive design compatible with all browsers and devices such as tablets and smartphones.

The website was reviewed to convey a sense of elegance and modernity while allowing users to have easy access to a wealth of information.

Targeting our current markets and opening out onto emerging markets, the website has been translated in eight languages – English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Portuguese and Chinese. The new website provides a window onto Beachcomber's commercial offers, showcasing the best of what a Beachcomber hotel proposes according to

An innovative “Vacation Planner” assists visitors in filtering Beachcomber's products and services to create their perfect holiday in Mauritius or the Seychelles. Future guests can select preferences by hotel features, star rating, location and budget. Another innovation, developed in-house by the Beachcomber Web and Marketing team is the booking engine.

Along with the development of the new website, Beachcomber Hotels has invested in multimedia content and will also be launching its brand new videos. Short clips have been made for each of the group's hotels as well as a film to promote Mauritius as a destination.

This new website will ultimately better connect the brand with its consumers. A stepping stone in a line of online innovations for the group visit us on www.beachcomber-hotels.com

De plus en plus recherché sur tripadvisor Des milliers de visiteurs supplémentaires cette année sur la page Sainte Anne Resort de Tripadvisor.

different individual clients and groups.

Magnifique! Sainte Anne Resort sur Facebook !

Nous sommes présents sur Facebook depuis le mois

C'est encore un moyen supplémentaire pour notre

dernier, encore un pas très important dans le monde

hôtel de fidéliser ses clients et d'en trouver d'autres.

digitale et interactif.

Un outil qui permet aussi de contribuer à l'amélioration de la destination Seychelles à travers

Un an et demi après son lancement, la page

un de ses luxueux établissements.

Facebook de Beachcomber a conquis près de 45 000 fans. Voilà que Sainte Anne fait maintenant son

Cette page va aussi servir à proposer de belles

entrée sur le fameux site des réseaux sociaux.

photos/vidéos de l'hôtel ainsi que les nouveautés et des informations importantes pour nos clients.

L'objectif de ces pages est avant tout de créer un

Connectez-vous à la page Facebook de Sainte Anne

lien supplémentaire entre le client et l'hôtel

et devenez un fan :

notamment après son séjour. Les clients peuvent donc devenir "fan" de la page de l'hôtel et s'abonner

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sainte-Anne-

aux publications du Groupe Beachcomber

Resort-Spa/112078288965697

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PEOPLE

SAINTE ANNE INSIGHT

For The Love of the Job

GREEN MODE Ensuring Nature Conservation and Promoting Ecotourism and Seychelles as an attractive destination for ecotourism. For the past two years, much of the objectives have been attained with proven results:

change jobs for a yes or a no. It brings no benefits as we can only really learn to progress when we are stable. For a few rupees more, you could lose everything, so it is better to move forward in a long-term position.'’

Lucina has a lot of anecdotes to relate to her children and grandchildren, the one more interesting than the other. As this very rare case where the laundry delivered the wrong garment to a guest, a story that triggers a smile today. Or this case of the blouse which had lost its entire colour during washing! Risky Business! Fortunately these are only very rare exceptions while every day the work is done with so impeccable attention and special care.

"I would have left the job since a long time if there was not the love for the job,'' is the comment from Lucina when asked why she stayed 23 years in the laundry department .

Today she manages the Reef Laundry where all the hotel's expatriate employees live. She is responsible for washing and ironing all their clothes and all the linen of the establishment.

After several years at the Reef Hotel she joined the team of Sainte Anne Resort when it started its operations in 2001. She is the real pioneer in a group of team members who have climbed the ladder – junior employee, assistant and now supervisor.

When she joined the team of Sainte Anne Resort on November 1, 2001, she knew she was going to sign a long lease: "I do not like to

Lucina now leads a team of six employees - all women – at the Reef Laundry. For her, it is a pleasure to have such colleagues. "We are a family, that's the word. Even during holidays or vacation leave, you want to come to work. We have a real friendship for each other. That's happiness! We often welcome pregnant women employees who cannot do the boat trip to work at the hotel on the island as the hotel management gives them the opportunity to work in security at the Reef the time of their pregnancy. I also like to have colleagues who come from several countries. We learn different cultures and learn how to respect each other. It is so enriching.'’

Jean Loup, the F & B Manager passing on our side during the interview with Lucina shouts "SA NOU MAMA CA!'' That says it all about the esteem that all employees bear for Lucina at Sainte Anne Resort

André Dufrenne, Ton Paul, Sainte Anne Ranger Leaving soon

With its 219ha, Sainte Anne is the seventh largest island of the granitic Seychelles. It has outstanding natural assets such as beaches of key importance for nesting turtles, pockets of interesting native flora, several endemic birds and reptiles, and some breeding seabirds. Two years ago, the hotel launched an environmental program on Sainte Anne. The objectives were to develop both the natural and cultural assets of Sainte Anne, to play a more active role in the preservation of Seychelles outstanding natural heritage, and to further promote Sainte Anne

Dr. Gerard Rocamora

• the creation of 4 panoramic view points from where exceptional sceneries can be enjoyed, including sights of most of the other surrounding granitic islands • the creation in January 2013 of a native tree nursery and the production of 1000 saplings awaiting to be planted • the creation of a botanical trail, called 'Vallée des Palmes', where invasive plants are eliminated and replaced by 400 native palm and broadleaf trees which have already been planted • the protective measures for rare and threatened species such as providing nest boxes for Seychelles Kestrels pairs, and the setting-up of a pond for terrapins (small mud turtles), water birds, and native fishes • the discovery in of a small colony of Wedgetailed shearwaters (Fouquet) • the installation of a permanent grid of 135 bait stations to control rats across natural habitats surrounding the resort, and the monitoring of other invasive species Then Sainte Anne Resort Environmental Program is headed by Dr Gerard Rocamora, a biologist who has considerable experience in island restoration programs in Seychelles. In the following issues of this newsletter, more updates and highlights will be provided about the Sainte Anne Res or t Environmental Program, including exiting discoveries and achievements by the Environment Team

Colvine Jumaye, a happy mother and a bright Chef de Partie This young woman with bright and determined eyes manages her team with authority and respect. Originally from Roche Caiman, she is now the Chef de Partie at Sainte Anne Resort, a position she deserves and for which she has worked hard.

'I've always wanted to move up in my job. The hotel offered me this opportunity and I took it. Here I feel that my efforts and my work are recognized. My parents are proud of me because I had a strong desire to become a cook since I was a kid.’

Colvine, mother of 7-year Kalisha and 2-year old baby Jeremiah, has been promoted to Chef de Partie Cold Kitchen at Restaurant l'Abondance at Sainte Anne Resort.

Thank you Ton Paul

Andre taking care of one coco de mer plant

He is only 32 and already very enthusiastic and fascinated by 'his' island.

Despite his young age, André Dufrenne is a respected connoisseur of the flora and the fauna of Sainte Anne island.

“I decided to come to work at Sainte Anne Resort because I wanted to work for a hotel on an island with a rich biodiversity. I have that now and I am so happy to be among the native species as well as among friends from different countries.”

Andre describes his work as a Ranger: a constant journey through the island to preserve the natural treasures and to make guests discover them.

'I had great training in Aldabra and Vallée de Mai, two World Natural Heritage sites of UNESCO. I also acquired a lot of experience in the natural reserve of Cousin Island and at the Island Conservation Society.’

André Dufrenne has a passion for nature, a passion he has since his early childhood. Today, this young Seychellois of 32 years is mastering his subject and guides tourists who like to explore the biodiversity of the island.

'The guests are invited to discover these treasures through hiking in the forest. I show them the varieties of endemic palms, the Bois Sagai, the Café Marron 'ti feuille', If we are lucky, I make them discover birds like the Seychelles Kestrel or the Seychelles Sunbird.’

The guests are always impressed by the fauna and flora, but even more by the expertise of their guide. These tourists usually come for sea, sun and beach but they always leave with a better understanding of another rich aspect of Sainte Anne island

'My department is responsible for all salads, hors d'oeuvres and dressings among others. I think I was promoted to the post for my hard work. I started as a junior, then climbed to Demi Chef de Partie to now reach this position and I do not want to stop here!’

He is a popular figure at Sainte Anne Resort.

This native of Rodrigues who fell in love with Seychelles many years ago will soon leave his post for a peaceful retirement.

From Saint Gabriel in Rodrigues Island, Paul Rose arrived at Sainte Anne Resort in 2002 after having worked at the Victoria Hotel, another hotel Beachcomber Group in Mauritius. Ton Paul, as everyone calls him in the hotel, is already very sad to leave Sainte Anne.

Good food with a smile

'I am 66 years old and I must go and make way for a younger colleague. But a few weeks before this departure, I'm already very sad. I have great sorrow to leave my friends here. There is a real respect among all colleagues. We work hard and have very friendly relations’ Ton Paul is responsible for the waste water treatment plant and treats his machines like babies. He cleans, maintains and admires his babies. With a piece of cloth in his hand, he continues to clean every drop of oil that falls.

'I get all the waste water from the hotel here and I deal with these 150m3 of water every day before returning it for irrigation. I feel that I participate in the preservation of this beautiful island.’

Soon, Ton Paul will leave his tools and the keys of the plant to his young Seychellois successor to go on a long vacation in Rodrigues before finally settling under the trees at Pointe aux Piments in Mauritius.

Ciao Ton Paul and Thank You

She is happy that the hotel has recognized her true values and skills.

“When I think about it, all my efforts have paid off.

Executive Chef Jacques supports me a lot and does everything to make me progress. We exchange ideas and he often corrects me when needed. But this path to the top requires qualities: perseverance, discipline and communication” Now Colvine is already contemplating new advancements in some few years. The result of a job well done, she reckons

Mouthwatering

Farewell to a Dear Colleague The Sainte Anne Resort family was deeply grieved when Georcy Antoine NICETTE passed away in April.

Antoine who was a cook, will be missed by all his colleagues.

His good humour as well as his friendship will always be part of the hotel memory.

To his wife Wilette and his children Darius, Danisha & Samia, we present our sincere condolences.

PEOPLE

SAINTE ANNE INSIGHT

Recognizing Hard Work

5

Restaurant Manager and Future Sommelier to tell me that I was promoted, I was so scared of not being able to perform my new functions. The first day the restaurant was full and I wanted to quit! But everyone has encouraged and supported me during these times.’

Today, Princilla is happy when she sees a smile on the face of a guest who is satisfied with the service. But she knows that the customer can be quite demanding sometime.

"If they are a bit special, I pamper them a little more! The trick is to have a good attitude.

Beachcomber and Sainte Anne Resort gave me plenty of opportunities to improve. I went on training at Le Victoria Hotel in Mauritius for a cross-exposure.’

From left to right: Antoine Bristol, Kervyn Rayoux (Resident Manager), Darren Barbe, Keni Mangroo, Kevin Vadamootoo, Menzy Accouche, Kishan Mojhoa, Norbert Couvreur (General Manager), Wilderby Soomery, Christian Rath, Nichol Thelermont, HR Manager.

A welcoming wave of promotions has swept the Finances Department recently, rewarding those who have made special efforts in their work. Seven of the Finance staff members have seen their hierarchy level upgraded following a restructuring of the department.

“We recognize the experience and dedication of many of our colleagues who have earned this promotion, but we also commend the enthusiasm and dedication of the younger team members,” says Kevin Vadamootoo, Acting Financial Controller.

The Finance Department includes the Accounts Department as well as the Purchasing, IT and Stores services. And it is the

least to say that the entire operations of the hotel depend upon their good work.

“We want to give additional and more important responsibilities and duties to our staff. What make me happy about this exercise is that amongst the seven newly promoted, we notice that there are six Seychellois! This proves beyond doubt that our commitment to favour local competence to the maximum is paying dividends!” Kevin was quick to add.

Wilderby Soomery and Antoine Bristol have joined the hotel since it started its operations whereas Kenny Mangroo and Darren Barbe who joined later have climbed up the ladder fast

THE NEWLY PROMOTED NAME

FORMER POSITION

NEW PROMOTED POSITION

Keni Mangroo

Principal Accounts Officer

Ag. Asst. Financial Controller

Wilderby Soomery

Purchasing officer

Sr. Purchasing and Stores Officer

Antoine Bristol

Internal Controller

Sr. Internal Controller

Darren Barbe

Internal Controller

Purchasing and Stores Officer

Menzy Accouche

Payroll & Accounts Officer

Sr. Payroll & Accounts Officer

Christian Rath

Sr. Storekeeper

Head Store Keeper

Kishan Mojhoa

Sr. Internal Controller/IT Officer

Chief Internal Controller /IT Officer

Andrew, the Star barman

“I have acquired so many more skills out there.

My ambition is to manage the Bar and progress in my career. Then the sky is the limit. I always keep a right balance between my work and my family life in a responsible manner. I organize myself to spend time with my partner and with Andreana, my little three year old girl at my house in English River. “ At the Sunset Bar, Andrew is always an attraction for the guests when he prepares one of his famous cocktails. Barman and showman. A real feature!

At 31, Andrew Mounac looks like a player coming out of the stadium after a football game.

With a light step, he walks on the beach of the hotel near the Sunset Bar where he works as Beach Barman.

“I love the atmosphere outside. I go along the beach, I meet with the guests without disturbing them. Very often they will nod at me for a drink.'

Andrew has a nice collection of good guest comments. 'He is the star of the beach' says Kervyn Rayeroux, the Resident Manager of Sainte Anne Resort. 'He runs his operations with a particular style that appeals to customers and he is always good humoured.”

Andrew has understood since a long time that the right attitude towards customers is the key to success. “We must go beyond the guest expectations. We must anticipate their taste and

This is actually the daily features of his position as a Restaurant Manager at l'Abondance restaurant. She manages 17 employees, 14 Seychellois and 3 Mauritians. She has no difficulty to lead this team with authority.

'I ask for patience and smile towards our guests. I share my experience with them. I always tell them to enjoy their work.’

Princilla started as a waitress in 2004 and was then Head Waitress, Restaurant Supervisor before reaching the top.

‘When the former F & B Manager called me

Andrew reveals his secret!

The Sea Breeze Ingredients: • One fresh coconut • 40ml Dark Rum • Splash of mint syrup • Splash of fresh lime juice • 20ml of sugar cane syrup Shake all together with ice and serve in fresh green coconut!!

Enjoy…with moderation.

And it does not stop there. She nourishes other ambitions, especially that of becoming one of the first Seychelles sommeliers. Since last year, Princilla is following courses in oenology at the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA). She is one of the 12 Seychellois students.

“This is a real discovery for me. I knew nothing about wine before. Today I start to master the basics of this drink with its history, manufacture, how it blends with different dishes and I also discovered the taste through the tastings. It is all happiness!”

She is very proud of this training course because she wants to be a wine reference in the Seychelles. Soon maybe she will be doing an internship on a famous vineyard in France. The dream continues...

The laundry maestro standards, enforce discipline. I also have to follow the list of arrivals so that everything is in place and time. I must say that Govind, The Rooms Division Manager helps me a lot and continues to do so every day. He has a very positive attitude towards me and since I have known him in 2007, he has always pushed me up.”

Denise also remembers the month of June 2012 when the Laundry was destroyed in a fire. She and her team had to make extra efforts to maintain the level of service.

give them an excellent product and faultless service. I think I have the innate sense of service in me,” says Andrew.

He has just returned from a training course of two months at the Master Bar Academy and he is very satisfied.

Ever so popular

Roster, schedule, daily reports, and leadership - these are the new words in the everyday vocabulary of Princilla Jean.

When the hotel management announced in late 2012 that she would replace her expatriate boss, Denise burst into tears. This tireless employee was so happy to see his work rewarded.

“Now I am very happy because we have a whole new laundry with four washers and four dryers.”

And when asked about long hours at work, she is adamant: “My family understands the importance of tourism for the country. They also understand that I have to progress to more senior positions. Andrew, my companion, support s me 100% in this.”

“I could not believe it. My former boss was a Nepalese and he reached the end of his contract. I was immediately offered to replace him as Laundry Manager of the hotel. I was very excited because I thought that anyone in this country can access to significant positions in our industry provided he or she makes the effort.”

Denise works with pride in her new laundry while cultivating a very friendly relations with her colleagues. She also holds the record for regular work as Govind confirms:

Denise Bouzin, always with a large smile, now heads a team of 12 employees, three men and nine women. His department is responsible for all the hotel laundry.

“In ten years, Denise has no sick leave records on file. She replaces her off days by the public holidays when she works. She only takes her annual leave. This is a great example!”

“I have to watch that everything is on time and well done. I prepare rosters, organize collections and deliveries. I meet quality

An example that Denise also gave to her children. Her daughter has decided to work in the hospitality industry as her mother

CORE VALUES THE 16 CORE STANDARDS ARE: 1. Offer a warm welcome 2. Make every moment memorable 3. Smile 4. Create a memorable final impression 5. Eliminate the use of, “I don't know” 6. See each guest request through to fulfilment 7. Be an ambassador 8. Deliver timely service 9. Think “quality” every day

10. Communicate professionally 11. Always be perfectly groomed 12. Practice phone etiquette that reflects company standards 13. Demonstrate teamwork with internal customers 14. Protect the company's physical assets 15. Provide clear directions 16. Maintain an immaculate, safe environment

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GUESTS

SAINTE ANNE INSIGHT

MISS SEYCHELLES FINAL COUNTDOWN AT SAINTE ANNE RESORTS

William Bader: a Sainte Anne passionate, a love story with Beachcomber instant as our visits to Le Mauricia became more frequent to such a point that we even spent three months on one trip for our Christmas holidays!”

The discovery of Sainte Anne in Seychelles is quite logical in 2012: Norbert Couvreur took over the management of the hotel and attracts his friends to another world. "Norbert made us discov er this fascinating multi-facets archipelago, but more importantly it was our friendship that dragged us to Sainte Anne. We are faithful people. We live by affinities. Everywhere, from Trou aux Biches to Le Mauricia and today at Sainte Anne, we come to visit friends, from waiters to cooks, from beach boys to the Manager. We even keep in touch with them by email when we are in France. That's says enough about how human relations are a fundamental element in our holiday." Jacqueline admits.

Glamorous Chefs at Sainte Anne Resort

The Miss Seychelles 2013 title contestants spent the last night at Sainte Anne Resort before the election grand ceremony. This warming-up, or to put in the contest jargon, the pre-judgement night on May 14 was very lively with the 2013 candidates.They were made to taste the hospitality of our team members together with the seven judges and two representatives from the Seychelles Tourism Board.

A token for all the young girls to stay overnight at the hotel but with some hard work too! They had to face all the judges in one-to-one meetings where they were interviewed on different aspects.

They would have surely preferred to enjoy some time to relax in our exquisite facilities. But the contest was master of all as our young and pretty guests had to abide by the strict rules of the competition.

Our team members succeeded though to make their stay a sweet one with the warmest welcome and best treatment for these queens of beauty.

Some of them even met their relatives and friends who work at the hotel while expressing their appreciation for the hospitality.

PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYER AT SAINTE ANNE

'We are overwhelmed by the excellence of service. We feel really pampered and we would keep these moments for long after the contest has ended,' one of the candidates told us.

Dressed in their evening apparel, our beauty guests made some walking and composure rehearsals during the lavish Fisherman's Buffet that Chef Jacques prepared for them at l'Abondance Restaurant. All the tourists present that night who had a glimpse of the young girls were quick to praise their natural beauty and personalities while taking snaps.

Sainte Anne Resort and Miss Seychelles, a love story that unfortunately lasted for one night only…

Tense interview

SPA by Clarins: Ensuring World Class Quality

Since 1989, the Bader family books only at Beachcomber hotels for their holidays, a long lease with the Indian Ocean hotel group. From Trou aux Biches and Le Mauricia in Mauritius, they have now landed on Sainte Anne in Seychelles, a journey marked by the constant need to revisit the familiar faces and in particular that of Norbert Couvreur and his family.

This love affair with the Indian Ocean began in 1989 when William and his wife Jacqueline, on the advice of a friend, leave their village of Bessy-les-Citeaux near Dijon for holidays in Mauritius. And it was the start of a long series of thirty visits to Mauritius and more recently, Seychelles.

"We mostly spend Christmas holidays to escape the dullness in Europe and enjoy the tropics. After a first 10-day stay, we adopted this part of the world as our destination and it has lasted for decades!" says William, with wife Jacqueline smiling besides him.

After almost 20 years, Bader changed hotel in 2008, not for the pleasure of changing, but forced to do it when the Trou Aux Biches went on renovation. This does not discourage William and Jacqueline at all. Instead they went for the discovery of Le Mauricia where they met someone who would become a lifelong friend. "We met Norbert Couvreur and relationships immediately exceeded those of customers and hotel manager. The click was

Greeting the Russians

The tall centre back began his career at Auxerre and signed for Tottenham Hotspur in July 2007.

The central defender has not played for the first-team since August 2012 due to a serious knee injury. In April 2013, he suffered another injury scare after he limped off during his a comeback match.

The pleasures of the sea at Sainte Anne Resort as well as the succulent Seychellois food he was served will surely give him this extra edge for next season

Younes with wife Hanane and Rooms Division Manager Govind on a fishing trip

Why change? This is the reply when William is asked if he does not want to discover other destinations. In May, he came with his son Cyril and wife Pascale as well as their two children. All are unanimous in saying that the discovery of Seychelles is a delight, with its well preserved nature.

The Bader are the children of the Indian Ocean and their romance with Beachcomber continues at St. Anne where they are offered an ever growing warmth of friendship

William Bader and Family

Working on the Main Market Sainte Anne Resort hosted an important group of French Tour Operators, Travel Consultants and Travel Agency Managers for a night on June 3.

Younès Kaboul the Tottemham Hotspur French footballer was at Sainte Anne Resort in June trying to complete his recovery after having missed almost the entire of the 2012/2013 English Premier League season.

He enjoyed the beach very often and was passionate about fishing. Govind, the Rooms Division Manager who accompanied him on a fishing trip said Kaboul was very relaxed to be at Sainte Anne Resort.

"The Sainte Anne hotel is just fantastic, quiet, safe, with good food, and friendly faces everywhere; we are part of the family. And we rest while enjoying the beautiful surroundings, water sports and the pool at the villa. What more can we ask for! You know, we have always booked the same room and the same table in every hotel as it is now the case here in Sainte Anne," says William.

These travel professionals were members of an educational tour organised jointly by Etihad Airways, Air Seychelles and the Seychelles Tourism Board.

Ghislain Waeyaert Ghislain Waeyaert of Clarins visited Sainte Anne Resorts last month. A visit to the hotel SPA to meet with therapists and discuss Clarins products which are exclusively used for treatments in all SPAs of Beachcomber hotels.

Ghislain, who is the Division Director of SPA Clarins Paris, had the opportunity to appreciate the high quality of service provided by the SPA at Sainte Anne Resort.

The visit was also a guarantee of a supplementary source for improvement in services, treatments, product knowledge and technical for the SPA team of Clarins beauty therapists.

Ten years ago the very first SPA by Clarins opened its doors at the Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa, a five-star resort in Mauritius Beachcomber. This marked the start of a strong professional partnership between the prestigious Clarins brand and Beachcomber Hotels. Since then, the last decade has seen the launching of five additional spas including Sainte Anne Resort

A group of top level executives in the travel trade visited the hotel on June 5. They were on a tour organised by Vand International Tour of Moscow. The 12 visitors were all Directors or Managers of their companies and were in Seychelles to boost the sales of the destination in Russia.

Russia is becoming a most developing market for Seychelles with a steady inflow of tourists. In May 2013, 1323 visitors landed in Seychelles from Russia.

The guests were greeted by Ayub Appoo, the Guest Relation Manager upon their arrival on the island. They had a full brief on the hotel as well as a comprehensive visit during the afternoon before being invited for dinner at l'Abondance Restaurant

Coming from many regions of France, the guests were given a comprehensive tour of the hotel with explanations on the new facets of the concepts.

During a cocktail in the evening they were awarded the 'Seychelles SMART' certificate for their support to our hospitality industry. They were guest for a lavish dinner to end the night under the stars of Sainte Anne Resort

GUESTS

SAINTE ANNE INSIGHT

7

Beachcomber Tours en mode Une ambassadrice "Séduction" a Sainte Anne Resort du Théâtre français WE Seduction

Beachcomber Tours, Paris a organisé le voyage d'un petit groupe d'agents de voyages aux Seychelles le mois dernier, pour un “Week-end Séduction".

L'occasion de (re)découvrir le Sainte Anne Res or t , dont il a dés ormais la commercialisation exclusive sur le marché français. Deux jours de détente dans un cadre luxueux, rythmés par le sens de l'accueil à la seychelloise.

12 agents de la région parisienne et 5 de la région lyonnaise faisaient partie de ce groupe pour profiter de la mer, du soleil et des plats succulents des Seychelles ''De très beaux moments passés au Sainte Anne. C'était magique! et j'ai eu la chance et le plaisir de me détendre au Spa… J'ai hâte de confier mes petits colmariens a Sainte Anne Resort.''

Eléna Raluy, Responsable d'Agence

mais aussi pour découvrir le nouveau concept de l'hôtel avec son parcours vert à travers les vestiges de l'histoire.

La sélection des participants était pointue sur cette opération avec des invités parmi nos meilleurs agents de voyages en France. La particularité de l'opération c'est d'emmener un groupe d'agents de voyages aux Seychelles pour 2 nuits pour voir un seul hôtel.

Xciting!

Sainte Anne welcomes international flyboarder

''C'était un superbe week-end passé au SAINTE ANNE avec si bons moments dans votre paradis. Encore merci de m'avoir fait vivre SAINTE ANNE. Il ne me reste plus qu'à renvoyer nos clients chamoniards a votre hôtel.''

Martine DESCHAMPS Selectour Afat Chamonix

Ottfried Fischer (born 7 November 1953 in Ornatsöd, Lower Bavaria) is a German actor and Cabaret artist, best known for his role as Benno Berghammer in the popular German TV series Der Bulle von Tölz While working as a Cabaret artist, Fischer also worked as an actor in multiple films and television series.

In 1993 he acted alongside Wolfgang Fierek in Ein Bayer auf Rügen. Fischer's greatest success began in 1995 when he took the lead in Der Bulle von Tölz. From 1999 to 2005 he starred in Der Pfundskerl and since 2003 he is the lead actor in Pfarrer Braun, a series loosely based on Father Brown.

He spent some lovely days at Sainte Anne Resort in June, taking much sunshine to carry on with his work in Germany

Le public Seychellois a pu apprécier cet immense talent lors de son passage et le personnel de Sainte Anne Resort a côtoyé une très grande figure de la culture française

This new extreme sport is taking the world by storm. The Flyboard combines the physical attributes of an array of popular sports activities including Jet Skiing, water skiing, wake boarding , skiing, snowboarding and acrobatic diving.

“It's like learning to walk, it holds no limits to a person's fitness level”, Patrick says.

En l'espace de 3 jours, ils nous se sont tous familiarisés avec l'hôtel en vivant une expérience mémorable

A German Actor enjoying Sainte Anne Resort

Ottofried FISCHER et Simone Brandlmeier a Sainte Anne Resort

Pierrette Dupoyet, la comédienne et auteur dramatique française a séjourné à Sainte Anne Resort en début de Juin. Elle était en tournée aux Seychelles avec sa troupe pour une représentation de l'Etranger, la célèbre pièce d'Albert Camus.

Pierrette Dupoyet est une grande vedette du théâtre français et elle a obtenu l'Oscar de la création en 1969, remis par Jean Vilar pour son interprétation dans Marespoir. Depuis près de 30 ans, elle crée des personnages autour de grandes figures littéraires (George Sand, Colette, Marguerite Yourcenar, Jean Giono, Arthur Rimbaud, Victor Hugo, Honoré de Balzac,...) ainsi que sur des thèmes de société (la peine de mort, l'enfance maltraitée, l'exclusion, la psychiatrie, l'erreur judiciaire, les camps de concentration, le monde des chiffonniers...) Pierrette Dupoyet, colporteuse de valeurs universelles, se considère comme une "comédienne sans frontières".

Patrick Jesson le Flyboarder at l’Abondance Restaurant

Xtreme, Xciting, Xclusive new watersport sensation – a fitting description of Flyboard by Patrick Jesson. On holidays at Sainte Anne with partner Christine, Patrick talked about his passion: “The Flyboard is a water jet powered machine which allows propulsion underwater and in the air. The position of two nozzles under your feet ensure 90% of the propulsion and allows for movement controlled by tilting one's feet”

“A self-manned flight can take up to an hour to learn on its own, but allows for a superior flight experience. After a bit of practice a new performer will be able to swim like a dolphin and challenge gravity like Iron Man! “ And maybe soon in Seychelles with some xciting flyboarders…

A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR TEAM MEMBERS JUNE

JULY

1st June Regina Zabella (Housekeeping) Subhash Chandra (Housekeeping) 2nd June Charlette Leon (Sainte Anne Residence) Greta Marie Philoe (Main Restaurant) Nethaji Duraisamy (Landscaping) 3rd June Wiletna Marie-Paule Bouzin (Public Area) Samantha Sandanayaka Sinhalachcharige (Public Area) 6th June Wilderby Soomery (Accounts) 10th June Bhoopen Dranatsingh Gujadhur (Main Restaurant) 11th June Marita Mondelly (Mont Fleuri) 12th June Andre Trisler Dufrene (Sports) Georgette Marguerite (Sainte Anne Residence) Julio Ally (Security) 13th June Nigel Denis (Maintenance) 14th June Darmendra Raggoo (Kitchen Admin) 15th June Denise Bouzin (Laundry) 16th June Alcindor Terry Cliff (Front Office) Charles Albert Simeon (Sports) 17th June Lucina Noemie Venticadoo (Sainte Anne Residence) Ron Morgan (Front Office) 19th June LARUERemy,Stephan (Main Restaurant) 22 June Harmein Singh Mungrood (Labondance) 24th June Lucy Cupidon (Mont Fleuri) 25the June Marcus Camille (Boathouse) Maria , Antoinette Alciblade (Public Area) 27th June Elizabeth Tsizaza (Laundry) Shane Esparon (Boathouse) 28th June Ronny Jean-Paul Francoise (Maintenance) 29th June Lyndie Frederila Chrysostome (L'Abondance)

1st July Jacques Fernand Lollier (Kitchen Admin) 2nd July Aubrey Labiche (Security) Jeanne-Darc Joubert (Public Area) 3rd July Marie Anne Bradburn (Public Area) Michael Bistoquet (Housekeeping) 5th July AHelida Holland (MiniClub) 6th July Jason James Carpin (Sports) 8th July Frida Anacoura (Boutique) Abdool Azad Baccarally (Housekeeping) Ronia Valmont (Mont Fleuri) 11th July Menzy Accouche (Accounts) Padam Raj Tamang (Stewarding) 12th July Jeffrey Lafleur (Security) 13th July Jean Alain Lauricourt (Labondance) 16th July Freddy Dubois (Pastry) 17th July Norbert,William,Raymond Couvreur (Administration) 18th July Jean Layl Herwine Laviolette (Stewarding) 19th July Christian Michel Rath (Store) 21st July Lutchooman Baotoo (Housekeeping) 24th July Karen Newksee - Moutou (Front Office) 25th July Samia Labrosse (Security) Reuben Pool (Maintenance) 26th July Laiza Nourice (Pastry) 27th July Andrew Mounac (Main Bar) 28th July Ruddy , Michael Monthy (Maintenance) 29th July Phillipe Dine (Security) Philip John Labiche (Security)

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EXPOSURE

TAPPING THE WORLD MARKET IN THE UAE

GM offering prize of 4 nights at Sainte Anne Resort

Sainte Anne Resort is building a solid growth track Sainte Anne Resort is actively developing its sales network in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following Seychelles increased interest for alternative markets.

Norbert Couvreur, General Manager of the hotel, made the trip to Abu Dhabi and Dubai early May to consolidate relations with main tour operators and other significant stakeholders.

First he attended a one-day Road Show organized by Air Seychelles and its equity partner Etihad Airways. Hosted at the Abu Dhabi Yas Island Resort, the road show was a most fitting opportunity for Sainte Anne Resorts to display its attractions with presentations to travels professionals and for the Seychelles to sell its unique credentials as a holiday destination.

‘Escapades Seychelloises'

GM with Jayaseelan Manickam, Regional Manager Commercial Operations at Emirates, Emirates HQ Dubai.

“This annual event is taking all its importance, not only for the tourism sector in the Arab states, but also and more and more for the developing countries. Seychelles and Sainte Anne Resorts could not miss such a forum to develop business by using this platform to fuel our local tourist industry”, Norbert Couvreur says.

A high-powered delegation from Seychelles led by the Minister of Tourism was very active at the ATM promoting the multi-facets of the Seychellois tourism sites and infrastructure as well as its fascinating culture.

The ATM was an ideal opportunity for the Seychelles delegation to interact with all major players in the industry worldwide and keep pace with all the new developments. And Sainte Anne Resorts was there to keep working hard to increase its occupancy for the benefits of all its team members

It was yet another of these very productive forums where exposure to new markets are essential for the Seychelles hospitality industry.

The 20th edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai is already becoming a must meeting point for the world's travel industry and is considered to be one of the three most important exhibitions for the travel trade in the world.

SAINTE ANNE INSIGHT

The Escpades Seychelles Team on their journey in France

The new edition of Escapades Seychelloises, the traditional Road Show of the Seychelles hospitality Industry in France was organised in June. This event is organised by the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) to showcase the attractions and hotels of Seychelles in different cities and towns in France. Sainte Anne Resort could not miss this opportunity to renew its contact with the industry professionals.

This mission is but one of the numerous sales and marketing event where Sainte Anne Resort and the Beachcomber Group participate on the French market regularly with the precious help of the Beachcomber Office in Paris

Koogen Vythelingum, the hotel's Sales Manager, went on this mission with new concepts to present to Tour Operators, Travel Agents and the French press. “France being the leading market for the Seychelles tourism, it deserves special attention and regular contacts. We have to provide as much information as we can to our French partners and strengthen our relations with them.” Koogen says.

During , tenth edition of Escapades Seychelloises in France, the Seychelles

with Minsiter Alain St Ange and STB CEO Elsia Grandcourt

delegation met travel specialists in Metz, Marseille, Nice and Paris where contacts were made with at least seventy professionals in each city.

ITALIAN TOUR

Koogen Vythelingum with Veronique Ibrard of Beachcomber Office in Paris

Italian market which remains very important to us,” Kervyn told us on his return from mission.

This market, the third for Sainte Anne Resort after France and Germany, needs special attention for sustainable growth.

with Vijay Poonoosamy Vice President International and Public Affairs at Etihad Airways

PRESENT at the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix

It is not only in tourism fairs that the hotel does its marketing! All means are good to sell the hotel and destination.

with Air Seychelles Team and reps from Vanilla Islands

Norbert Couvreur and Kervyn Rayeroux found a way to go to work at the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix last November. Invited by Etihad Airways, they took advantage of the VIP lounges to meet many influential decision makers from around the world during the sporting event. It was a golden opportunity to present Sainte Anne Resort and Seychelles during the days of the race qualifications and even during the main race which was won by Kimi Raikonen.

The business cards were exchanged at a formula one speed and business relations were established with the finesse of a sports car engine. Looking forward to the next race in Abu Dhabi!

Sainte Anne Resort wants to consolidate the italian clientèle, its third market. The on-going contact work with the Italian partners by the Beachcomber Group and its hotels is a regular marketing feature. The latest was the Road Show across Italy last April when the sales teams have toured several Italian cities.

Kervyn Rayeroux, the Resident Manager of Sainte Anne Resort was part of the delegation.

“We visited several cities including Bergamo, Milan Arezzo and Rome. We met many Tour Operators and Travel Agents as well as journalists. We wanted to give a new boost to our sales on the

Kervyn Rayeroux: 'If we do not keep this constant contact, we may see other competitors from other countries take our market share. The European countries, though in economic crisis are wooed by competitors of Seychelles. We must constantly introduce innovations in our product and always focus on the assets of Sainte Anne Resort and those of destination Seychelles.’

During the work week in Italy, Kerwyn also noted new partner requests and answered to questions from journalists

COMMUNITY

SAINTE ANNE INSIGHT

COMMUNITY

CONTRIBUTION

Sainte Anne responded positively to the appeal of the National Disaster Relief Fund by donating Rs40,000. The Fund was created in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone “Felleng” between 27th to 29th January 2013. Its mission is to raise local and international financial assistance for the families who were left without a home during the floods, as well as those who will need to repair their homes, as well as the surrounding infrastructure.

At Sainte Anne, we were very sad and moved by these tragic events which caused so much damage and grief. We are proud to participate in this national effort to comfort the neediest

FLASHBACK Resilience at its best

Preparing To-morrow Giving a lifetime opportunity to needy youngsters

Learning the right way Andrew wants to become a qualified electrician, Melissa dreams of managing the Front Office, Denise sees himself as Head of l'Abondance Restaurant. These are just dreams about to be come true in Sainte Anne Resort.

The hotel regularly accommodates Skills Development Participants from the Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development for a 6-month placement. They are then recruited in the workforce at the end of the period. They are a dozen in the present group, aged between 17 and 22 years. They have beaming faces, lit from by the desire to succeed.Yet their recent past did not guarantee that future. Classed in the category of youngsters in difficulty, the Ministry of Labour has incorporated them into the program of career development, the Skills Development Program (SDP). This is a very positive initiative which is already producing results. After a selection by the Ministry, they are then sent to the hotel for six months apprenticeship. 12 young people ready to conquer their careers in a very supportive environment and where they are most welcome.

Andrew, 17 years: “It's great to be at Sainte Anne, I am learning the trade with real pro. They have supported me very well during these past two months in the Maintenance Department. You know, it's a great opportunity for me to be here and I hope to become a qualified electrician one day.”

hotel and are treated like real employees. They are at the reception, in the kitchen, in the F & B and Maintenance sections. Melissa, 19 years old: “I learn something new every day. This is a great discovery for me. I am interfacing with customers every day and I have to constantly groom myself to be at the level of quality. But it is a job that requires discipline, consistency, respect and endurance. I feel that here I get the right training for life.”

This happy group of young Seychellois is constantly followed by Bernadette Stravens, the hotel Training Manager: “I must say that at Sainte Anne Resort they receive core values to succeed in life. They will probably hold leadership positions in their respective fields in the future. They have gone through tough times before coming here. But now I feel they are well cared for and they are on the right track. “ As for Denise, she has a career plan already established. She no longer dreams, she believes that it is possible to have her own bakery one day. “I want to have this bakery, I work hard and I am sure that I will succeed. Here we are given the chance to go for it.”

In a not so distant future, Nathaniel, Christy, Maleka, Audrey, Neddy, Sheila Jeanina Joshwa may have their own businesses or be in positions of responsibility in very large hotels.

WORST TO BEST, this will be the title of their story...

Our young friends are taken in charge by the

Chef Elfrade, the elder brother 'This is a second chance for these youngsters who were without any objective until recently. They now have a clear career plan in their minds.

They are very diligent and they want to change their lives’

From the January 26 to 29, tropical Depression Felleng caused extensive damage in the districts of Au Cap, Anse Aux Pins and Pointe Larue, as well as parts of Praslin and La Digue. More than 160 families were affected and forced into shelter homes after their houses were destroyed by landslides, rising rivers and floods.

At Sainte Anne Resort too, damage was considerable. Many trees were downed and bungalows flooded or damaged.

Chef Elfrade is doing far more than his job as a Chef. He takes care of the young as an elder brother and he is very happy.

Chef Elfrade

'This is a second chance for them and I must guide them to reach another level.'

Himself a former trainer the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA), Chief Elfrade sees his youngsters as members of his own family. He wants to make these Seychellois become the flag-bearers of excellence

9

Menzy Accouche: Dedicated to Social Work

When we met Menzy in her office at the Sainte Anne Resort Accounts Department, she was busy issuing cheques for some suppliers. She keeps receiving phone calls and is always on the move to secure the precious signatures for the finance documents.

But it is just a tiny part of her life. Actually her entire life is devoted to others. She is the perfect model of a social worker, always finding time to devote to the neediest.

“Since my early age, I had that desire to serve my community. I could not stand idle watching others in need or in pain. I started to serve in the many help groups of my church at the St Paul's Anglican Cathedral. I even served as treasurer of the parish.

But my sole aim was to comfort the less fortunate.”

Despite her demanding job as Senior Payroll/Accounts Officer at Sainte Anne Resort, Wendy manages her time to be able to help others.

“I am a member of many NGOs. I go to hospital to visit patients who are critically ill. I give them my love and my support. That is so little that I can do for them, but in their eyes I can see how it is important for them to have someone by their side and who can hold their hand. You know, nowadays, we are so carried away by this frenetic pace of life with all the digital possibilities that we often forget about simple but fundamental things. I cannot remain indifferent or turn my back on poverty and illness.

It's the least that I can give back to life,” Menzy told us with her sparkling eyes.

She joined Sainte Anne Resort 5 years ago after a career in the public service. Her dream now is to share her social involvement with her five children and eleven grandchildren. She works hard every day to be the role model that can inspire the family for life. Keep up the good work Menzy!

Supporting a Good Performance

A fruitful partnership Every year Sainte Anne Resor t accommodates students regularly from the Seychelles Tourism Academy under an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement makes provisions for study periods of 3 and 6 months for students at first & second year levels. They come on work attachment as well as Apprenticeship Students on two-year programmes. This year's intake at Sainte Anne Resort is 21 in total. Last year Sainte Anne Resort sponsored one of its employees, a past STA student who won a Best Student Award, for a 3-month internship at “Ecole de la Renaissance” in Reunion.

But in these tragic moments, the resilience of the entire Sainte Anne Resort family was exemplary. Everyone pulled their sleeves and cleared the garden, repaired the damaged buildings and supported all those who had suffered from this natural disaster, and most of all they cared for the guests who had lived these traumatic days.

The Sainte Anne Resort team is so proud of its extraordinary response to these events

Norbert Couvreur presenting certificates to a successful candidate

On May 24, 2013, Sainte Anne Resort was present at the Annual Graduation Ceremony of the STA held at the International Conference Centre of Seychelles in Victoria. The General Manager of Sainte Anne Resort, who attended the ceremony, was one of the guests who presented their certificates to the successful candidates. Norbert Couvreur congratulated these most dedicated students for their hard work during the year

Sainte Anne Resort was a partner of the successful campaign of the Seychelles Golf Club at the recent international Rogers Indian Ocean Golf Challenge which was held in Mauritius in May. Our hotel gave full support to the team by sponsoring one of its members. Actually the Seychelles team performed extremely well in Mauritius, finishing 4th overall, losing in a play-off in the semi-finals. The team played beyond expectation against stiff competition on a course that they were not familiar with. We are indeed very proud of them!

Teams from Madagascar, Reunion, Mauritius and Seychelles participated in this tournament played at the Heritage Golf Club of the Domaine de Bel Ombre in the south of Mauritius.

Congratulations to the Seychelles team for its delightful performance

10

SAINTE ANNE INSIGHT

Histoire de Sainte Anne

Latest Figures of Tourists Arrivals to Seychelles

AIRLINE NEWS

Nous allons ensemble feuilleter une page d'histoire de l'ile Sainte Anne dans chacune de nos editions de Saint Anne Insight. Une facon pour nous de nous plonger dans cette riche aventure que cette ile a connue et qu’elle continue à vivre.

La Découverte Air Seychelles welcome its second Airbus A330-200 in March. .The new aircraft is named 'Vallée de Mai' in honour of Seychelles' second UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. The A330-200 aircraft is configured with 18 Business class seats and 236 Economy class seats.and sales results

1742 L’ile fut découverte le 19 novembre, par les bateaux le Charles et la Tartane l’Elisabeth.

Cramer Ball

1756 Monsieur Magon, gouverneur de ces iles, en fit prendre possesion au nom du Roi, le 1er novembre par le Sr Corneille Nicolas Marphey, commandant de la Frégate le Cerf, accompagné de la Goulette et le St. Benoit 02.

La Colonisation

NICE SORE VS EYE SORE Local Company Ensures Garden Manicure “I ensure the general cleaning of the park.

My team prune the trees, removes dead leaves from the coconut trees and offers a garden worthy of Seychelles to all guests and employees. I am very proud!”

1770 Alors que Mahé était inaccessible car ses côtes n’étaient que mangroves et abritaient des alligators, Ste Anne accueillit les premiers colonisateurs français.

1772 Avec l’accord de Pierre Poivre, Pierre Hangard embarqua pour les Seychelles et décida de s’installer sur Ste Anne afin d’entreprendre des cultures vivrières pour le reste de la colonie.

1794 Les anglais prirent possession des Seychelles et relâchèrent les prisonniers français, malades, sur l’île.

Seeking for Blessing at Work

Andre Belmont and Roussel Adam

Some years ago, Andre Belmont was making plans to have his own company and to create jobs for his fellow citizens.

Sainte Anne Resort offered him this opportunity. He was entrusted with the upkeep of the hotel's vast garden with a workload that required much labour.

“Initially I had 3 employees and I would never have gone on my own without the suppor t of the hotel. Previously, expatriates were hired for this job but now I have only Seychellois and the work is done with great satisfaction,” André Belmont says.

André Belmont, 39, has much to be proud of when he sees the hotel guests admire and taking snaps of the beautiful garden.

“I must say that I recieved the entire support of the hotel management from the beginning. I feel almost an integral part of the hotel and I take care of this park as if it was mine.”

Andre takes the club car heading for another site where his team is busy trimming a large tree. His show is going on…

The Staff attended by participating in the religious ceremony with hymns and prayers.

The turnout was very high as even those colleagues of other religious faiths attended.

It was a moment of fervour and thanksgiving as well as a time for blessings.

After the mass, the priests went round the different departments and offices to bless the sites

The national airline also signed numerous codeshare agreements during the past months. Air Seychelles sealed agreements with Air Berlin, Air Austral and South African Airways. The airline also extended its existing codeshare agreement with its equity partner Etihad Airways to Australia and the Czech Republic

Roussel Adam, Head Gardener at Sainte Anne Resort can only agree: 'Andrew and his team are doing a fine job. They are serious and always give us a good service.’

Today, André is the boss of Extra Clean, his own company which employs 17 people, including 13 at Sainte Anne Resort only.

A mass was held on Wednesday 28th November 2012 at the Staff Canteen (Pti Piman) on Sainte Anne Resort. The mass will be celebrated by priests from the Anglican and Catholic Dioceses.

Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles commenced services to Hong Kong during the same month. The three weekly services between the Seychelles and Hong Kong are operated with Etihad Airways, the equity and codeshare partner of Air Seychelles. “Our new services offer an attractive new proposition for anyone wishing to visit the Seychelles, which last year won the Island Holiday Destination of the year from the China Travel Industry Awards, and we are confident that demand for our services will grow,” Air Seychelles' CEO, Cramer Board said

Justin Gosling

Justin Gosling was appointed General Manager Commercial at Air Seychelles in June. Justin Gosling joins Air Seychelles from Canada where he served for four years as Etihad Airways' Country Manager, overseeing strong route performance and sales results

Air Seychelles has now added enhanced value to the shopping experience at the Seychelles International Airport. The newly renovated Trezor Duty Free outlet in the departure lounge offers a wide range of well-known brands of jewellery, handbags, pens, watches and electronic gadgets

BEFORE

AFTER

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SEYCHELLES TIDES - JULY 2013

HEALTH TIPS Focus on Exercising

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

What does exercise do?

Hospital- 248-4388000

• Exercise Boosts Brainpower • Helps reduce stress • Gives you energy • Helps fight heart disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure • Boosts your resting metabolic rate • Helps with weight loss

Police-248-4288000

What are the best exercises?

• • • •

Walking Swimming Jogging Circuit training

Exercises that use your whole body When lifting weights, try to lift lighter weight, and lift them more times. Try to pick a weight that you can lift 10-15 times. By doing this you will increase your body's muscular endurance, muscular strength, decrease the chances of injury and get some cardiovascular benefit as well

Risk & Disaster 4324646 Fire Brigade 999 Police 999 Ambulance 151

AIRLINE FLIGHT SCHEDULE

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SUDOKU

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