Seychelles Travel

Air Seychelles Flight Special for South Africans

2009-05-12T18:36:00.002+02:00

Airfare specials to Seychelles!!
Air Seychelles
Johannesburg – Seychelles – Johannesburg

…ZAR2700* per person

(taxes: +/- R1675 subject to change weekly)

Conditions:

Offer applicable on JNB-SEZ-JNB flight only for booking/ticketing
Rate applicable for return flights in S class.
Not combinable with other fares/booking classes, except PRI and South African domestic feeders
Discount does not apply to feeders (standard rate applies)
No Minimum stay requirements
21 days maximum stay
Add-on SEZ/PRI/SEZ : ZAR950 R/T or ZAR475 O/W (No child discount) valid only when sold with long haul.
Booking class combination not permitted.
Ticketing 72hrs after confirmation
Cancellations Before Dept - Charge 50%
Cancellations After Dept - Ticket is non-refundable
Changes not allowed
Children Discount: 33%, Infant discount 10% of the published fare

Seasonality:

01Apr09-21Jun09

20Jul09-30Aug09

Market: South Africa

Currency: ZAR (net before taxes)

Type: Special Promotions

Name: S Class Promo published

Tour code: None

Route: JNB-SEZ-JNB

Johannesburg Office:

Tel: 011 781-2111 Fax: 011 781-2144

Email: airseychelles@ludowell.co.za

Seychelles Appoints New Director For Tourism Marketing:Mr Alain St Ange

2009-03-07T20:37:00.005+02:00

Mr Alain St Ange has been appointed the new director for tourism marketing of the Seychelles.This appointment was announced at the general tourism meeting on Saturday at the International Conference Center in Victoria,Mahe Seychelles.

Alain St.Ange was born in Seychelles on 24th October 1954. He married Ginette Michel and has two daughters, Christine and Michelle.

Alain St.Ange published the Political History Book 'SEYCHELLES, WHAT NEXT?'in 1991, he co-published in 2005, the Constitutional and Political History Book of Seychelles 'SEYCHELLES, IN SEARCH OF DEMOCRACY' and in 2007, he published the book on Aspirations and Demands through Popular Demonstrations 'SEYCHELLES, THE CRY OF A PEOPLE'.

He studied Hotel Management and Tourism in Germany and France. He has worked in Hotels and Restaurants in Seychelles, the Channel Islands and Australia.

Alain St.Ange was the SNP (Seychelles National Party) directly Elected Member of the Seychelles National Assembly for Bel Air (2002)and was formally the SPPF (Seychelles People's Progressive Front) directly Elected Member of the Seychelles People's Assembly for La Digue (1979). He led the SNP to victory in the 2001, 2002 & 2006 Elections in the Bel Air Constituency.

One of the new developments in marketing of the Seychelles as a tourist destination is the setting up of an "Affordable Seychelles Campaign" in order to offer to tourists “a once-in-a-lifetime vacation at a once-in-a-lifetime price”.This is a unique window of opportunity for visitors to enjoy the vacation they always dreamed of at significantly discounted prices.

Mr Alain St Ange faces an incredible challenge as the global recession has already impacted the Seychelles tourism industry with a 15% drop in tourist arrivals since January 2009.The "Affordable Seychelles Campaign" will be unveiled at the ITB Travel Fair in the German capital Berlin next week.

To read more of Mr St Ange's unwavering commitment towards the promotion of the Seychelles please visit him at:

http://www.eturbonews.com/tag/Seychelles
http://www.shta.sc/

Diving in the Seychelles

2009-02-06T21:50:00.003+02:00

With islands scattered across the Indian Ocean the Seychelles Islands offer diverse and impressive diving opportunities.

The ‘Inner’ Islands which are essentially a submerged mountain range, rest on a shallow plateau with prolific marine life and excellent PADI diving facilities available to access a multitude of dive sites.

The ‘Outer’ Islands to the south of the archipelago are all coralline or sand cays and mainly uninhabited, presenting the experienced diver with excellent opportunities to explore where few have gone before.

Inner Islands
The diving in this area is very diverse and includes both true coral reefs and the impressive granite reef formations that the Inner Islands are renowned for.There are a number of world recognised dive sites, such as the Ennerdale Wreck and Brissare rocks as well as the lesser known, more remote but even more spectacular sites around Marianne, The Sisters, Aride, Trompeuse and other islands. Some of the more remote locations are only accessible by live-aboard charter dive boats.The different islands each have their own special sites. All the northerly islands offer impressive granite reef locations where the sculptured rocks are covered with soft corals and sponges and fish life is prolific, due to the archipelago's isolation and also strict conservation rules.Wreck dives are available in some areas but only the islands to the south have wall dives, drop-off dives and drift diving opportunities as well.Dive depths vary, ranging from 8 to 20 metres for inshore sites and up to beyond 30 metres for dives offshore. All dives are run as non-decompression dives.

Outer Islands
The Outer Islands offer exciting and diverse diving experiences off numerous coral atolls and sand cays. The little-visited sites of these remote islands are accessed mainly by live-aboard charter yacht but there are also two dive centres located on the island of Desroches, famous for its caves and canyons, and also on Alphonse.Impressive dive sites are also found at the St. Joseph atoll in the Amirantes group and especially at the remoter islands of Astove, Cosmoledo and the legendary Aldabra, famous for the thrilling drift dive through the pass of its giant lagoon.‘Outer Island’ diving is rich and varied, featuring everything from mini-walls and canyons to migrating Manta Rays, numerous wreck sites and some of the finest Gorgonian fans in the Indian Ocean.Diving on Aldabra's terraced walls is dramatic and Green Turtles are common both in water and on their habitual pilgrimages up the beach to nest.Cosmoledo Atoll offers huge hard coral bommies with 3 metre gorgonian fans and massive barrel sponges all under the watchful guard of inquisitive Potato Bass!Astove’s settlement reef presents another awe-inspiring wall dive whose reef top is incised with crevasses and caves and boasts a large resident Green Turtle population.

Seasons & Conditions
Diving in Seychelles is possible all year round but is governed by an island's position and the prevailing winds.Generally speaking, the best conditions in both the Outer and Inner Islands are in the calm periods, April / May and October / November, when the water temperature can rise to 29ºC and visibility often over 30 metres on offshore sites.
In December and January, the north-west winds blow but conditions remain much the same as in the calm periods.
From May to September the winds are stronger and south-easterly. Visibility and temperature may drop during August and a wet suit of at least 4mm is necessary.
The more southerly Outer Islands – some of which are in fact closer to mainland Africa than the Inner Islands – are near the cyclone belt and during December and January they can experience extremely rough conditions on occasion.A 4mm shorty wetsuit is the minimum protection recommended for the outer islands.
Islands with big drop-offs and walls often have marked thermoclines with temperatures ranging from 19 to 27ºC and a full suit is an advantage for most divers.

Whale Sharks
Whale Sharks, those gentle giants of the ocean, are common visitors to Seychelles waters between October and April when it is often possible to swim with them.The Shark Research Institute runs a Whale Shark Monitoring Programme in conjunction with some local dive centres whereby clients can assist in ongoing research into the behaviour of these spectacular creatures, swim and snorkel with the giants and participate in photo safaris and tagging exercises.

Air Seychelles Discounts 2009

2009-02-06T20:54:00.005+02:00

AIR SEYCHELLES FLIGHT DEALS

* Honeymoon Discount for the Bride * £115 off the Bride's ticket in Economy and Pearl Class. Valid all for Year 2009 except between 16-31 December 2009.

* Half Price Pearl Class Companion Fare *Upgrade your return international flights to Air Seychelles Pearl Class and second person travels for half price!

* Reduced Economy Fares & Half Price Companion Fares *New lower Economy fares now available for all dates in 2009.
Plus, buy two economy tickets as part of a Seychelles holiday and second ticket is half price! Please note: Both Companion Fare offers above are valid for UK departures: 1 January to 31 March; 13 April to 30 June 2009; and 16 August to 16 December 2009. Book by 28 February 2009.

For more details please e mail here

Flowers and Plants from the Seychelles-Photos

2009-02-01T08:34:00.012+02:00

Seychelles-increase in postal rates

2009-01-24T18:46:00.002+02:00

The Seychelles Post Office will be increasing the postage rates for mail and parcels as from 26 January 2009.

SPO last reviewed these postal rates in 2003.The rates for parcels was increased last in 1995 and for the express mail service in 1991.

The charge for lock deposits will also be increased, but that the rent for letter boxes will remain unchanged.

The SPO adds that the decision has been taken following the loss of value of the Seychellois rupee in relation to the special drawing right (SDR) and major world currencies which has brought an increase in price in airmail conveyance to the major international destinations.

North Island Seychelles-Jennifer Aniston & Brad Pitt

2009-01-20T13:24:00.007+02:00

This is where Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt went while they were still married.They booked out the entire island so they could have absolute privacy.And boy,if you have the money this is the place to go to.It is absolutely stunning.
North Island is one of 40 granite islands in the 115 islands that form the Seychelles Islands.North Island is a private island resort unashamedly aimed at providing the very best in privacy, location,accommodation, services, facilities and experience. The Island has only 11 guest Villas – exquisitely designed to
celebrate nature and offer an authentic home-from-home ambience.

Apart from being a resort it is a sanctuary where natural habitats are rehabilitated and where critically endangered Seychelles fauna and flora are re-introduced and given a place to regenerate.

NORTH ISLAND VILLAS

Villas that measure 450 square metres (4,890 square feet) which is a optimum size, allowing guests an exclusive feeling and enough room to spread out and enjoy a unique, private,island-style experience to the fullest. The idea is to make sure the Villas would bring the sense to life, but at the same time be a simple space in which to free the mind and refresh the soul.
Each Villa has two bedrooms, a main bedroom and a second bedroom. Whilst the Villa is primarily occupied by one or two guests, they may have a requirement to use the second bedroom for children nineteen years and younger and this is available at an additional cost. Alternatively, the second bedroom can be converted into a
study for guests staying in the master bedroom.
Each Villa has been individually handcrafted by Seychellois and African craftsmen on the Island. The principle materials used were wood, local stone, glass and thatched roofs. All this combines to form a warm and inviting space that offers guests that rare opportunity to relax completely. Each Villa is completely self-contained and
is raised over a metre off the ground to catch the cooling island breezes.
A luxuriously proportioned master bedroom with change-room and writing area leads onto a large en-suite bathroom with marble bath and two showers, one indoor and one outdoor. The bedrooms are air-conditioned and all rooms have overhead “punkah punkah” fans. The fully retracting sliding doors allow for uninterrupted views onto the lawns and the turquoise seas in front of each Villa. There is satellite television, a DVD/CD system and Internet access. The kitchen leads off the lounge/dining area. A private plunge pool and sala are the finishing
touches in this private sanctuary.

The Wellness Spa Menu

Sunrise – 60 Minutes
This experience will prepare the skin for the sun with a coconut scrub, followed by a coconut oil massage.

Spirit – 90 Minutes
Energising, nourishing, moisturizing and healing experience which improves the blood circulation and protects the skin. A full body exfoliation is done, followed by a stamp massage, with heated shea butter and ground herbs from the North Island soil.

Thai Oriental – 60 / 90 Minutes
This is a combination of Thai and Oriental techniques. After stretching the entire body while stimulating pressure points, oil is applied to release the muscles and an Indian head massage soothes the mind.

Sunset – 60 Minutes
This experience will relieve from any over exposure to the sun, moisturizing the skin intensively.Fresh cucumber and aloe vera is applied onto the body to soothe the skin, followed by banana and yoghurt so as to moisturize and nurture the body.

Allround: Body

Thai Experience – 60 / 90 Minute
Thai Massage is more energizing and rigorous than other classic forms of massage.
It is designed to open the body’s energy flow, through yoga positions in a rhythmic movement and stretching of the entire body. Fully-clothed massage.

Balinese Experience – 60 / 90 Minutes
An experience with a blend of gentle stretches acupressure and aromatherapy oils to stimulate the blood circulation, oxygen and energy in your body and bring deep relaxation and wellness.

Lomi Lomi – 60 / 90 Minutes
Based on the dancing flow of Hawaian techniques, this massage has a deeply revitalizing effect.We use thumb, palm and elbow strokes applied top-to-toe to loosen muscles and reduce tension.

Lymphatic Drainage – 30 / 60 /90 Minutes
Lymphatic drainage is a delicate massage that stimulates the body’s lymphatic system, improving the metabolism, helping the body to eliminate toxins and providing a boost to the immune system.

Hot Stone Experience – 60 / 90 Minutes
Basalt stones are heated and placed on the energy centers of the body to melt away knots, tension and stress. Hot stones coated in essential oils are then used to massage in long flowing strokes.

Aromatherapy (deeply relaxing or energizing) – 60 / 90 Minutes
With rhythmic long and soft strokes, this massage will ease and loosen muscles to reduce muscle tension, bring relaxation and a restoration of lost energy.

Reiki – 60 Minutes
Based on the Japanese technique of “'d2healing hands”'d3, Reiki’s holistic approach brings healing on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level.

Shiatsu (revitalising or deeply relaxing) – 60 / 90 Minutes
This Asian-Japanese technique is a combination of massage, physiotherapy and acupressure,working on the meridians to open the energy channels and stimulate blood circulation and a state of well being. Fully-clothed massage.

Focused
Pregnancy Massage – 60 / 90 Minutes
Specifically created massage for the pregnant woman (4 months +).

Deep Tissue – 60 / 90 Minutes
Focuses on releasing knots and accumulated stress in the muscles. Deep pressure, trigger pointand acupressure are used to release the tension in the body.

Neck & Shoulder or Back & Shoulder – 30 / 60 Minutes
Deep thumb, palm pressure and sweeping movements are used to enhance total relaxation.

Reflexology – 60 Minutes
Releasing and therapeutic foot massage to stimulate energy zones related to pressure points in the body. This gentle therapy encourages the body to naturally restore and maintain its own healthy balance.

Body Scrubs
30 Minutes
Through exfoliation and absorption, the granules and oils restore lost vitality, protect against dryness and leave the skin feeling soft and healthy.

Salt Glow: Revitalizing
Marula Nut: Nourishing
Coffee: Energizing
Coconut: Soothing

Body Wraps
30 / 60 Minutes
Experience deep hydration to the skin. Dry brushing and exfoliation increases circulation and prepares the skin for treatment. Essential aromatherapy oils are applied before an enveloping body wrap. Whilst being cocooned, a soothing scalp massage is carried out completed with a nourishing hair treatment.

Marine wrap: Detoxifying
Algae wrap: Oxygenizing
Ginger back relief: Releasing

O R T H I S L A N D S P A - 4

Beauty
Cleansing Facial – 60 / 90 Minutes
For all skin types
This cleansing and invigorating facial, purifies, refines and hydrates. Designed on the specific skin type, aromatherapy products are used to cleanse and exfoliate. A mask and massage is followed by a soothing scalp massage, leaving the mind clear and the skin radiant.

Sweet Honey – 60 Minutes
For sensitive and sun burnt skin
Designed to bring freshness, vitality and glow, this treatment provides a light cleansing followed by a gentle and nourishing massage using honey. To complete the facial, fresh cucumber is applied to hydrate the skin.

Scalp and Hair Treatment – 30 Minutes
Warmed jojoba oil massaged into your hair and scalp to nourish dry ends and encourage a healthy head hair growth. This treatment also includes a relaxing neck and shoulder massage.

Manicure – 60 minutes
Pedicure – 60 minutes

Please go to their site and have a look at the pictures of North Island and for a few minutes find yourself lost in paradise.
http://www.north-island.com

71 Seychelles Health Students Graduate

2009-01-19T16:45:00.000+02:00

Some 71 students of the Seychelles National Institute of Health and Social Studies (NIHSS) on Monday received their diplomas in general nursing and midwifery and environmental health science after courses lasting from two to three years.

Vice-President Joseph Belmont and Minister for Health and Social Development Marie-Pierre Lloyd attended the graduation ceremony at the NIHSS in the capital Victoria.

NIHSS director Monica Servina asked employers to encourage the new graduates in their new job in order to make them productive health workers.

She told the graduates that much will expected from them as they will have to work with reduced resources as the country is facing serious economic problems.

Choosing the self catering option for your holiday

2009-01-18T00:32:00.001+02:00

You have saved up and now you are taking your family on holiday.The decision is now whether to go to a hotel or to choose the self catering option.A hotel holiday is obviously the more expensive option but the advantages are that you do not have to worry about making meals or washing clothes or is there enough linen or even doing the dishes.The advantages of choosing a self catering holiday however has far more advantages.

On the whole, a self catering holiday is cheaper especially if your whole family is going on holiday. You are able to negotiate a special daily rate for accomodation as you are speaking directly to the owners themselves especially if you are a bigger group and going for longer than 7 days.

It is more flexible to fit your family’s needs and especially the needs of your children.

More privacy for you and your family.

You are more likely to find out about special places to visit which are not commercialised by speaking directly to the owners of the chalet who most likely are locals and have some “insider” tips for you.

The money you have saved from choosing the self catering option will enable you to take the family out to eat at restaurants.Furthermore owners of chalets have special “deals” with surrounding restaurants where their clients get a special cheaper price if they dine at certain restaurants.

You are able to negotiate a special daily rate for accomodation as you are speaking directly to the owners themselves especially if you are a bigger group and going for longer than 7 days.

You will be able to take your family on many excursions and enjoy much more activities at a much cheaper price as hotels always add a “levy” on activities that you book through them.

If you have now decided to take the self catering option the following are things to find out about before choosing which self catering resort you will be going to:
Self catering facilities can vary enormously and it is really a question of getting what you pay for. Top end properties and villas will have TVs with satellite channels, DVDs, dishwashers and good quality furniture and more basic accommodation can mean that you have more simple facilities.
Use the web to check out more information, photographs and in some cases user reviews. Look at photographs for image distortion where smaller room are made bigger by the use of wide angle lenses.
Check for currency savings as paying in a weak local currency such as the dollar at the time of going to print can mean great savings.
If you have children check with the brochure, the owner or on the booking website whether the property is suitable for children. If it is not appropriate such as being filled full of antiques or has extremely high quality furnishings both you the owner and you may be uncomfortable with this as an option.

If you have young children and in particular toddlers check that the pool has a shallow end or a sheltered entrance. Check also if there is a pool whether it is big enough for the party size and not just a plunge pool and whether or not it is heated, which usually costs extra.
Before you book, check out how far the accommodation is from the facilities you wish to visit such as theme parks, local towns, shops, restaurants and public transport. Investigate whether the property is on a busy road or down steep steps and whether you will need to hire a car. If times are given check if they are by car or by foot and read between the lines.

It is important to check how many bedrooms and beds there are. Sleeping six for example, in a ski resort could mean a one-bedroom apartment with two pull out couches as spaces often are very limited. Check also what is supplied and how you can use what is supplied. For example in some villas pool towels are supplied but you are not allowed to take them to the beach. If children are supposed to sleep in bunk beds whether or not there are safety rails. Enquire also about linen and how often it is changed and if you need to bring any towels or sheets. Proprieties at the lower end of the market may be more limited in this regard.

Consider whether or not there could be any hazards such as a pool and if there are young children open fires and marble floors/steep steps may not be suitable. Safety is always a concern and if there is a pool check that it has a fence, an alarm or a hard cover. Also ask about whether there have been many incidents of crime and whether they were petty or serious.

If you are going for the self catering accommodation option, organizing babysitting can be a little more difficult. Try to make contact with the owner or the villa/self-catering company where possible and see if a good reliable babysitting service could be made available.

Children have a finite amount of time that they can spend in the back of a car and while you can fill your car with interesting car games and things to do, getting to new destinations with children can bring obvious difficulties. We would suggest that you check the directions carefully before you set off and be absolutely clear as to your check in times as to allow for changeovers and cleaning you are not usually handed the keys until mid-afternoon whereas you have to leave a property usually first thing in the morning. Consider this also before you book your flights as you may wish to avoid a very early morning outbound flight.

Find out if they have a pick up and drop off service to and from airport if you are flying to your destination.

Find out if the kitchen is equipped with some basic foods in case you arrive at a difficult time when shops are closed. In most cases you are able to request that they stock up with some basic breakfast cereals just to get your family going until you familiarize yourself with the surrounding shops.

There is a bit more planning involved when choosing a self catering option but the rewards far outweigh the hotel option. Besides your family pictures and experiences will be of a more unique base as you will have experienced how the locals live, where they go to and what they do to have fun. Just because you had some “inside” information.

SEYCHELLES LOT OF 45 STAMPS MINT NH

2009-01-16T16:57:00.001+02:00

Hey
If you want to buy these Seychelles stamps go to attached link.Am going to include the link below as well
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220345113911

Travel for Your Wedding in the Seychelles-Tips,Ideas & Contact Info

2009-01-14T23:48:00.006+02:00

If you have decided to get married,consider the Seychelles as the location for your wedding

Getting married in the Seychelles is easy and hassle free.

Whether it is a beach wedding or a civil wedding, an Indian Ocean wedding amongst the welcoming smiles of the friendly Seychellois people will leave you with special lifetime memories.

A number of Seychelles Hotels offer Wedding Packages and I will be posting information on these hotels later with contact details. I am also going to try and include pictures.

Below is a list of documents and conditions required by the Civil Status Office from the couple, details of the fees involved for ceremonies held at various venues and times, as well as the contact details of some of the authoritative bodies.

I hope that the information provided in this document will help you in the preparation and organization of your wedding day in Seychelles.

Church Weddings in Seychelles
Your Wedding in Seychelles is a wedding in paradise - where your dream of a romantic Indian Ocean wedding becomes a reality.
Whilst your first thoughts may be to have your fairytale wedding ceremony at your hotel, it is entirely feasible to have a full religious wedding just like you would at home.
Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Seychelles, however there are also Anglican and other Protestant churches, as well as smaller Muslim, Hindu and Bahá'i communities.

The Catholic Church
Cathedral of Immaculate Conception
Victoria, Mahé
Tel: +248 32 26 52
Fax: +248 32 14 64
Email: rcchurch@seychelles.net

The Anglican Church
St. Paul's Cathedral Office
PO Box 44, Victoria, Mahé
Tel: +248 32 25 08
Fax: +248 22 42 96
Email: angdio@seychelles.net

The Hindu Kovil Sangam (Hindu Temple)
Quincy Street, Victoria, Mahé
Tel: +248 32 47 01 / 51 51 75

In order to organise a religious Seychelles wedding ceremony you will have to contact the relevant religious body. It is important to note however, that a religious wedding without first conducting a civil ceremony is not recognised under Seychelles law.It is therefore necessary to conduct a civil ceremony prior to the religious ceremony.

Hotel Weddings in Seychelles

In the main there are no problems with getting married in the hotel, however the list below details what you need to know.

Seychelles Civil Status Office
PO Box 430, Victoria, Mahé
tel: +248 29 36 13
fax: +248 32 10 46
email: civilstatus@seychelles.sc
website: www.seychelles.net/civilstatus
opening hours: Mon-Fri: 0800hrs-1130hrs & 1300hrs-1500hrs
closed on weekends and public holidays.

Currency Converter

A church wedding in Seychelles without a civil ceremony is not recognised as being legal and the parties must therefore contract a civil wedding prior to the religious ceremony.

Persons wishing to organise their own wedding must apply to the Seychelles Civil Status Office in Victoria on Mahé for a civil ceremony and the relevant church body for the religious ceremony.

It is advisable that the wedding is planned at least two months in advance to allow for the processing of documentation.

Couples must advise the Civil Status Office of their wedding date at least eleven calendar days in advance. However, this eleven-day period may be exempted by applying for a Special Licence, normally issued within two days from the date of application at a cost of SCR100.

The couple must be present in Seychelles at least 2 days prior to the civil ceremony.

Civil ceremonies may be conducted around the hotel property with permission from both the hotel and the Civil Registrar. Weddings outside the hotel property can only be performed in private and authorised places. The authorisation needs to be obtained from the Civil Registrar.

Weddings can also be performed in the Civil Status Office on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 0900hrs and 1100hrs, in the presence of two witnesses provided by the parties themselves.

Couples wishing to marry outside the Civil Status Office will be required to pay a fee of SCR350. This fee applies to ceremonies held on any weekday on Mahé or one of the Inner Islands. It should be noted that the Inner Islands include: Anonyme, Bird, Cerf, Cousine, Denis, Frégate, La Digue, Moyenne, North, Praslin, Round, Ste Anne, and Silhouette islands. The couple will be required to cover the transportation cost for the Registrar officer to travel to these islands. However, the Civil Status Office also has officers on both Praslin and La Digue. For ceremonies held on Frégate Island the fee is SCR500 plus the transportation cost for the Registrar officer.

Couples wishing to marry on one of the Outer Islands, including Alphonse or Desroches islands, will be required to pay a fee of SCR500 plus the transportation cost to these islands for the Registrar officer.

The rate of SCR700 is charged for ceremonies held after 1700hrs on a weekday or at any time on a Saturday and Sunday. This fee includes the SCR350 cost for marrying outside the Civil Status Office.

Legally conducted marriages in Seychelles are recognised under European laws.
There are no nationality requirements that need to be fulfilled.

A special stamp (apostille) is required to validate the marriage certificate obtained after the civil ceremony for all nationalities except for British nationals. This stamp is available at the Registrar's office located at the Supreme Court for a fee of SCR65.

The couple must produce the following documents:
o Birth certificate or certified copy thereof
o If either party is divorced, the decree of divorce must be produced
o If either of the parties is a widow or widower the death certificate
of the former spouse must be produced
o Legal proof in the case of a name having been changed
o Copies of the first 2 pages of both parties' valid passports

Document to show that there is no impediment or lawful hindrance to the intended marriage (If this cannot be obtained, an affidavit has to be signed in Seychelles after a solemn declaration has been made to that effect)

All the above documents must be originals or copies duly certified before departure from one's home country and must be translated into either English or French if the translation has not already been made.

French law requires that French nationals wishing to get married abroad follow certain specific procedures. For information concerning these, French nationals should contact either their local municipality or the Seychelles Civil Status Office or the French Embassy in Seychelles.

French Embassy of Seychelles
1st Floor, La Ciotat Building
Mont Fleuri, Mahé
tel: +248 38 25 00
fax: +248 38 25 10
email: michel.tretout@diplomatie.gouv.fr
opening hours: Mon-Fri: 0800hrs-1300hrs & 1400hrs-1700hrs

Seychelles-Top of list of affordable holiday destination

2009-01-14T17:22:00.000+02:00

Seychelles tops a list of holiday hotspots that have become more affordable since the sharp decline in the value of the pound.

The news is positive for those hoping to travel further afield, with the value of the pound rising by 61 per cent against the Seychelles rupee and 15 per cent against the Brazilian real in the six months to December 2008.

Brazil, Australia and Poland are also amongst the destinations which offer better value for Britons now than they did six months ago, according to a new study.

A rise in the value of the pound against the currencies of these countries means Britons will see their cash go further, it said.

It means more traditional sunshine destinations in Europe, such as Spain, could miss out on much of this summer's British tourist trade, experts warned.

The research by Halifax revealed that the value of the pound declined by 14 per cent against the euro between June and December last year, making trips to countries in the euro-zone more expensive.

But some European countries outside the euro-zone became more affordable during the same period due to a rise in the value of the pound against their currencies, it said.

British holidaymakers visiting Poland in December would have received approximately 4.42 Polish zloty per pound, an increase of 4 per cent compared to six months earlier.

Those visiting Iceland in June 2008 would have found that £1 would buy 156 Icelandic krona, while visitors in December would have received around 176 Icelandic krona per pound, an increase of 13 per cent.

The value of the pound also rose by 7 per cent against the Australian dollar and by 1per cent against the New Zealand dollar in the past six months.

Martin Ellis, chief economist at Halifax, said: "The pound has fallen significantly against both the euro and the US dollar in recent months, substantially increasing the costs for UK citizens of holidays and city breaks in many of the most popular tourist destinations.

"However, it is not all doom and gloom. The pound has also risen in value against a number of currencies in the past six months, making it more affordable for Britons to holiday in some places in Europe as well as a number of destinations further a field."

Duncan Barraclough, head of hotels at Travelsupermarket.com said: "People don't want to sacrifice their holidays and the traditional destinations that have done well in the past, such as Spain, are being affected by increased costs and people are now seeking genuine alternatives."

More USA visitors to the Seychelles

2009-01-14T08:44:00.000+02:00

Air Seychelles, the national carrier of the insular state Seychelles, extends its cooperation with AVIAREPS to two further markets: the United States and Canada. With immediate effect, the leading airline and tourism representative is taking over responsibility for the carrier’s marketing and sales activities.

Currently AVIAREPS is contracted for the markets of the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Russia and the Ukraine. This extended collaboration is an early response to a growing demand in North America for flights to the Creole island chain: in 2008, arrivals of American visitors in the Seychelles increased by six per cent compared with 2007 (National Statistics Bureau 2008).
Air Seychelles offers connections from major cities worldwide such as Paris, London (Heathrow), Frankfurt, Rome, Milan, Johannesburg and Singapore to its base airport in Mahé, the largest island of the Seychelles. The Creole airline serves its international routes with three modern Boeing 767 aircraft.

Business passengers travel in the luxurious Pearl Class – a combination of first and business class. Particularly honeymooners and demanding tourists, as well as divers and vacationers interested in nature, favour this exotic destination in the Indian Ocean and are frequent guests of Air Seychelles. In addition, the island chain enjoys increasing popularity as an exceptional destination for golf holidays.

Seychelles wedding or honeymoon

2009-01-12T17:38:00.000+02:00

The Seychelles is the perfect destination for a honeymoon.Better still if you can afford it have the wedding there.That way all your guests get a wonderful holiday as well.Please keep posted as I am going to be getting names of resorts who will offer packages for such an event,how many people,where to get married,etc....The Seychelles has got these beautiful catholic big churches all over.Keep posted!!!!!

I will be posting on the following:
available churches
available reception areas
packages for weddings
how many guests
accomodation for guests
Package prices if possible and through which agency

Got to go now.Have a lot of work ahead of me!!!

New York Times list of 44 most compelling places to visit in 2009-Seychelles ranked 23

2009-01-11T18:55:00.000+02:00

The New York Times has ranked Seychelles no 23 out of their list of 44 most compelling places to go to in 2009.This is what they had to say
"Forget the Caribbean.Even the soft pink beaches of Harbor Island in the Bahamas,can't compare with the Seychelles,an archipelego nation of some 115 islands in the Indian Ocean that offers countless miles of sugary sand.The remote islands have been a barefoot haven for wealthy Europeans who shell out thousands of euros for eco-chic bungalows...."
http://seychellestravel-terraferma.blogspot.com/

Seychelles-finding a balance between the environment and development

2009-01-11T18:31:00.001+02:00

Reuters
By Richard Lough

VICTORIA (Reuters) - Getting the right balance between development and protecting the environment presents small island states with a tough challenge which cannot be ignored, the Seychelles' president said.
A rising population and the growing demands of the tourism industry are putting a strain on the Indian Ocean islands' environment which is home to scores of birds, reptiles and plants native to the Seychelles.
"It's not an easy balance to maintain. There is always a lot of pressure from developers who want to go big, who want to maximise their revenue and make a lot of profit," President James Michel told Reuters late Friday.
Speaking at State House, a grand colonial mansion set against the tropical forest-clad mountains of Mahe island, Michel said stringent policies to safeguard the environment had hitherto stopped the islands' being bulldozered into oblivion.
"We have ensured that the industry has not entered the mass tourism sector which would affect the country negatively," he said, adding that some islands in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean had been "practically destroyed" by cheap holiday packages.
The Seychelles archipelago covers more than 1.3 million square km (500,000 square miles) of the Western Indian Ocean although total land area is 455 square km.
The country has a strong track-record for protecting its environment. In 1990, it became the first African country to draw up a 10-year environmental management plan and the archipelago has the highest proportion of protected land in the world -- more than 50 percent of its total area.
LUXURY VILLA BOOM
Critics say there are blemishes to the record, citing the land reclamation project on Mahe -- the largest and most developed island which is home to 90 percent of the islands' 85,000 inhabitants -- to create space for housing.
The alternative was to destroy mountains and virgin forests, said the president.
The Seychelles is saddled with foreign debt of more than $800 million and in November the International Monetary Fund stepped in with a package to ease the crisis.
The government hopes offshore oil could become a leading source of income, if seismic surveys prove correct, but has pledged to keep the Seychelles' clean.
An incipient real estate boom in luxury villas is also prompting fears the government may be succumbing to the temptation of easy, fast money.
The Seychelles' latest strategy is to encourage property developers to set up independent trust funds to finance environmental projects within local communities.
"What we have done is bring tourism developers to the table and said you may have destroyed other environments, you may have made quick money elsewhere, but you won't do it here," said Rolph Payet, a conservationist and adviser to the president.
He said such funds were probably the last thing on developers' priority list, but that it was the unique ecosystems that drew visitors to the Seychelles in the first place.
Visitors have been willing to pay a price for a slice of Eden -- luxury villas on privately run islands can go for more than $9,000 a night.
"The environment commands a price, but developers forget that part of the equation," said Payet.
(Editing by David Clarke and Elizabeth Piper)

My visit to the Seychelles

2008-12-16T10:54:00.000+02:00

Travelling to the Seychelles
The Republic of Seychelles comprises 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. She lies between 4 and 10 degrees south of the equator .She is paradise.The Seychelles is not in a cyclone belt and has no dangerous and/or poisonous animals or reptiles.Crime is virtually non existent.There is petty crime such as stealing your bag while you are lying on the beach so be careful.
The purpose of this article is to provide quick and easy tips to enable you to make the most of your holiday there.(detailing what I found out while I was there)

The essential Steps
1-Accomodation
2-Car Hire
3-Inter Island hopping
4-Things to Do

1-Accomodation
I found the hotels to be very expensive and resorted to finding out about the self catering options available.I was very lucky to come upon La Rocaille on the south side of the main island Mahe.The hosts were extremely gracious and the rate per day was among the cheapest on the island.
http://sites.google.com/site/larocailleseychelles/Home
You will be 5 minutes walk from the beach.
Bookings are made via Email Address: bln@seychelles.net
Alternate e mail lelarocaille@gmail.com
or call (+248)524238

2-Car Hire
Again I shopped around and found Mango Car Hire.They were EU10 less than the competition.They will meet you at the airport with your chosen car.Again the service was really good and the cars were all 2008 models so therefore reliable.Please check them out on http://www.mangocars.sc/ All information required will be on their really lovely webite.Otherwise contact them on Tel (-248)517422 or 520132
Also please remember that if you do not wish to use the car hire option the bus service is reliable and quick.

3-Inter Island Hopping
Helicopter Seychelles(by Air)
Tel : +248 38 58 58 Country : Seychelles
Fax : +248 37 30 55 Post/Zip Code :
Email : res@helicopterseychelles.sc
Website : http://www.helicopterseychelles.com/

Air Seychelles Domestic(by air)
Seychelles International Airport, Pointe Larue, PO Box 389, Victoria, Mahé
Tel : +248 39 12 30 Country : Seychelles
Fax : +248 38 43 80 Post/Zip Code :
Email : flights@airseychelles.com
Website : http://www.airseychelles.com/

Cat Cocos(by sea)
Island : Mahé Type of Ferry : Modern Catamaran
Address : PO Box 356, Victoria, Mahé
Tel : +248 29 71 60 / 23 26 16 (Praslin office)
Fax : +248 32 48 45
Email : reservation@catcocos.com
Website : http://www.catcocos.com/

4-Things to Do
Boat Charter / Dive Operator / Fishing Operator
Island : Mahé
Type of Dive Operator : Boat Based
Type of Boat Charter : Crewed Boat
Type of Fishing Operator : Big Game fishing, Bone fishing, Deep sea fishing, Fly fishing
Address : Arpent Vert, Mont Fleuri, Mahé
Tel : +248 22 49 06 / +43 7532 0297
Fax : +248 22 52 89 / +43 7532 0292
Email : info@nature-quest.com
Website : http://www.nature-quest.com/

Casino
Island : Mahé Type of Activity : Casino
Address : PO Box 301, Oceangate House Extension, Independence Avenue, Victoria, Mahé
Tel : +248 22 58 78
Fax : +248 22 58 94
Email : jonathan@seychelles.net

Many more activities are detailed with contact numbers and full descriptions on:
http//www.seychelles.travel/en/things_to_do/activities
Hope you enjoy your holiday.I had a whale of a time and am going back in April 2009!!!!!!!!!!!!
Book your flight on http://www.airseychelles.net/