Daily Archives: June 13, 2024

Big Pete has a habit of creeping up on you when you least expect it. The 90-year-old is a natural flirt and the closest thing to a celebrity on Desroches Island, in an isolated archipelago in the Indian Ocean. But Im not talking about a nonagenarian of the human kind, rather a giant Aldabra tortoise.

Desroches is one of the Amirante Islands, which make up the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. It is a wild and windswept place; door to door, it takes some 24 hours to get there from London, but once you do, you instantly forget the long journey.

Your shoulders drop, your shoes come off and its like youve stepped into the pages of Robinson Crusoe.

While the Seychelles is already known for a handful of smart hotels found on its far-flung islands such as Frgate and North Island Desroches still feels firmly off the tourist path, with an unpolished essence about it, despite it being home to a sustainably minded Four Seasons resort.

For many years, the skinny island, which stretches to just 5.5km long and 1km wide, was simply a coconut plantation, producing around 20,000 of them a month for coconut oil production.

Nowadays, other than the resort, theres a small Creole village and not much else, apart from Big Pete and his companions 150 giant tortoises who potter freely around.

Big Pete (Photo: Angelina Villa-Clarke)

Big Pete is the most outgoing and the largest of the tortoises, says Nasreen Khan, one of the conservationists working with the Island Conservation Society (ICS), which also has a base on the island and runs a tortoise breeding programme.

He adores attention and will follow visitors around to see if you have any tasty leaves in your possession. Most of all, hes probably after a massage. You see him stick his neck out and stand high on his feet if you stroke his shell and neck he loves it!

There has been a hotel of sorts on the island for 30 years, the first being a simple fishing lodge. Since then a variety of low-key hotels have set up shop, but it was not until 2021, when Four Seasons opened, that Desroches started getting noticed by tourists looking for a sense of adventure with a side serving of luxury.

Most guests arrive after a pit stop in Mah, the main island of the Seychelles where the capital, Victoria, is found. Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is located here, and guests can spend time there to break up the journey, whether for a few hours or a few days, before taking a 35-minute flight, 250 miles south to Desroches.

Landing strip on Desroches Island (Photo: Four Seasons)

The landing strip on Desroches cuts dramatically through the centre of the island, crooked, towering palms fringing it on either side, with the hotel tucked away along the western shore.

You stay in one of 71 villas, which have colourful interiors and winding paths to the beach.

Inside, the aesthetic is a nod to the Seychellois Creole culture, a multiracial blend of African, Asian and European influences. Youll find cheery pops of colour, such as an oversized, fuchsia-pink peacock chair and green palm print cushions.

Grand, high beds are swathed in mosquito net curtains and laid with crisp linens, while a vintage, wooden chest hides the TV. The ceilings are vaulted and the walls have oversized copper bowls as decoration.

The huge bathrooms continue the rustic theme with plenty of natural details, such as curvy stone baths, wooden vanity units and traditional woven rugs.

Plunge pool at Desroches Island (Photo: Four Seasons)

Central to the ethos of the Four Seasons resort is sustainability and conservation and it works alongside ICS and WiseOceans, which runs marine discovery programmes here, to support the regions precious wildlife and environment.

As well as looking after a further 174 tortoises in a breeding programme, ICS supports WiseOceans with research and rehabilitation of sea turtles, sea birds, coral reefs and seagrass meadows and guests are encouraged to get involved via the resorts Discover Centre and the Tortoise Sanctuary.

The ICS centre opened in 2009, explains Nasreen. Our main objectives have always been to protect wildlife and to make sure Desroches Island is an environmental rehabilitation success.

One area we are working on at the moment, for instance, is the eastern end of the island. We are restoring it to its former natural state and replanting native Broadleaf trees to help maintain the biodiversity of the island.

By day, you can immerse yourself in all of this by making a slow cycle ride across the islands nine miles of trails, to land at beautiful tropical beaches.

Madame Zabre and Bombay Beach both offer arcs of shell-scattered, talcum-powder sands, lapped by impossibly azure waters but, you are spoilt for choice, as there are 14km of beach in total.

Desroches beach (Photo: Angelina Villa-Clarke)

As you pedal, youll skirt the dark, dense interior of forest, brushing against fragrant frangipani and avoiding skittish geckos, while huge orange butterflies dance in front of you. You might spot a bright red Madagascar Fody bird balancing on a branch or perhaps see a regal Grey Heron dipping its feet in the sea.

As well as helping with tortoise monitoring, guests of all ages can get involved with a variety of conservation activities, from planting coral to beach clean-ups.

The snorkelling and diving are also exceptional here, with a variety of sharks, dolphins and rays often spotted, as well as Green and Hawksbill Turtles.

The Desroches atoll also hosts some of the healthiest seagrass meadows in the western Indian Ocean an important feeding habitat for a wide variety of marine life so you will swim into a kaleidoscopic, rainbow world of Yellowscale Parrotfish, Peacock Grouper, Giant Clams and Sea Stars.

On the eastern tip of the island, a white, wooden lighthouse is home to the islands smartest restaurant, the Island Grill. Climb to the top for sunset views across the Indian Ocean over an Island Breeze, made with sweet, local Takamaka rum, passion fruit, pineapple and lime.

Afterwards, you can tuck into a menu that uses locally sourced ingredients and offers plenty of vegetarian options from a beetroot tartare to tamarind-glazed aubergine steak.

The Lighthouse at Four Seasons Desroches (Photo: Four Seasons)

For guests staying longer than a few nights, theres no risk of getting bored, with plenty of dining spots to choose from across beach bars and relaxed restaurants.

Take breakfast at Claudine, for instance, and you can indulge in a vast buffet with a fresh bakery corner, as well as an la carte menu, which includes delicious cinnamon crpes and healthy tropical fruit-laced granola bowls.

By night, the restaurant offers creole-influenced cuisine, such as Desroches Hearts of Palm Salad, Capsicum Curry and Saffron Rice and a standout Takamaka Caramelised Pineapple (a must for sweet-toothed guests).

All dining spots also offer inventive child and teenage menus to keep all ages happy. In fact, as far-flung as Four Seasons Desroches is, it is incredibly family-focused with more than 70 island experiences to pick from whether you fancy surfing tuition, paddleboarding, creole cooking lessons or beach volleyball competitions, all run from the Castaway Centre.

Adults may want to sneak off for a rum-tasting session, showcasing locally made varieties.

Night descends quickly on Desroches, like star-spangled curtains coming down, while the day starts early. At sunrise, you can join a yoga class on the islands runway or take a dip in your private pool before the temperatures soar.

For those wanting some me time, the Circle of Connection Spa offers nature-inspired treatments, such as the Sound of the Waves massage, which sees the therapist use a rolling technique to mimic the sound and motion of the ocean.

All in all, its blissful. No wonder Big Pete is still so sprightly.

Flights from London to the Seychelles cost from 802pp with Qatar Airways.

Rates at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island start at around 620 per night, including breakfast but excluding taxes.

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The Seychelles: island life in the slow lane - The Jewish Chronicle

(Seychelles News Agency) - Seychelles has once again proven its allure as a premier travel destination by clinching eight awards at the World Travel Awards 2024 ceremony held in Dubaion May 6.

SNA presents the 8 awards Seychelles won at the ceremony.

Indian Ocean's Leading Beach Destination

The award for Seychelles is a testament to the island nation's natural beauty and captivating landscapes. Seychelles has two beaches that have made world rankings in the past.

Anse Source D'Agent, located in the southwest of La Digue, the third most populated island of Seychelles, and Anse Lazio, located on the northwest coast of Praslin Island, the second most populated island.

Indian Ocean's Leading Cruise Destination

The award shows the Seychelles archipelago of 115 islands is a destination with a commitment to innovation and excellence in hospitality.

with its warm weather, tropical forests, white-sand beachesand turquoise watersis seen as the place to go on a cruise. For the cruise season 2023/2024, around 68,000 visitors came to the island nation.

Indian Ocean's Leading Cruise Port 2024

Port Victoria won the Indian Ocean's Leading Cruise Portonce again. For the cruise ship season 2023/2024, Port Victoria has welcomed around 38 vessels.

Indian Ocean's Leading Nature Destination

With Seychelles' unique biodiversity both on land and at sea and its endemic flora and fauna, the archipelago is an ideal destination for visitors who love to explore the outdoors and get up close to some endemic species.

Indian Ocean's Leading Cabin Crew 2024' and 'Indian Ocean's Leading Airline - Economy Class 2024'.

The accomplishment caps off a period of growth for Air Seychelles, the national airline that recently signed a codeshare agreement with SriLankan Airlines, to give the airline more flexibility in its connections and destination offers.

Indian Ocean's Leading Conference Hotel 2024

Eden Bleu Hotel on the man-made Eden Island, next to the main island of Mahe, was honoured as it combines an idyllic setting for business and leisure with the most advanced Seychelles conference and meetings facilities in the Indian Ocean.

Indian Ocean's Leading New Resort 2024,

The Waldorf Astoria Resort, part of the Hilton Group, located on Platte Island, blends elegant hospitality with an eco-conscious travel offering. The resort was also praised for showcasing Seychelles' commitment to innovation and excellence in hospitality.

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Seychelles scoops 8 awards at the World Travel Awards in Dubai - Seychelles News Agency

The Seychelles and Burundi lock horns at the Berkane Municipal Stadium in Berkane, Morocco on Tuesday for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. While the former are still searching for their first point of the campaign, their rivals from East Africa are looking to close the gap on the group's first two teams.

Ranked 197th in the world, the Seychelles are one of the weakest sides in the world, and their terrible results in these qualifiers have been a testament to the same. The Pirates were crushed 9-0 by Ivory Coast in the opening game, before a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Kenya. On Saturday, Gambia inflicted further damage on the island nation with a 5-1 trouncing.

Having conceded 19 times in just three games, Ralph Jean-Louis' side have the worst defensive record of any side in the CAF zone. Burundi can smell blood in the water here, and they will be looking to pounce on Seychelles' vulnerability to ignite their qualifying run.

With four points in three games, the Swallows are in fourth position, level with Kenya but behind on goal difference. They are winless in their last five official clashes, losing three (all coming in a row) before drawing twice. The East African side will feel they have a chance to return to winning ways here.

Seychelles have been terrible in these qualifiers, with their defense hopelessly cut open by their opponents, who've scored a combined 19 goals in three games. The Swallows will surely look to capitalise on their vulnerabilities and secure a big win, something they are fully capable of.

Prediction: Seychelles 0-3 Burundi

Tip 1 - Result: Burundi to win

Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Over 2.5 goals

Tip 3 - Both teams to score: No

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Seychelles vs Burundi Prediction and Betting Tips | 11th June 2024 - Sportskeeda

Evolving geopolitics in the Indian Ocean continues to be analysed through the prism of great power politics. With the Indian Ocean emerging as a prominent strategic theatre shaping global geopolitics, several major powers have directed their attention towards the region. Major global powers have increasinglyaccorded priority to the Indian Ocean region given that it houses major shipping lanes facilitating free flow of trade, as well as marine resources. Naturally, the imperative to securitise the region has followed. This has prompted contest among major powers with critical strategic interests in the region. Major powers in the region like India, the United States (US), and China, with their substantial military capabilities bandwidth have naturally assumed salience in shaping the maritime security architecture in the Indian Ocean.

However, it is important to shift the focus on small island states in the region to probe how these countries view the evolving geopolitical churns in the Indian Ocean. Firstly, a distinction needs to be drawn between small island countries and other major powers vis--vis their stakes in the maritime spaces in the Indian Ocean. While it is true that major powers have increasingly enhanced their stakes in the region by way of being engaged in the bourgeoning trade and security networks that flow through the region, their compulsions appear to be only strategic in nature. On the contrary, small island countries have stakes in the Indian Ocean by virtue of their locational presence. The strategic and security compulsions of small island countries are evidently shaped by their maritime identity. Therefore, they tend to be deeply impacted by the changing geopolitical equations in their maritime periphery. This further prompts the need to probe how small island states approach their maritime geography.

A distinction needs to be drawn between small island countries and other major powers vis--vis their stakes in the maritime spaces in the Indian Ocean. While it is true that major powers have increasingly enhanced their stakes in the region by way of being engaged in the bourgeoning trade and security networks that flow through the region, their compulsions appear to be only strategic in nature.

The Indian Ocean is currently witnessing a strategic competition for primacy among two big playersIndia and China. India continues to assert its geographical presence in the region as the basis for its engagement in the Indian Ocean by assuming an important role in shaping its maritime security and governance architecture. On the other hand, Chinas attempts to expand its footprint in the Indian Ocean have been underway, particularly, engaging with small and developing island countries in the region through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This coupled with the emergent geo-strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific presents both opportunities and dilemmas for small island countries to navigate their foreign policy and security objectives. In this context, Seychelles appears to stand out. With an archipelagic character of its geography, Seychelles is located strategically amidst the critical theatre of the Western Indian Ocean region.

With a small population, Seychelles is naturally dependent on external actors for its economic and security interests. Due to the maritime character of its geography, Seychelles reliance on seaborne trade and security measures to mitigate challenges at sea account for its key priority areas. For this, Seychelles is dependent on external actors to maximise its interests. Interestingly, a great number of external actors are involved in Seychelles strategic thinking in pursuit of its economic and security interests. These include the US, France, the European Union, United Arab Emirates (UAE), India, and China. Multilaterally, Seychelles has an active presence in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). The importance of Seychelles in broader geopolitical terms, however, has not remained confined as site for contestation among major powers.

Seychelles in the Western Indian Ocean

Source: Nations Online Project

However, moving beyond the dyad of geopolitics and great power contest, several other prominent maritime security challenges are noticeably important for a small island country like Seychelles. These primarily include non-traditional maritime security challenges such as maritime piracy and maritime threats posed by the rising challenge of climate change. It is important to note that for Seychelles such challenges are existential. As an island country, Seychelles is dependent on its maritime periphery for a number of critical facets of its security and national interest. These include important dimensions of security such as human security, energy security, food security. This has prompted Seychelles to place greater emphasis on Blue Economya concept that has gained currency as a maritime turn appears to be underway in global geopolitics. Island countries are located in the middle of the oceans with no territorial links with continental spaces. This requires them to rely on ocean-based economy.

Similarly, for Seychelles too, agendas of maritime security and governance are key for the fulfillment of their national interest. In this light, it would be helpful to analyse how Seychelles has sought to frame its maritime identity in pursuing its national interests in the domains of maritime security, governance, and balancing geopolitical contests in the Indian Ocean. It is widely accepted that small states often find themselves on a tightrope in the face of great power competition. However, in the case of Seychelles, a calibrated approach to navigate its strategic vulnerabilities is noticeable. Firstly, what are these strategic vulnerabilities? Scholars have noted that Seychelles is a victim of quadruple predicament, which involves having asymmetric power relations as a weaker party, deficiency of diplomatic personnel resulting from low population, inability to defend its expansive maritime periphery due to low military budget, and the lack of any significant institutional structure to seek security guarantee.

It is widely accepted that small states often find themselves on a tightrope in the face of great power competition. However, in the case of Seychelles, a calibrated approach to navigate its strategic vulnerabilities is noticeable.

The addressal of these dilemmas warrants dependency on external actors. As noted above, Seychelles is engaged with several external actors for the mitigation of major concerns to its national interest. However, the evolving geopolitical contest taking place in the Indian Ocean poses challenges for a small state like Seychelles. On one hand, Chinas continued efforts to expand its footprint in the Indian Ocean has involved engaging with regional countries by providing economic aid. On the other hand, India, and likeminded countries have also pushed for greater engagement with small countries in the Indian Ocean to foster a secure, free, and open maritime space. Notably, there appears to be a remarkable continuity of measured calibration in the way Seychelles has navigated through the emergent geopolitical contest in the Indian Ocean in pursuing its national interest. Seychelles has been cautious of not aligning and relying on one side, which has provided it with greater agency to manoeuvre among various major players. Seychelles continues to maintain important economic and security links with India, China, and the US.

Theaddressal of these dilemmas warrants dependency on external actors. As noted above, Seychelles is engaged with several external actors for the mitigation of major concerns to its national interest. However, the evolving geopolitical contest taking place in the Indian Ocean poses challenges for a small state like Seychelles.

However, another important facet of Seychelles global engagement merits greater attention. Historically, the territory of Seychelles has been pivotal for blue water navies. During the early 2000s, Seychelles further gained prominence due to its strategic location in the aftermath of the growing piracy off the coast of Somalia. Its physical location amidst the vast maritime expanse of the Western Indian Ocean has leveraged its strategic prominence. Importantly, the Western Indian Ocean is critical for the free flow of global trade. This has resulted in various major players placing significant interest in the region. In this light, Seychelles has been able to garner critical attention from these major players.

Source: Britannica

With the Indo-Pacific construct gaining currency, increasing involvement of major players in the Western Indian Ocean, and a return of piracy threats in the region, Seychelles has the opportunity to maximise its interests by playing an important role in shaping the maritime security architecture of the region by enhancing cooperation with major players. Given its location, and state of capabilities, Seychelles is well-placed to facilitate efforts for mitigating sea-borne challenges by enhancing cooperation with major players. However, for this, Seychelles needs to take up a balanced and calibrated approach and be careful of not getting trapped in the geopolitical contest that is underway in the Indian Ocean. Engaging with external actors by leveraging its maritime locations stands to best serve Seychelles national interests.

Sayantan Haldar is a Research Assistant at the Observer Research Foundation.

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Seychelles' calibrated approach towards maritime dependency - Observer Research Foundation

Gambia and Seychelles will battle for three points in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Saturday. The Gambians have not been in action since falling to a 3-2 defeat to Cameroon in their final group game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in January.

All five goals were scored in the second half, with Karl Toko Ekambi and Christopher Wooh scoring either side of James Gomez's own goal to help the Indomitable Lions claim three points. Ablie Jallow and Omar Collie scored for Gambia but it was not enough as the Scorpions were eliminated in the group stage.

Seychelles, meanwhile, were last in action when they suffered a disappointing 5-0 defeat to Kenya in the World Cup qualifiers in November 2023. Michael Olunga scored a brace while Masoud Juma, Rooney Onyango and Benson Omala scored a goal each in the rout.

Gambia's last game in the qualifiers came in a 2-0 home defeat to Ivory Coast.

The loss left them in fifth spot in Group F on zero points after two games. Seychelles are bottom of the standings, also on zero points.

Gambia have made a poor start to the qualifiers and are six points off the top two. Their form heading into this game has not been good.

Seychelles, for their part, have been even poorer, having also failed to register their first points of the campaign. The Pirates are yet to find the back of the net, conceding 14 goals in just two games.

Neither of the two sides partook in the last international window. Gambia are the booked home side but the game takes place in Morocco, depriving them of home support. We expect a goalless draw.

Prediction: Gambia 0-0 Seychelles

Tip 1 - Result: Draw

Tip 2 - Both teams to score: No

Tip 3 - Under 2.5 goals

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Gambia vs Seychelles Prediction and Betting Tips | June 8th 2024 - Sportskeeda

The airline, which ceased its operation to the island nation in May, will operate three weekly flights. (Tourism Seychelles)

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(Seychelles News Agency) - The resumption of flights by Aeroflotto Seychelles in October was discussed earlier this week in a meeting between Antony Derjacques, Minister for Transport, and a delegation of the airline led by the Ambassador of Russia to Seychelles, Artyom Kozhin.

The airline, which ceased its operation to the island nation in May, will operate three weekly flights.

According to the Ministry of Transport in a communique on Wednesday, during the meeting, Derjacques highlighted the important contributions made by Aeroflot in the economic recovery of Seychelles from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that since it resumed scheduled flights to Seychelles in 2021, Aeroflot has was consistent in its performance driving up tourist arrivals from Russia from under 15,000 in 2019 to more than 38,000 in 2023.

"As a result, Russia now stands in the top five of our tourist arrivals week on week. We are very pleased with this achievement. It is in this spirit and in recognition of its contribution to our socio-economic development that we are rallying the support of all stakeholders to ensure the smooth resumption of Aeroflot in Winter 2024,"said Derjacques.

On his side, Ambassador Kozhinemphasised the achievements made by Aeroflot since it resumed flights to Seychelles.

He said through this operation, the tourism profile of Seychelles has seen a significant hike in Russia, spurring demand for travel to the islands, and reiterated the remarkable numbers of tourist arrivals from Russia in 2023, which is the highest on record inovera decade.

Kozhin expressed appreciation for all the support extended to the airline in ensuring it can conduct flights to Seychelles as a testament of the good bilateral relations between the two countries.

The representatives from Aeroflot had an opportunity to brief the minister on some operational challenges they are facing.

Derjacques reassured the Russian delegation that through a multi-stakeholder approach, the government will find meaningful solutions to address any hurdles that they are facing.

He called for a cohesive and collaborative approach locally among key stakeholders to ensure the airline can resume the flights as planned later this year.

"We need to recognise the domino effect of Aeroflot's operation to Seychelles. Everyone in the country benefits either directly or indirectly. Henceforth, it is important that we work towards ensuring that we can achieve year-round service from the airline by creating the right conditions to facilitate their operation,"he added.

According to the latest visitor arrivals figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday, there were 18,402 visitors from Russia in 2024, an increase of 3 percent from the figures of 2023. Russia is the third largest market for visitor arrivals.

Germany still leads with 29,149, a 40 percent increase from 2023, while France is second with 20,050, a decrease of 4 percent from last year.

Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, saw an increase of 3 percent in the total of visitors at 160,359 arrivals from January to June 12 in 2024 compared to 155,079 last year. However, for week 23 there has been a decrease of 15 percent compared to 2023. Only 4,267 visitors arrived in Seychelles in week 23 in 2024 compared to 5,001 last year.

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Aeroflot to resume flights to Seychelles in October 2024 - Seychelles News Agency

Seychelles' Minister for Transport, Antony Derjacques, has expressed his strong support for Emirates Airline's announcement to introduce four weekly flights between Dubai and Madagascar, with a stopover in Mahe, Seychelles, starting September 3.

Emirates announced on June 7 that it will launch flights to Madagascar in September and the flights will operate via a linked service with Seychelles.

According to a press communique from the Ministry if Transport on Monday, Derjacques highlighted the significance of this new routeand said, "The introduction of these flights marks a substantial advancement in our efforts to boost trade, commerce, and tourism. This development is poised to enhance Seychelles' connectivity with key markets, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange."

Derjacques also emphasised the importance of this initiative in the context of South-South cooperation in aviation. He said, "By linking Seychelles with Dubai and Madagascar, we are not only enhancing our own strategic position but also strengthening the ties between developing nations. This cooperation is crucial for mutual growth and development, paving the way for more collaborative efforts in the future."

The new Emirates flight route is anticipated to position Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean,as a pivotal travel and trade hub within the region, offering enhanced opportunities for the business and tourism sectors.

The Ministry of Transport of Seychelles said it is dedicated to improving the nation's transport infrastructure and services, aiming for sustainable growth and development within the sector. Through strategic collaborations and innovative initiatives, the ministry seeks to enhance connectivity and accessibility, benefiting both local communities and international visitors, according to the press statement.

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Seychelles expresses support for Emirates flight to Madagascar with stopover on Mahe Island - Seychelles News Agency