Eat “What you want, When you want, Where you want and As much as or As little as you want” is Frégate Island’s dining philosophy.

With the services of your private butler one is able to dine at whim. Guests have the privilege of dining according to their holiday mood and nothing is rushed. Guests simply advise their butler their preferred dining location, dishes, as well as the time of service and all will be arranged.

Each dining experience is not only a feast to one’s palate, but to all one’s senses. The Frégate dessert menu offers a delectable selection of 32 ice creams and sorbets, a celestial dream for any dessert lover. The dessert menu will tantalise your taste buds with flavours such as goat cheese ice-cream with truffle oil, ylang-ylang or Swiss Chocolate with chilli ice-cream to name but a few.

Frégate Island provides special dining experiences at exotic locations on the island. As a special treat, the Tree House situated in the top of a Banyan Tree is available for breakfast, lunch and fine dining at night. Whilst the private butler takes care of the romantic setting, guests enjoy finest food surrounded by nature, entertained by the songs of endemic birds such as the Magpie Robin.

For the honeymooners a private chef cooks at the beach or at the cliff top Glacis Cerf, spoiling the clients with breathtaking sea views.

Not to be missed is a visit to the island’s hydroponics plant and gardens, followed by the Garden Table Experience. The Chef will take the guests on a private tour of the island’s fruit and vegetable garden where they can hand pick home grown ingredients for lunch, which is prepared right in the gardens – as fresh as it gets.

Wine tastings and dinners are held at the stylish wine cellar, offering guests a uniquely chilly dining experience. Guests are provided with hot water bottles to keep warm while they enjoy their dinner. With a bottle of Bual Maderia from the year 1800, Frégate Island is keeping the probably oldest fortified wine in the Seychelles - still very drinkable and very exciting!

Guests can also taste cold meats, olives, olive oils, vinegars, flavored oils and marinated vegetables which are kept in the salumeria alongside the wine cellar.

Frégate Island holds the largest collection of rum & whisky in the Indian Ocean with a selection of over 200 labels. A distillery has been installed on the island and the island will be bottling its own rum in the near future.

One is spoilt for choice when dining on Frégate Island.

Pioneering eco-resort launches dedicated stargazing platform

Frégate Island Private, the exclusive natural haven in the Seychelles, now offers guests an even more heavenly experience with the launch of its new stargazing platform. Located on the east of the island overlooking Anse Park beach, the observatory platform is free of light pollution and offers awe-inspiring views of the star-studded canopy above courtesy of a high-tech Celestron Ultima 2000 telescope. Guests can even spot shooting stars and their favourite constellations between courses with an enchanting stargazer dinner, served on the platform itself.

With the help of Frégate Island Private’s very own trained stargazer, even guests completely new to astronomy will be able to enjoy thrilling close-up views of the celestial bodies that have enthralled mankind for millennia. More experienced guests can also refer to a wealth of astronomical literature in the library in Frégate House, as well as daily charts of the evening sky.

Who says that the sky is the limit?

Courtesy of Bacall Associates

Frégate Island Private’s natural Rock Spa has introduced a fresh new seasonal menu of exclusive treatments and packages drawn from exotic, island-grown ingredients, and inspired by traditional Seychellois herbalism. In addition to new rituals and treatments such as The Dreaming, the Akonpli Body Wrap and Orevwar Beauty, younger guests can now enjoy the Rock Spa’s natural, organic approach and embrace the abundant flora of this verdant island with fun new Kids’ Spa Experiences.

The imaginative, island-inspired Kids’ Spa Experience allows children to share in the magic of the spa for the first time. Girls are treated to hair braiding and transformed into princesses with butterfly and floral-design nail art. After mixing their hand-picked flowers from the spa garden with cocoa and coconut milk, girls and boys can swim or simply relax in a chocolate mud bath whilst enjoying freshly-prepared milkshakes and cookies.

For guests seeking refinement and clarity, The Dreaming offers a three-hour spa therapy session aimed at harmonising mind, body and spirit through body, facial, hand and foot treatments leaving the whole body energised and tension-free, supple and smiling. Taken from the Creole expression meaning ‘achievement of life’, the ‘Akonpli’ Body Wrap melds traditional Creole philosophy with the luxurious tropical ingredients of ylang ylang and frangipani flowers that work in harmony to help preserve youth and provide a sense of blissful fulfilment.

Orevwar Beauty is a must-have treatment for guests departing the paradise of Frégate Island. A bespoke massage smothering the body in oranges, honey, milk and warm coconut oil, a replenishing facial mask of clay infused with papaya and honey, and a conditioning hair treatment of coconut milk and vanilla will leave guests glowing and radiant, ensuring sun-kissed island skin for their return home.

The launch of the new seasonal menu also sees the introduction of special spa packages, each of varying lengths - from half-a-day to five days – treating guests to a tailored range of spa experiences, carefully selected for their complementary qualities, for head-to-toe pampering heaven.

Eschewing the commercialism of branded spa products and merchandise, the Rock Spa is a truly natural Seychellois spa experience which embraces the ecology of its unique surroundings. In the spa’s own Apothecary, Madame Dibwa (derived from the French for “the fairy woman from the forest”) and her team of qualified therapists blend countless ‘Raspay’ - medicinal plants traditionally used by Seychellois healers - into products free from any chemical or artificial ingredients. The island-wide emphasis on the principle that ‘fresh is best’ ensures ever-changing daily specials on the spa menu, depending on which plants, fruits and herbs are in season.

Courtesy of Bacall Associates

Pioneering luxury eco-retreat unveils new two-bedroom villas and private mini-spa Enjoying a life-affirming adventure on Frégate Island Private with family or friends is now even easier with the launch of two new two-bedroom villas, offering a balance of communal space and dedicated, private facilities ideally suited to conjuring the magic of shared experiences, whilst preserving the sanctity of those unforgettable private moments.

Two existing villas, numbers 3 and 15, have been sympathetically extended to add a second bedroom complete with its own private bathroom facilities and al fresco shower area. The two-bedroom villas also enjoy a communal ‘heart’ made up of a shared dining and living area, and a spacious sun terrace complete with Jacuzzi and an indulgent, extra-large private pool measuring approximately 20m x 4m - around eight metres longer than those found in the island’s other villas.

Those more in need of some precious ‘me’ time can also take advantage of a newly added private mini-spa for villa 16; the dedicated treatment room allows guests to enjoy ultra-personalised pampering from the resort’s Rock Spa therapists in the comfort of their own villa. The treatment room can also be set up as an additional bedroom if required.

Children are well catered for at Frégate Island Private, with the Castaway Kid’s Club offering a dedicated clubhouse and an imaginative programme of activities focused on helping children connect with, learn about and enjoy the island’s rich natural environment.

Courtesy of Bacall Associates

Pioneering eco-luxury resort Frégate Island Private, in the Seychelles, is offering a unique opportunity for guests to ‘live the dream’ of owning their own tropical paradise island by staying in Banyan Hill, the spectacular private villa belonging to the island’s owner. Subject to availability, Banyan Hill will be opened for guests to book exclusively, allowing them to enjoy the unparalleled views of Frégate’s beaches and verdant interior, and the Indian Ocean, commanded from its privileged position atop a secluded plateau.

On the eastern side of the island, far removed from the resort’s 16 guest villas and accessible only via a private pathway, Banyan Hill comprises three separate villas - each comprising a large bedroom, veranda and bathroom - centred around a huge shared living area with adjoining terrace, pool, seating area and al fresco cooking facilities. Attended by a private chef and no less than three butlers, Banyan Hill is the very pinnacle of privacy and exclusivity.

Accommodating up to a maximum of six adults and three children, Banyan Hill is ideally suited to holidaying with an extended family or group of friends, and is charged at the special rate of €10,000 per night on a full board basis, excluding tax and service.

For bookings, contact +27-21-556 99 84 or email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Courtesy of Bacall Associates

Arrival of fifth Boeing aircraft marks 20 years of B767 operations by Air Seychelles.

Victoria, July 20th 2009 – This weekend’s arrival of Air Seychelles fifth Boeing aircraft, a B767-300ER leased from the International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) will also mark 20 years of B767 aircraft operations by Air Seychelles, the national airline has announced.

The aircraft named Isle of Fregate , manufactured in 1999, was until recently on a short term lease with Hungarian national airline, Malev and prior to that was operated since new by KLM. This is the third used Boeing 767 leased by Air Seychelles from ILFC. The two other B767-300’s from the same leasing company were delivered new.

The expected arrival of this fifth B767 this weekend, will coincide with the 20th anniversary of the delivery of the very first B767-200ER to Air Seychelles in July 1989. This delivery made history as it set a world twin engine long distance flight. The flight commenced on July 26th 1989 in Grand Rapids, USA and landed in Mahe after having covered a great circle distance of 14’332 kms in 16hrs 49mins 29seconds. It landed in Seychelles on the 27th July.

Air Seychelles’ Executive Chairman, Captain David Savy has said: “The acquisition of a fifth Boeing will primarily be a back up aircraft to our current fleet and also assist during heavy maintenance checks of other aircraft so as to avoid costly leases. In the eventuality of opening up new routes, the fifth Boeing will be able to assist and also adding capacity when needed in peak times”.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that the airline is adequately provisioned and staffed in preparation for an eventual tourism rebound.

“I have been long enough in this industry to realize that the key to managing a successful airline is not to dwell on the present but rather try and predict the future and make adequate provisions for eventualities’’ he added.

“ As a country we have managed to dampen the effects of the world economic crisis by remaining focused and having taken action in a timely manner. Year to date we have registered only a 6% drop in visitor numbers which is far better than expected. We now need to learn lessons and prepare us for eventual growth and taking advantage of being in a buyers market when it comes to aircraft acquisition’’ Captain Savy said.

The aircraft is of an Extended Range (ER) type powered by General Electric (GE) CF6 B6F engines and is registered as S7-FCS (Flying the Creole Spirit). Seating will be in a two-class configuration with 30 Pearl Class and 190 economy class seats.

With this latest addition to its international fleet, Air Seychelles now has a fleet of five Boeing aircraft.

They are the Boeing 767-300 AHM Vallee de Mai, the Boeing 767-300 ASY Aldabra, the Boeing 767-300 S7-FCS Isle of Fregate, the Boeing 767-200 ILF Amirantes and the Boeing 767-200 S7-SEZ Isle of Bijoutier .

As an all B767 international operator Air Seychelles is in effect one of the world’s most experienced operators of this type of aircraft. Its flight crew and engineering staff are more than well versed on operating and maintaining this type of aircraft and this plays very much in the national airline’s favor.

The local captains have accumulated thousands of flight hours on this aircraft type and are very conversant with local conditions and to the destinations where Air Seychelles operates to. This is an important factor when it comes to overall safety management.

The fleet of Air Seychelles five Boeing aircraft is all leased through a finance lease agreement with the ILFC, the world’s biggest and largest aircraft leasing company.

Equally this month, Air Seychelles and ILFC celebrates 20years as business partners.

Courtesy of Air Seychelles

Since May 2009, Andrew Fleet looks after the guest’s culinary well-being as Chef at Trogon House. He has always had a love for food, flavors and the way certain types complement each other, hence his decision to become a chef in the first place. After having spoilt guests in restaurants such as the M Café at the Metropole Hotel, the Ambassador Hotel’s Salt Restaurant and the Hunters Hotel, he met Mynhardt Bester, the owner of Trogon House and Forest Spa – and found his new calling, to cater for guests at the exclusive Tree Top Lodge. Andrew is excited about his new endeavour, “Finally I am where I want to be, I have the opportunity of a life time and am out to impress!”

Inspired by Jamie Oliver and Gordan Ramsey, he describes his cooking style as old school with a hint of new. He enjoys serving classy yet wholesome food with strong, vibrant flavors, textures and colours. Using fresh and organic produces, his specialty is fresh fish. What’s on the menu tonight? Roast cherry tomato and basil tartlets with a balsamic and rosemary reduction, for main is his special pea, prawn and saffron risotto and to finish a mouthwatering chocolate brownie with fresh berries and cream – bon appétit!

Did we tickle your taste buds? Book now to enjoy your ultimate forest getaway.

After three years of managing Shanti Ananda Maurice, Alan Stocker has accomplished his mission and left the resort at the end of July. Already known by Ananda fans, Paul van Frank took over and moved to Shanti Ananda, after an invigorating and exciting year at Ananda in the Himalayas as General Manager. He brings with him many valuable years of experience and is sure to take Shanti Ananda Maurice to even greater levels of service and excellence. Paul’s earlier experiences as General Manager include the renowned Como Shambala Estate, Bali and The Rayawadee at Krabi in Thailand.

While Paul is getting familiar with the change of scenery, Anupam Dasgupta takes over as General Manager at Ananda in the Himalayas. Looking back at his journey with IHHR, Anupam brings with him the IHHR culture and ideology, which will ensure that Ananda retains its No. 1 position as the world’s leading and favored end destination Spa.

In its pursuit of excellence, Frégate Island Private has widely abandoned blended teas, which so far is what is commercially sold and predominately used all over the world. However, the original eco-luxury resort has embarked on the route to excellence and purity of tea.

Together with Sri Lankas biggest Tea Wholesaler, John Keells, Frégate Island Private has not only engaged in a socially friendly way to directly support the individual estates and tea producers but has also rolled out an all together new approach to tea drinking. The Art of drinking tea is celebrated on Frégate Island and tea tastings are equally available on request.

The correct way of brewing proper tea: - Allow a tea spoon per person and one for the pot - Use fresh and clear spring or rain water - The water must be soft (ideal is rain water) - Heat the water not over 90 degrees - Long time boiling results in the evaporation of oxygen which disables proper aroma transportation - Pour over tea leaves in a pre-heated pot - Draw tea for precisely 3 1/2 minutes - Remove all tea leaves at the same time

The most expensive tea now available on Frégate Island Private is a cup of golden tip tea which 1 kg costs just over 1'000 USD to purchase alone.

By November 2009, Trogon House will offer its guests magical experiences at the Forest Boma (private barbecue area) and the possibility to connect with nature in the tranquility of the forest.

Located between Malabar and Tomba lodge, the Forest Boma can be accessed through a newly built ramp that connects the two lodges. Whilst the lodges are elevated and surrounded by the forest, the boma is located on ground level in the forest shielded by the canopy of the surrounding trees.

“The Forest Boma is a place where one can truly connect with nature, smell, touch, feel, hear and see nature – a magical experience for all senses, hosted by the moon and stars”, says Mynhardt Bester, Owner and Managing Director of Trogon House.

The boma structure will include seating where guests will be able to relax on comfortable, luxurious cushions whilst the theme is still African informal.

During the evenings, a log fire and oil lamps light up the area and add to the ambiance. “Apart from two electric plugs for music during a romantic dinner or a celebration, electricity will not be used. The lightening will be provided by the fire and candle lights – and we have fireflies”, explains Mynhardt Bester.

Delicious South African cuisine such as potjiekos and barbecues will be served around the log fire for a minimum of four guests. The Boma area is the perfect place to experience this South African tradition, to share a beat during African drumming or celebrate a special occasion such as weddings for up to twenty guests.

“We wanted to create a space for socializing and for getting in touch with nature. This can be for a group of guests who want to celebrate as well as a couple who wants to enjoy a romantic dinner”, shares Mynhardt Bester.

Specifically for couples, the Forest Boma can be booked for a classy dinner for two at exclusive use, depending on availability. Contrary to the casual style of the South African evenings, the setup for the couple’s dinner is dramatic and romantic, using silver candelabra and porcelain crockery.

During the day, the Boma can be transformed into a picturesque setting for a massage amidst the tranquillity and sounds of the forest, being guest in nature.

Since its opening in 1998, Frégate Island Private has endeavoured to make fundamental progress in environmental conservation and reform and has been rewarded for its efforts by becoming a leader in eco-tourism in the Seychelles.

During September 2009, Frégate Island reached another ecological goal by planting its 100,000th endemic tree (a Ficus variety).

The colonialists of bygone era cleared most of Frégate Island’s natural forest and vegetation to make way for coconut plantations. The hotel therefore launched a decisive campaign to clear exotic plants and trees and to rehabilitate the island with indigenous flora. This ongoing project involves the planting of Ficus trees, hardwood trees and other endemic plants at the nursery. The nursery currently has one of the largest number of hardwood trees in the Indian Ocean. The restoration of the forest and environment to it natural state has enabled Frégate Island to re-introduce endemic birds and has been extremely successful in its breeding programmes with the endangered and sensitive Seychelles Magpie Robin and Seychelles White Eye.

The hotel and infrastructure occupies only 5% of the island with only 16 exclusive villas, while the rest of the island is left for nature to thrive. The island has therefore become a paradise not only for its guests, but also for its natural inhabitants.

The preservation, protection and nurture of its unique flora and fauna has always been a fundamental raison d’être for Frégate Island Private. With only 16 villas, each positioned to guarantee ultimate privacy, guests are invited to experience the rare luxuries of space, security and seclusion within a tropical island setting of exuberant natural beauty.

Offering something unique and delicious, the COCO SPAS at Bodu Hithi and Dhuni Kolhu introduced its new Chocolate Therapy with chocolate based treatment products.

The scent of chocolate releases serotonin, the same hormone that we experience when falling in love or feeling happy. Experience a romantic chocolate massage or a chocolate body scrub to release tension, & activate the process of fat elimination. Chocolate is also good for your skin because of its high content of cocoa butter, which is a natural skin softener and conditioner. To receive the full benefit, COCO SPAS offer a chocolate body moisturizer giving your skin a healthy glow. After a day of re-energizing and being pampered with the delicious chocolate products, you can walk out having indulged in chocolate without having any regrets!

As the world economic climate improves, it is anticipated that international travellers will increasingly consider the Maldives, as a prime spa destination for rest, relaxation, rejuvenation, and spiritual renewal, with the added benefits of our Ayurveda therapies and yoga. The COCO SPA will provide an exclusive and extraordinary experience, so each and every guest will be able to unwind, relax and be able to find back to their inner selves. By Christiane Rieth, Exclusive Serenity

Coco Collection is proud to announce that Coco Palm Bodu Hithi managed by Coco Collection, Maldives has been awarded the ‘Best Luxury Hotel’ award at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2009. The winners of the World Luxury Hotel Awards were announced at a special ceremony held at Lebua at The State Tower, Bangkok, on 27th November 2009.

With the woes of 2009 in the past, Shanti Ananda is off to a head start in the New Year by introducing an Incentive Reward Scheme to all South African travel agents. Shanti Ananda will be rewarding travel agents with gift cards from Woolworths for bookings made between 15 January to 30 April 2010 (booking date counts). Agents who book at least 7 nights at Shanti Ananda within the above date range for travel dates in 2010, will automatically qualify for the incentive reward.

According to the number of nights booked, Shanti Ananda offers the following rewards:

For a 7 nights booking, receive a R500 Woolworths Gift Card. For a 10 nights booking, receive a R750 Woolworths Gift Card. For a 14 nights booking, receive a R1000 Woolworths Gift Card.

To redeem their voucher, travel agents are required to contact the Shanti Ananda Regional Sales Office ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and to specify client name, booking dates as well as full contact details of the agency and the agent’s cell phone number.

For more information about Shanti Ananda, please contact the Regional Sales Office in Cape Town This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to sign up to receive updates via newsletter.

Note to Editors: Located on a natural beach setting surrounded by lush forest, Shanti Ananda epitomizes the best of real Mauritius and highlights the beauty of the south and most unspoilt part of the island. This luxury resort with a world class Spa is the perfect choice for families and couples in addition to offering the most magical setting and facilities for weddings and honeymoons. The extensive Spa has 25 treatments rooms over an area of 75,000 sq ft and offers a choice of spa programmes in addition to a wide range of traditional Indian and international treatments. Flavourful and authentic food is served in the resort's two restaurants offering a wide range of international dishes and Indian Ocean specialities as well as a choice of wellness spa cuisine. In addition to a dedicated Kids Club for the young ones, our Teens Club includes everything from kayaking, snorkelling and beginner's windsurfing to specially designed Yoga programmes. Spread over 36 acres of tropical landscaped garden and boasting some of the biggest private pools and villas on the island as well as one of the best beach locations, Shanti Ananda remains an intimate resort with only 61 Villas and suites and promises every family member and individual guest the best experience that Mauritius has to offer.

For more information, please contact: Shanti Ananda Maurice Contact: Melanie Floor c/o Exclusive Serenity – Hotels and Resorts Representation Cape Town Tel: +27 21-556 99 84 | Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Coco Palm Resorts – the original Maldivian hotel brand - is set to launch its stunning new website on 21st January 2010, featuring many additional elements and incredible photography to enhance the customer experience. To mark the launch, Coco Palm Resorts is offering one lucky online visitor and friend the chance to win a two week holiday to Coco Palm Bodu Hithi every year for life.

Taking place from 25th January to 12th February, the “Pack your suitcase” competition will require participants to search the website for hidden suitcases. Everyday (Monday – Thursday) a new suitcase will be hidden somewhere on the website, within the English language section. Every suitcase will contain a travel item and participants will simply have to make a list of the items until 12th February. Every item equals one Coco Coin, and the more Coco Coins collected, the higher the chance to win the fabulous prize. To enter, competitors will complete the online form, providing personal information and the list of collected items and simply click the ‘send’ button. The winner will be announced on Valentine’s Day.

The prize includes a fabulous two-week stay at Coco Palm Bodu Hithi every year for a lifetime, including accommodation on a half-board basis and return speedboat transfers.

For further information on Coco Palm Resorts and the competition, visit the website www.cocopalm.com.