Seychelles Tourism to showcase new luxury spa retreats at the Arabian Travel Market

STMA will showcase its high-end spa resorts as the ultimate destination for the tourist seeking a holistic rejuvenation experience.

'The Middle East is one of our key emerging markets, with Seychelles becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists from the Middle East seeking short haul breaks to escape and rebalance their stressful and hectic lifestyles in some of our tranquil spas whilst enjoying our islands of unspoilt natural beauty,' said Francis Savy, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), STMA. 'With its year round pleasant tropical climate, high levels of personal safety, no visa requirements for any nationality and short travel time from Dubai, Seychelles are a logical choice for discerning travellers.'

Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands 1600 km off the east cost of Africa, has been hailed as one of the world's most unspoiled tropical destinations and, despite prevailing international conditions, looks forward to an even more successful year in 2004. A total of 120,662 visitors arrived in the country last year and the Seychelles Tourism Marketing Authority (STMA) aims to increase the number of tourist arrivals to reach 180,000 in the next five years. The fact that Air Seychelles flies direct from Dubai twice a week to Mahé, the capital of Seychelles, has provided a steady flow of Middle East tourists to the various resorts in the archipelago. Besides a unique range of accommodation options to suit every budget and the wonderful Creole culture in the destination, the wide variety of tourist activities and the unparalleled beauty of the islands attract a growing number of tourists.

Each one of the 115 islands is unique in beauty and character, providing the tourist with an island hopping experience that is full of unexpectedly, beautiful discoveries. 16 of these islands are inhabited, offering an authentic island experience. Seychelles has some of the most beautiful and deserted beaches in the world, untouched preserved forests & bird sanctuaries combined with a unique flora & fauna. The destination offers activities for all interests some of which include island hopping, fishing, sailing, spectacular diving, hiking and discovering the diverse flora & fauna.

Accommodation ranges from luxurious 5-star resorts with dedicated spas and private pools to small charming, intimate Creole guesthouses and self catering establishments. The Spas are a large feature of many of the top resorts in the Seychelles and new luxury resorts planning to open over the next few years will incorporate Spas as part of their facilities. Some of the existing resorts in the Seychelles are currently adding Spas to their unique properties to offer the complete experience.

Amongst the new developments being presented at the Arabian Travel Market will be the first indigenous spa in the Seychelles, due to open on Frégate Island Private in May 2004. Located on one of the peaks of the island, guests will approach the spa through a natural rock archway under the roots of banyan trees. Incorporating nature's elements: air, earth, water and fire (at night) the spa will have various pools and rocks situated around the buildings that will echo the natural local Creole architecture. The terraces will have open-air stone baths and massage tables to enable treatments to be administered outdoors. An apothecary will make many of the remedial therapies on location from native ingredients and will allow guests to choose their preferred treatment, seeing for themselves exactly how it is produced. Oils will also be imported from India and traditional therapies for ailments, detoxification, rejuvenation and revitalization will be available. Frégate Island Private will offer 16 luxuriously appointed villas, 14 of which lie on cliffs above the sea on a 3 km island offering total privacy.

Banyan Tree Seychelles, one of the leading spas in Seychelles, was recently recognized as clear leader in the 'Best Overseas Hotel Spas: Africa, Indian Ocean & Middle East' category in the first 'Reader's Spa Awards 2004' survey, conducted by Condé Nast Traveller. Along with its 47 villas, Banyan Tree Seychelles features an award-winning spa - a signature facility of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts. Offering an extensive range of treatments - from massages and herbal remedies, to beauty therapies, the Banyan Tree Spa's treatments are a fusion of East and Western rejuvenation techniques. Well-trained therapists devote themselves to each guests treatments drawing on Asian traditions dating back centuries and reawakening their zest for life with simple sensory pleasures in 'Time Honored Traditions' and 'Banyan Indulgences'.

Another exclusive spa in Seychelles is Sainte Anne Resort featuring a Clairins Spa, which includes 2 Hammams, 2 Saunas, 3 Massage parlours, pedicure, manicurist, hairdressing, balneotheraphy and an open and close gymnasium. The resort boasting 87 villas is nestled in a quiet spot among the island's lush vegetation, to enhance the calm and soothing ambience.

Another one of the Seychelles latest projects, the exclusive North Island Resort, combines tourism with conservation. This luxurious 5 star property welcomed its first guest's in Mid-2003. Set along the eastern side of this 'Robinson Crusoe' island, the 11 guest villas are the perfect hide-away for those seeking total privacy. The North Island spa, due to open due to open in 2005, will be located in inspiring surroundings, overlooking turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. North Island's spa will provide a unique treatment menu specially derived from island ingredients. In keeping with North Island's concept of tailor-made service, guests can receive certain treatments in the privacy of their own Villa.

'Seychelles has adopted a far-sighted policy of developing tourism with an ecological thrust - over half of the country's limited landmass has been set aside as protected nature reserves and top priority is given to ensuring sustainability through the protection of the environment,' explained Savy. 'Seychelles is, and shall remain, as pure as it gets.'