Seychelles

Aqua Expeditions’ Founder and CEO, Francesco Galli Zugaro, has revealed the luxury small ship operator’s new superyacht destined to sail East African waters was signed only a few months ago from a private owner based in the US.

Aqua Expeditions — part of the PONANT EXPLORATIONS GROUP – has revealed new details of its sixth vessel, Aqua Lares, which will operate primarily in the Seychelles. The new vessel was first announced by Aqua Expeditions 13 months ago, however few details were provided on the yacht itself. At that time, the new expedition yacht had been earmarked to debut in December 2025.

The sixth Maison Cheval Blanc has opened its doors this month. Cheval Blanc Seychelles is curled around the Anse Intendance beach on Mahé Island in the Seychelles. With 52 villas that offer stunning uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, the Cheval Blanc Seychelles stands out for its harmony with the lush nature of the Seychelles. Designed by architect Jean-Michel Gathy, the villas meld spacious volumes, contemporary lines and local inspirations, creating a perfect balance.

A new ship and a new destination in East Africa, as well as the chance to view the world’s largest tortoise population. It all marks Aqua Expeditions’ expansion after five years of operating in Southeast Asia and South America, further details of which were released last night at a private media dinner in Sydney hosted by Francesco Galli Zugaro, Founder and CEO of the cruise line.

Aqua Expeditions has this evening revealed plans to expand its fleet in 2025, enabling the launch of new sailings in Seychelles and Zanzibar, Tanzania. Four itineraries are slated to debut from December next year.

PONANT has announced a new vessel will join its fleet in mid-2024 with the debut of the 12-passenger Spirit of Ponant maxi-catamaran. Featuring just six staterooms and with a crew of four (including a chef), the Spirit of Ponant will offer a unique sailing experience, initially from Corsica.

Emerald Cruises has introduced a new African safari component to its Seychelles deployment in late 2024/early 2025. Operating from Nairobi to Mahe, the new 16-day ‘Safari and Seychelles’ comprises seven nights in Kenya (six of which are on safari), married with seven nights aboard Emerald Azzurra, priced from $14,545 per person.

Cheval Blanc has earmarked an autumn 2024 opening for its sixth property, Cheval Blanc Seychelles in the heart of the Indian Ocean.

Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts is set to open the highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island on 15 February 2024 – signalling the debut of the brand in the Seychelles.

Ponant’s triple-mast sailing yacht, Le Ponant, will operate a series of 9-night sailings in the Seychelles this northern winter, with reservations for the program on sale.

LXR Hotels & Resorts has this week expanded its stable with the doors opening to Mango House Seychelles, an intimate and exclusive island oasis on southern Mahé’s unspoiled beachfront.

Club Med has expanded its Exclusive Collection Resort portfolio with the opening of the Club Med Seychelles. At the heart of the Seychelles archipelago and a protected national marine park, the private island of Sainte Anne is home to this newly opened eco-chic resort.