The excitement is palpable…
when 18 lucky travel experts, including our travel agent Patrick, seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A lucky draw by CLUB Med Group allowed them to embark on an unforgettable 24-hour info trip to the Seychelles. In this story, Patrick will take you on a breathtaking journey where you can immerse yourself in the magic and beauty of the Seychelles with him.
As the trip was only short, the packing was also done quickly. But I do have a few important tips:
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Make sure you take a sunscreen with SPF 50 with you – I got a decent sunburn in those 24h despite sunscreen
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Also think about a good mosquito spray
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If you’re planning an island hopping trip, take some seasickness medication with you, as the boat may rock during the crossing
Hello Traveler
I (Patrick – Travel Agent) would like to take you on my extraordinary adventure to the Seychelles today. Immerse yourself with me in the magic of these islands and find out how this fascinating trip went.
Travel preparation:
Before I left, it was necessary to apply for an online visa for the Seychelles. The process is relatively straightforward. All you have to do is scan your passport, upload your flight ticket and proof of hotel booking and answer a few general questions. Processing takes place within 24 hours and costs €10.38. If you need your entry permit faster, you can apply for accelerated processing for an additional charge
Paradise & Back
The flight to the Seychelles
Our direct flight to paradise is on a green and white striped Condor A330-NEO. The flight takes around 9 to 9.5 hours there and back. Our departure in Frankfurt is delayed by around 1 hour because the ground staff doesn’t show up in time to load the plane.
However, the crew bridges the waiting time with free snacks and drinks. The cabin crew are generally friendly and helpful. The aircraft is clean and equipped with Condor’s new interior
The new Condor aircraft offer you these advantages
Quietest cabin in the world in this aircraft size range
Generous feeling of space with maximum seating comfort
Personal monitor with 4k image resolution
Best in-flight entertainment with Bluetooth function for wireless headphones
There are three different seat categories on the plane: Business, Premium Economy and Economy.
Business Class
In Business Class, you enjoy the greatest possible privacy, as the seats are designed as individual cabins. The seats are equipped with high-quality goody bags containing headphones, slippers, drinks, toiletries, sleep masks, large pillows and particularly fluffy blankets. During the night, the seats can be turned into flat beds.
Premium Economy
Premium Economy class has the same seats as Economy class, but offers a small goody bag and a larger selection in the in-flight menu. The seats are slightly further apart, which offers more legroom. However, particularly tall passengers should choose an aisle seat, as you can then stretch your feet into the aisle.
Economy
Economy class seats are comfortable, but offer less legroom. There is a small pillow, headphones and a thin blanket. A bottle of water is also provided. However, no goody bag is included.
On board with Condor
The program:
The A330-NEO seats are modern and have various interfaces, including USB-A, USB-C and an AUX headphone socket. Each seat has a touchscreen in the backrest that controls numerous functions, including lighting at the seat, the call for the flight attendant, the current position on an interactive Google Maps globe and access to a variety of entertainment options, including radio, music and movies. We are well occupied for the 9h flight time with the numerous entertainment offerings.
The Food and Drink:
The drinks trolley comes around 4 times per flight and the food is hot and fresh. All food and drinks are included in the price in both Premium Economy and Business Class. A bottle of water is even offered at night. The food is fantastic for my taste.
The airport in the Seychelles
The anticipation builds as a few small islands emerge from the Indian Ocean on the approach. However, you can feel a little queasy when you feel like you’re about to land in the sea due to the short runway. When the plane touches down safely at the international airport on the main island of Mahé, we are first greeted with high humidity and the smell of the sea, which immediately puts me in a vacation mood. The airport itself is characterized by modern security checks, which include metal detectors and well-trained security staff. The airport has a very open design and immediately conveys a tropical island feeling.
ABC Tip
If you are planning an island hopping trip, you can view and book all ferry connections here. If you get seasick easily, then I recommend the small planes of Air Seychelles. They fly 170 times a week.
Saint Anne and the Club Med
A Jewel in Paradise
As the competition is sponsored by Club Med, we naturally get to spend the day at one of their 5-star resorts. We receive a friendly welcome, our luggage is collected and we are offered refreshing drinks and a small welcome gift. Be sure to try the typical “Citronelle”, a tea made from lemongrass – a highly recommended drink!
Activities on Saint Anne
There are numerous activities on Sainte Anne Island that are included in the package holiday price. These include diving, hiking, snorkelling, surfing, sailing, yoga, kayaking, spa visits, archery, tennis and much more.
Tip: If you are not staying on St. Anne, I have picked out a great guided boat tour into the underwater world around St. Anne for you here. It’s definitely worth it!
You can cover the paths between all the points in the hotel on foot or in a relaxed chauffeur-driven e-golf cart. The island is also home to some impressive giant tortoises that roam freely and make for great photos. The oldest of them is Esmeralda, a male that is around 250 years old.
The rooms are comfortable and there are different room categories depending on your needs and preferences. I find myself in a suite with a sea view, which is not only beautiful but also spotlessly clean.
Club Med offers a wide selection of food and drink. There is a main restaurant, bars and small restaurants at various points on the island. I would like to praise the quality of the food once again. The staff were also super friendly and knowledgeable, for example when it came to questions about allergens and more.
My conclusion
For me, the Seychelles and St. Anne in particular are a clear recommendation for anyone who loves tropical paradises. Both Condor’s Premium Economy class and the various accommodation categories at Club Med offer an outstanding travel experience. Even the lowest price category for flights and accommodation is enough to enjoy your stay to the fullest. The Club’s all-inclusive offer and the beauty of the island make this trip an unforgettable adventure.
I’ll be back and look forward to several more days of island hopping.
Sunny greetings and have a good trip
Your Patrick
