Mauritius

9 - 19 April 2013

Having been to Mauritius a number of times before, Russ and Barbara van Aardt decided to book into a Beachcomber Hotel, La Mauritia, that is situated in the North, in Gran Baie, as they were told that this was the best dive area. They were so looking forward to diving but the Tropical Storm “IMELDA” with a class of 2 warning, had other plans and put an end to any idea of getting into the sea. They were in fact not even allowed to walk on the beach.

Fearing that moving South to the airport area may become more difficult as the storm approached, they transferred out of La Mauricia early and relocated to Shandrani, a Beachcomber Hotel that is 10 min away from the airport. They were very fortunate that “IMELDA” did not hit the island of Mauritius with full force as predicted.

 They plan to repeat the trip one day soon to see what the best dive sites of Mauritius have to offer.

Seychelles. Praslin Island

06 - 15 July 2012

What better place to celebrate Barbara's 50th birthday? Staying at the Paradise Sun Hotel Seychelles and diving with the best dive operator on Praslin Island, White Tip Divers, who are situated at Paradise Sun Hotel.

 Arnaud Vanacore (owner) and Simona Esposito run a very well organized diving company and despite the weather playing up , they managed to arrange some fantastic dives . The walls of corals were phenomenal and Barbara and Russ were pleasantly surprised to see the large sized fish specimens.

 Seychelles boasts 14 Marine protected areas. There are four shell reserves, two on Mahe, one on Praslin and one on La Dique. The World Heritage Site, Vallei de Mai, was an absolute treat and a “must do” for any nature lover visiting Praslin. Anse Lasio was noted as being the most Beautiful Beach in the World. Barbara and Russ took a ferry to the Island La Dique and spend a great day enjoying the island where the main means of transportation is bicycle or ox drawn.