Colors: Yellow Color
Colors: Yellow Color

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has embarked on a marketing initiative with Seaborne Airlines and Cape Air to promote new flights between San Juan and St. Croix, helping to meet the demand for travel to the island this winter season.

On Seaborne Airlines, the San Juan-St. Croix route will see an increase from two to three daily flights beginning on December 20, 2018. Then, on January 8, 2019, Seaborne will increase its frequency from three flights to six daily flights.

In January, Cape Air will start ramping up its operations to an average of six daily flights between San Juan and St. Croix, increasing the number of seats by about 50 percent.

The additional flights during the peak winter season will more than compensate for the 100 seats lost with the discontinuation of daily JetBlue Airways service effective January 8, 2019.

While passengers will no longer be able to fly to St. Croix on JetBlue's aircraft, flights can be booked via JetBlue through its codeshare relationships with both Seaborne and Cape Air.

The Department also announced it would be increasing its marketing of LIAT flights to St. Thomas with connections over Antigua.

Fun-loving 'madrileños' know how to party like there's no tomorrow and the Spanish capital is high in the ranks of European party capitals. Ginkgo Sky Bar, located on the 12th floor of the 5-star VP Plaza España Design, is one the city's hottest new spots and promises one of the most glamorous New Year's Eve events in the city.

Offering the perfect vantage point to enjoy Madrid's world-renowned firework displays, as well as panoramic views of the illuminated Royal Palace below, visitors can see in 2019 in a truly sophisticated Spanish fashion with a black-tie party until 4am with live music. An exquisite Spanish menu will include the 'lucky grapes' to enjoy the typical Spanish custom of consuming one grape on each of the twelve chimes of the clock at midnight.

The menu includes starters such as Iberian ham with crystal bread, tomato and extra virgin olive oil, 'Ginkgo style' Spanish potato salad with prawn carpaccio and Bluefin tuna tartar with fried eggs and potatoes, mains such as Galician tenderloin with pistachio or Monkfish with a festive orange marinade, and desserts of Spanish nougat and Christmas sweets. Wines include Rioja Melquior Reserva de Autor (Tempranillo, 2005), Rias Baixes Gran Bazán Ambar (Albariño) and Le Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

After a successful 2018 program, Luxperience will return to the International Convention Centre, in Sydney Australia, from 7-10 October, 2019. Now in its eighth year, Luxperience remains at the forefront of the high-end experiential travel market, bringing together industry leaders for three days of inspiring, meaningful connections. In 2019, Luxperience attendees can expect an innovative program, new products, glittering events and insights into luxury travel trends impacting Oceania and the rest of the world

“After fine tuning our event within the Diversified Communications fold, we were delighted with the success of this year's Luxperience,” says Michelle Papas, Event Director of Luxperience. “Each year we survey all attendees about their experiences at the show. The results for Luxperience 2018 were outstanding and demonstrate our commitment to year on year improvements and showcasing the regions premium experiences to luxury travel specialists from around the world.”

In 2018 the Luxperience program was reimagined and enhanced to create what is now widely acknowledged as a must-attend event. With an expanded team, a new home and a revitalised events program, the seventh edition of Luxperience has set the standard for future events . Hundreds of exhibitors and buyer delegates from around the world, thousands of one-on-one meetings and millions of dollars worth of new business all come together in the only trade show of its kind in the South Pacific region.

Australia's largest event, Vivid Sydney, was awarded Best Tourism Event at the Australian Event Awards overnight, capping off another impressive year for the festival of light, music and ideas which celebrated its tenth anniversary in 2018.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall welcomed the accolade and said it was another coup for the nation's premier State for major events.

“NSW is without doubt Australia's premier destination for major events and this award demonstrates that the NSW Government's commitment to presenting a world class calendar of major events is paying dividends,” Mr Marshall said.

“Vivid Sydney is the cherry on the cake when it comes to the NSW events program and it's become an unmissable experience for Sydneysiders and visitors alike as our capital city is transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour.

“With its three pillars of light, music and ideas there is no doubt that, 10 years strong, Vivid Sydney is one of the most highly anticipated events on the worldwide cultural calendar.”

Owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney has become a hallmark event for the state that has defined Sydney's cultural identity and completely reinvigorated traditionally quiet Winter trading and tourism periods. It features three core 'pillars':

Vivid Light is a free outdoor event of light art sculptures, installations and grand scale projections on iconic buildings. In 2018 more than 109 installations were enjoyed along a magical 4km 'light walk' that wound through The Rocks, along the Harbour Foreshore into the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and CBD. Vivid Light continued to Barangaroo, and across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Luna Park Sydney, Taronga Zoo and Chatswood.

Vivid Music offers a program of performances showcasing the best in contemporary and experimental music. Headline acts in 2018 included Ice Cube, Solange, Mazzy Star, St Vincent and Cat Power.

Vivid Ideas brings together the world's brightest minds, innovators and industry leaders to build engagement between the creative industries sector and the broader economy. The 2018 program of 320 speakers participated in 105  events and was led by the Game Changers: Hollywood director and oceans explorer James Cameron, founder of Mambo, Phantom Records and Deus Ex Machina Dare Jennings, futurists Jane McGonigal and Kriti Sharma, artist and NASA visual strategist Dan Goods.

The Australian Event Awards and Symposium is the national awards program and conference for the Australian events industry, fostering continued excellence, innovation and unity.

Iceland Supermarkets have done much to raise awareness of the plight facing orangutans in Indonesia, and their pledge to stop selling self-branded products containing Palm Oil is awesome and a positive step in the conservation effort.

Philanthropic travelers can also make a positive contribution on an Impact Destinations trip to Indonesia. Travellers will accompany a family of rescued orang-utans from an area facing loss of habitat due to Palm Oil production, and witness their release in a protected reserve where they can thrive.

This is a true adventure for generous travellers that combines the finest luxury that Indonesia has to offer with an immersive experience releasing the orangutans in a wild and remote location.

Impact Destinations specialises in sustainable luxury trips that blend sightseeing with a unique experience that is unlocked by a philanthropic donation.

Witnessing the release of an orangutan family is one example of the unique experiences we offer; others include:

  • A day trip on the water with a marine biologist working to save hammerhead sharks in Costa Rica;
  • Witnessing a rhino relocation from a heavily poached reserve in South Africa to a safe one in Botswana
  • Tracking arctic foxes in return to a donation to WWF in Iceland

In the coming year La Palma aims to continue to build its reputation among travellers as an authentic and back-to-nature destination, offering breathtaking black-sand beaches, rich culture, incomparable landscapes and year-round warm weather. In a bid to innovate the destination's tourism offering whilst maintaining a slow and sustainable tourism product, 2019 will see two new hotel openings on the island. One of the developments will be the island's first luxury property, located in what will be Spain's first lighthouse hotel, currently known as the Punta Cumplida lighthouse in the North-East area of the island. Another seafront property will open on the promenade of the island's capital, Santa de Cruz de La Palma, boasting a traditional and colourful Palmeran aesthetic. 2019 will also see the opening of two brand new tourist attractions, the Cueva de Las Palomas lava tube, where visitors will be able to enjoy fascinating speleological tours through a UNESCO recognised site; and one of the most important aboriginal sites in La Palma, the Cueva del Tendal archaeological site, a cave which depicts the life of the islands native Benahoarites.

Adventure in a UNESCO Biosphere

The island is renowned for its impressive and varied landscapes, offering 706 square kilometres of lush scenery with a network of more than 1,000 kilometres of marked trails, making it the ideal hotspot for hikers and thrill-seekers in search of an off-the-beaten-track destination. In 2019, La Palma will host its world-renowned walking festival from 27 – 30 April featuring a range of guided walks departing during the day and night; making the most of the impressive night sky.

For 2019, UK tour operator Ramblers Walking Holidays has grown it's La Palma walking product and offers a range of itineraries for travellers looking to visit the abundance of natural attractions on the island with highlights including the Caldera de Taburiente National Park, an expansive crater with an 8-kilometre diameter and the dramatic 'Ruta de los Volcanes'.

Discover traditions and a rich cultural heritage

While lesser known and smaller than its neighbouring islands, La Palma's social calendar is packed with a number of exciting events, from music festivals to traditional local celebrations for all the family. 2019's festivities kick off with the Fiesta de Los Indianos (Party of the Indians) in early March, a cultural festival characterised by thousands of people dressed in white clothing, throwing talcum powder by the kilo, carrying suitcases and bird cages through the capital's cobbled streets to illustrate the historic return of Palmerans from Latin America. Some of the year's most notable festivals also include the Almond Blossom festival, Corpus Christie and the Fiesta of the Fufos; an arts and crafts fair characterised by a dance conducted by locals dressed in handmade horse outfits. In between the big festivities, visitors can get involved with local Verbena celebrations which take place year-round and are held throughout almost all municipalities on the island. The Canarian equivalent of a street party, each town's cobbled streets are filled with the sounds of live orchestras playing Salsa and Merengue music until the early hours.

Like everyone’s favourite selection box of chocolates, there’s something to delight everyone at Compton Venery Art Gallery and Park during the festive season.

From Santa spotting to traditional carols, through to fabulous fireworks and decoration making workshops for little ones, Compton Verney’s December events will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit.

 

Spot Santa

Sunday 2 December & Sunday 9 December (1pm – 3pm)

Father Christmas and his faithful reindeer have taken time out of their busy schedule to enjoy a couple of days at Compton Verney.  Can you spot him as he wanders around our world-famous Capability Brown landscaped park?

Clue: He fits the traditional description of a jolly chap in a red suit, with big, black boots and sports a rather magnificent fluffy beard.

-This event is included in standard Day Ticket admission and is FREE for Members and Annual Pass Holders.

 

Christmas Concert

Friday 14 December (2.30pm – 3.45pm)

Lovers of choral music and traditional Christmas carols are in for a treat during our Christmas Concert in the ‘Capability’ Brown Chapel. Featuring the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber Choir, directed by Paul Spicer, the programme will include all your festive favourites and is the ideal way to lift your spirits and embrace the festive mood!

-Adults £15 / Child £7 / Under 5s FREE. You will also need a valid Day Ticket, Membership or Annual Pass.

 

Festive Storytelling

Saturday 15 December (The Selfish Giant: 11.30am – 11.45am. The Snow Queen: 1pm– 1.30pm& 2.15pm – 2.45pm)

Part of the magic and wonder of Christmas for children is snuggling up with a loved one and listening to a gripping tale. So, gather round the Christmas Tree and settle back to hear a pair of enchanting and much-loved Christmas stories; The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde (recommended for 5-7-year olds) and The Snow Queen (read in two parts and suitable for children 8+).

-This event is included in standard Day Ticket admission and is FREE for Members and Annual Pass Holders.

 

Natural Wonders Tree Decorations

Sunday 2, Sunday 9, Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 December (11am – 4pm)

Explore the great outdoors before getting crafty in the warmth. Make your own beautiful decorations out of natural materials found in the grounds to hang on your own tree for the festive season. Now that tops a shop-bought bauble every time!

-£5 per person. You will also need a valid Day Ticket, Membership or Annual Pass.

 

Big Bang and Brass Band

Sunday 16 December (2pm – 5pm)

Celebrate the end of Compton Verney’s successful 2018 season of exhibitions and events with traditional carols performed by the brilliant Royal Spa Brass Band, and culminating with a festive firework finale. Gaze at the heavens and gasp in delight at the spectacular display before Compton Verney hibernates for the Winter.

-This event is included in a Day Ticket and is FREE for Members and Annual Pass Holders.

In response to strong holiday demand for travel to St. Croix, Delta Air Lines is increasing capacity to the island over the holidays.

Commissioner of Tourism, Beverly Nicholson-Doty, confirmed that the Atlanta-based carrier will operate a daily service from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Henry E. Rohlsen Airport between December 20, 2018 and January 5, 2019 with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

"The demand for St. Croix continues to build," said Commissioner Nicholson-Doty, who noted that after the peak holiday season Delta will serve St. Croix, starting the week of January 7 through the end of March, with three nonstop flights per week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

The Commissioner noted that plans were also in place to secure additional airlift between San Juan and St. Croix in early January, immediately after JetBlue Airways exits the route. "Our talks with our airline partners continue to be strong and we expect to surpass the amount of seats provided by JetBlue on that important route."

The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, in collaboration with Qatar Airways, is hosting public and private tours inside the one-of-a-kind aircraft, as well as holding on board workshops, including Nursing and Ophthalmology sessions, in support of Doha Healthcare Week and to celebrate the Qatar Creating Vision Initiative, funded by the Qatar Fund for Development and led by Orbis.

The Flying Eye Hospital, operated by global eye health charity Orbis, is a fully-equipped MD-10 cargo aircraft with state-of-the-art medical equipment, an operating theatre and a classroom, making it a truly unique teaching facility. The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital has supported the Qatar Creating Vision initiative in Bangladesh at the end of last year. Since July 2016, 4.2 million screenings for children have been conducted across India and Bangladesh and more than 56,000 training sessions have been provided for medical professionals as well as teachers and community workers. Together, Orbis and the Qatar Fund for Development are on track to deliver an impressive 5.6 million eye care treatments to children across India and Bangladesh by mid-2020.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “It is Orbis’ highly commendable initiative that makes us proud supporters of the global eye health charity. Since 2012, we have worked hand in hand with the Flying Eye Hospital to expand its reach and help prevent avoidable blindness around the world. We are delighted to have this unique aircraft back in Doha as part of Doha Healthcare Week and we are positive that local guests will be fascinated by the facility while touring the aircraft.”

Orbis UK Chief Executive, Mrs. Rebecca Cronin, said: “Through the Qatar Fund for Development we have been able to reach millions of children across India and Bangladesh. There are 473,000 children who are blind across the two countries, and 50 per cent of cases are avoidable. Qatar Airways' support of Orbis has been long standing, and we are immensely grateful and proud of the partnership. We would like to say thank you for welcoming Orbis and the Flying Eye Hospital so warmly and providing us with a platform to celebrate Qatari generosity.”

Qatar Airways has been a proud supporter of Orbis since 2012. The multiple award-winning airline officially renewed its sponsorship with the global eye health charity in 2017 as the Official Airline Partner of Orbis UK for three years.

Every year, the aircraft visits countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America, partnering with local hospitals to deliver specialist training through its team of world-class medical volunteers, carry out treatments, and raise vital awareness about the importance of eye health.

Since 1982 Orbis has been working to prevent avoidable blindness in areas of need. Working with a global team of volunteers and the world’s leading ophthalmic medical experts, each year Orbis delivers between four to eight training programmes on board the Flying Eye Hospital. It also runs long-term programmes in 18 countries, including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India and Zambia, among others.

Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’.

Earlier this year, Qatar Airways revealed a host of upcoming new global destinations, including the announcement that it will be the first Gulf carrier to begin direct service to Luxembourg. Other exciting new destinations to be launched by the airline include  Gothenburg, Sweden; Mombasa, Kenya and Da Nang, Vietnam.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is deepening its working relations with the cruise industry by appointing an industry specialist to bolster the work of the Ports of the Virgin Islands, an alliance between the Virgin Islands Port Authority, The West Indian Company Limited and the Department of Tourism.
Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty said the engagement of Joe Boschulte will help the Territory to achieve "operational improvements" to the cruise ship sector as well as economic benefits to the community.
Boschulte comes to the tourism department with consulting experience in improving organizational performance, growth and improvement.
He formerly served as President and CEO of The West Indian Company Limited, one of the busiest cruise ship ports and retail centers in the Caribbean.
 
"I look forward to the opportunity to work with the team to build the Ports of the Virgin Islands brand," said Boschulte. "As we embark on a new cruise season, the horizon is bright for record cruise passenger growth in the Territory for the next decade."
 
Commissioner Nicholson-Doty said Boschulte brings a wealth of knowledge about ports and port operations as well as public-private partnerships. His career has included service with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, Government Employees' Retirement System, Public Services Commission and the University of the Virgin Islands.
"We look forward to the expertise and experience Mr. Boschulte will bring to our team as we seek to continuously improve and enhance the Territory's critical relationship with our cruise line partners," said the Commissioner.
One of the first orders of business for Boschulte will be to meet with cruise executives at next week's 25th annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference & Trade Show. The event takes place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from November 5-9, 2018.

A five-star resort in Turks and Caicos Islands is offering visitors an escape to paradise this autumn at an incredible value that's hard to beat.

Sailrock Resort, located on the island of South Caicos, is offering 35 percent off room rates, giving travelers an opportunity to escape from the stresses of life to reset and realign in "quintessential Turks and Caicos", one of the most unspoiled corners of the Caribbean.

Tapped as one of the "Hottest New Hotels of the Year" by Forbes in 2017, Sailrock features lavish suites and beachfront villas with breathtaking views of the ocean. Private pools, patios and garden showers enhance the luxury experience for discerning guests.

The limited flash sale offers more than one-third off the best rates on all suite and villa categories and daily gourmet breakfast in the Great House Restaurant. An additional benefit is that rates include a short round-trip flight on InterCaribbean Airways between Providenciales and South Caicos as well as round-trip ground transfers between the airport and Sailrock Resort. Guests who book five nights in the Beachfront Villas will receive complimentary air transfers between Providenciales and South Caicos on a private charter.

Rates start at US$520 per night in a Ridgetop Ocean View Suite (excluding taxes and fees) and are valid for travel until December 21, 2018. A three-night minimum stay is required. Bookings must be made by November 30, 2018.

Sailrock Resort, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, opened its doors in January 2017. The only five-star resort to arrive on the island, Sailrock brings a new level of luxury to South Caicos without disrupting the quiet rhythm that makes the island so unique. There are just 28 suites and villas, as well as the Great House, spread over 52 hilltop and oceanfront acres, so guests find their own private slice of South Caicos whether in a Beachfront Villa or Ridgetop Suite.

And travelers looking for a Caribbean home away from home discover it in the Private Peninsula Villas, located in a neighboring 770-acre enclave with an ecological focus and full access to the resort amenities. The flexible ownership model welcomes both year-round residents and short-term lets through the resort rental program.

Hampshire-based The Natural Travel Collection has acquired one of the UK's leading diving tour operators, Ely-based Regaldive from Explore Worldwide Ltd. Regaldive joins existing dive brand, Dive Worldwide at The Natural Travel Collection (TNTC). Together they form what is thought to be the largest dive offering in the UK. The two dive brands, which have complementary areas of specialism, will be operated as separate entities.

The Natural Travel Collection is a small, privately-owned travel company established by Chris Breen, founder of Wildlife Worldwide, and Teresa Bennett, founder of Dive Worldwide, and supported by a highly knowledgeable and specialist team.

Commenting, Teresa Bennett, a director of TNTC said, “2018 marks 30 years of Regaldive packaging diving holidays and my co-directors Chris Breen, Nick Joynes and I now look forward to taking the brand to a new level with the help of our expert team, all of whom are passionate about diving and discovering life beneath the surface of the ocean. We are delighted to welcome Regaldive to the portfolio, who are specialists in Egypt and the Red Sea region, among other territories.”

The other brands within The Natural Travel Collection, which now has a staff of 40, include:

  • Wildlife Worldwide – The finest tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises
  • Families Worldwide – Adventure holidays and activity experiences designed for families
  • Walks Worldwide – Guided small group and tailor-made walking and trekking holidays
  • Schools Worldwide – Overseas school trips, projects, expeditions and study-based field treks
  • The Travelling Naturalist – Expert-led wildlife and birding holidays for small groups of naturalists.
With Regaldive joining the fold, the future is bright for divers.  Whatever a diver's passion – shark diving, wreck diving, muck-diving, underwater photography, even snorkelling - and whether a complete beginner or a seasoned expert, in a small group departure or as a tailor-made holidays of a lifetime, there will be something for everyone. Featuring remote and far-flung destinations, with liveaboards, resorts, and dive centres the world over, there are dozens of destinations in Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East and the islands of the Pacific.

Icelandic airline WOW air, has announced a new seasonal route from the UK to Vancouver, Canada, starting in June 2019 - making it the first airline to offer low cost, long haul flights to Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Famed for its natural beauty, nestled between snow-capped mountains and with a bustling sea-port, WOW air's introductory fare to Vancouver, will no-doubt encourage visitors to experience all that the city has to offer.

The inaugural flight will depart from London Gatwick Airport to Vancouver International Airport, via Reykjavík, on 6 June 2019. Flights will operate six times per week, from June - October, with the transatlantic leg of the journey serviced by the airline's ultra-efficient A321neo aircraft.

Skúli Mogensen, Founder and CEO of WOW air, said: “We're delighted to be adding Vancouver to our route network alongside Toronto and Montreal, bringing our total destinations in Canada to three.”

“Vancouver has long been a popular choice for British holidaymakers, but airlift has traditionally been dominated by the legacy carriers. As the first low-cost, long haul airline to service YVR, we hope this route will open up new opportunities for budget-conscious travellers and adventure seekers to experience this striking part of the world.”

Surrounded by deep blue water and picturesque mountains, Vancouver is an adventurer's paradise. Home to one of the world's largest green spaces, Stanley Park, set over 1,000 acres, offers a mix of dense forest, formal gardens and beaches overlooking the Pacific. Wildlife lovers can visit Vancouver Island, just a ferry ride away, and discover grey whales, sea otters, grizzly bears, bald eagles and puffins.

During the summer months, temperatures average the mid to late-teens (˚C), perfect for an active holiday.

Launched earlier this year, WOW air will also offer their WOW Premium bundle on London to Vancouver flights. The premium package includes the WOW air Big Seat – a wider seat with a foot rest and 37 inch pitch, priority boarding and Fast Track security clearance when transiting in Iceland, an inflight meal and beverages, two checked bags plus a carry-on and personal items and the ability to reschedule or cancel a booking without incurring a fee.

With daily flights departing from London Gatwick, passengers will be able to connect with the Vancouver service in Reykjavik, which will operate six times per week. The total flight time from KEF-YVR will be 7 hours 55 minutes. The total journey time from London Gatwick will be approximate 14 hours, including stopover.

The rainforest within the historic heart of Fraser Island is home to soaring satinay trees, kauri pines, giant king ferns, glistening creeks, and resounds with tranquil bird calls.

In just a few short days, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will experience this breathtaking natural beauty first-hand, upon their highly anticipated arrival to the world's largest sand island.

The royal visit is in conjunction with the Queens Commonwealth Canopy (QCC) project - a unique network of forest conservation initiatives, involving all 53 countries of the Commonwealth.

The project was launched in 2015, aimed to preserve Indigenous forest throughout all of the Commonwealth nations, with the Prince of Wales adding Fraser Island to the initiative in April, 2018.

During their time in the rainforest, the Duke and Duchess will take part in a traditional 'Welcome to Country' smoking ceremony with the island's native Butchulla people, as well as unveiling a plaque for the dedication of the Forests of K'gari to the QCC.

A natural phenomena, and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1992, Fraser island is the only place in the world where rainforests grow from the sand, at elevations of more than 200 metres.

The iconic Fraser Island satinays, or Syncarpia hillii as they are officially known are a truly spectacular sight; some are in excess of 1000 years old, with their canopy reaching up to 50 metres high.

The trees are renowned for their hardiness in water, which led to them being used to build the London Docks in the early 1930's – another Commonwealth connection for the royal couple.

Nature lovers and adventure seekers have long travelled to explore this pristine and historic environment.

Kingfisher Bay Resort's leading touring arm, Fraser Explorer Tours, transports guests daily to this unique landscape, on their custom-built 4WD coaches.

It is these same buses that will be assisting the 120-strong international media contingent across-island on Monday, documenting the Duke and Duchess' royal engagements.

Nothing puts you in touch with your wild side quite like a big adventure. And Seychelles offers 115 islands to do just that. From island hopping to snorkelling to sailing, you'll never be bored here. Read on for three adventures that'll send you on your merry way.

Island hopping

Seychelles' main islands are Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, though there are many more options to explore. Each island has its own distinct charm, which makes the archipelago primed for island hopping. And, thanks to a strong network of air and sea connections, you can quickly get between them all.

Local operators offer trips to the inner granite islands. These are the world's oldest ocean islands, where you can easily spend the day exploring pure nature. Hiking is highly encouraged, as is swimming and admiring the wildlife.

Then, when you work up an appetite, traditional Creole food goes down a treat. Be sure to try local favourites such as coconut curries; fresh-baked fish basted in ginger, garlic and chillies; a variety of fruit and veg used in hearty stews. You can't go wrong.

But for unspoilt nature at its best, head to Bird Island and Denis Island in the north. These flat coral outposts are rich in conservation, making for lovely spots to unplug and unwind. The outer islands of Desroches and Alphonse are just as amazing if you wish to get away from it all – far away from the crowds. More than that, they are some of the best places for diving and fishing.

After a well-spent day hopping the islands, there's all manner of accommodation to rest your head. Whether you prefer small tropical lodges or exclusive hotels, the sea will be waiting right outside your door.

Watersports

With warm turquoise waters and sunshine all year round, it's no surprise that Seychelles is the ideal watersports destination. Mahé Island's Beau Vallon is a safe bay for jet skiing, windsurfing and paragliding, and just as popular with surfers too.

Seychelles is also home to thriving marine life, and few experiences beat swimming with dolphins, rays, turtles and schools of tropical fish. Dive centres can take you deep down into the depths of colourful coral reefs.

Or, you could watch from above by hiring snorkelling equipment from the island's hotels and watersports centres. Operators offer deep sea fishing in waters full of tuna and marlin, because you never know when you might hook the catch of your life.

Sailing

Some of the biggest adventures can be found cruising the open sea. Seychelles' climate is nearly flawless, and stunning panoramas abound, never failing to impress when it comes to sailing.

Sailing can be enjoyed on hulls and catamarans, which you can hire within the area. Boats can either be skippered or unmanned, leaving you to either sit back and cruise or take the wheel. The best part is that sailing is an activity you can enjoy any time of year.

Another advantage to sailing is that the waters around the islands are often calm and free of traffic, so the only sails out there may be your own.