Reviewed 11 Nov 2008 by Cathie Martyn
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The snorkelling, and the turtle monitoring, the people, the food, the island, the beaches, the weather oh yes everything!!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Dont go if you find it difficult to sleep when its hot or with lots of bird noise 24hrs in the background, also if you want lots of bright lights etc this is very much a wildlife conservation island where lifestyle is chilled and laid back loads to do but things like snorkelling, kayaking, watching for turtles, fishing, island hopping, reading and chilling out some of the above require an extra payment.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
11 OUT OF 10!!
Reviewed 06 Nov 2007 by Gerhard Loupal
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There are several exciting things I will not forget, e.g. the laying turtles, the tame birds, the different blue tinges of the sea, the incredible colours of the fish, the excellent food...
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be happy that you have chosen this destination and enjoy the holiday with all your senses.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, clearly. There are many local people working in the lodge. It is clearly seen that the philosophy of the managers of the lodge is focussed on being as environment-friendly as possible. There is a minimum of artificial light on the island to prevent disturbance of turtles and birds. There is a biologist employed on the island for the monitoring of turtles and birds. You have the feeling that everybody is aware that the tourists come because of the wildlife and you have the feeling that the managers of the lodge care for the nature.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was definitely the most exciting holiday I ever have made. I have so many beautiful pictures in my head that I will never forget.
Reviewed 04 Dec 2007 by Jacqueline Sloane
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The turtles laying their eggs!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for a possibly very noisy nights due to the birds. The food is very good but be warned the menu is quite limited. Lots of very fresh fish on the menu for lunch and dinner. Fruit/toast and eggs for breakfast. The accommodation is basic, well designed and clean. Ensure you have lots of good sun block and a large water bottle if participating on the turtle programme. There is lots of walking to do and you should ensure you listen to the suggestions for the timings of your walks.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. The island employs local people and seems to treat them well. The island tries very hard to limit its impact on the environment by keeping it more of an island that a resort.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good. This holiday is about the wildlife and the island - which are both 5star! It is dream of island with both wildlife on the island and in the water. A must do!!!
Reviewed 11 Feb 2006 by Jenny Davies
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
While we were there we came across a nest of young turtles hatching - we went to get the full time conservationist to have a look, and as it was midday, we helped him gather the turtles into a bucket so that they would conserve their energy to be released on the beach after dark. Later that night we were all able to watch as the 250 turtles were released and made their way down the beach to the sea and beyond. It's something I've only ever seen on TV before and it was just completely amazing to be a part of it.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If noise at night bothers you, then bring ear plugs, as the birds nest all around the bungalows and are very noisy right from sunset through to sunrise the next day when they go back out to sea to feed! Also, as there is only one plane a day to and from the island it's worth bearing this in mind if there is a significant time difference between that flight and your main flight to/from Mahe. George, the manager very kindly organised a day room for us on Mahe on the way home - it cost us 75 euros including taxi transfer and was worth every penny. It meant that instead of spending nine hours wandering around Victoria (a good look round takes ten minutes), we were able to get some rest, a shower and a good meal before going back to the airport.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
The whole ethos around the lodge centres on conservation and the environment. I felt that we were contributing to this both by buying the holiday in the first place, and more importantly by taking part in the turtle monitoring programme whilst we were there.
4. Any other comments?
Whilst this is advertised as a no mod cons holiday, the bungalows, restaurant etc were all immaculate, very well presented and grounds across the whole island were well kept and tended daily. Also, whilst some people might be put off by a buffet restaurant, the food was fantastic throughout our holiday. We had the most wonderful time, and I'm just so glad we came across your site in the first place or we may never have been on this holiday! *****The best holiday I've ever been on, I'm going to start a fund so that we can go again for our tenth wedding anniversary!
