Tag Archives: Exclusive Pictures

Seychelles, Praslin: Beaches & Coco de Mer

Posted on June 7, 2017 | Leave a comment

The Arrival At Mahe

The Departure To Praslin

As soon as I got off the Air Seychelles plane, I took in a cab to catch the Cat Coco Catamaran ferry from Mahe to Praslin, the second largest island in the Seychelles archipelago.

We arrive at the pier under a blazing sun at 9 plus a.m. I stay in the shade, patiently waiting to embark. What a light! Incredible blue sky and white clouds! I arrive in Praslin at 11.30 am, in a landscape of postcard with turquoise waters (photo above).

The crossing lasted an hour … of pure ecstatic contemplation of the Indian Ocean (with air-con)! In the taxi to go to the Coco de Mer hotel, I am surprised by the lush vegetation, steep road and small mountains. Like Mahé and La Digue, Praslin is a granitic island. 

The Charming Hotel

When arriving in the lobby of the Hotel Coco de Mer – Black Parrot Suites, I am attracted by the ocean view and the verdant gardens of this 200-hectare property.

The welcome is warm and friendly. Like Ash Behari, one of the owners and General Manager of the hotel (video below), all the staff are smiling and professional. It feels like visiting friends. 

And guess where the hotel gets its name from? According to a local legend about the Vallée de Ma! nature reserve: 

 

The Suites Black Parrot are located in the exclusive part of the hotel, on a small cliff with a pool offering a panoramic view of the ocean and beaches. My suite in pictures below.

The Island Tour

The Vallée de Mai

I really enjoy taking the road (taxi or rental) to visit the island at my own pace (sometimes exhausting for others, LOL). I am too eager for breathtaking scenery to stay on the beach of the hotel … 

Thanks to my need of action, I discovered stunning coves and beaches! Beware of currents in the water (they can be dangerous), the best is to inquire before bathing.

First stop under tropical rain: the Vallée de Mai, a primitive forest with six species of endemic palms. I have an appointment with the guide Shaun Larue for a detailed visit. He begins by explaining the formation of the Seychelles granite islands (video below). 

Oops I was about to forget ; ) The biggest seed of the world grows on the palm trees of the Valley of May nature reserve : the endemic iconic Coco de Mer (photo above).

 

     

Back On The Road

Anse Lazio

Crystal Clear Water

It doesn’t rain when I finally arrive at Anse Lazio considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I agree, it is superb!

The quality of the very fine sand, the crystal clear water with emerald, turquoise and deep blue reflections, the rock blocks scattered here and there and the palms and vegetation with different green tones.

Unfortunately I don’t have time to swim. I have a ferry to take to another island. To be continued…

 

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations  

Seychelles Tourism Board, Coco de Mer Hotel, Air Seychelles.

A guide to visit the Vallée de Mai: Shaun Larue, [email protected], tel. (+248) 2595110.

Related posts : DESTINATIONS & HOTEL REVIEWS

Many thanks the Seychelles Tourism Board, Air Seychelles and Coco de Mer Hotel for this beautiful invitation. Also thank you to Ash Behari and Shaun Larue. As always, these are my opinions.

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The Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel

Posted on June 4, 2017 | Leave a comment

On My Way To The Airport

I have to be at Brussels airport at 4:30 am (great!). I won’t sacrifice hours of a precious sleep and start my journey exhausted! That’s why I decided to test the airport hotel option, to benefit from a real night’s sleep.

I leave the center of Brussels (picture 1 of the photo montage below) for the Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel, located opposite the entrance gates of the Departures of the airport. Five minutes walk to the check-in counter of my flight! 

The Club Room

On the fifth floor,

Club rooms provide access to the Club Lounge. I am nicely surprised when I enter my renovated 20-25 m² room thought in a very practical way, to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers.

Very efficient double glazing (no sound from the outside), several electrical outlets scattered throughout the room, free wifi and Evian mini bottles.

I woke up at 4 a.m. I feel rested, despite the fact that I have slept few hours. The bedding is impeccable and the new bathroom is very clean. And I really liked the Galler chocolates with the draw of Geluck’s comics hero, Le Chat (photo below). It’s really Belgian sense of humour.

The Club Lounge

To Combine Usefulness With Pleasure

The Club Lounge is a space for work and relaxation, with drinks and snacks. Two computers and a printer are also available, as well as several national and international daily and magazines.

The Breakfast Corner

4:30 a.m.

I am a little bit late. As the breakfast restaurant opens at 5 a.m., I stop to pick up a fresh croissant on a buffet converted into a breakfast corner in the entrance of the hotel.

The hotel staff is very smiling and professional. While I wrap the croissant in a paper towel to eat it later, the receptionist brings me a full breakfast in a bag especially prepared for me. But I can’t take it away for it would be thrown by the customs.

I leave the Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel delighted with the experience. What a pleasure to come zen and rested (without the stress of the taxi) at the check-in! When my fellow travellers look like The Walking Dead’s zombies! LOL! Sorry guys ; )

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations   

Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel

Related posts : HOTEL REVIEWS & HOW TO PREPARE YOUR TRAVEL

Many thanks to the team of the Sheraton Brussels Airport Hotel for this lovely invitation. As always these are my opinions.

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Body and Hair Routine: Oils Tested

Posted on April 30, 2017 | Leave a comment

I’ve Still Remained Faithful To Vegetable Oils This Spring!

I like (organic) vegetable oils: easy to use, effective and multi tasks on dry skin and very dry hair. My “must have” for almost a year is the organic olive oil I add to all my beauty products: moisturizing creams, nourishing balms and of course other oils.

Here are my latest favorites, two oils and a biphasic treatment that I currently use:

1. The Delicate Dry Oil Prodigieuse of  Nuxe

Very complete, this dry oil contains seven vegetable oils of natural origin (mineral oil free and silicone free): Tsubaki oil (Japanese camellia, antioxidant), sweet almond (softening), camellia (moisturizing), bourrache (anti-wrinkle), nutty (soothing), macadamia (nourishing) and argan (restorative). I apply it essentially on the body and on hair as a finish touch, to give them shine and an irresistible perfume (with orange blossom, magnolia and vanilla). As always with Nuxe products, the texture and the scent are a real pleasure!

2. The Aurora Botanica Essence d’éclat Hair Oil Mist of Kérastase 

It is not exactly an oil, but a two-phase care for the hair, based on Somoa islands coconut oil (let’s travel!), Argan oil and Damascus rose water. Just like the Dry Oil Prodigieuse of Nuxe, the Aurora Botanica Essence d’éclat Hair Oil Mist includes 98% of ingredients of natural origin (silicone free, sulphate free and paraben free). I use this oil mist as a moisturizer on my curly hair, to soften and avoid breakage. Then I add a little shea butter (to seal the hydration) before styling.

3. The powerful organic Castor Oil of Physalis

Originally from Africa, this plant has soothing and moisturizing virtues on the skin and the hair. Castor oil is known to activate hair growth. I admit the very viscous texture may be unattractive, but the effects are great! I mix the Physalis castor oil  with organic olive oil and sometimes with also shea butter for the before / after shampoo that I leave all night before rinsing.

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Related posts : BEAUTY & DESTINATIONS

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