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It seems a royal wedding connection is a whole lot more powerful than any PR ad campaign. In London, the Goring Hotel is cashing in on its moment of fame by reinventing the hotel garden as a beach bar modeled on Basil’s Bar on the Caribbean island of Mustique. They have shipped in the sand and recreated the “greatest bar in the world” – it’s just a shame about the weather.

The Seychelles are having better luck on the sunshine front. Since they were discovered to be the honeymoon destination retreat of Prince William and his new bride, it has put the Indian Ocean islands firmly on the map with a rush of enquiries. Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is ramping up its services to the islands, seeing a “strong and growing appeal as a premium leisure destination” particularly for UAE residents and European travelers.

The irony is that the big selling point of the Seychelles is its peace and tranquility with gorgeous sandy beaches and barely a soul around. With unbeatable snorkeling, perfect sailing and surfing from May to September (the rainy season for the Maldives), Luxique’s choice of luxury hotels in the Seychelles is worth considering. If you want to stay closer to home, you may have to settle for a Mustique Mule at the Goring Hotel in London, showers permitting.

by Gillian

The Seychelles – a popular up-market holiday spot off the east coast of Africa – has cancelled a luxury hotel development because it believes the land would be better used for food production.

Local residents – mainly dependent on food imports - complained about the arable land being sold to foreign investors and the government agreed to halt the negotiations.

The National Development Minister, Jacquelin Dugasse, said: “The proposed project will not go ahead and the land will remain state property. The feeling was that we should not stop agricultural development when food security is an issue.” He also promised to consult local people on any future projects.

The Director of Tourism, Alain St Ange, was not perturbed about the loss of a new and potentially lucrative luxury resort. He believed the land, currently home to the Agricultural Research Centre, should be developed into tropical fruit farms.

“We can’t give tourists imported apples for breakfast,” he said. “When they come here it’s nice to give them something local.”

by Andy Moreton

The 115 granite and coral islands of the Seychelles, located just south of the equator, have traditionally offered an idyllic destination for tourists drawn to its enviable climate and palm-fringed beaches and turquoise seas. Luxique offers the best available deal at the Banyan Tree in Mahe, which promises romance and rejuvenation.