Mahe Island

Double Tree, Mahe Island.

Seychelles is expensive to get to, expensive to stay in, expensive to get around and eat in using conventional travel methods. Fortunately the theory I wrote about back in May 2014 ( read HERE ) I was able to put in practice on this trip. Visas are free on arrival.

I like how reader’s and clients alike have dubbed ‘ going on a Traveloyalty ‘ – a royal five star trip whereby most if not all the hefty costing’s comes free of charge.

This is the Traveloyalty experience to sensational islands of the Seychelles.

Getting there:

The best way is to use Etihad metal, they own a stake of the pie in Air Seychelles. Etihad had 3x promotions last year for anyone wishing to apply and experience their direct GOLD ELITE GUEST frequent flyer programme ( normal requirement is about 20 international flights per year).

Gold status = lounge access on all airport routes, business class check-in, priority boarding and the occasional bump-up to business class on fully booked flights.

Whilst searching googleflights for exact times and flight numbers that skyscanner app could not provide timeously this advertisement via googleadsense popped up on a random website and worked excellently in my favour.

Etihad was not the cheapest for my final route, (Qatar airlines was a couple hundred Rand lower, using Voyager miles on Star Alliance’s Ethiopian Air had crazy taxes to the same tune as Qatar’s full fare ) but with a Etihad’s free stop over routing via Seychelles and perks of the frequent flyer programme it was obvious who the favourable choice was going to be.

Choosing a excellent branded hotel with perks.

Hello Hilton Double Tree. Its not far from airport for that late night drive / early morning flight. Its on the south east coast away from the capital Victoria’s traffic ( if any..). It has a private beach, infinity pool, child friendly and areas of exploration.

Hilton gives excellent benefits for their GOLD Hhonors members, room upgrades, free breakfast and bonus points.

Hilton Hhonors Silver, Gold and Diamond also has the perk of: partner stays FREE and every 5th night FREE when redeeming points.

The booking.

ABOVE: That’s the value per night of the upgrade. As Hilton Hhonors Gold and Diamond, breakfast comes free.

Why pay ZAR 6440 per night ? The Traveloyalty way shows you how to do it all for free.

Getting to the hotel.

The Hilton family does not offer complimentary shuttle (the private island that holds Hilton Labriz does offer free boat transfers for bookings of 5 nights +).

Rent from Avis to score huge points with Club Carlson deal ( read HERE ) or negotiate with one of the no name rentals at the airport, they don’t even ask for credit card. Be prepared to pay R400 – R1000 per day. I did notice a in-house car rental at the Hilton Double Tree that had good rates as well. The next time id use this option and charge to my room to score Hhonors points.

A vehicle is essential to explore the island on your own time.