Photo credit: LUX* Resorts & Hotels

The Covid-19 sanitary crisis has turned the world upside down, as well as the habits of travellers. While some borders remain closed, others have reopened their doors with restrictions and protocols in place to safely welcome new visitors. The world's airlines and hotels have also played the game. Informative videos, computer graphics, articles... The web is full of daily updates regarding the developments of health security measures.

Beyond this unusual situation, the islands of The Indian Ocean remains a dream destination for exotic holidays. It is well known that at the heart of these beautiful islands, nestled at the other side of the world, tourism represents an important economic activity. Thanks to the thousands of annual visitors, local employment is enhanced whether it concerns tour operators, restaurants, accommodation, small shops or even entertainment and leisure activities.

It is often challenging to navigate through the myriad of imposed travel restrictions. If you are still wondering where to travel this year, we are here to help you sort it out, with a selection of destinations offered by Islandian, which are accessible to French travellers. Have a good reading!

Summer at its best… in Mauritius Island

Photo credit: Shangri-La's Le Touessrok Resort & Spa

On Saturday 22 August, Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth announced a plan for the gradual reopening of Mauritius. Thus, since 1 October, long-term travellers have been allowed to enter the territory, while following the implemented restrictions.

First, you will be required to take a five-day PCR test before departure, and a second one on arrival in Mauritius. You may be invited for a fortnight in one of the selected hotels, approved by the local authorities. A third test will then be required on your seventh day of isolation. At the end of your 14 days in isolation and if your test turns out to be negative, you will be allowed to freely move around the island.

For more details about the approved hotels listed by local authorities, kindly contact the Islandian Experts on the following number 01 84 78 10 00.

Feet deep in the sand… in the Maldives!

Photo credit: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

In the Maldives, Male Airport officially reopened on 15 July. As a result, several air routes have been re-established. A completely new measure has been in place since 10 September, as you will now have to submit a PCR test less than 72 hours before your flight to the Maldives.

Tourism is the largest economic industry in the country, focusing on a luxury clientele through its concept of island-hotels. The Maldives is an amazing destination made of 1,190 tiny islands, intense tropical vegetation, a vast underwater space with more than 2,000 fish species, exceptional places to stay and pristine white private beaches, among many other features.

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Constance Moofushi, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru or LUX* North Male Atoll are just some of the unique spots we recommend on our website, for a picture-perfect stay in the Maldives.

For more specific information regarding the currently opened spots in the Maldives, feel free to reach out to us on the following number 01 84 78 10 00.

All kind of extravagances... in Dubai!

It has been a few months now since we opened our perspectives, by offering new travel destinations. Nestled between Africa and Asia, the Gulf countries are cautiously opening their borders to French travellers. You can therefore travel to Dubai, subject to submitting a negative PCR test previously carried out four days before your trip. The other emirates are currently kept closed.

Here are some of our tailor-made experiences including international flights, private transfers in air-conditioned cars, accommodation and activities:

•  City-trip in exclusive venues - 7 days and 6 nights stay, as from 1 919€* ;

•  Downtown Dubaï - 7 days and 6 nights stay, as from 1 770€* ;

•  Confidential stopover - 7 days and 6 nights stay, as from 1 380€* ;

*Terms and conditions apply.

Off we go to… the sweet Provence!

Most European countries have opened their doors to the citizens of France since 15 June. Before going on holiday, it is recommended to have a look at the map from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), indicating the number of infections in the different European Union regions.

It has been a few months already since we opened our minds to offer new travel destinations such as Dubai, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, a French South-East region.

Below are some of our tailor-made experiences including accommodation and activities, as from €1,790* :

•  Back to the roots - 8 days and 7 nights stay;

•  Surprising getaway - 6 days and 5 nights stay;

•  The cycling itinerary - 6 days and 5 nights stay;

•  Gourmet break - 5 days and 4 nights stay;

•  Mountain adventure - 6 days and 5 nights stay as from 959€*.

*Terms and conditions apply. Rates are as from and per person, subject to availability at the time of booking.

Photo credit: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

After a summer season shaken by the Covid-19 pandemic, the ultimate question remains: Where to go on a trip this year, in complete safety? While some travellers opt for a long weekend in Europe, others prefer to fly away from the crowds.

Mauritius and the Maldives might be the best islands for a trip at the heart of the Indian Ocean. Dubai and the South of France are both the best choice for a stay close to home.

For more information, we kindly invite you to contact the Islandian Experts on the following number 01 84 78 10 00.

See you soon!