Q Magazine - Summer 2018

E scape to Four Season’s new five-star Seychelles resort in the Amirante Islands – remote and secluded, but just a 35-minute flight from the main island of Mahé. Feel like a true castaway as you explore this pristine tropical sanctuary edged by 14 kilometres (9 miles) of soft white beaches. With most of Seychelles’ islands uninhabited, and with nearly 50% of the total land under natural conservation, this island archipelago is a leader in sustainable tourism. On Desroches Island, Four Seasons have embraced the needs of the island’s 100-strong local population, some of whom work at the resort itself whilst others arecraftspeoplewiththeirownworkshops,welcomingvisitorsfrom the resort to visit their village by cycling across the island. In addition the resort runs an interactive Discovery Centre where children in particular can explore three dedicated learning areas to enhance their knowledge of the island habitat. They can also visit the island’s special sanctuary to learn about the Aldabra giant Tortoise,aspecies indangerofextinction.Thatchedsheltersprovide shade for the tortoises, creating a safe, comfortable space for them to breed and grow. Watch them feed on fruit and vegetation. 22 Sustainable Tourism Island Sanctuary The Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, Indian Ocean Serengeti Heritage Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania W hen it comes to sustainable tourism, perhaps the continent that has needed to work hardest to protect its fragile natural habitat is Africa. It is home to the world’s most abundant wildlife reserves but equally an environment under constant attack frompopulation growth, and its need for resources, which once removed are hard to replenish, so wildlife conservation works closely with educating communities of the value of their heritage as well as ensuring a flow of income from safari tourism. The world’s best-known wildlife sanctuary and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tanzania’s Serengeti National Parkmeasures close to 14,763 square kilometres (5,700 square miles). And Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania, is nestled in the heart of it all. In addition to the magnificent surrounding wildlife, Four Seasons delivers memorable ways to experience the Serengeti, with unique activities that include hot-air balloon rides across the plains, picnics in the bush, and safari photography classes. The Discovery Centre is a great place to learn about African culture and history. Guests can get to know the local Maasai people and become involved in socially responsible programmes, such as those that help local schools and support wildlife conservation.