Cultural experiences in the Indian Ocean
It might be famed for its beaches but the Indian Ocean also offers clients opportunities to connect with the culture of their destination, explains Debbie Ward
The Indian Ocean has long been seen as an idyllic and relaxing beach destination, but with clients becoming increasingly culturally aware, they’re now likely to want to do a little more than just chill in resort, shut off from the local community.
“For Indian Ocean, we’ve changed the content of our brochures and online descriptions to include more about local culture, [reflecting] a trend among consumers who are increasingly asking for local experiences,” says Claire Ross, product director at Kuoni.
Suggesting some cultural interaction also helps clients become more responsible travellers, and it could also give them some unexpected holiday highlights. There can even be financial benefits for agents, by adding commissionable excursions, for example, or perhaps upgrading a simple fly-and-flop to a tour and stay.
Here, we offer some ideas for greater cultural connection and interaction.
ISLAND-HOPPING
The Maldives is famed for “one island, one resort” holidays but adventure tour operator Explore breaks the mould, offering a one-week cruise onboard a traditional wooden dhoni, which enables clients to call at fishing communities, visit a mosque and experience boduberu folk drumming performances.
Ben Ittensohn, director of global sales, says: “It’s the polar opposite to what most people go to the Maldives for: to stay in a bungalow. I did an overwater bungalow there myself and saw nothing else, other than when snorkelling.”
Book it: Explore’s eight-day Maldives Dhoni Cruise costs from £1,195pp, excluding flights. explore.co.uk/travel-agents
LINGO LESSONS
Guests of Six Senses Zil Pasyon in the Seychelles can greet people in the local language after they join a Learn to Speak Creole session at the resort. There’s also an opportunity to rent a bicycle to explore nearby La Digue Island. For the culinary minded, weekly cooking classes highlight local cuisine, while the Chef’s Dining Experience at the resort is a private showcase with a tailor-made menu.
Book it: Rates at Six Senses Zil Pasyon start from €1,725 (approx £1,275) per night in a one-bedroom Hideaway Pool Villa on a B&B basis. sixsenses.com/en
PEDAL POWER
Unlike its regional neighbours, Sri Lanka is a touring favourite, but its culture can be experienced at a more grassroots level when clients take to two wheels and pause to eat in villages between the highlights.
“Discovering Sri Lanka by bike allows travellers to gain a deeper insight into the local communities and their way of life. It means visitors can stop and take in the landscape as well as explore the architecture, wonderful caves containing ancient Buddha statues and fifth-century rock fortress Sigiriya,” says Emma Garrick, Exodus Travels’ senior product manager for Asia and North Africa.
Book it: Exodus’s 14-day Cycle the Back Roads of Sri Lanka tour, with a local guide, costs from £1,849pp, excluding flights. exodus.co.uk
RIGHT ATTITUDE
On the island of Mauritius, Attitude hotels break the all-inclusive mould with the Otenik Discovery app, which directs guests to a food market, watchmaker’s workshop and more. The resorts also offer other cultural treats, such as drumming lessons and street food vans at The Ravenala Attitude, for example.
Sheena Paton, senior programme manager at Kuoni, says the operator often recommends Attitude, as well as its Otenik app, “for quality relaxation with a local connection”.
She adds: “From evenings spent having dinner with a local family to music by the pool, and arts and craft markets to cycling trails, the programme is designed to involve, reflect and connect with the local people, culture and natural environment.”
Book it: Kuoni offers a seven-night all-inclusive stay at The Ravenala Attitude, in a Couple Suite, from £1,499pp including flights, with savings on selected June 2022 departures. kuoni.co.uk
CATCH OF THE DAY
For beach stays in Sri Lanka, the Inspiring Travel Company recommends Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle and its cultural activities.
Erica Moore, Sri Lanka product manager at the operator, says: “Experiences that we’ve had great feedback from clients about include Spice Spoons, a visit to the local market and a cookery lesson; Harvest Table, a farm-to-table experience with lunch served in the resort’s rustic tree house; and Catch of the Day, where guests get to meet local fishermen as they bring in the day’s catch.”
Book it: Inspiring Travel Company offers seven nights at the resort from £4,455 for two adults and one child staying in a Premier Ocean View Room, including flights and private transfers. Includes a discount, complimentary half-board and room upgrade. Offer valid for travel from 20 April- 31 October 2022. Must be booked by 30 April. inspiringtravelcompany.co.uk/agents
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