Many tourists keen to return, dead of alive |04 November 2006

Others have even insisted on their remains being buried in Seychelles’ waters.

These facts came to light on Monday at the Coral Strand hotel when the establishment’s management hosted a special reception for 12 couples who had been there at least once before.

“Many spouses have flown the ashes of their loved ones to be buried at sea here,” said Manfred Heinkelein, the general manager of the hotel during the event.

“This is my 40th visit and I would have come with my wife again this year, but she passed away last July. According to her wishes, I brought and buried her right here in the sea where she loved to go diving,” said a 60-year-old businessman.

“At the moment we have 12 couples who have been here at least once before, and most of them make two trips to Seychelles every year and they stay with us” Mr Heinkelein said, adding that his 130-room hotel was enjoying 80 percent occupancy.

He attributed the high return guest ratio to the location of the hotel which he said is right next to the sea in a zone that experiences no rough currents.

“When you come to Seychelles, you have everything in one place. There is the beautiful nature, tropical climate, Creole food and clear water which is suitable for diving. And everybody is so friendly,” said Harold Kueff, an insurance company manager from Germany.