The brightly tanned face of a Mauritian model, which comes alive against a backdrop of highlighted gold hair, graces the cover of the latest issue of New Wave magazine.

So powerful is the contrast that one is forced to pick up a copy of the magazine and stare at the face more closely. The photo was taken by Piero Lessio whereas the model comes from the Haseena-Model Entertainment Agency.

This issue features three main destinations, amongst them Seychelles.

The pieces on our islands cover various aspects of our tourism attractions, ranging from fashion to our fascinating underwater world. Coverage starts with Events which this time has been dedicated to young stylist Lidianne Agathine after her stunning Jolila premiere. The feature literally translates the charm of Lidianne's beach and evening wears.

Front Row brings two small pieces on orchid, considered the most precious flower, and the movement of whales in the Indian Ocean.

Discover your island brings you glimpses of Alke Viaggi, a tour operator that for 16 years has been one of the undisputed leaders in the Indian Ocean, as well as into the fancies of palm trees.

Room with a view portrays the dazzling Ste Anne Resort with its dream villas whereas Gifts of the Sea depicts spectacular objects made from pieces of shell left on the beaches by the waves.

These pieces are on most occasions considered as authentic works of art after being fitted together with creativity and manual skill.

The following two pages bring you face to face with Tales of Water whose masterpiece explores the mysterious and fascinating life of the ocean depths, presented like a collection of tales by the creative lens of a great photographer, Gian Paolo Barbieri.

Next, from a simple introduction, The Fascination of Mystery goes on to attract the full effect of orchid. The pen of the writer says it all in: "With their stylised and distinctive shapes, their incredible colours and the fleshly consistency of their petals, orchids give a special touch to the walls of the houses and gardens of Seychelles".

The rarest and most beautiful kind are all there in pictures taken by Paul Starosta.

The other two countries projected in both writing and photos are Mauritius and Dubai.

According to the editor, Antonio Rolfini, starting from this issue, Dubai has been added as a third destination, mainly in a bid "to offer a more complete picture and to close the circle: Dubai is, in fact, the apex of an imaginary triangle drawn on the Indian Ocean."

The two other angles are represented by Seychelles and Mauritius, this triangle described as essential for the tourists industry as it attracts the same kind of clientele.

"They are people of a certain standing who love the sea and the sun and prefer a warm climate at any time of the year," says Mr Rolfini in his editorial, adding: "But above all, they insist on having the comfort and luxury that only a certain kind of hotel can offer".

Mr Rolfini continues that it is precisely in their hotels, which are certainly among the very best worldwide, that the three countries, so different from each other from the standpoints of their geography and traditions, have the many points of contact.

And so appropriately, one of the articles on Dubai is dedicated to a very special hotel. In addition, another article describes Dubai city, a balanced mix of tradition and the past and futuristic skyscrapers.

And of course, Mr Rolfini writes, the desert has not been forgotten, a myth for those who have never been there but also a myth and perhaps an even stronger one for those who have been there and want to return.

Mr Rolfini refers to Mauritius and Seychelles as the usuals since a lot has been written about these islands and they have also been photographed many times.

"But there's still so much to talk about, to show and above all, to discover," he says, noting that for Seychelles, the focus is on its unique and rich natural environment.

Evidently, orchids and fish are the "stars" of the two worlds.

For Mauritius on the other hand, the attention has been focused on its people, whom Mr Rolfini says "we have learned to love for the warmth and extraordinary hospitality".

In the two articles in this issue, New Wave learns more about some of their traditions, their fascinating rites and their strong sense of spirituality.

LINKS