Luxury in the Indian Ocean
Sarah Marshall visits a relaunched Seychelles resort
The Maia resort and spa has gained legendary status in the Indian Ocean archipelago. Under new ownership and management, it relaunched this year as an Anantara property, promising ever greater riches.
Although conveniently located on Mahe, the gateway island to the Seychelles, Maia feels as remote and exclusive as farther flung resorts in the 115-island archipelago. Spread along a peninsula in the rugged southwest, the property enjoys a privileged position above Anse Louis beach, where it’s possible to snorkel or swim metres from the main restaurant. Some of the best sunsets on Mahe can be observed from this spot, as hot days melt into a watery horizon.
Where do I sleep?
Hidden in 30 acres of tropical gardens, where tiny hedgehogs snuffle between cinnamon trees, 30 villas are set along the beachfront or up a granite hillside. Along with a generous bathroom and sleeping area, an outdoor lounge, kitchen and private pool tempt most guests to spend longer than average in their rooms. Fine linens, delicate wooden furnishings and a retractable glass wall make it easy to feel immersed in nature. Inspired by flora and fauna found in the archipelago, design details include curtain holds moulded to resemble chameleons, towel rails shaped like fish, and taps in the form of a coco de mer seed.
How does the butler service work?
Aside from the superb setting and interiors, it’s high-quality service that sets Maia apart from other resorts in the Seychelles. Every guest is assigned their own butler, available 24 hours a day with the tap of a WhatsApp message. On hand every morning to prepare coffee, escort you to the gym or share a run-down of the day’s activities, they quickly become an indispensable holiday PA.
The list of possible requests is inexhaustible: order favourite snacks, plan special excursions or even get pieces of clothing repaired. Every detail is caringly thought through and carefully considered. Appropriate items like forgotten sunscreen magically appear at just the right moment, and foam baths strewn with rose petals greet guests after long days out.
What about the food?
Flexibility is the key to achieving true relaxation – especially when it comes to eating whatever and whenever you want. Shifting away from restrictive meal timings, a Beyond All Inclusive concept offers dishes at any time of day. To make choices simple, menus are divided into cuisines influencing Seychellois cooking – including Creole, Asian, Indian, Japanese and Mediterranean. Maia’s oceanside Tec-Tec Restaurant is the main eating area, although it’s also possible to arrange private dinners in a secluded spot along the sands or delivered to your villa.
What’s the spa like?
The obvious choice would have been a coastal cliff setting, but designer Bill Bensley was adamant his spa should be tucked into the jungle. It became the focal point for his plans, dictating the layout of everything else in the resort. Walking into the open-air pavilion, with massage tables framed by a wall of greenery and the spiralling tendrils of a Banyan tree, it’s immediately obvious he made a good choice.
Fragrant essential oils mingle with the scent of fresh vegetation, and birdsong provides a soothing soundtrack.
What else can you do?
Direct from the beach, guided snorkelling sessions reveal an underwater maze of rocky fingers extending from the land.
Diving trips can be arranged farther afield, while a helicopter pad at the top of the resort facilitates both transfers and sightseeing tours.
How to plan your trip
Abercrombiekent.co.uk offers a seven night all-inclusive stay from £6,499pp (two sharing) – saving up to £840 per person, including flights. Excludes Christmas period.