EPICURE LOOKBOOK
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island
It isn’t easy to emulate village living in the Seychelles while still offering uncompromising comfort and luxury. However, thanks to the skilful professionals at reputed Singapore-based architectural and design firm, eco.id Architects – responsible for award-winning resorts such as W Maldives - Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, which opened its doors this March, delivers an immersive Seychellian experience that transports guests to a quintessential tropical paradise nestled amid nature.
Located on the outer edge of the Indian Ocean archipelago, Desroches is a 35-minute flight southwest of Mahé – Seychelles’ main island and capital. The only resort on Desroches Island, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is the hospitality group’s second opening in the country (Four Seasons has a resort on Mahé as well). With just 71 bungalows, villas, suites and residences, the resort is almost like a self-contained village, except that each accommodation boasts a luxe island aesthetic, a private pool, a lush garden, and beach access.
“As Desroches is a private island, the intention is to craft a rustic, secluded escape. To welcome guests into an estate on a remote island, the hand-built aesthetic becomes necessary in creating an artisanal feel,” shares director of eco.id Architects, Carol Chng, who helmed the architecture and interior design of the resort.
A carefree approach
Think of a visit to Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island as reliving your childhood days of exploration and fun-filled outdoor activities, albeit way more luxurious. On-site facilities such as the aptly named Castaway Centre and Discovery Centre are responsible for the aforementioned exploration and fun activities. Imbibe the beauty of untouched reefs through guided snorkelling and scuba diving sessions, or take in views of lush coconut groves as you cycle through trails or participate in guide nature walks through the island’s natural habitats. Other activities offered at the Castaway Centre include ocean fishing, kayaking, sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, and windsurfing.
The Discovery Centre, on the other hand, provides nature lovers with the opportunity to marvel at Seychelles’s breathtaking flora, fauna and marine life. Particularly noteworthy activities include meeting the island’s locals at the Tortoise Sanctuary and visiting a tiny Creole village where guests can gain insight into the lives of the local craftspeople.
The resort is flawlessly fitted with everything you need to unwind. Besides a private plunge pool and beach access, every accommodation also has a deep soaking tub and an outdoor shower. Some of the suites and villas face the beach, offering the promise of sunrise every morning.
“Our design had to respond to the tropical climate when we selected materials and executed details. We drew inspiration and references from African culture such as tribal crafts, black and white patterns, and the bold use of colours, as exemplified by the pink Peacock chair and the banana leaf prints on fabrics,” says Chng. “The spaces with stronger characteristics are not manicured from a collection of identical items but curated over time from a collection of memories and objects.”
Healing times
Wellness and deep relaxation can be found at the Circle of Connection Spa, which offers a slew of rejuvenating treatments and activities. In addition to a suite of massages, facials and body treatments, the spa has also created a series of Sensory Connection Rituals. Each morning and evening, the spa’s team of therapists leads guests through simple mantras, stretching and a time of reflection.
There are also yoga programmes (with an in-house yogi) that include Hatha, Nidra, Meditation, Pranayama and Ashtanga in a state-of-the-art anti-gravity yoga pavilion or on the beach, a fullyequipped fitness studio for weight and cardio training, and tennis courts for those who prefer competitive sports.
The circular bar terrace on the first floor allows guests to throw back a tipple or two with the accompaniment of panoramic views. Thereafter, they may head to the main restaurant to indulge in freshly grilled or cooked meat and fish, plus a raw seafood bar.
Chng sums up the appeal of Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island: “We believe in the appeal of homestay vacations. Every home is different because it exudes the characteristics of the host. We wanted to evoke the feel of visiting a private estate, to marvel in the curation of the host, which is sort of eclectic but seems right when put together.”