HIDDEN GEM
Secluded Seychelles resort Maia has relaunched. SARAH MARSHALL finds out why it’s even more magical than before
TALES of treasure hunting have always been part of the Seychellois culture. First sighted by Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama in 1602, the remote archipelago was frequently visited by sailing ships and pirates, who reputedly used the jungle-cloaked islands to hide their hauls.
To date, no-one has successfully located any valuable goods – although along Mahe’s southwest coast, some of the finest treasures are on full view.
Described by go-to luxury architect and designer Bill Bensley as his favourite work, 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. Here’s what to expect from the top address in the Seychelles.
WHERE CAN I FIND PARADISE?
Although conveniently located on Mahe, the gateway island to the Seychelles, Maia feels as remote and exclusive as further flung resorts in the beautiful 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.
WHERE DO I SLEEP?
Hidden within 30 acres of tropical gardens, where tiny hedgehogs snuffle between cinnamon trees, 30 villas are set along the beachfront or rising up a granite hillside.
Along with a generous bathroom and sleeping area, an outdoor lounge, kitchen and private pool tempt most guests to spend a longer-than-average time in their rooms.
Fine linens, delicate wooden furnishings and a retractable glass wall make it easy to feel immersed in nature.
HOW DOES 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 thought through and carefully considered. 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 the cuisines that influence Seychellois cooking – including Creole, Asian, Indian, Japanese and Mediterranean.
Maia’s ocean-side Tec-Tec Restaurant is the main eating area, although it’s also possible to arrange private dinners in a secluded spot.
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 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 further afield, while a helicopter pad at the top of the resort facilitates both transfers and sightseeing tours.