SEY you’ll be there…
NO ONE CAN RESIST THE TROPICAL, ECO-FRIENDLY CHARMS OF THE SEYCHELLES, SAYS ANDY TURNER
“WELCOME to Praslin Island. This way, please, we have a surprise for you…”
This exceptionally warm greeting came after disembarking a 15minute twin-propeller flight over a mosaic of the Seychelles’ 115 islands. A journey that can only be described as the gateway to paradise.
Tropical birdsong increased the anticipation as we followed the pathway snaking through giant granite rocks and lush jungle that resembled a scene from Jurassic Park – minus T-Rex but including an Aldabra giant tortoise – leading to two 10ft wooden doors.
When our host banged a huge gong they slowly swung open and a shaft of light expanded to reveal the five-star Constance Lemuria hotel that, to continue the cinematic theme, looked like an exotic scene straight out of a Bond movie.
Beyond the impressive lobby and reception area an infinity water feature cascaded down to a twin-level swimming pool with thatched roofs on wooden pillars framing a vision of palm trees, soft white sand and turquoise sea. In a word: wow! If you’re looking for pure luxury and eco-sensitivity in a castaway island location, Constance Hotels and Resorts offers dream-like properties across the Indian Ocean.
Protecting the planet is in its DNA and is summarised by the company ethos, “True by Nature”.
Why else would they appoint their very own sustainability manager? Markus, a passionate eco marshal, drives initiatives that the clientele buy into from the minute they check in.
Guests at Lemuria are issued with their own aluminium water container and eco passport on arrival, and are encouraged to do their bit in the battle against plastic waste and pollution.
The resort also has its very own turtle manager, Robert, who conducts daily beach patrols and ensures nests are protected.
When the eggs hatch and the
babies are ready to be released, he’ll blow into a shell to alert guests to come and watch them take their first tentative steps into the crystal clear waters.
Its sister hotel, the exquisite Constance Ephelia on Mahe Island, where I had spent the first few days of my twin-centre trip, is also serious about being kind to the planet.
Ephelia, nestled between Port Launay Marine National Park and its mangrove wetland nature reserve, has its own desalination plant on-site, producing 1,000 glass bottles of water a day for up to 750 guests across 313 suites and nine villas.
Both resorts are committed to reducing food waste by sharper forecasting of covers in their superb restaurants, with any leftovers sent to a local pig farmer.
The hotels have also been designed to blend seamlessly into their stunning coastal locations.
Returning by boat from a snorkelling or scuba-diving trip – a highly recommended use of half a day to check out the array of colourful fish, manta rays and reef sharks – you’d barely know they’re there.
Each is subtle in design, mingling into its natural surroundings and camouflaged by a line of beachfront palms.
A kayak is ideal for exploring the peace and tranquillity of the protected mangroves.
For more adventurous thrillseekers, Ephelia has its own zipline experience ranging from 275ft to 394ft long, which offers a spectacular view of the jungle and rock formation below. Keren and his friendly staff are on hand to reassure and entertain you on every leap and line.
Lemuria boasts the Seychelles’ only 18-hole championship golf course, a challenging par 70/6,136 yards, including a dramatic 15th tee on a clifftop overlooking the ocean and requiring a pinpoint shot to the green at ground level below.
There are plenty of other activities on both sites, from water sports and tennis to nature hikes, while guests are encouraged to make use
of bikes to get about during the day.
Electric shuttle buggies are also available to move guests around the 120 hectares at Ephelia, which include eight pools and two beaches.
A stay at one or both of these luxury resorts, would not be complete, however, without enjoying a bit of me-time at their spas. Each offers an extensive range of massages and treatments in tranquil surroundings, as well as yoga classes, saunas, steam rooms and plunge pools.
Lemuria has four restaurants, from the relaxed Takamaka on the beach, to the exquisite Diva, styled by French interior designer Marc Hertrich.
Ephelia has five restaurant options, from casual chic Mediterranean cuisine at Helios at the stunning south beach to Adam & Eve with its Malay, Singapore and Indonesian cuisines.
A sushi bar is open for lunch and dinner at Cyann, which specialises in French culinary techniques with local and Asian influences.
Rooms and suites, of course, are sumptuous and spacious, with centrepiece bathtubs perfectly positioned to soak up the ocean view stretching out from the balcony.
They are not just places to sleep, they are spaces to enjoy.
So sit back, sip a cocktail and soak it all in, as nowhere does ocean-side luxury quite like the Seychelles.