24 minute read
Raffles SEYCHELLES
For over 120 years Raffles has gone out of its way to give you the warmest welcome, the richest experiences and the fondest of memories and today the legend continues all over the world.
The Raffles name is synonymous with luxury, glamour and extraordinary adventure. Each hotel is an oasis of calm and charm at the crossroads of a civilization. Each is a carefully chosen destination in its own right. Each is uniquely, indefinable, sublimely Raffles. Now as the brand grows and reaches new and sometimes surprising destinations, guests can rest assured that wherever in the world the brand travel, it will remain distinctly Raffles – infused with the same spirit of adventure, luxury and sublime service. Exciting and enchanting, refreshing and invigorating, Raffles is loved by those with an adventurous spirit and a taste for the very best. In 2011, Raffles’ first ever resort in the Indian Ocean was opened in one of the world’s most far flung destinations, the island of Praslin in the Seychelles. Beautifully designed upon a lush hill facing the Indian Ocean, Raffles Seychelles features 86 private villas, some of the most spacious in the archipelago. Each villa offers a private pool and outdoor pavilion to soak up the breath-taking views of the opal-hued ocean, white sandy beach and rolling green hills. An oasis of laidback luxury, Raffles Seychelles instills a sense of wellbeing and creates an atmosphere of blissful relaxation, ideal for the paradise seeker. The resort sites right on the beautiful and renowned Anse Takamaka Beach, 500 meters of pristine white sand line the resort’s beachfront, with dramatic granite formation adding to the picturesque coastline. It only gets better as you can step a few meters from the beach and enjoy two, 45 meters long infinity pool, where paradise seekers can relax, sunbathe and enjoy fresh cocktails.
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Another amazing attraction to Raffles Seychelles is the signature Raffles Spa, a haven of peace, relaxation and rejuvenation. Steps away from the coastline of Anse Takamaka, amidst stunning surroundings, it’s carefully designed to calm the spirit and awaken the senses. This luxurious spa features 13 treatment pavilions, showcasing the spectacular view of the blue ocean, tropical gardens and dramatic granite boulders. Two spa suites, a first in the Seychelles, are fitted with steam showers, Japanese soaking tubs and observation decks where guests can enjoy stunning vistas in privacy. A tranquil spa garden makes the ideal spot for pre- and post-spa relaxation. Set among natural rock formations and high above the water, even the journey to the treatment pavilions is an intrinsic part of the Raffles Spa experience. At 1,234 square meters this is the largest spa in the archipelago, and the closest spa to the Indian Ocean. Dining at Raffles Seychelles is an absolute pleasure as you are spoilt with the world of fresh seafood before you! Beach dinners under the stars, cocktails on a rooftop overlooking the ocean, finely crafted sushi and sashimi, contemporary Creole dishes: Raffles Seychelles presents a diverse collection of culinary experiences at its four restaurants; Losean Restaurant, Curieuse Restaurant, The Sushi Room, and Pool Restaurant & Bar. Offering breakfast dishes from around the world to an evening menu inspired by the Indian Ocean, Losean offers thoughtfully-prepared and contemporary food throughout the day. Come evening and Losean becomes an elegant dinner setting, with tables both inside and out in the gardens, candlelit and accompanied by the sounds of the sea. Incorporating local ingredients and freshly-caught fish, the à la carte menu is a tribute to the best of Creole and Indian Ocean-inspired food; simple and delicious, with a contemporary twist. Curieuse Restaurant is gastronomic journey tracing through India, China and South East Asia, Curieuse, led by Chef de Cuisine Sunil Dutt, is the Seychelles’ only Asian restaurant. Infused with oriental spice and aromatic ingredients, the menu varies from Thai salads and spicy sour soup to Indian curries and traditional Chinese stir-fries. With low-lit outdoor tables dotted amid the leafy Seychellois surroundings, Curieuse is an atmospheric, islandchic setting for an unforgettable dinner.
The Sushi Room - In a location famed for its fresh fish, The Sushi Room at Curieuse celebrates the island’s worldclass catch with an exciting menu of sushi and sashimi. The intimate, eight-table room, just off the main Curieuse restaurant, allows guests to witness the chef in action, skillfully preparing each dish moments before it arrives at their table. The evening tasting menu presents an assortment of nigiri, tataki, maki and sashimi for a well-rounded experience of Japanese cuisine, complemented by a variety of sake. Sushi can also be enjoyed à la carte at Pool Restaurant & Bar for lunch. Pool Restaurant & Bar showcases fresh, local products and light cuisine and offers a casual lunch setting, perfect for refueling during a busy day of soaking up the Seychellois sun. Serving salads, sandwiches and wellloved classics from around the world, as well as sushi and sashimi, the menu’s diverse options cater to every appetite. Produce at Raffles is always guaranteed to be the freshest around, with their very own vegetable orchard. Bringing to life cultural and natural treasures at the resort, Jason Ernesta, the Chief Gardener has used his insider local knowledge of the land to create this priceless asset for guests. With a wealth of experience, Jason has also played an integral role in various humanitarian projects on the island such as environmental preservation and the tortoise foundation among others. His passion and zest for the natural elements led to his appointment at Raffles Seychelles at the age of 69 over 4 years ago. Jason is renowned for his friendly interaction with both the guests and team members at the resort. He loves nothing better than meeting world travellers and drawing them into the rich details of his homeland and the garden landscapes. Celebrations are also done in exquisite Raffles style in Praslin. When it comes to marking your special occasion, the possibilities are endless at Raffles Seychelles: enjoy a group trip of a lifetime, complete with beach barbecues, cookery classes, excursions to neighboring islands and fishing trips; celebrate birthdays and anniversaries with private dinners under the stars, rooftop cocktails and spa treatments. Synonymous with romance thanks to its white sands, stunning scenery and beautiful sunsets, the Seychelles is a destination that’s ideal for couples. The team at Raffles help you create the perfect proposal, picture-perfect wedding, unforgettable honeymoon or anniversary. Complete with romantic dinners, couples’ massages and aromatic baths at Raffles Spa, champagne cruises and sundowners on Anse Lazio, one of the world’s best beaches, you are guaranteed an unforgettable celebration.
There’s never a dull moment in paradise as this resort comes equipped with an amazing recreation team who knows the island better than anyone! Indoor or out, relaxing or inspiring, for families or couples; Raffles Seychelles has activities which help you feel at one with the natural beauty of the archipelago. With a range of water activities, from snorkeling to boat excursions, to table tennis on the resort or hiking trails for the adventurous, there is something to suit every taste. Fear not the worry of having the kids on holiday as The Sugar Palm Kids Club is a dedicated club catering to toddlers, children, and even teenagers on the resort. Lively, educational and age appropriate activities are coordinated by the Recreation team to ensure that the young ones can enjoy the idyllic paradise of Praslin, as much as adults do. Raffles are proud to not only ensure their guests are well-looked after, but pay particular care to their locality, community and the environment as a whole. It was back in 1997 when Raffles initiated REACH (Rendering Encouragement, Assistance, Care and Hope), a community programme that offers pillars of support to underprivileged children, the arts and the environment in all destinations Raffles Hotels & Resorts operates in. Today, Raffles has fully adopted the Planet 21 programme
of AccorHotels across all properties. The programme focuses on improvements in waste management, energy and water conservation, as well as community outreach through local groups and partnerships. Raffles takes a very active role in playing their part in tackling plastic pollution and taking steps to stop the use of disposable plastics on the island. The hotel is passionate about environmental preservation and sustainability and is exemplifying an eco-conscious stance throughout its operations. With the willingness of 86% of travellers worldwide, who are passionate about spending time on activities that offset the environmental impact during their stay, Raffles Seychelles is providing ways in which guests can decrease their carbon footprint. The hotel is making strides to reduce environmental impacts by ending the use of plastic straws and other non-biodegradable materials.
www.raffles.com
Hotel L’Archipel
Glynn Burridge
Is there an accurate geographical term to describe a place that forms part of a larger entity yet remains wonderfully separate from it? In the context of Seychelles, certainly, such a term would describe the beautiful Hotel L’Archipel, snug in its glorious niche in the north-east corner of Praslin Island and with an imperious view over almost the entire shimmering, silver strand of Côte d’or, one of Seychelles most exquisite beaches. In this secluded corner of Praslin, L’Archipel, with its splendid history and pedigree as one of the island’s finest hotels, has continued to weave its spell over successive generations of travellers for over 30 years. The name L’Archipel - which is French for Archipelago - geographically describes a string of islands , the Seychelles Archipelago , some of whose island names have been adopted by the hotel to christen its impressive suite of accommodation options, each one blending discreetly with the surrounding tropical gardens and commanding a sweeping panorama of the sapphire ocean gently lapping at its front door. L’Archipel was inspired by the vision of its late departed owner, Louis d’Offay, one of the pioneers of Seychelles’ hospitality industry and a tourism icon, who together with his wife Cecile commenced the construction of the hotel in 1985 with just 9 rooms, with the latter even helping in the kitchen when necessary. Powered by an energetic marketing campaign in France and with the help of two French chefs, they conscientiously built the foundations of the successful enterprise that L’Archipel is today. Today, the hotel, which has been ingeniously and tastefully refurbished to capitalise on every aspect of its unique location, continues to dominate Praslin Island’s accommodation scene by virtue not only of its spectacular geographical location, but also on account of a tried and tested philosophy characterised by a very high standard of personalised service, meticulous attention to detail and genuine Creole flair.
The hotel’s range of accommodation options includes family suites, senior suites, deluxe rooms and superior rooms. Located on the top floor of the main building, at 120 sq.m, family suites are extremely spacious with two bathrooms, a separate lounge and a veranda and ideal for two adults and three children or three adults and one child. The 65 sq. m senior suites feature an elegant seating area and bathroom with bath and shower. Two of these suites are interconnecting and ideal for families. Deluxe rooms, at 60 sq m, are spacious yet intimate and scattered discreetly across the hillside, the well-tended gardens and the approach to the beach –ideal for seniors, honeymooners or guests in search of a dash of Seychelles-style seclusion and tranquillity. Finally, the 60 sq.m hillside and garden superior rooms are roomy and enjoy excellent views of the bay of Côte D’or. In terms of interior design, all rooms fuse fine taste and aesthetic beauty with a high level of functionality, ensuring that your stay in this luxurious tropical cocoon will be as inspiring and soulful as it will be comfortable – and memorable! Room features include air-conditioning, flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi, room service and everything you might expect from a 4-star hotel with an eagle eye for detail. Hotel amenities include an infinity pool, lobby bar, souvenir shop and the possibility of in-room massage and baby-sitting. Throughout, L’Archipel’s distinctive Seychellois Creole architecture with its understated, clean lines and colonial aura resonates with the aesthetic charm and timeless appeal of a bygone era. In its operations, first and foremost in L’Archipel’s corporate culture comes the welcome it extends to its guests and the enduring policy of Louis d’Offay that each guest must be welcomed personally upon arrival by the hotel’s hands-on management team and a rapport quickly established to ensure that those guests’ expectations are not only met, but surpassed. The high ratio of return guests to the hotel with certain clients returning as many as 10 times, speaks volumes of its effectiveness.
L’Archipel is also very conscious of the positioning of its product and the importance of it reflecting the Creole soul both in terms of architecture, decor and overarching personality. In a modern world where many competitors appear to have lost their sense of identity, this is most assuredly not the case with L’Archipel where even much of the furniture in renovated rooms has been manufactured on site by the maintenance team using local wood and the hotel’s Balinese furniture provider is encouraged to adopt the strictly responsible and sustainable approach demanded by the operations team. Minute attention is also paid to the hotel’s amenities and levels of comfort by maximizing potential through the adoption of the optimal room design, layout and suite of facilities. Painstaking care is also taken to make sure that high standards of cleanliness and maintenance are sustained throughout the hotel at all times, by the long-serving maintenance team. The L’Archipel philosophy also encompasses the concept of continued growth by increasing yield through product enhancement, particularly via the creation of new room categories which in turn leads to an improved cost of operation ratio leading to available income for hotel upgrades across all departments. Much of the hotel’s success in securing market share can be attributed to effective advertising and the identification of appropriate sales channels pairing L’Archipel’s products and services with a matching mix of consumers. L’Archipel prides itself on the cuisine of its restaurants La Gigolette and La Feuille d’Or, both recognised as being among the finest in all of Praslin and offering enticing variations on a fine-dining theme with the former located right on the beach from where to enjoy the soft breezes and stunning ocean views while the latter occupies the first floor in a more secluded ambiance.
The hotel’s à la carte menu proposes an eclectic variety of international favourites as well as popular Creole dishes. Not to be missed is the Friday night Creole buffet proposing an excellent and varied offering of mouth-watering local cuisine: octopus curry; salted fish and snake gourd salads; satinis of pumpkin and mango; tender tuna steaks; succulent chicken combined with an unforgettable array of suitably decadent desserts. This is highly recommended as it also features a beachside extravaganza of Creole dance which is an excellent introduction to lively, island-style revelry. Typically, the hotel organises theme nights with two buffets per week. Wonderfully complementing the menu is a fine wine list featuring some excellent French, South African and New World wines as well as an enticing array of cocktails, beers, spirits and flavoured rums. An additional plus is how the L’Archipel kitchen makes use of a range of herbs, vegetables and spices grown within its own grounds with plans to extend its vegetable garden in future. The management of L’Archipel are aware of the importance of sustainability throughout the hotel’s operations and this is echoed in the introduction of a food waste management programme to complement its sustainability practice in power generation and eco-friendly cleaning systems. This initiative targets the problem of unconsumed food which has sometimes been imported from abroad at considerable expense but which ends up in landfill sites, producing unhealthy levels of methane gas which is a major contributor to global warming. Visitors to Seychelles are increasingly aware of the need for responsible environmental behaviour and L’Archipel has already earned global recognition for the way it is using new technology to reduce food waste., resulting in a marked decrease in wastage of food through effective management throughout the chain, from the ordering and purchasing of food items to the disposal of unavoidable waste.
This initiative runs in tandem with existing sustainability drives such as the intelligent energy management systems in operation in guest rooms which reduces AC energy consumption by 30% but without comfort loss to the guest. The property is rapidly moving towards 100% LED lighting systems which, in an average guest room, reduces power consumption by no less than 80%! The hotel has also invested in 244 solar PV panels which contribute as much as 20% of its overall power requirement. In a further push towards sustainability, the hotel uses bio-technology cleaning products resulting in the removal of more than 43,000 litres of toxic chemicals from the property per annum. This is in addition to the use of ozone cold water dish-cleaning systems in the hotel kitchens and other ozone technologies designed to reduce the use of chemical cleaning agents in the kitchen and create safe food preparation zones. These combined initiatives have resulted in L’Archipel being only one of 7 hotels with advanced sustainability recognition from PACE Seychelles, the leading Green Technologies supplier in the Indian Ocean region. Mr. Eddie d’Offay, the hotel’s deputy managing director believes that the hotel’s reputation for excellence in sustainability actively contributes towards greater guest satisfaction and hopes that L’Archipel’s success in this area will serve as an inspiration to other hotels to achieve the same, resulting in a massive win for the environment. L’Archipel is also an ideal stepping stone for clients’ wider enjoyment of all that Seychelles has to offer via a range of paying excursions that can be organised through the hotel, in particular, both deep-sea and bottom fishing, scuba diving, excursions to neighbouring islands and, of course, car hire for those personal voyages of discovery around the island. Meanwhile, free activities include the use of a two-seater canoe, snorkelling with all equipment provided and a stand-up paddle board. The hotel is also a natural venue for weddings, honeymoons and impromptu romantic getaways where the staff’s long experience and attention to detail will make all the difference when it comes to preparing for your special day. A stay in L’Archipel succeeds in distilling the very best that Seychelles has to offer in terms of other-worldly appeal, seclusion, tranquillity and almost surreal natural beauty, with the refined elegance of a unique hotel and the eminent professionalism of its caring team into a truly unforgettable tropical escape and lifelong memory of the islands.
www.larchipel.com/en
The Bliss Hotel Praslin
An exotic, friendly and romantic escape located in the heart of Praslin, lying between the romantic beach of Grand’Anse and the tropical land in the shade of the ‘Coco de Mer’.
Splendid and preserved, the island of Praslin offers an Edenic frame for a stay in the Seychelles archipelago. Just 14 minutes by plane or 45 minutes by boat from Mahé, Praslin is the second island of the archipelago with an area of 26 km². Less mountainous than its Mahé, it owes its reputation to its exceptional Vallée de Mai, a nature reserve, classified in the UNESCO world heritage, where grows the emblematic coco-fesse, you can also find Anse Lazio, one of the most beautiful beaches in the wor ld.
This sumptuous retreat charms its visitors with a delicate blend of modern architecture and Creolity, gibing a nod to the island’s heritage, but with a foot firmly in the future. Visitors to The Bliss Hotel can choose from a variety of accommodation, including 27 Rooms and Suites set within 15 chalets that hide away within nature’s paradise. The 15 Chalets available are built with local wood and granite and are set on lush tropical land, surrounded by island Fauna and Flora. The interior decoration of each chalet is inspired by Seychelles and Mother Nature herself, whilst the interiors of the rooms and suites themselves are breathtakingly exotic and a feast for the senses.
Enjoy your stay in one of the 6 welcoming and homely ‘Charme rooms’ set in a Chalet. Let the tranquility wash over you the moment you enter this warm and Creole ambiance styled room, where you will be seduced by its simplicity. Each 22m2 room is accompanied by a vast 11m2 terrace; your ideal place for relaxation & reflection. You will wake up as birds sing and be greeted by colourful tropical flowers and luxurious shades of green. For those looking for even more room to kick back and relax, there are 18 ‘Charme Superior’ Rooms, (35m2) that feature an additional reading bed/sofa corner, a large dressing room, an office corner and, as with the Charme rooms, your very own terrace for relaxation and reflection. Families are made very welcome at The Bliss Hotel, with 3 ‘Suite Family Chalet’ available, at a huge 46m2 in size, plus a terrace at 15m2. As well as the bedroom area, these suites feature a relaxing living area that is sure to make you feel like you have arrived to your very own traditional Seychelles house. Sitting on your intimate terrace set in a chalet, families can simmer down and enjoy the sound of the birds, enjoy some refreshments and take in the huge variety of plants and exotic species that surrounds. Take a stroll out of your chalet and you will discover a white sand beach where the sun embraces your skin. As you relax by the waves, you’ll be able to glance upon the sea horizon, scattered with little islands such as Cousin and Cousine. Away from the beach, the Bliss Hotel Praslin Sea Side pool and bar is an ideal place to sip a cocktail of your choice while feeling the ocean breeze and enjoy a meditation moment.
The gastronomy is as enticing and blissful as the accommodation. The Beach House Restaurant, set in a cozy, comfy and elegant ambiance, serves exquisite Mediterranean cuisine prepared by devoted chefs. With breakfast served 8AM to 10:30AM each morning, you can enjoy a breakfast buffet teaming with fresh local fruits and vegetable, daily pastries and choices of breads, Seychelles jams and paste, yoghurt and cheese, a choice of cereals and more. The team will welcome you for breakfast, be it for the buffet or all day dining with its a la carte menu. Always looking to please and accommodate, the Morning Chef will be delighted to cook your delicious early bright eggs at your taste! Fish and Mediterranean cuisine are served at The Beach House from 12PM to 9.30PM. In this peaceful, cosy, comfy and elegant setting, enjoy the calming ambiance with a feast of fresh fish brought daily from the nearby Seychellois fishermen that you can enjoy grilled or cooked with local ingredients. The Beach House à la carte menu brings authenticity in delivering Mediterranean cuisine with a selection of pasta, appetisers, salads, fish, meat and delicious desserts. The Beach House serves all day cocktails to sip, choices of fresh juice and drinks to quench and delicious coffee & teas, perfect for when you want to take for a break. The tropical Garden Pool & Bar is set in the middle of all the Chalets and will refresh you after a beach day or a long day exploring the island. Tea Time is hosted from 4-5PM each day, where you can enjoy complimentary homemade tea set around the Garden Pool. You will taste delicious homemade cakes and pastries. Plus Iced Island Vanilla Tea and iced flavoured spring water.
Set by the sea’s edge and in harmony with the natural surroundings, Pure-Bliss Spa offers a range of local products exclusively made of fresh and organic ingredients. Enjoy a moment of blissful relaxation with a selection of treatments and entertain yourself in the boutique with some local handmade shopping items. Venture outside of the hotel grounds and Praslin will present so any opportunities to you for exploration, relaxation and adventure. Praslin enjoys the most famous beaches; Cote d’Or on the east coast, and Grand Anse on the west coast. There is also a multitude of idyllic beaches such as the famous Anse Lazio, his little sister Anse Georgette and Anse Boudin facing the nature reserve of Curieuse Island or Anse la Blague, which are more difficult to access and therefore less crowded. Not to mention the many lonely creeks cradled by the only sound of the waves that you will cross everywhere on the island. Cruises aboard a sailboat or a boat are the best way to discover the wild coasts of Praslin and explore the surroundings of the Island Curieuse a natural reserve, the surrounding islands like Cousin, Cousine, Aride, the islet Saint Pierre offering a great plant diversity. The Bliss Hotel staff are only too happy to arrange activities such as sailing for their guests, as well as island tours, fishing, diving, snorkelling or hiking. Whatever your wish, the caring and devoted staff will make you experience an unforgettable holiday with a distinct and personalised service. A feeling of paradise. Just bliss….
https://bliss-hotel.net/
