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Checking out... S TAY: EDEN BLEU HOTEL – Eden Island, Seychelles


BY ARNIE WILSON THE BACKGROUND: The new Eden Bleu hotel in Mahé is described as the fi rst hotel in the Seychelles aimed at high- end business travellers – but there are also features to entice the leisure guest. At a gala opening ceremony last October UB40 performed on a fl oating stage in front of a 1,000-strong crowd. The property, which sits on a marina waterfront, has 74 luxury rooms, 12 luxury suites and a huge presidential suite THE LOCATION: Eden Bleu is just fi ve kilometres from Seychelles International Airport on Eden Island, a residential and commercial development on land reclaimed from the sea. THE ROOM: Large with a spacious bathroom. A balcony provided sea and marina views. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. An in-room Apple TV allows you to play content from your own device on a 42-inch LED television.


THE VERDICT


KEY FACILITIES: A palm-lined entrance leads into an airy reception area beyond which a sun deck and infi nity pool offer views over Eden Island’s international marina and Mahé’s granitic mountains. A sunset cruise and dinner can be booked at the front desk. The hotel is within walking distance of the Eden Plaza retail centre. Close by are snorkelling, diving with dolphins and turtles, water skiing, windsurfi ng, kayaking, fi shing and even fi sh feeding.


S TAY: REMOTA – Patagonia, Chile


BY RICHARD WILLIAMS THE BACKGROUND: Remota is a modern eco-hotel set in stunning Chilean Patagonia. Part of the Virtuoso travel group, which has 11 hotels in Chile, it pulls off the diffi cult trick of being both spartan and luxurious. THE LOCATION: Situated just outside Puerto Natales, it is set unobtrusively into the hillside above Last Hope


Sound, with a mountain backdrop. This is the southern terminus of the ferry that explores the Chilean fjords. The nearest airport is at Punto Arenas, just over two hours away (to the south). The hotel provides a free transfer by Jeep. THE ROOM: Built of local lenga wood and slate, huge glass walls show off the scenery. There are 72 large bed- rooms, with a choice of huge double or twin beds, and ensuite bathrooms. KEY FACILITIES: The rooms are con- nected to the open-plan main building by a draughty corridor reminiscent of ranchers’ cattle runs, but once there the ambience is rustic and tasteful. All rooms have views of the lake and mountains, but the most stunning vista is from ‘the beach’ upstairs - the cane sun loungers are the place to en- joy a pisco sour. The spa offers a range of treatments, plus a long, narrow pool and male and female saunas.


THE VERDICT


RESTAURANTS/BARS: There is one bar, but the all-inclusive package encour- ages you to perch on a stool to try a good range of beers or professionally mixed cocktails before dinner. The res- taurant’s buffet menus features local seafood, salads, meat dishes, fruit and desserts – and excellent local wines. Ruta 9 Norte, km 1.5, Huerto 279/Puerto Natales, Chile. tel: +56 61 241 40 40; web: remotahotel.com


The best thing about Remota is the range of excursions included in the room price. Well-trained and knowledgeable local guides take you out hiking, climbing, birdwatching, and horseback- and bike-riding. Trips to local villages, fjord cruises, jeep safaris and fly- fishing expeditions are also available. You are kept so busy that when you leave you wish you’d spent more time enjoying the hotel itself. It’s expensive, but a fine way to experience the best of Patagonia. RATES: Three nights’ sharing a double room, all- inclusive, from US$1950pp.


RESTAURANTS/BARS: The Marlin Bleu restaurant, which serves breakfast and lunch, opens up onto the Empereur terrace and pool. Cocktails and drinks are offered at the Bourgeois Bar. The name refers to the Bourgeois fi sh, which is almost as popular as octopus curry, sometimes referred to as the Seychelles’ ‘national dish’! Eden Bleu Hotel, Eden Island, Seychelles; tel: +28 439 9100; web: edenbleu.com; UK offi ce: 3Sixty Luxury Marketing, email: hello@3sixtyluxury.com


With its extensive meeting, conference and banqueting facilities, Eden Bleu will appeal to business travellers. However, it expects a third of guests to be leisure visitors. Family-friendly features include a children’s splash pool. Eden Bleu is also a good choice for island- hopping tourists stopping in Mahé, and yachties. RATES: Deluxe room rates start from €475 for a single and €515 for a double. Luxury suite rates start from €555 for a single and €595 for a double (both valid until October 31 2015). The hotel currently has a stay seven nights pay for six promotion.


HOTELS / RESORTS / TRAIN JOURNEYS / CRUISES / AIRPORT REVIEWS


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