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tried & tested
EXCLUSIVE
REVIEW
FOUR SEASONS RESORT
SEYCHELLES
by April Hutchinson
erched on a hilltop overlooking one of the The villas are a lesson in casual elegance, mixing cool,
P
most beautiful beaches in the Seychelles, the dark woods with tropical fabrics and floaty white drapes
Four Seasons’ secluded setting in the bay of framing the bed. There are also bright Seychelles paint-
Petite Anse feels like a remote, private idyll. ings and quirky illustrations to bring something more local
Yet it’s only a 30-minute drive from the international into the style. And of course, there’s a huge bathroom with
airport, on the Seychelles’ hub island of Mahe. lighter wood, as much glass as possible, walk-in closet
The small downside of this hilltop setting is the bumpy, and generous-sized L’Occitance amenities. Outside is
winding trip to get to the resort. It also means you’re often the infinity-edge plunge pool and huge daybed sala.
hanging around waiting for buggies to ferry you around the Two restaurants offer nicely different experiences. WHAT’S ON OFFER
resort – or you have to be pretty fit to hike between your Overall, the resort is relaxed and informal, but Zez calls ■ Excellent venue for weddings and
villa and the reception area (home to the library and bou- out for a floaty Matthew Williamson number or some
honeymoons
tique), restaurants and beach in the baking heat. Christian Louboutins as you drift from the well-executed
■ 62 single-storey Hilltop Ocean-View,
But in a resort surrounded by hills, general manager bar to a candlelit dinner under the stars. The other dining
Ocean-View and Garden-View villas
Markus Iseli couldn’t be happier as he is a keen hiker, and option is Kannel, which is down by the beach and zen-like
■ Three two-bedroom Ocean-View/Hilltop
Ocean-View suites: indoor and outdoor
seemed eager to head out with any guests wanting to pool, the presence of both instantly making it feel very
space up to 300sq m, great family option,
explore the tropical surrounds on trails he’s mapped. relaxed, as guests wander up in sarongs for nasi goreng,
optional butler service
The project was in planning stages for six years before amazing pizza or sunset cocktails at the bar.
■ Two-bedroom Presidential and three-
its two-year build. The tricky terrain meant the project took The beach is a massive wow factor here. If guests
bedroom Royal suites
longer than expected: the 67 “tree-house” villas and suites choose to lounge, then smoothies and cold towels will
■ Multimillion-pound residences are still
had to be perched on stilts to avoid too much disruption to be delivered as lovely treats to help them keep their cool. being built – enviably, they have some of
the jungle of coconut, mango, jackfruit and cinnamon If they choose to snorkel, mask and fins will be delivered the resort’s most incredible locations – so
trees. All the resort’s roads were built from scratch. in a flash along with advice on where to head. Or, if they
there’s occasional construction noise
The blurb says the resort complements the architec- long for a memorable cocktail hour, no doubt the barman
■ Eight-room spa with hilltop yoga sala
ture of Mahe and is typically Creole, but to my eyes the and the sunset will be similarly obliging.
■ Water sports pavilion (non-motorized),
domineering main building screamed Asian influence
including PADI dive centre
■ Kids For All Seasons programme
and only whispered Creole – which could have been HOW TO BOOK IT
■ All villas have pools, but there is also a
introduced in terms of fretwork and vibrant colours. Air Seychelles flies from Heathrow to Mahe on Sundays
main pool between Kannel and the beach
The hotel does have an art and Fridays. Tel: 01293 596656, airseychelles.co.uk.
■ Library, art gallery and boutique
gallery though, a place Iseli was Sunset Faraway Holidays offers seven nights at the Four
keen to create as a showcase for Seasons Resort Seychelles from £2159pp staying in a Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Petite
local artists, who are also invited Garden Villa, including breakfast, Air Seychelles flights Anse Baie, Mahe. Tel: 00 248 393 000,
to come along and meet guests and transfers (travel June 19-December 16 (excluding July fourseasons.com/Seychelles
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at the GM’s cocktail gatherings. 17-August 15). Tel: 020 8774 7100, sunset.co.uk
tried & tested
summer 09 ttgluxury.com
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