The Credentials:
Scattered within the Indian Ocean, the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles are divided; the 41 hilly inner granite islands are fringed by 74 low-lying coral islands. Mahé is the main island of the Seychelles and is home to Victoria; the world’s smallest capital. Despite being the busiest island in the archipelago, it retains a feeling of a long lost tropical paradise with steaming jungle cascading from towering granite peaks, down towards the crystalline beaches. Just five degrees south of the equator, it offers the perfect year-round holiday and a great base from which to explore the other islands.
Dine:
The resort has two eateries; the most formal restaurant is ZEZ, overlooking the Indian Ocean and serving Mediterranean food with an Arabic twist alongside 250 varieties of wine. The Seychelles’ main export nowadays is tuna – but forget the canned rubbish – here a tuna jumps from the sea to your plate in hours and boy, can you taste the difference. For a more casual, authentic affair Kannel restaurant offers refined Creole cooking with a good selection of light salads and fresh juices, too.
Sleep:
Mahé’s southern coastline is home to the island’s most exclusive resorts and perching on a jungle covered hillside overlooking Petite Anse, one of the island’s best beaches, is the Four Seasons. This is treetop living at its most luxurious. The elegant Creole-inspired villas sit on stilts buried deep within the coconut, mango and cinnamon trees. The glass walled villas take full advantage of the breathtaking views from every vantage point; the enormous granite bath, the outdoor shower, the infinity pool and the sunbathing terrace. With just 67 villas and suites the resort never feels crowded and you can often find yourself in main pool alone – well why would you go there when every property has its own private pool you ask!
Who Goes There?
It is hard to tell – everyone is too busy sipping champagne in their villa or diving into their private pools to bump in to each other. With prices starting at around £800 per night it attracts couples celebrating special occasions and affluent families seeking year-round sun as well as the odd movie star, naturally.
Out & About:
Mahé makes a fantastic base from which to explore the other islands. Your first port of call should be Praslin, just a fifteen minute flight from Mahé, it’s home to Vallee de Mai, a 650 million year old virgin palm forest – just one of the Seychelles’ two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its stunning beaches regularly grace the world’s best beaches lists year after year. Nature lovers should visit Bird Island; located on the northern edge of the archipelago where the ocean plummets – it has a rich marine life boasting green turtles, dolphins and even the occasional whale. If you would rather check out Mahé, head to the capital of Victoria, it’s great for buying handmade gifts or simply exploring its many art galleries. Alternatively set your own agenda and jump in one of the hotel’s kayaks and seek out your own beach or pirate cove.
The Best Thing:
Typical of a Four Seasons resort it is effortlessly stylish with an innate sense of class. Just thirty minutes transfer from the airport it is a great stop off for those heading out to one of the many neighboring islands or ideal for a holiday in itself. Those after total relaxation will adore its spa; a destination spa in every sense of the word, it offers a range of massages and treatments from around the globe with a Creole twist and its roof terrace or glass walled relaxation room is the perfect place to watch the sun set over Petite Anse with a local cinnamon tea – or a glass of champagne!
The Worst Thing:
Built on a steep incline it is only really suitable for able bodied guests – although a constant stream of chauffer-driven golf buggies are at your beck and call to whizz you around the resort.
