ALONGSIDE the Maldives and Mauritius the islands republic of the Seychelles occupies a hallowed position as one of the world’s most aspired holiday destinations.
And it turns out it has a big conservation heart besides the famous luxury agenda.
And it turns out it has a big conservation heart besides the famous luxury agenda.
At under five hours flight from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, we went and checked out how Hilton's resorts are doing their bit and creating a huge pull for UAE citizens and residents.
Here's our first of two Seychelles specials...
Here's our first of two Seychelles specials...
AUTHOR Ian Fleming always did have a knack for choosing a spectacular setting for his British spy’s adventures.
He also recognised a good spot in which to find some inspiration for penning his latest James Bond novel.
While modern day visitors to Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa are more likely to be celebrating an anniversary or honeymoon than writing a bestseller, this coastal location is no less inspirational.
Fleming visited the resort before Hilton took over management 14 years ago, but he will have seen the same breath-taking bay 2019 guests are treated to.
He also recognised a good spot in which to find some inspiration for penning his latest James Bond novel.
While modern day visitors to Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa are more likely to be celebrating an anniversary or honeymoon than writing a bestseller, this coastal location is no less inspirational.
Fleming visited the resort before Hilton took over management 14 years ago, but he will have seen the same breath-taking bay 2019 guests are treated to.
HILTON HAVEN: The heavenly Northolme Resort & Spa sits within one of the Seychelles' most striking bays
His connection with the area is celebrated in the Oceanview Bar & Restaurant; and it accompanies the outlook that helped inspire 1967 book For Your Eyes Only with photographs of the writer and stills from vintage 007 movies.
Creature comforts have no doubt been greatly enhanced since Fleming’s day - Northolme majors as a place of romance, beauty, tranquility – only children above 13 allowed – and pampered relaxation.
Among those checking into the hillside, ocean-facing villa resort are mature couples returning for a landmark anniversary, having first visited as newlyweds.
Creature comforts have no doubt been greatly enhanced since Fleming’s day - Northolme majors as a place of romance, beauty, tranquility – only children above 13 allowed – and pampered relaxation.
Among those checking into the hillside, ocean-facing villa resort are mature couples returning for a landmark anniversary, having first visited as newlyweds.
POOLED RESOURCES: Stunning villas that more UAE visitors are splashing out on thanks to great flight connections
Resort General Manager Daniele Fabbri is used to witnessing the effect his corner of paradise has on arriving guests, including an increasing number from the UAE on regular flights with Emirates from Dubai and Air Seychelles from Abu Dhabi.
“The ones who book last minute…that’s growing - you can decide two weeks before in Dubai to come to the Seychelles,” says Daniele.
“The strategy of the airlines is changing, more flexibility. You can wait for the best deal and pick it. As an operator we need to embrace the changes and understand them.”
One thing all guests have in common, however, is a weakness for the location – it seduces the moment you catch sight of Beau Vallon Bay.
“The ones who book last minute…that’s growing - you can decide two weeks before in Dubai to come to the Seychelles,” says Daniele.
“The strategy of the airlines is changing, more flexibility. You can wait for the best deal and pick it. As an operator we need to embrace the changes and understand them.”
One thing all guests have in common, however, is a weakness for the location – it seduces the moment you catch sight of Beau Vallon Bay.
CREOLE CREATIONS: Local cuisine and fine fish form the backbone of the delightful Les Cocotjiers dining experience
“They love this place because they can find their own privacy; villas have their own surroundings which can make the experience private,” says Daniele, who became GM a year ago.
“Guests really want to relax, take a rest - to enjoy the pool, the sound of birds and the waves, have nice food.
“We have focused a lot on F&B and fine-tuned the menu. We’re trying to make our food experience unique, somehow sexy.
“We are a small hotel so need to make sure we provide guests with a reason to stay in the hotel. We provide experience – in this case it’s food.”
Perched above Beau Vallon Bay, on main island Mahe, Northolme is 30 minutes drive from the airport and capital, Victoria.
“Guests really want to relax, take a rest - to enjoy the pool, the sound of birds and the waves, have nice food.
“We have focused a lot on F&B and fine-tuned the menu. We’re trying to make our food experience unique, somehow sexy.
“We are a small hotel so need to make sure we provide guests with a reason to stay in the hotel. We provide experience – in this case it’s food.”
Perched above Beau Vallon Bay, on main island Mahe, Northolme is 30 minutes drive from the airport and capital, Victoria.
HIGH PRAISE: The Hilltop Restaurant makes optimum use of its location as the resort's highest F&B choice
In less than five hours from DXB you can be in one of the resort’s spacious wooden villas on a balcony overlooking the ocean, or trying to spot dolphins from the infinity pool.
Architects also maximised location with the Hilltop Restaurant - a stunningly placed breakfast venue also offering nightly themed buffets - and Les Cocotiers; home to sublime fusion cooking powered by local Creole cuisine, graced by great views.
Even exercise is a less tiresome prospect with gym running machines giving a panoramic aspect. That’s if you don’t get detoured by eforea spa with its range of indulgent treatments such as a champagne massage.
And there's a hotel shuttle or short taxi ride to get you further around Beau Vallon Bay midweek when BBQ fish and live music light up Bazar Labrin night market beside the shoreline.
Architects also maximised location with the Hilltop Restaurant - a stunningly placed breakfast venue also offering nightly themed buffets - and Les Cocotiers; home to sublime fusion cooking powered by local Creole cuisine, graced by great views.
Even exercise is a less tiresome prospect with gym running machines giving a panoramic aspect. That’s if you don’t get detoured by eforea spa with its range of indulgent treatments such as a champagne massage.
And there's a hotel shuttle or short taxi ride to get you further around Beau Vallon Bay midweek when BBQ fish and live music light up Bazar Labrin night market beside the shoreline.
ACCEPTABLE PRESSURE: The inviting walkway to the eforea spa for great pampering and signature treatments
Alternatively, you can get among the waves - and learn about Hilton’s contribution to restoring the island’s damaged reef system – with some of the resort’s on-site conservationists.
The development of the first artificial reef in Mahe was finalised late last year. The first step was the nursery; corals will then move to the reef.
“That’s a big project for us, very important. I had the luck to come to Seychelles and discover my personal love of the environment. I also met the right people, like the Marine Conservation Society, and said ‘I want to work with you’.
The development of the first artificial reef in Mahe was finalised late last year. The first step was the nursery; corals will then move to the reef.
“That’s a big project for us, very important. I had the luck to come to Seychelles and discover my personal love of the environment. I also met the right people, like the Marine Conservation Society, and said ‘I want to work with you’.
COPE WITH CABANAS: Northolme occupies a piece of paradise but it takes effort to keep it that way
“It’s a combination of willingness and understanding, of supporting the environment and communicating this to guests.”
Other efforts include moving towards being plastic-free and hiring a Sustainability Coordinator to help drive efficiencies.
Meanwhile, guests can go on snorkeling tour two or three times a day. “Our team will take you 650 metres out to the nursery and the reef.”
There’s even an opportunity to adopt coral via MCS, with which biologists work. Some 350 former guests and Instagram followers have done that since Hilton got involved.
Other efforts include moving towards being plastic-free and hiring a Sustainability Coordinator to help drive efficiencies.
Meanwhile, guests can go on snorkeling tour two or three times a day. “Our team will take you 650 metres out to the nursery and the reef.”
There’s even an opportunity to adopt coral via MCS, with which biologists work. Some 350 former guests and Instagram followers have done that since Hilton got involved.
VANTAGE POINT: Villa balconies take in beautiful Beau Vallon Bay, making it a very hard place to leave
Dutch biology intern Diederik Padmos is researching now best they might repair damage from a 2016 ‘bleaching’ event caused by rising sea temperatures. Significant coral died as a result.
“We have a programme in the north mainly about maintaining reefs we have now,” says the 20-year-old.
“With pieces of coral that broke off in a natural way…we are trying to grow them again, farm them, and get them back onto the reef and maintain the quality of the reef, prevent it dying off more.
“We have a programme in the north mainly about maintaining reefs we have now,” says the 20-year-old.
“With pieces of coral that broke off in a natural way…we are trying to grow them again, farm them, and get them back onto the reef and maintain the quality of the reef, prevent it dying off more.
CORAL CARER: Student intern Diederik is part of a conservation crew working to keep the reef alive and do repairs
“Some are growing now. We don’t know how far we can get with it but I’m looking into self-attachment rate so we can figure out the best depth to transplant corals.”
It’s food for thought as the sun sinks in front of room 205.
With five villa configurations; some with pool, there’s little need to venture anywhere else.
A huge balcony with loungers and a day bed put you close to the surrounding nature. Dark wood cladding inside and a four-poster bed give a traditional feel beside modern comforts that include a jucuzzi bath and huge walk-in shower.
It’s food for thought as the sun sinks in front of room 205.
With five villa configurations; some with pool, there’s little need to venture anywhere else.
A huge balcony with loungers and a day bed put you close to the surrounding nature. Dark wood cladding inside and a four-poster bed give a traditional feel beside modern comforts that include a jucuzzi bath and huge walk-in shower.
WOOD WELCOME: Bright colours and dark panelling and floors give rooms warmth and vibrancy
To see more marine conservation work, head south to the DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles - Allamanda Resort & Spa, in south Mahe.
Also managed by Daniele, you’ll find a coral nursery in tanks beside Les Palms restaurant.
“With a majority low tide there it’s difficult to establish an ocean-based nursery. Every time I go I see them growing, which makes me feel proud,” adds the GM.
Good incentive for the projects lies beyond the hotel’s ample decking, pool and standalone spa.
Occasionally, dead coral fragments wash up on the soft sand of the dedicated beach as tiny crabs scuttle to avoid incoming waves.
Also managed by Daniele, you’ll find a coral nursery in tanks beside Les Palms restaurant.
“With a majority low tide there it’s difficult to establish an ocean-based nursery. Every time I go I see them growing, which makes me feel proud,” adds the GM.
Good incentive for the projects lies beyond the hotel’s ample decking, pool and standalone spa.
Occasionally, dead coral fragments wash up on the soft sand of the dedicated beach as tiny crabs scuttle to avoid incoming waves.
SOUTHERN CHARM: The hotel and beach at Doubletree by Hilton Seychelles - Allamanda Rsort & Spa
A more affordable option than its Hilton cousins, the DoubleTree has a boutique feel with sea-facing rooms, including King Deluxe options sporting a balcony jacuzzi tub.
The property is a prime starting point to explore the rest of the island. Ringed by one road and crisscrossed by several, it’s easily navigated and about the equivalent length of driving between Dubai’s two airports.
Your travels can take you to secluded bays and beaches, lofty vistas, such as the ruins of Mission Lodge for views of central Mahe and the west coast.
You might even catch a glimpse of the wind farm, built with assistance from the UAE, which aided the island’s renewable power and education needs.
DETAILS:
FOR more on Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa click on https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/seychelles/hilton-seychelles-northolme-resort-and-spa-SEZHIHI/index.html?WT.mc_id=zELWAKN0EMEA1HI2DMH3LocalSearch4DGGenericx6SEZHIHI
TO find out more on DoubleTree Allamanda go to
https://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/seychelles/doubletree-by-hilton-seychelles-allamanda-resort-and-spa-SEZDTDI/index.html?WT.mc_id=zELWAKN0EMEA1DT2DMH3LocalSearch4DGGenericx6SEZDTDI
The property is a prime starting point to explore the rest of the island. Ringed by one road and crisscrossed by several, it’s easily navigated and about the equivalent length of driving between Dubai’s two airports.
Your travels can take you to secluded bays and beaches, lofty vistas, such as the ruins of Mission Lodge for views of central Mahe and the west coast.
You might even catch a glimpse of the wind farm, built with assistance from the UAE, which aided the island’s renewable power and education needs.
DETAILS:
FOR more on Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa click on https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/seychelles/hilton-seychelles-northolme-resort-and-spa-SEZHIHI/index.html?WT.mc_id=zELWAKN0EMEA1HI2DMH3LocalSearch4DGGenericx6SEZHIHI
TO find out more on DoubleTree Allamanda go to
https://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/seychelles/doubletree-by-hilton-seychelles-allamanda-resort-and-spa-SEZDTDI/index.html?WT.mc_id=zELWAKN0EMEA1DT2DMH3LocalSearch4DGGenericx6SEZDTDI
