LARGE fruit bats, giant tortoises, shoals of inquisitive fish…
In the second of our Seychelles features, we sample the stunning mix of wildlife and luxury available at Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa.
In the second of our Seychelles features, we sample the stunning mix of wildlife and luxury available at Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa.
THERE’S only one thing better than arriving at a cherished island in the Indian Ocean – and that’s doing it twice in one day.
While landing at Seychelles’ international airport represents a tick on the bucket list the journey to and welcome at Silhouette Island is the stuff of enthusiastic postcards.
For here is the location of Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, a 30-minute boat trip from the main island of Mahe.
For here is the location of Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, a 30-minute boat trip from the main island of Mahe.
PARADISE REALISED: Clear sea, white sand, palm trees - Silhouette Island ticks all the boxes
The welcome actually begins at the brand’s dedicated jetty, near the capital Victoria, with a refreshing drink befitting the tropical location and a refillable souvenir aluminium water bottle, hinting at the resort’s environmental efforts.
Silhouette Island is the third largest in the Seychelles system and Hilton’s 111-villa escape is the only resort.
As you would expect, it caters for sanctuary-seeking honeymooners and guests craving high-end luxury, but this divine enclave also works well for families seeking a safe and varied getaway in which to unwind and re-connect.
That’s partly because Labriz utilises its location well – blending in with as well as framing a stunning environment blessed with endless white sands fringed by lush tropical gardens.
Silhouette Island is the third largest in the Seychelles system and Hilton’s 111-villa escape is the only resort.
As you would expect, it caters for sanctuary-seeking honeymooners and guests craving high-end luxury, but this divine enclave also works well for families seeking a safe and varied getaway in which to unwind and re-connect.
That’s partly because Labriz utilises its location well – blending in with as well as framing a stunning environment blessed with endless white sands fringed by lush tropical gardens.
HISTORIC AUTHENTICITY: Grann Kaz gives a glimpse of the past and a traditional taste of the Seychelles
A choice of villas access and celebrate both aspects, suiting a variety of budgets depending on how large, rural or opulent you desire.
Shaded paths access jogging and walking opportunities and seven F&B choices.
These range from Mediterranean fine dining at Portobello and casual beach bar/diner 4thDegree to charismatic Asian outlet Sakura and the historic Grann Kaz, serving authentic Creole creations such as octopus curry and sausage rougay in a restored plantation house, once home to the island’s former owners.
Surely occupying one of the resort’s most dramatic settings, the tranquil eforea spa has treatment rooms and a hot tub nestled amid ancient tumbled volcanic rocks and rainforest.
Shaded paths access jogging and walking opportunities and seven F&B choices.
These range from Mediterranean fine dining at Portobello and casual beach bar/diner 4thDegree to charismatic Asian outlet Sakura and the historic Grann Kaz, serving authentic Creole creations such as octopus curry and sausage rougay in a restored plantation house, once home to the island’s former owners.
Surely occupying one of the resort’s most dramatic settings, the tranquil eforea spa has treatment rooms and a hot tub nestled amid ancient tumbled volcanic rocks and rainforest.
NICE SPICE: Sakura is one of the atmospheric dining choices that ensure guests never go hungry
Hiking routes, either guided or self-led, push further into the hilly foliage abundant with wildlife, and on to Belle Vue, with epic panoramas, or secluded Anse Mondon.
Large fruit bats are a frequent sight, both flying overhead and pictured on the various water stations dotted around the resort, allowing guests gratis refills of those gifted metal bottles.
You might just need them when you venture to the far side of this mostly national park-designated island to meet the area’s oldest residents.
It possible to get there via a lengthy hike, but Labriz also runs a boat trip to reach the family of protected giant Aldabra tortoises, including one thought to be 140-plus years old.
Large fruit bats are a frequent sight, both flying overhead and pictured on the various water stations dotted around the resort, allowing guests gratis refills of those gifted metal bottles.
You might just need them when you venture to the far side of this mostly national park-designated island to meet the area’s oldest residents.
It possible to get there via a lengthy hike, but Labriz also runs a boat trip to reach the family of protected giant Aldabra tortoises, including one thought to be 140-plus years old.
MEET THE NEIGHBOURS: There's good reason these giants have lived so long on Silhouette Island
You can learn more about them and the island’s winged, gilled or furry inhabitants during a weekly nature talk given to guests in Lo Brizan Bar.
You might find yourself trying to spot some of these indigenous stars from the resort’s ocean-facing pool, while exploring the resort by bicycle or maybe over tennis or a game of giant chess.
Certainly nature provides a re-assuring soundtrack while you relax in one of a wide range of villa choices – whether that be a spacious one bedroom or a palatial King Presidential option, or a beachfront or hillside villa with pool.
Our King Garden Villa boasted a trademark high wooden ceiling, modern fixtures, a terrace with loungers and a spacious bathroom with tub and rain showers – both inside and in a secluded rear garden.
You might find yourself trying to spot some of these indigenous stars from the resort’s ocean-facing pool, while exploring the resort by bicycle or maybe over tennis or a game of giant chess.
Certainly nature provides a re-assuring soundtrack while you relax in one of a wide range of villa choices – whether that be a spacious one bedroom or a palatial King Presidential option, or a beachfront or hillside villa with pool.
Our King Garden Villa boasted a trademark high wooden ceiling, modern fixtures, a terrace with loungers and a spacious bathroom with tub and rain showers – both inside and in a secluded rear garden.
IN TUNE WITH NATURE: Labriz delivers luxury, such as this Garden Villa, while embracing the island's lush environment
The setting, style and demeanour underline what resort General Manager Andre Borg says he has been aiming for with Labriz.
It’s a place that allows guests to be as active or relaxed as desired, while respecting and embracing its precious surroundings.
There’s the opportunity to do snorkeling or diving, simply frequent the beach or check out the hotel’s herb and vegetable garden - part of its sustainability drive.
“It’s a great destination for a family because it’s very safe for kids,” says Andre. “We take sustainability very seriously so those kids are getting in line with this culture of saving on plastic and being sustainable in general.
It’s a place that allows guests to be as active or relaxed as desired, while respecting and embracing its precious surroundings.
There’s the opportunity to do snorkeling or diving, simply frequent the beach or check out the hotel’s herb and vegetable garden - part of its sustainability drive.
“It’s a great destination for a family because it’s very safe for kids,” says Andre. “We take sustainability very seriously so those kids are getting in line with this culture of saving on plastic and being sustainable in general.
SPLASH OUT: If you want the best of the beach and luxury then this Deluxe Beach Pool Villa will be ideal
“We are in a national park so it’s a great place to be in tune with nature, recharging your batteries at the same time. We’re a backdrop to nature, but we are still luxury.”
Andre is keen to promote the Seychelles as a year-round destination with little seasonal variation.
And thanks to regular daily flights from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it’s also a growing short haul and long weekend destination, reachable in under five hours from the UAE.
“We see guests arriving stressed on the first day; after a week they’re transformed,” adds the GM, who previously worked with Hilton in RAK.
Andre is keen to promote the Seychelles as a year-round destination with little seasonal variation.
And thanks to regular daily flights from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it’s also a growing short haul and long weekend destination, reachable in under five hours from the UAE.
“We see guests arriving stressed on the first day; after a week they’re transformed,” adds the GM, who previously worked with Hilton in RAK.
SPA SOME TIME: The dramatic natural setting of the eforea spa at Labriz has to rank among one of the best of any resort
“It’s a resort like others but we are also taking care of nature. It’s not in your face; you can just enjoy your time. It’s still Seychelles, luxury, but on Silhouette we just give it a different perspective. It has natural drama behind it.”
For sure, the greenery, the wildlife and the proximity isn’t lost on this Dubai resident – and it is something increasingly on the radar of other visitors from the UAE, viewed by the island’s tourism officials as one of the important growth markets for Seychelles.
“You can fly in the morning and by the afternoon be on the beach, and re-connect with family and nature,” adds Andre.
For sure, the greenery, the wildlife and the proximity isn’t lost on this Dubai resident – and it is something increasingly on the radar of other visitors from the UAE, viewed by the island’s tourism officials as one of the important growth markets for Seychelles.
“You can fly in the morning and by the afternoon be on the beach, and re-connect with family and nature,” adds Andre.
ABOVE ALL: Hilton's gorgeous Silhouette Island resort blends perfectly with its environment for a unique stay
Certainly the island has given those tortoises good reason to called Silhouette Island home for more than a century.
Now they are just waiting for your visit.
DETAILS:
FOR details on prices, rooms and availability at Hilton Seychelles Tabriz Resort & Spa, click on https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/seychelles/hilton-seychelles-labriz-resort-and-spa-SEZLBHI/index.html?WT.mc_id=zELWAKN0EMEA1HI2DMH3LocalSearch4DGGenericx6SEZLBHI
DISCOVER more on Hilton’s three Seychelles resorts, including prices this Eid holiday, at www3.hilton.com
YOU can catch daily flights with Air Seychelles from Abu Dhabi International and Emirates, from DXB. Visit www.skyscanner.ae for price comparisons.
Now they are just waiting for your visit.
DETAILS:
FOR details on prices, rooms and availability at Hilton Seychelles Tabriz Resort & Spa, click on https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/seychelles/hilton-seychelles-labriz-resort-and-spa-SEZLBHI/index.html?WT.mc_id=zELWAKN0EMEA1HI2DMH3LocalSearch4DGGenericx6SEZLBHI
DISCOVER more on Hilton’s three Seychelles resorts, including prices this Eid holiday, at www3.hilton.com
YOU can catch daily flights with Air Seychelles from Abu Dhabi International and Emirates, from DXB. Visit www.skyscanner.ae for price comparisons.
