Indulge in a tropical escape at Cheval Blanc Seychelles: haven of paradise.
In the scenic Seychelles archipelago, a new resort has emerged as a honeymoon haven, poised to rival its predecessors in allure. Located on the southeastern coast of Mahé Island, the Cheval Blanc Seychelles resort boasts a coveted location along Anse Intendance, a pristine, sandy beach lined with lush vegetation and colossal granite boulders.
The four-season resort's design ethos is a harmonious blend of contemporary architecture and native Seychellois culture, as envisioned by Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy. His signature style, a balance of drama and simplicity, takes cues from the Seychelles' natural surroundings, allowing the island's striking colors and landscapes to be the focal point.
Gathy, intimately familiar with the islands, states, "The colors, the slow movement, the layering between the landscape and open-air areas are all integral to the Seychelles' identity." This nuanced understanding infuses the resort's silhouette, with tributes to local culture found in louvred shutters, pitched shingle roofs, and an abundance of coconut motifs on display throughout the villas and public spaces.
Constructed on a 22-hectare plot, the resort encompasses vast wetland lagoons and tropical jungle that slopes upward to the island's hilly spine. As a result, the resort presents a breathtaking natural landscape, offset by the sleek, mirrored pools and latticework characteristic of Gathy's design. Despite the resort's monumental exterior, the building hues have been muted, providing a backdrop for the island's radiant scenery to take center stage.
The resort offers 52 villas, each measuring a generous 220 square meters or more, with private terraces, lap-length infinity pools, and expansive indoor-outdoor spaces allowing the Indian Ocean breeze to flow freely. The resort’s Ocean Hill Villas, with unobstructed ocean views and the soothing sounds of waves crashing nearby, are the preferred option for most guests. Each villa is furnished with airy, elemental interiors featuring white, gray, and coconut-inspired accents of whitewashed timber, rattan, and mother-of-pearl, offering a refined blend of bespoke and curated pieces.
Art serves as an essential component of the villas' design, with Malagasy artist Joël Andrianomearisoa creating unique tapestry-like pieces for the centerpieces in each villa. The art pieces echo the island's shifting colors and textures, with influences from the smooth, sculptural granite boulders and iconic coco de mer appearing subtly in pieces like table bases and mirror frames.
The resort's social hub, the Main Lodge, sits on the beachfront and hosts a range of dining and drinking options. The all-day brasserie, Le White, serves an international menu, while the toes-in-the-sand Sula beach club offers seafood-heavy Mediterranean dishes and tropical cocktails. Dinner options include a pan-Asian restaurant, Mizumi, and Vivamento, which serves pasta and antipasti inspired by the French and Italian Rivieras. Each venue reflects the resort's commitment to striking a balance between drama and simplicity.
Guests seeking a serene retreat can experience the Guerlain Spa, featuring eight treatment suites nestled among the granite boulders on the hillside. The spa offers therapies inspired by Seychellois healing techniques, combining elements such as heated seashells and steam therapy with skincare products from the renowned French perfumery, Guerlain.
The resort offers a luxurious escape to nature lovers, with easy access from Mahé Airport making it perfect for quick getaways, although extended stays will allow visitors to explore the Seychelles' diverse wildlife-rich private island resorts. The Cheval Blanc Seychelles can be found along Anse Intendance, Mahe Island, Intendance Rd, Quattro Bornes, Seychelles, with rates starting from $2,800 USD.
- The Cheval Blanc Seychelles resort, with its villas showcasing a blend of contemporary design and Seychellois culture, offers a unique lifestyle experience that seamlessly merges home-and-garden aesthetics with travel adventures, creating a haven for discerning guests seeking a balance of luxury and nature.
- Aside from exploring the resort's vibrant garden landscapes, guests can indulge in various dining options that reflect the resort's commitment to balancing drama and simplicity, from Mediterranean dishes at the beachfront Sula beach club to pan-Asian cuisine at Mizumi, all while enjoying travel experiences in the breathtaking Seychelles archipelago.
