Hotel insider: Four Seasons Seychelles

Checking in to the Four Seasons Seychelles.

A poolside lounge at the Four Seasons Seychelles. Silvia Razgova / The National

The welcome

Just arriving in the Seychelles instantly lifted my spirit. The ride from the airport to the hotel takes about 45 minutes. The Four Seasons is situated on a steep jungle hilltop overlooking the turquoise ocean. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. The 67-villa resort is Creole-inspired, with teak floors, reflecting the colonial influence on the island. The villas descend down the forest incline; some are closer to the ocean and others are higher up, giving a feeling of utter privacy, as if I’m alone in the resort.

The neighbourhood

What sets the Four Seasons apart from the rest of the resorts in the Seychelles is its location. Situated on the south-west coast of the main island Mahé, the resort lies on a remote hillside overlooking the Petite Anse (Little Cove) bay. The view from the spa is dramatic and breathtaking.

The room

I share a three-bedroom royal suite with a colleague and our photographer. The villa is massive, with an infinity pool, Jacuzzi, and sunbeds that overlook the white sand and ocean waves. I like the huge bathtub, which overlooks the forest, and the outdoor shower. The sound of the ocean waves is very soothing. Each room has its own pavilion; we share a living room with a dining table, sofa and Apple desktop computer. On top of the living room, there’s a large terrace. We’re blessed with a staircase that descends amid the forest and leads to a secluded area of the beach. Otherwise, since the resort is vast, an electric car is needed to reach the other facilities.

The service

Excellent, informative and friendly.

The scene

Mostly French tourists are around at the time of my visit, along with some guests from Kuwait and the UAE.

The food

The breakfast is mouth-watering, including exotic fruits such as papaya, dragon fruit, star fruit and passion fruit. And the goodies keep coming all day long. On a hot day at the beach, expect the staff to bring you iced Popsicles made of frozen watermelon. The two main restaurants are Kannel and Zez. For lunch, I try the tiger prawn masala (440 Seychellois rupees [Dh124]). An accompanying mix of Asian soft bread and chutney is delicious. For a healthier option, I also order the Creole octopus salad (365 rupees [Dh103]), which comes with fresh greens and a citrus dressing.

Loved

A one-hour massage that leaves me too relaxed to be able to walk; snorkelling is another plus.

Hated

Some scary insects, but this is to be expected when you’re in the middle of the forest.

The verdict

The unique location over the bay of Petite Anse makes it a gem. The private feel of the hotel would make it ideal for honeymooners. The sea can get rough, but on a calm day, it’s ideal for a swim.

The bottom line

The three-bedroom royal suite at the Four Seasons Seychelles (www.fourseasons.com/seychelles; 00248 439 3000) costs from €7,720 (Dh30,872) per night. Entry-level accommodation, a one-bedroom garden view villa, costs from €820 (Dh3,278) per night. Prices include breakfast at Zez and are subject to a 10 per cent resort-service charge and 15 per cent government tax.

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