Seychelles Islands – not just another beach holiday

Described by early settlers as ‘the original Garden of Eden’, the Seychelles archipelago is without a doubt the jewel of the Indian Ocean and a leading luxury destination for discerning travellers. Located 1,600km off the east coast of Africa, these tropical islands are famous for their unspoilt beaches and welcoming Creole hospitality. Here, glittering turquoise oceans lap gently against palm-lined beaches as the slower pace of island life encourages you to leave your day-to-day worries behind, and immerse yourself in an unforgettable island escape.

The Seychelles offers travellers a vast range of experiences, from exhilarating SCUBA diving adventures and helicopter island-hopping, to pampering and unwinding at some the most luxurious resorts on earth. One such resort is Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare. Located on the exclusive south-end of the archipelago’s main island, Mahé, this rustic-chic hideaway is an ideal destination for those looking to get off the tourist track. Set in a secluded bay in dazzling surroundings of untouched, natural beauty, this beachfront paradise offers a private haven for romantics at heart or an activity-packed getaway for adventure-seekers.

Just 30 minutes from the Seychelles International Airport, this idyllic base is well-suited to South Africans that prioritise exclusivity and privacy during their travels. The resort is located directly on an 800m stretch of remarkably beautiful beach – as it is the only hotel in the bay, the area receives very few outside visitors, and guests are able to relax and enjoy their time on the beach in relative seclusion.

A selection of private rooms and suites set in expansive tropical grounds have been designed to blend harmoniously with the natural environment, which is fortunate as natural beauty is something this location has in spades: guests can enjoy ocean views, mountain views and lagoon views without ever leaving the resort.

Adventurous travellers are sure to be impressed by the facilities offered at the watersports and recreation pavilions: an onsite dive centre and complimentary snorkelling gear will assist in exploring the Seychelles’ abundant marine landscapes, while a surf school is available for guests interested in renting surf boards, paddleboards or kayaks.

It is a little-known fact that the Seychelles offers surf-able waves in pristine conditions almost all year round. Empty line-ups in sublime tropical surroundings offer surfers and stand-up paddleboarders the opportunity to enjoy an Indian Ocean paradise that is unique in today’s often over-crowded and urbanised surf scene.

A well-equipped gym and outdoor sports courts join an Olympic length swimming pool in the resort’s artillery of fitness apparatus. However, ‘Mount Kempinski’ is quite possibly the most unique feature of this property – not too many hotels can claim to have their own mountain.

This immense granite elevation offers guests both spectacular views from the summit and the opportunity to enjoy Seychelles’ indigenous vegetation and dense tropical jungle during their ascent. Depending on your fitness level, the gentle hike to the top of the mountain takes around 20 minutes. The relatively flat granite elevations are not only an excellent platform for enjoying the remarkable view, but they’re also the location of morning yoga and pilates classes – an experience not to be missed for early-rising travellers.

From relaxing breaks to aquatic adventures, Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare is an ideal location for those seeking a world-class island getaway.

More Information kempinski.com/seychelles