Looking for a connection with nature, Fernanda Langhammer headed to this archipelago in the Indian Ocean to explore its beauty while staying at Constance Ephelia and Constance Lemuria.
I f you read my pages every month, you already know this, but I will repeat myself: I love travelling. There are lots of people (really a lot of people) sharing the same passion I do. Exploring a new country, its architecture, cuisine and culture is something that excites me. I had never been to Seychelles before, and I was lucky enough to see it through my stays at Constance Ephelia and Constance Lemuria hotels – an experience that is worth sharing.
CONSTANCE EPHELIA – MAHÉ
The journey to this slice of bliss on Earth started at Constance Ephelia, located on the main island of Mahé. After a drive across the island, which allowed me to take in all the beauty of the scenery, we reached the hotel which is in a natural park occupying 120 hectares – it’s a huge resort filled with greenery, mangroves, white sand and azure waters.
As soon as we reached the property, smiley Tembi, the watchman, welcomed us with enthusiasm, wishing us a pleasant stay. By the hotel entrance, a big team was waiting for us and made sure our check in went smoothly, done in the sofa area of Zee Bar, perfectly aligning with the chilled atmosphere of the resort.
The Resting Nest
Constance Ephelia is composed of 313 rooms ranging from junior and senior suites to two- and three-bedroom villas, hillside villas and a presidential suite – all have either garden or sea views. My Junior Suite had the spectacular ocean a few steps away and was very spacious. It had a comfy bed full of pillows, a large sofa and a bathtub separating the room from the bathroom. Boasting all the necessary amenities, there was also plenty of space to store my belongings.
Leisure for All
The hotel’s position is privileged, the natural park sits at the end of the peninsula and the property is divided into North and South, offering two main beaches and a few private gems. The beautiful and blooming mangroves create a path between the two parts. A good way to roam around the property is to request one of the bikes available at the Fitness Centre.
The sea in the South area, where I stayed, was rough during my stay (it depends on the time of the year), while the North beach was very calm and great for swimming. The imposing mountains surrounding the water make this place quite magical, which made me feel at one with nature. But Constance Ephelia offers much more than just dreamy beaches; it provides an array of activities, with hiking being my favourite of them all.
A 1.6km walk inside the forest to cross from South to North, a path up the mountain providing the most breathtaking views – a unique experience without leaving the hotel premises.
Constance Spa is another highlight. With 18 rooms shaped like little huts, the space is a haven of tranquillity and transports your mind to a place of calm. With a pool in the centre, yoga classes happening outdoors and privacy in each treatment room, this part of the property is a jewel in a lush tropical scenario.
I headed there for a classic massage to immerse myself in relaxation. My therapist, Ratna, understood the task and, instead of working on pressure points, she delivered a treatment that allowed me to enjoy a true state of restfulness. The wind outside, kissing the palm trees that eventually touched the natural roof of the hut, created a sound that made my mind drift away, absorbing the good energy of the moment. I highly recommend booking a spa treatment while travelling, it hits differently.
If you like water, there are eight pools spread across the property and two boathouses offering watersports gear on each side of the resort. You can choose from pedal boats, small sailing catamarans, kayaks and snorkelling gear. However, if you prefer land sports, you’ll find four tennis courts, padel and squash courts and a fully equipped gym to help you keep up your workout routine. If you travel there with your family, there is a kids’ club called Coconut Tribe, where even the loungers by the private pool for the little ones are sized accordingly.
Delectable Gastronomy
When you go to a beach resort, you don’t usually expect that food will be a key element and one that stands out. However, at Constance Hotels & Resorts, this matter is taken seriously and is offered with a wide selection of fine grapes. Constance Ephelia has seven eateries: Corossol (where the breakfast is served, but where you also find a selection of international dishes), Helios (Mediterranean cuisine), Adam & Eve (with a Southeast Asian menu), Seselwa (to explore local Seychellois recipes), Cyann (for a fine-dining experience) and Zee and Kabana bars for a more relaxed atmosphere with small bites and creative drinks. Every outlet has at least one or two sommeliers helping elevate the dining experience.
I had many memorable meals during my stay, but I will highlight some of my favourite ones. The Tom Yum soup at Adam & Eve was beautiful, not too thin, offering the perfect creaminess and coconut flavour, with prawns and shimeji mushrooms cooked to perfection. Still at the same restaurant, the cubed red snapper in a sticky, sweet and tangy sauce, with crispy edges and a soft interior, was simply divine, especially when paired with the smoked eggplant. At Seselwa, the dish that took me back home, Palm Heart Gratin, won my taste buds. Baked palm heart in bechamel sauce, topped with parmesan cheese, came bubbling and felt incredibly comforting. At Cyann, the prawn carpaccio, accompanied by sauces that represented the colours of the country’s flag, was almost too pretty to eat – fine dining at its best. Each eatery has its specialised chef delivering the best of each cuisine.
CONSTANCE LEMURIA – PRASLIN
To get to this property on the island of Praslin, we took a small plane, and in 15 minutes we reached our new destination. Constance Lemuria is a short drive from the airport and feels a bit more elegant and cosy, giving the impression that it was built in a way that makes it part of nature.
Our arrival was received with grandeur; a gong played while we walked towards the massive doors of the hotel, opening right after the last gong sound disappeared. The vision behind the doors was stunning, the open reception, showcasing the infinity pool facing the ocean – an image that keeps replaying on my mind.
The Abode
My room at Lemuria was very similar to Ephelia, a Junior Suite with sea views. The room was brighter and the furnishings a bit more sophisticated. I loved that there was a window between the bathtub and the room, adding a touch of charm to the space. A clothesline on top of the tub was my favourite detail; many resorts forget to offer a solution to dry wet swimsuits. The double sink and spacious shower made it perfect.
Around the Property
One of the main attractions at Lemuria is its 18-hole championship golf course. I am not an expert in the sport (I am actually the opposite), but we were invited to try out the course with a patient instructor, Gary. He gave us some basic instructions and, in no time, we were hitting our balls with different clubs, understanding movements and lingo – a fun experience for beginners and a great setup for pros.
The sea in front of my room had slightly choppy waters; however, I went for a short swim on one of the mornings and it was splendid – nature is perfect! To best enjoy a proper swim, we headed to Anse Georgette, a beach world-renowned for its soft white sand, turquoise waters and lush green surroundings. I am a water enthusiast (I grew up swimming in the sea), so I stayed long hours catching waves and diving when they were too high – I felt like a kid again.
Outstanding Meals
With five restaurants and one bar, gastronomy is once again at the centre of the experience – to the delight of the foodie in me. Legend is the main restaurant, where a varied and delicious breakfast is served, offering stunning views. Located in a high area, the greenery and turquoise water bathed my eyes while my black coffee soothed my soul in the early hours of the day.
Takamaka (yes, the name of the country’s famous liquor, but also the national tree), is a barefoot dining space – eating with my feet deep in the soft sand was a big highlight. The dinner was accompanied by entertainment featuring local songs played on percussion instruments, creating an atmosphere of vibrancy that made the meal one of the best of the entire trip. We tried a set menu called My Seychelles Story by Chef Jordi Villa. It was incredibly refreshing and paired very well with the climate. A coconut palm salad, served on a coconut shell, was spot on for me for its simplicity and smooth flavours.
The Nest has an incredible location on top of a small hill, offering views of the sea and beach, as well as local cuisine. The seafood curry is a must-have!
Last but not least, Diva is all about fine dining. The décor is funky with purple chandeliers resembling jellyfish and raffia chairs that recreate the turtles’ shells. Dinner was in the company of lovely Marie Noella, Lemuria’s Executive Assistant Manager, who told us all about Constance Hotels & Resorts. She’s been working with the company for 25 years, certainly a voice of experience and someone who understands the brand very well. To my surprise, the menu had my name on it, which was a caring touch that made me smile – a personalised souvenir. The entire selection was impeccable, but the Hokkaido scallops with Kampot pepper and verjus emulsion (a creamy buttery sauce made with verjus, a non-alcoholic juice of unripe grapes) was perfection in a bite. The crunchy top of the scallop, mixed with the sweetness of the mollusc and the saltiness of the jus, made it a star dish to my palate.
Sustainability Core
Both properties take the environment where they are located very seriously. At Ephelia, Markus is the sustainability manager and at Lemuria, Joseph. We enjoyed a nice talk with them and found out that Ephelia is home to seven species of mangroves and is certified as a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. An important certification that promotes conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
We walked around the property and learned about the bees making mangrove honey, spiders that create a balanced environment and even tried a germinated coconut that Markus promptly opened with the skill of a person who is wilderness-smart. In Lemuria, Joseph explained why they didn’t cut the bushes near the beach to give guests an open view of the sea. The reason? The vegetation in a hatching nest for turtles. They even have a special room by the sea with visual and written explanations about the turtles, where Robert, the turtle manager, sits.
Final Thoughts
Constance’s motto, True by Nature, says a lot; they not only celebrate the natural environment where the brand has its properties, but also the nature of its people. Everyone was extremely polite without losing their own personality. We got to explore the properties in the company of many of them, sharing their stories and helping to bring the brand’s vision to life.
Big thanks to Galia, Anais, Hiru, Sheila, Didier, Vladimir, Mr Stephane, all the chefs, Sachin, John, Richard, Diane, Abir and everyone that made this memorable experience possible. I am grateful for your time and for creating memories that I will cherish and carry with me forever. I hope to see you again one of these days – I do plan to return to this magical Creole land.
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit:
www.constancehotels.com/en/hotels-resorts/ephelia/
www.constancehotels.com/en/hotels-resorts/lemuria/
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