Highlights

• Opulent modern suites and facilities.
• Wonderful personalized service and care.
• Fine selection of onsite restaurants and bars.
• Access to multiple private beaches and diverse natural environments.
• Largest Spa in the Indian Ocean and many activities.

Background

The largest island of the Seychelles is famous for large luxurious hotels like Constance Ephelia Resort. Even though it is known a large resort, Ephelia feels like a private corner of paradise waiting to be explored. Opened in 2010, this new property is nestled in a national park of green vegetation on the West coast of Mahé, between two sandy beaches and a protected mangrove forest. With the expertise management of the Constance brand renowned for paradise resorts, I was excited to experience Ephelia’s take on paradise.

Experience

Located on the peaceful western coast, the resort is a short drive from the international airport. The property also has a helipad for an even quicker helicopter transfer.

On my arrival I was greeted and shown the lounge where I met with some of the team before being whisked away in a buggy to my Spa Villa. The friendly villa manager helped me complete the registration in the lounge before giving a tour of the villa features. A bottle of champagne and a cupcake was set on the table to welcome me.

The villa was incredible with a private pool, lounge chairs, outdoor shower and bicycles at my disposal. The first door from the courtyard is the lounge with a comfortable seating area facing the flatscreen TV and a round table.

The master bedroom connected to a walk-in closet and powder table. The open-designed bathroom featured a swing chair facing the window, a large jacuzzi tub, dual vanities, a toilet, a sauna, and a rain shower. The main feature of the villa is the private treatment room with two massage beds and another bathroom with a shower, sink, and toilet.

Other accommodations options include Junior Suites, Senior Suites located on the south side and various Villas on the north side. Junior Suites are only a few steps from the beach with an indoor eating area and private terrace to enjoy the gorgeous scenery. The Beach Villas offer easy access to the beach and lagoon. The Hillside Villas and Presidential Villa offer unrivaled views over the bay and beach. The villas feature a private swimming pool, en-suite bathrooms and wine coolers in addition to the standard amenities.

The each of the 309 Suites and Villas include free wi-fi, LCD TVs with mac minis and iPod docks, a minibar, and air conditioning.

With 10 restaurants and bars ranging from Asian cuisine to fresh Mediterranean seafood, there are plenty of options when it comes to dining at the resort. My first night I dined at Seselwa which featured a mixed cuisine buffet dinner with live music and traditional dancing. For my second night I tasted the “haute cuisine” at Cyann which combines French techniques with Asian influences to create their signature dishes. It also features a poolside sushi bar made with fresh fish. My last dinner was at Adam & Eve which specializes in Asian cuisine. After a delicious meal, I even spoke with the chef who was from China. For breakfasts, I dined at Corossol, the main restaurant offering buffet breakfasts and dinners with live chefs stations.

At night, most of these restaurants transform into bars featuring different drinks and cocktails to match the atmosphere of the restaurant. Cyann Bar features top shelf spirits and sophisticated cocktails while the Adam & Eve Bar presents a more laid back ambience and features fresh fruit drinks and local favorites served in green coconuts. Zee Bar brings together sophisticated cocktails, live music, a casual dance floor and lounge chairs to enjoy your drinks while relaxing in the sun or star gazing at night.

One of the highlights of the property is the massive U Spa is located in the center of tropical gardens. With over 5,000 sq m and 17 treatment rooms, this is the largest spa in the Indian Ocean. Facilities include rooms of singles and doubles, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, a cold plunge pool and reflective pool. Guests can relax and lounge in the serene spa area even if they are not getting a treatment.

Ephelia also offers a complete gamut of activities including snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, tennis and squash. A fully equipped gym is also available. Other activities like diving, fishing, wall climbing, zip-lining and bicycle rentals can be arranged.

One of the largest conference facilities in the Seychelles is also located onsite for business events or large banquets. The property is well equipped to handle corporate events and getaways with modern facilities and fast wifi.

Service at Constance Ephelia is simply outstanding. Every member I came in contact with was genuinely friendly and proactive to make sure any needs were met, especially the villa manager who not only was available anytime, but also actively checked on me to make sure everything was going well.

Private beaches with turquoise waters flanked by a national marine park and a protected mangrove forest is the setting for the resort that has it all. With excellent facilities, top-notch restaurants, and inspiring service, Constance Ephelia Resort provides an unforgettable experience which I highly recommend for anyone searching for the ultimate luxurious escape.

Contact
Constance Ephelia Resort
Address: Port Launay, Mahe Island, Seychelles
Telephone: (248) 439 5000 Reservations: (230) 402 27 77
Website: http://www.constancehotels.com/en/hotels-resorts/seychelles/ephelia/
Email: info@epheliaresort.com