Header: Yamini Krishna Photography
Seychelles is a paradise in Eastern Africa, full of turtles and paradise beaches. The country is a conglomerate of 115 islands where white-sand beaches meet lush natural reserves. The Seychelles have been a popular destination for a while now, and most of the tourists often start with Maher Island, where it’s easier to start island hopping in search of a good time.
But where should you stay when visiting the Seychelles? Of course, one visits for the beauty of nature, but hotels and comfort are also important when looking to relax. Located on Maher Island, we present you two hotels that caught our eye due to the exquisite design they both boast, making people question whether those who stay there visited the island for the beaches or the accommodations.
Kempinski Seychelles Resort at Baie Lazare
Baie Lazare now houses the Kempinski Seychelles, a hotel designed in the classic colonial style of the Seychelles. 148 rooms make up the beauty, complemented by an Olympic-sized pool for those days when the ocean just doesn’t cut it, a spa, and balconies all around. Gastronomy wasn’t forgotten in this hotel, as guests can enjoy buffet breakfasts and themed dinners at Café Lazare, pan-Asian specialities at L’Indochine, and crazy-good cocktails at Windsong Bar.
The hotel was originally inaugurated in 2011, so Mmac Design Associates was recently tasked with the responsibility of refurbishing it. The result is a hotel embedded in contemporary luxury and Creole charm. Think large double doors, exotic hardwood floors, plantation shutters, and antique furniture in open veranda-style rooms.
The rooms are a paradise of rich mahogany furnishings, complete with intricate mouldings and plush fabrics. Antiques and classic shutters remind guests of the Seychelles’ heritage, which is also brought to light with the open verandas that scream colonial charm. The design firm’s portfolio shows the designer’s care for the minimization of the impact their projects have on the environment, so it’s no wonder that the resort uses natural materials that both reflect Seychelle’s charm and remind guests of where they are.
Laïla, a Tribute Portfolio resort
Tribute Portfolio, an indie-spirited brand, has now left its mark in the Seychelles with Laïla, a boutique hotel that does the most to connect its guests with the rich local culture. The designers from Mmac Design Associates decided to craft a modern hotel that followed the brand’s guidelines while also complementing the unique Seychelles experience.
The design was curated specifically for the island, as huge windows connect guests with the mountains and ocean while blending the structure with its surroundings. The lack of barriers is felt in every sense of the word, as guests can enjoy the comfort of one of the 76 rooms and 8 suites while admiring the beauty surrounding them. On the other hand, this transparency also minimises the impact of the hotel on the landscape, which is a win for everyone involved. This openness makes the brand’s guidelines clear: the hotel wasn’t made for a specific demographic but for a mindset.
The colour palette used throughout the hotel features bold pops of green that remind guests of the tropical nature of the island, however, this is not the only element that pays tribute to the Seychelles. In the lobby, for example, the ceiling is decorated with the shapes of the country’s many islands—in intricate detail, we might add. Each room was curated to the environment the hotel is set in, as different nature-inspired aesthetics were used in the interior design, and the Seychelles’ plant was given the spotlight in the form of an original mural. Finally, the materials used throughout the hotel are all traditional materials used for centuries in the island’s architecture.
