The Seychelles archipelago lies just south of the Equator, and the weather is mild year round. July and August are the coolest months with temperatures around 75 degrees. March and April are the hottest, but temperatures seldom exceed 88 degrees. The best time to visit is from May to November since the islands are below the cyclone belt and high winds are rare.
Tourism has replaced agriculture as the most important industry in the country, and Seychellois are very proud of the conservation measures established by their government to promote sustainable tourism. Nearly 50% of the territory is under some kind of natural conservation initiative.
The archipelago boasts some of the most pristine beaches in the world framed by age-old granite boulders, powder soft sands, turquoise waters and sublime opportunities for snorkeling, fishing, water sports or simple relaxation. Most visitors come to unwind from their busy lives in a remote place that seems isolated from the quotidian affairs of everyday life.
For those seeking a pause from their frenetic lives and to replenish their senses in astonishing accommodations with unsurpassed service, the Maia Luxury Resort and Spa is a deserving option. The resort is located on a private peninsula on the island of Mahé, nearby the secluded Anse Louis beach. This palm filled paradise is surrounded by award-winning gardens that isolate guests from the world and provide total discretion to ensure complete freedom.
The resort is composed of a selection of private villas with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Some are perched above gentle hills to guarantee utmost privacy, and others have direct access to private beaches. As soon as you arrive, a personal butler is assigned to take care and anticipate your every wish. Breakfast is cooked to order by the butler in your villa or by the beach to signal the beginning of a fabulous day in exotic Africa. All villas have a private infinity pool, outdoor baths with sunken double tubs, spacious terraces and gazebos with comfy daybeds.
Your butler can organize all your dining options. Dining can be arranged in the privacy of your villa, a candlelit sunset dinner serenaded by the waves of the Indian Ocean, on your private terrace or an afternoon BBQ by the beach. The hotel’s kitchen will adapt to your every wish, whether you prefer vegetarian dishes or a fusion of Creole, French or contemporary Mediterranean complemented by Asian accents. The peppercorn catch-of-the-day is a favorite among guests who swear they’d come back for this Seychellois delicacy. The hotel’s Tec-Tec restaurant specializes in haute light cuisine and is the only gourmet restaurant in the island of Mahé for the exclusive use of the hotel’s guests. An all-inclusive option is now available, which includes unlimited meals, light snacks, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages, among other VIP perks.
One of the main attractions at Maia is the Balinese style world-class spa, consisting of three open-air pavilions, separated by natural rock formations with their own gardens, changing rooms and showers. Water falling down moss covered granite rocks, gentle winds and bird songs are the only sounds you’ll hear while indulging in the La Prairie beauty treatments offered at the spa. Yoga, self-Shiatsu and Qi Gong sessions finish the list spa treatments.
Other amenities include water sports, fishing, island hopping via helicopter, glass bottom boat rides, scenic nature walks, sunset cruises, private picnics in secluded beaches fitted with the best champagne and local delicacies, and the exploration of the local culture. There are no less than 155 islands in Seychelles with some of the safest marine environments in the world. Since the use of spear guns and dynamite for fishing was banned in the 1960s, the wildlife is unafraid of snorkelers and divers.
Visiting the Seychelles will surely be a once in a lifetime experience you’ll wish to repeat. Whether a post safari sojourn, a romantic weekend getaway or a family vacation, Seychellois will love to greet you with characteristic charm and hospitality. Once there, Maia Resort and Spa, considered one of the top resorts in the world, will make the experience truly unforgettable. ■
Related Articles:
Hong Kong: The Multicultural Destination That You Can’t Miss
