Constance Lémuria Seychelles

Opened in 1999, Constance Lémuria Seychelles, affiliate to The Leading Hotels Of World, was the Seychelles’ first luxury hotel. With the harmony between architecture and nature as its aspiration, it boasts an exclusive Shiseido spa and the islands’ only 18-hole golf course. Taking the shears to the surrounding tropical flora would be a mortal sin, so the resort’s granite, marble, timber and straw buildings are in the midst of a fairytale jungle. Even the lighting was designed with subtlety in mind, so as not to disturb the turtles nesting on the beaches at night. (Their habitats are guarded by the hotel’s eagle-eyed "turtle manager".)

The simplicity of the Constance Lémuria Seychelles interior design is an accomplished contrast with the lush vegetation outside: dark furniture, sleek lines, warm-toned fabrics and accessories encapsulating the spirit of Asia and Africa. The balancing act between pure luxury and elegant understatement is particularly successful in the 96 suits, eight new villas and the presidential villa (1.250 sqm). All come with pool, open-air bath, massage pavilion, bedroom, lounge with panoramic windows and a personal butler, who attends to guests’ every desire before it is even uttered.

Dusk is a good time to leave this intimate paradise, if only for a short while, for at this hour the main building high above Kerlan Cove is the Lemuria’s most beautiful spot. As the huge doors into the lobby swing open, the view unfolds across the ample space to cascading pools and down the sea. A chance to savour the international cuisine, subtly blended with the aromas of the Seychelles in both “The Legend” and "The Sea Horse" restaurants.