The word ‘paradise’ is thrown around a lot when it comes to the islands of the Indian Ocean. But this idyllic archipelago east of Kenya and north of Madagascar is just that. Across the 115 islands, you’ll find both exoticism and elitism – secluded beaches, apatite-blue sea, brightly-hued hibiscus, hawksbill turtles, dramatic rock formations and vibrant multiculturalism. And that’s to say nothing of the incredible resorts tucked along its shores. A lush tropical wonderland, Constance Ephelia has all the ingredients you might want for a truly magical Seychelles getaway.
The setting
Choosing where to stay in the Seychelles can be difficult as you try to decipher which resort is going to be right for you. Almost all of them have preternaturally beautiful beaches, eco credentials, moreish ocean views and gourmet cuisine – but some really do stand out for their attention to detail and unique offering. This is certainly the case for Constance Ephelia, a full-blown lifestyle destination that’s complete with activities that will cater to everyone. The setting is hard to beat – this sprawling Seychelles resort covers 120 hectares on the main island of Mahé; a magic that other resorts in the region can’t compete with. In addition to abundant natural beauty and wildlife, Mahé boasts 18th- and 19th-century French and British architecture, the highest mountain ranges in the Seychelles and the world’s smallest capital, Victoria. The eco-friendly property occupies almost the entirety of a headland at Port Launay, approximately a 40-minute drive from the airport. Filled with lush tropical forest vegetation and soaring coconut palms, Constance Ephelia manages to feel like it’s in its own world, yet every spot feels secluded. The resort is connected by a wide grey pathway that passes through a section of mangrove forest, linking its two sides. Both the northern and southern sides open onto postcard-perfect white-sand beaches. The southern cove, Lans Ilet, is especially calm, with shallow waters extending far from the shore. The northern beach, framed by the Seychelles’ iconic giant granite boulders, is the most picturesque and otherworldly setting. It’s easy to see why Constance Ephelia is a hit with honeymooners, but it’s more than just a romantic destination. Whether you’re looking for ultimate relaxation, an indulgent holiday, a wellbeing retreat or an outdoorsy escape, this is the place where you can do it all. No trouble in paradise. None whatsoever.
Rooms
The largest resort in the Seychelles – and among the most expansive in the Indian Ocean – Constance Ephelia was constructed on a grand scale. The 313 rooms and villas with traditional pavilion-style roofs are arranged throughout the property. The accommodations range from 42 Tropical Garden View Rooms and 184 Junior Suites to 40 Senior Suites, 22 Family Villas, 16 Beach Villas, 8 Hillside Villas and the exclusive Presidential Villa. Some are set amid palm trees and climbing tropical vines, others are built into the steep hillside, and many have king-size beds, espresso machines, outdoor showers and private pools. If we had to choose? The 62-square-metre Junior Suites. They’re perfectly located on the southern side of the resort, close enough to walk to breakfast and the spa without a buggy, but still very private. Central swimming pools provide all-day entertainment, while thick-cushioned sun loungers make full use of the ocean view. Sunset fiends will want the villas, though. The resort channels laid-back luxury with interiors inspired by a natural palette that celebrates its immersive surroundings. Polished rich mahogany is livened up with a spectrum of turquoise and seafoam green. The effect is soothing. Whilst the rooms offer modern conveniences, they retain their authentic feel through unique artworks and custom-made furnishings. All rooms enjoy air-conditioning, ceiling fans, tea- and coffee-making facilities, a minibar with sweet and savoury treats, unobtrusive TVs, fluffy robes and expansive terraces with seating for soaking in the Seychelles’ balmy ocean breeze. The complimentary mineral water is refilled daily in glass bottles to reduce plastic waste. Each bathroom has a roomy tub, large shower, double vanity and an additional makeup mirror. It’s also worth calling out the truly fantastic closets. There’s plenty of space to spread out.
Dining
When it comes to its gastronomic offerings, Constance Ephelia again breaks the expectations we have of resorts. You’ll get to lap up plenty of luxuries throughout your stay, even its vintage wines and fish plucked fresh from the coast. The property has five restaurants and six bars, all perfectly placed in spectacular settings. The culinary centre is Corossol restaurant, where the breakfast buffet provides an excellent start to the day. Prepare for multiple courses. Live stations include omelettes, pancakes, and wok and tandoori choices. And do start with the freshly cut tropical fruits and delicious croissants. The charcuterie selection of meats and cheeses will impress even the most discriminating guests. At Helios, there’s a superb modern Mediterranean menu. It begins with fresh ceviche starters and ends with a sweet-tooth option of French toast with praline crème and salted butter caramel ice cream. There’s also classic caprese salad and beef fillet drenched in carrot-ginger dressing, plus linguine with Coëtivy Island prawns, anchovy breadcrumbs and melted mozzarella. Equally good is Adam & Eve. It delivers Asian-fusion dishes you won’t forget in a hurry. The pan-seared tuna loin with punchy coriander and lemongrass notes is the perfect opening plate, followed by the satay skewers with peanut sauce. The undeniable star is the Thai pineapple fried rice, presented in a pineapple bowl with prawns, garlic, egg and cashew nuts. Another of the restaurants, Seselwa, takes diners on an epicurean adventure. Vegetarians, pescatarians and meat eaters alike will delight at the options available. There’s traditional creole food such as jerk pork and sausage rougail. However, one signature creation you shouldn’t miss is the octopus curry – the national dish of the Seychelles, prepared with wonderfully tender octopus, creamy coconut milk and eggplant.
Wow factor
There are many ways to be wined and dined at Constance Ephelia. But what could beat kicking off your shoes and wiggling your toes in the sand to experience barefoot luxury at its finest? For something special, head straight to Cyann, Constance Ephelia’s signature restaurant – available at an additional cost and not included in full- or half-board packages. The epitome of quiet luxury overlooking the aquamarine (yes, actually aquamarine) waters, Cyann offers a laid-back lunch option. Super-attentive service, the freshest of seafood and an air of sophistication combine into a pampered world all its own. Dreamy. Here’s the place to try the local slipper lobster salad, finely diced with green apple, Japanese mayo and celery cream, or juicy prawns and a glass of crisp white wine. Cooked dishes of grilled fish and sushi come out artfully presented and in bountiful portions. It’s also an oenophile’s dream to find a wine list this extensive on an island in the Indian Ocean. Wine pairings are considered suggestions by the resident sommelier, who oversees the impressive wine cellar. When you’re not eating your weight’s worth in seafood, make sure to book a spa date at the Constance Spa, the biggest in the Indian Ocean. This cool sanctuary welcomes guests with a serene ambiance and tinkling water. The bespoke treatment menu includes Sisley facials, invigorating massages and wellness treatments, along with manicures and pedicures. We can’t recommend the 60-minute couples massage highly enough. It’s hard to describe the feeling of relaxation, particularly since we spent most of it drifting in and out of sleep. While here, don’t forget to take advantage of its other facilities, including a dry sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, various pools as well as a Kneipp footpath. Or return for an early-morning yoga session (if you can extract yourself from bed in time).
Things to do
Constance Ephelia might appear, at first glance, like a destination for couples. But beyond the champagne sundowners and spa experiences designed for two, it’s wonderful for families too. Here, you can embrace tranquility or seek excitement at your own pace. North Beach is the focal point of the resort and is busy with water babies all day. Buggies are needed to get around the property, however, staff are always available to take you to the northern area whenever you wish. Vast rattan daybeds are great for lunchtime snoozes under beach towels, and there’s no shortage of sunbeds – front row or otherwise. Families can also hang out in their villas with huge terraces and private pools. The kids’ club means grown-ups can easily flee to Zee Bar for some R & R. A sneaky poke around looked very promising – a wooden playground, creative activities for all ages and a kids’ pool with the cutest mini sun loungers to match. Speaking of which, the palm-lined paths encourage adults to be big kids and cycle around all day. Activities available at Constance Ephelia include non-motorised watersports, hiking, bike tours, squash, tennis, beach volleyball and ziplining. Feeding the Aldabra giant tortoises snacks of leafy greens and watermelon, or a snorkel around Port Launay Marine Park, is a delight for the whole family. You’ll never hear a single wail of “I’m bored”. Elsewhere, Kabana Beach Bar’s easy-come-easy-go vibe and chilled-out soundtrack make it easy to lose all sense of time as day falls into night. And no one waits till cocktail hour to get things shaking. Flop on a lounge chair as you peer over your paperback with a passion fruit caipirinha. It’s all so deliciously chilled, with rare birds tweeting in the treetops and sun-kissed staff catering to your every whim. Across the resort, staff are very professional, but in a warm and breezy manner that’s perfectly suited to the environment.
What to pack
You’re not going to need much more than swimwear, your floatiest linen bits, sunnies, a woven bag and claw clips to keep your hair off your skin in the rising temperatures. Throw in a wide-brimmed straw hat for sun protection when you’re lounging in between swims. A lightweight coverup dress and day-to-night sandals is the perfect thing to wear over your suit and to the beach bar. Sit back, relax, drink a frozen cocktail, repeat. If you plan to head on any long kayaking or snorkelling sessions at Constance Ephelia, pack sporty bikinis and sun protection gear. Beauty wise – hair oil is a must after all that sun and sea. And don’t forget the basics like sunscreen and antihistamines. But don’t worry if do you forget something; the resort has a shop for any essentials you might need. Plus, you’ll find mosquito repellent waiting for you in your room. Be sure to use it regularly, as mosquitoes can be common, especially during the evenings.
Getting there
Air Seychelles operates convenient direct flights from Johannesburg to Mahé. For a more budget-friendly option, both Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines offer flights with layovers – Kenya Airways in Nairobi and Ethiopian Airlines in Addis Ababa.
Book it
Port Launay Road, Mahé, Seychelles
