Salubrious Seychelles

On arrival at Mahe Island we quickly passed through the airport, into our transfer and on our way. Very efficient!

We were warmly welcomed at the outstanding Mango House, LXR Hotels and Resort located in Baie Lazare on the Southwest of the Island. This secluded luxury hotel was once the former family home of Italian photographer Gian Paolo Barbieri. With forty-one sea-facing villas and suites, unique dining venues and a wellness spa, all offering sublime views of the bay. This hotel was totally relaxing, luxurious, inviting and the stylish rooms were superb. We were delighted to enjoy some chill out time at the pool before doing an inspection of the hotel. My room was a Premium room with ocean view which was beautiful, however they also offer luxurious One Bedroom Cliff House and Suite, Two Bedroom Cliff House, and a Three Bedroom House with pool. After our visit we enjoyed a wonderful dining experience at the Azido Japanese restaurant. A night cap was had in the Kokoye cocktail bar where we each sampled one of their signature locally inspired cocktails.

After a wonderful sleep, we enjoyed a fantastic culinary breakfast experience overlooking the bay. The attention to detail at the Mango House is simply outstanding. I highly recommend this hotel for couples; however, children are welcome. For a pure relaxing and luxurious choice of hotel and location, The Mango House is perfect.

The following morning, we were transferred from the Mango House to the Story Hotel in Beau Vallon located on the Northwest of the Island on a 3km white sandy beach with natural reef. This area is more bustling than the previous and offers more in terms of dining outside of the hotels, shopping, markets, and excursions. The hotel is 10 minutes from Victoria (the capital), 5 minutes to Morne National Park and 20 minutes from the airport.

The rooms at The Story Hotel are traditional Seychellois style with open plan bathroom and large balcony. The hotel spreads out over beautiful gardens and has a large airy feel to it. Beach Pool Villas and Grand Beach Pool villas are also available to upgrade to. You can choose to dine in one of seven restaurants. This hotel would suit couples, families, solo travellers, and groups of friends looking for a resort close to the hub of activities and more choice of nightlife.

After lunch we were treated to an enjoyable snorkelling boat excursion along the coast arriving at the secluded and stunning Baie Ternay Beach for some down time. On the way back to our hotel we enjoyed a relaxing cruise of the bay of Beau Vallon. Dinner was enjoyed at the hotel in the evening time.

The next morning, we began our excursion to Victoria to visit the markets, landmarks, and the Botanical Gardens. Victoria is busy and bustling. The Botanical Gardens is a must visit for an enjoyable morning or afternoon. A truly spectacular experience was the Tortoise interaction where we could feed and pet them in a safe and protected environment. We learned in detail about the Coco De Mer (Lodoicea maldivica), also called double coconut, the native palm of the Seychelles Islands.

Later in the afternoon, we went to visit the Fisherman’s Cove hotel adjacent to Story. This is the oldest hotel on the Island of Mahe yet retains its beautiful character. We received the warmest welcome at this hotel followed by a sight inspection. The pool area is most inviting and totally relaxing overlooking the beach. The lobby is very much open plan with striking views of the bay. They do offer different room categories, the two we viewed were the Junior Suite and the Executive Junior Suite as the hotel was 99% full, which speaks for itself. Seychelles is a stunningly beautiful destination. I would describe it as lush and green with beautiful beaches and plenty of activities. Hotels tend to sell on B&B, Half Board however Story offers All Inclusive. Seychelles is a perfect destination for Honeymooners. I would not rule it out for family and friends or solo travellers.

Later in the evening we began our journey home with Qatar Airways via Doha to Dublin. What a fabulous surprise to fly home in Business Class. From Seychelles to Doha, we experienced the exclusive Q-Suite Business Class. This private suite with doors offers ambient mood lighting, fully lie-flat bed, generous storage space and a luxurious quilt. The comfort of Q-Suite is outstanding and a restful sleep was had. The Q-Suite is available on selected routes as a single option, double option or quad option depending on your party size. Without a doubt the new standard of Business Class.

Back at Doha airport we were delighted to experience the Al Mourjan Business lounge for breakfast. The lounge is spacious with ample seating preferences, beautiful cuisine, shower facilities and a welcome reprieve in the airport. From Doha to Dublin, we enjoyed Business Class again for our 7-hour flight. This ensured I felt refreshed and rejuvenated after a busy week exploring both Doha and the Seychelles.

This trip was incredible, and I feel very privileged to have experienced both Doha and The Seychelles and share my thoughts with you.

I welcome any enquiries or questions on either destination.

Thank you for taking to time to read my personal blogs.