Equity Mag Sep_17 Book Folder

TRAVEL
Book now
To make a reservation,
visit hiltonseychelleslabriz.
com and hilton.com/hiltonseychelles-northolme-resort
MAGNIFICENT MAHÉ
The stunning adults-only resort on Mahé, Hilton Seychelles
Northolme Resort & Spa, is a picturesque abode perched atop
a hill, with wooden villas and suites that make up the space. The
cabin-like vibe exudes cosiness, making guests want to stay in
their villas to enjoy a cuppa on the terrace while gazing at the
hills and ocean. Upon walking around, we could see why author
of the James Bond series, Ian Flemming, felt a fervency towards
GETTING THERE
Air Seychelles offers direct flights from Abu Dhabi and is
just under five hours away. The codeshare with Etihad
Airways, gives Business Class passengers access to the
Lounge where they can help themselves to a widespread
buffet, unwind with a beverage, and make use of the
facilities. The Lounge also boasts a Six Senses Spa and
Style & Shave outlet for ladies in need of a manicurepedicure,
and men who want to avoid the 5pm shadow.
Business Class tickets are available from Dhs6,650 per
person. Visit airseychelles.com
this resort – the smallest Hilton hotel in the world – with its
charming nooks and tucked away beaches, allowing the creative
juices to flow as he penned away. The stunning infinity pool that
looks out to the shimmering waters is where you will most likely
want to spend all your time, whiling away with a book and fresh
coconut water.
While the resort doesn’t offer plenty of activities – it is a
relaxing honeymooners getaway after all – you can head into
town to explore. Begin your journey at the Seychelles National
Botanical Gardens located on the outskirts of Victoria to learn
about endemic plants, explore exotic trees within the tropical
gardens, spot a few fruit bats (also a delicacy in Seychelles) and
feed giant tortoises, some of which are over 150 years old.
Make your way to the Mission Lodge after, a vantage point
that offers panoramic views of the ocean and mountains
southwards across Mahé. By this point the hunger pangs may
kick in, and there’s no better spot to enjoy an authentic Creole
lunch than at the highly-recommended hilltop restaurant at Le
Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden. Savour fresh fish cooked in a
banana leaf with a side of gravy and rice, mango salad, and
banana crepes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. All dishes are
cooked with the plantation’s own spices. Walk through the
25-hectare garden after and tour the eighteenth-century
gardens developed by the French to promote spice trading in
the colonies. The nature walk exposes you to plenty of spices
and plantations including cinnamon, cotton, and a strangely
named Lipstick tree – the fruit’s flesh stains your fingers with a
vibrant pink-red hue.
Make your way back to the hotel for a much-needed
massage at the spa, with treatment rooms that look out to the
landscape, or a hot bath drawn in your suite. For the perfect
conclusion to a summer sojourn, enjoy dinner at the Hilltop
restaurant for local entertainment accompanied by Italian and
Asian specialties, or Les Cocotiers, which offers a Creoleinternational
fusion meal under the stars.
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EQUITY