Banyan Tree - Seychelles

In 1502 the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama discovered the Amirantes islands. In 1609 John Jourdain was the first British to set foot on the Seychelles. Mistaken for the original 'Garden of Eden' by General Gordon over 100 years ago, these 115 islands in the Indian Ocean have retained their charm and mystique as one of the last paradises on earth. Spread over one million square kilometers of tranquil waters just south of the Equator, some 43 granite islands are clustered around Mahé, while 73 coral islands extend towards the East African coast.

Banyan Tree Seychelles is nestled in the Intendance Bay on Mahé Island, 30 minutes by car from Mahé International Airport and 45 minutes from the capital, Victoria. Mahé offers the perfect introduction to the Seychelles with its steep mountain backbone, slopes carpeted with lush tropical vegetation and sweeping coastline fringed by palm trees. The resort covers an area of approximately 117 hectares on the island's southwestern coastline with a fabulous beach frontage of 800 meters overlooking what has been described as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world.




No visit to Banyan Tree is complete without a visit to the spa, housed in between granite boulders, on a vantage point with magnificent views. On arrival, your masseuse greets you and takes you to a room with a glorious sea view where you find yourself instantly calmed.

The exceptional menu of treatments includes 'his and hers' massages and scrubs so neither of you need feel left out. All the ingredients used in the spa's luxurious products are grown in the spa garden - including the zingy lemongrass used in the wonderful massage oils. After the treatment you are offered crudité³ and fruit with a refreshing tea drink, and asked to put your feet up and simply relax ' bliss!

All 37 stunning villas are either set in a beachside or a rainforest environment, with wooden decks offering glorious views. But for the ultimate in seclusion and exclusivity choose the two bedroom, Presidential Villa that sits in its own private cove on the water's edge, enjoying a breathtaking panorama. Above the bed in the master bedroom you will find images of the mystical coco de mer, adding to the romantic feeling of the room - as do the sofas and beds, piled high with mountains of soft cushions. Each villa has its own garden with a pool, dining and sleeping area, so you'll have the perfect excuse for lounging around all day. The bathroom is like your own personal spa, boasting outrageous glass walls overlooking the sea so you can shower whilst taking in the ocean views.

Spa

Set against a stunning backdrop of majestic granite mountains facing the deep azure Indian Ocean, The Banyan Tree Spa is a haven for your senses. Here, the therapists pamper you with treatments that draw on Asian traditions dating back centuries, including a menu of massages, exotic body scrubs, wraps and facials. The Banyan Tree Day is the ultimate in indulgence and aims to relax and revive your mind body and spirit.

Accomodation

5 Beachfront Spa Pool Villas, 14 Hillside Pool Villas, 4 Pool Villas By-The-Rocks, 3 Intendance Pool Villas, all with air conditioning, private pool, Thai-style sala pavilion, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities, in-villa safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, telephone, TV and ceiling fan. Beachfront Spa Pool Villas also have an outdoor Jacuzzi, sunken bath, outdoor shower and steam room. The Presidential Villa offers 2 en suite bedrooms, 2 swimming pools and deck, Jacuzzi, outdoor shower, steam room and additional free-form pool and deck.

Facilities

2 restaurants, bar, in-villa dining, beach picnic, 8 Spa Pavilions with a full range of treatments and massages, herbal wraps and beauty therapies, beauty salon, gym, pool, windsurfing and snorkelling, are available subject to sea conditions.

Prices

Low season price '2477 per person Breakfast for 7 nights incl flights & transfers.
High season price '2786 Breakfast for 7 nights incl flights & transfers.

Please visit http://www.banyantree.com/seychelles/ for more information