The Hong Kong-based hotel group, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, is to open a new Spa resort hotel in the Seychelles group of islands, situated in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa. The complex, which started construction in 2005, was expected to open in 2009. However due to delays it is now scheduled to be open by the end of 2011. Shangri-La has signed an agreement with TriGránit Development Corporation to manage the resort hotel. The estimated investment for the construction of the resort is $53m.
The luxury resort will occupy its own private island, the 9ha Long Island off the coast of Mahe in Northeast Seychelles. The resort will be 25 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes by boat to the capital city of Victoria, making it suitably convenient for the guests. Waterborne guests will arrive at an open-air lobby with panoramic ocean views.
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The restaurant options will include a lobby lounge and bar, all-day coffee shop, specialty restaurant and poolside bar. Additional facilities will include a kids’ club, internet room and fitness centre. An island library will be available for solitary, leisurely reading or small gatherings of up to 75 people for discussions and group therapy.
Todd Cowan, Chief Executive Officer, TriGránit Development Corporation, added: “We selected Shangri-La to manage this very special property due to its record of delivering superlative standards of service; nothing less would suit this luxury Seychelles island-resort.”
Shangri-La villas
Being situated on the Long Island will guarantee that the resort is a totally stress free environment, as the island will be dedicated to the Shangri-La guests.
The exclusivity is assured because of the hotel’s boutique size, with only 40 villas and a total of 40 spacious suites. The villas will be located on the western side of the island.
There will be one-bedroom, two-bedroom and presidential villas.
All villas are being exclusively designed by Budapest-based Fazakas Gyorgy Architects Ltd and Dubai-based Interior Motives interior designers.
The villas will feature infinity-edged plunge pools facing the ocean, spacious sundecks and outdoor showers, all set amidst lush island foliage.
Funicular railway
A funicular railway, which is a first for both Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and the Seychelles, will transport the guests to CHI-Spa (exclusive spa brand of Shangri-La), poised on the island’s central hilltop. The funicular will also stop at the island’s hilltop wedding chapel, accommodating up to 30 people for weddings, vow renewals and blessing ceremonies. Both spa and chapel will offer full views of the Indian Ocean.
Spa facilities
CHI-Spas are designed to create a sanctuary of tranquillity, inspired by the legend of Shangri-La. The therapies are based on ancient healing traditions, philosophies and rituals of China and the Himalayas. Treatments include steam rooms, massage, water therapy, stone massage, Himalayan bath therapy, couples massage, Chi balance, Shiatsu, reflexology, anti-aging facials, body wraps, acupressure and acupuncture treatments.
The island
The Shangri-La Resort and Spa will be ideally located to take advantage of the clear, warm, turquoise waters the Seychelles has to offer.
Guests will be able to relax and unwind in a multitude of different ways, using both the spa treatments and the tranquil surroundings. Long Island is part of the acclaimed Sainte Anne Marine National Park; a resort dive centre will outfit and give tuition to first-time and expert divers.
Water enthusiasts can also indulge in boating, fishing, motorised water sports, swimming in the infinity-edged pool or exploring the multiple beach coves that ring the island. Tennis is also catered for, with ocean-view tennis courts available.
Shangri-La is a hotel company that has alighted on a winning combination of luxury and pampered customer service.
