Constance Lemuria - authentically Seychellois and perfectly situated
If you’re planning a trip to the Seychelles, chances are you are looking to soak in the Eden-like paradisiacal beauty of this far-flung smattering of islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean. But not all of the Seychelles’ eight inhabited islands are created equal. To find those picture-perfect iridescent turquoise seas and hulking granite boulders, you’ll need to make it over to the islands of Praslin and La Digue, an hour’s ferry ride or a ten minute flight from the main island of Mahe. Praslin is home to Anse Lazio and La Digue is home to Anse Source d’Argent, both consistently appearing on lists of the world’s best beaches.
The Constance Lemuria is one of just two five-star resorts on Praslin (there are none on La Digue). It’s ideally situated at the end of the northernmost tip of the island, in its own little exclusive enclave. The Lemuria is home to one of Praslin’s most beautiful beaches, Anse Georgette, which is just a short 15 minute walk from the main resort buildings through the lush and undulating slopes of the resort’s very own golf course. The aesthetic is rustic and natural, designed to immerse you in the raw natural beauty and cultural traditions of Praslin Island that surround you, while not neglecting all those important creature comforts.
Some of Seychelles’ best beaches within the resort’s grounds
Staying at the Lemuria, you don’t even need to leave the hotel grounds to experience that picture-perfect Seychelles scenery. The beaches are so natural and iconically “Seychelles” that it feels as if they’ve built a resort around the beaches, not the beaches around the resort.
The beaches are characterised by milky blue seas and pristine white sand, strewn with a jumble of granite rocks and shaded by the vividly green palm trees which surge from every corner of the lush soils. With its tropical rainforest climate, sun and rain are in perfect abundance here.
The beauty of Anse Georgette is so untouched and primeval that you almost feel compelled to tell stories of sailing across uncharted seas to reach it. No one needs to know you walked here from your hotel room!
If you’re feeling even more idle, this little bay in front of the hotel’s main restaurant and pool beckons.
Can’t go wrong with these snooze-inducing cradle loungers that are fastened to the trees. The perfect spot to doze off to the last rays of sun of the day.
Anse Georgette scores perfect marks for its white sands and blue seas. Taking in its beauty is an absolute must-do, at least once.
Seychelles on a plate
The strong sense of place continues into the Lemuria’s F&B offerings. There’s all-day casual dining nestled al fresco amongst the trees to the sound of birdsong. You can sample Creole specialties perched on a rocky peninsula to the sound of the lapping waves. Or there’s fine dining country club-style overlooking the manicured golf course. All of the options somehow make you feel like you’ve entered a distinctive local restaurant rather than one of the outlets in an international resort.
Lazy breakfasts? Yes please. Start at 8am and finish at 11am, chomping down plates of exotic local fruit, chopped to order, one after the next.
As night falls, the thoughtfully designed indirect lighting bathes the main reception and bar area in a romantic glow. Whiling away the hours over a well-shaken drink while cherishing the balmy air and plotting out tomorrow’s agenda is just exquisite.
There’s no inside and outside here; only covered and uncovered. Huna Bar is the perfect spot to take shelter from those late afternoon tropical rain showers. The rain sheeting down onto the leaves right beside you conjure a special sense of peace.
Greener than green
The one thing that strikes you as you stroll through the undulating grounds of the hotel is just how intensely green and riotously growing the trees are. It’s as if they’ve ingested nature’s equivalent of 10 superfood bowl and 100 kale smoothies. No wonder people say it’s like the Garden of Eden here.
The skinny palm trees grow crooked, yielding to the prevailing winds and lurching upwards to breezy blue sky. Just like these palm trees, you’ll want to surrender to the uplifting natural forces that surround you - cast worries into the wind and zone out looking into the infinite horizon.
The epitome of barefoot luxury - a hammock strung up between trees, eyes to the sky, ears to the ocean. There’s no need for any particular plan when simple little joys like this await around every corner.
The Madagascar fody shows an aptitude for camera work.
Ring ring! Bikes await for two-wheeled exploration around the resort.
Make friends with the resident tortoises
These gentle giants live for up to 150 years! It’s all about the slow life. You’ll see them creeping around and foraging on the leaf litter as you make your way down the winding pathway from reception to the guest rooms. Is this a resort or a nature reserve?…
Tee off in the tropics
The Lemuria is home to the only 18 hole championship golf course in Seychelles. The first twelve holes are gentle, winding around lush palm trees and languid lagoons just behind the resort’s main beaches, Small Kerlan Cove and Grand Kerlan Cove. The last six holes are more dramatic, ascending through the steep incline of the terraced fairways before you find yourself perched above the treetops of the dense forest for those final holes with the most breathtaking views.
Freeform natural bathing
The Lemuria’s free form swimming pool pays homage to the natural surroundings, its two levels separated by those archetypal granite boulders. The water cascades down from one level to another, imitating a natural waterfall. Immerse yourself under the waterfall and lose yourself in this idyllic view.
With this low-key swim-up bar, you can enjoy a drink along with your natural spa session.
The Lemuria occupies prime position on what is arguably the Seychelles’ best island for visitors, with some of the island’s - and the world’s - best beaches just a stone’s throw away. If local flavour and immersion in nature are what you’re looking for, the Lemuria is the obvious choice.
