Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare

The Kempinski Seychelles Resort is a luxurious, peaceful property that has an airy feel. The resort is set on a protected lagoon, right on a lovely white sand beach that offers a safe and quiet place for swimming. Guests enter the resort by crossing an elegant dark wood walkway into the lobby, an open-air pavilion with a peaked roof, marble floors, interesting sculptures, and cool furniture in natural materials. A refreshing welcome drink sets the tone for a Kempinski visit. A series of one-story buildings set among lush tropical gardens make up the complex, and tall palm trees are artistically lit in the evenings. The peaceful vibe continues at the spectacular infinity pool and the spa, with its thatched roof, tropical plants, and rock formations. This elegant, colonial-accented property attracts well-heeled travelers, including families, that are seeking a quiet retreat in a tropical setting. Couples are drawn here for the romantic atmosphere, quality service, and attention to detail in the decor.

The Kempinski Seychelles Resort is located on the south end of Mahe, in the exclusive Baie Lazare area. The resort sits on a white sand beach with calm waters, protected by a picturesque lagoon. The Kempinski is a little far from the island’s tourist attractions for easy sightseeing, but there's a lot to do on the grounds, and many guests arrive with the intention of simply enjoying the on-site pool, spa, and beach. The capital city of Victoria is a 35- to 40-minute drive, and Beau Vallon Village is 45 minutes away by car. The international airport is a 30-minute drive away.

Rooms at the Kempinski Seychelles Resort are clean, spacious, and tastefully decorated with private, furnished balconies or terraces that have either hill, sea, or beachside views. Rooms vary in size, but all have refined decor -- a streamlined, modern fusion of colonial and tropical styles -- with wood furnishings and interesting artwork. Many rooms have canopy beds with filmy, romantic curtains and rustic stone walls, cozy seating, and gorgeous bathrooms with large walk-in shower stalls, flattering lighting, and illuminated magnifying mirrors on the vanities. Terraces and balconies are well-furnished for enjoying the views, including spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Amenities include pillow menus, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, iPod docks, free toiletries, and laptop safes. Wi-Fi is free throughout, though the connection can be spotty. Minibars are stocked with free drinks upon arrival, but there's a charge for any restocking. Adjoining rooms are available upon request.

The Kempinski Seychelles Resort features a full-service luxury spa with six treatment rooms and a lengthy menu of massages, body treatments, scrubs, and facials. One highlight of this property is the Olympic-size infinity pool, complete with tropical landscaping, lots of sunbeds, and umbrellas. There is a large 24-hour fitness center with a variety of up-to-date cardio, weight, and free weight equipment, as well as TVs, fresh fruit, and water plus personal trainers on staff. Active guests will also appreciate the hiking and biking trails, yoga classes, scuba and snorkeling, free loaner bikes, kayaks, volleyball, surf lessons, and stand up paddleboarding that are available. The kids' club is big, bright, and well-supplied, with a playground and a children’s pool. The white sand beach is lined with pretty (and comfy) sunbeds, beach umbrellas, and beachside sofas.

There are three restaurants at the resort, including a buffet that serves nightly themed dinners and a fine dining restaurant, L’Indochine, that serves fresh seafood and a pan-Asian menu in a relaxed but beautiful dining room with gorgeous views. The Windsong Beach Restaurant serves sandwiches, snacks, and international dishes and seafood in a casual beachfront setting, and the bar provides cocktails. In the Planter’s Lounge and Bar, there is live music every evening. The Tidal Lounge, a library and game room, is furnished with comfortable couches, pool tables, a dart board, and other games. A lobby gift shop is also on-site, and guests are welcome to free overnight shoe shines. Wi-Fi is available for free throughout the property, though the signal can be spotty at times.