Intendance Rd, Takamaka, Mahe Island Seychelles, Takamaka, Seychelles | (937) 315-4602
Situated on a gorgeous white sand beach
Infinity pool surrounded by sundeck and palm trees
Villas with private pools, hot tubs, and outdoor showers
Spa Al Fresco offers treatments in hillside pavilions
Fitness center and tennis court
Room service with in-room barbecue menu
Free on-site parking and loaner bikes
Free, fast Wi-Fi throughout
Food is exceptionally pricey
Located far from the city
Extra charge for holiday gala on Christmas and New Year's Eve
The 60-unit Banyan Tree Seychelles is a luxury property made up of individual villas lining a Mahe hillside above Intendance Bay. The
Banyan Tree focuses on preserving the
cultural and historic flavor of the property, its Creole architecture, and
plantation-style decor. Villas are walled off from passersby, and each has a private pool, a pavilion, a hot tub, and an outdoor shower. However, the experience doesn't come cheap -- the food in particular is pricey -- and the property is removed from the city, making it a good choice for those looking for quiet, but less than ideal for those who prefer being in the heart of things. Travelers could compare this property with the Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, another five-pearl resort that tends to have lower rates.
Scene
A private tropical sanctuary with gorgeous decor and stunning views
The Banyan Tree Seychelles is located on
property that once belonged to George Harrison and "Pink
Panther" star Peter Sellers. The lazy plantation vibe is rich and
elegant, but laid-back, with ceiling fans circulating high above and stunning
views from every vantage point. The villas and common spaces feature Seychellois
handicrafts, artwork, textiles, and sculptures. Buildings and villas are
connected by picturesque wooden walkways lined with palm trees. There's a
lobby lending library where guests can hang out with a book and one of the
Banyan Tree’s signature cocktails. Kids are welcome, but there are no
special children’s facilities, and the clientele is primarily couples -- including plenty of honeymooners.
Location
On a steep hill overlooking Intendance Bay, secluded and private, far from the noise and electric lights of civilization
The Banyan Tree Seychelles is located on the
southwest coast of Mahe, built into a steep hillside overlooking Intendance
Bay, with direct access to a gorgeous white sand beach. The
spot is secluded -- surrounded by sea cliffs, palm trees, and nature -- with nothing but the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks to disturb
guests’ sleep. A rental car is a good idea for those who want to leave the
hotel, although Banyan Tree does offer loaner bikes for guests to pedal around the landscape. There are no restaurants, shops,
or sites close to the property, and the airport is a half-hour drive away.
Rooms
One- and two-bedroom villas with private pools, hot tubs, outdoor showers, and verandas
Villas at the Banyan Tree Seychelles come in one- or two-bedroom configurations, and each has a private pool, hot tub, and outdoor shower behind a
high stone wall for ultimate seclusion. The architecture is typically
Sechellois, with plenty of Creole touches combined with a clean, contemporary aesthetic. A tropical plantation feel comes through in the white-and-cream painted verandahs and louvred doors, with pops of color in the carpets, woven textiles, and gorgeous sculptural headboards behind the
comfy king beds. The beds look out onto private pools with individual poolside
gazebos. Bathrooms
are huge and spa-like, with bottled water tucked into
individual brocade cozies. The indoor shower stalls feature a wall of glass
looking into the villas’ private backyards, which have hot tubs, river
rocks, and fountains. Nightly turndown service includes aromatherapy, and the
minibar is stocked with expensive Champagne. Other amenities include excellent
air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, laptop safes, and
luxury toiletries.
Features
Infinity pool with ocean views, spa, restaurants with Creole and South Asian cuisine, loaner bikes, and fitness center
The Banyan Tree Seychelles features a lovely
infinity pool with views of the Indian Ocean and a poolside bar, surrounded by sun beds and beach umbrellas. The spa offers a full menu of
bodywork and massage in open-air pavilions along the hillside. Room service is available all day, and guests can arrange a meal on the beach, or Champagne
and hors d'oeuvres on the rocks, while watching the sunset. Au Jardin d’Epices
is the buffet restaurant, with extensive spreads at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Chez Lamar specializes in local Creole cuisine, while Saffron -- the Banyan
Tree’s signature restaurant -- serves Thai and South Asian specialties in a gorgeous
dining room with plenty of carved wood and pops of bright orange. La Varangue serves pizza, snacks, and Thai dishes
throughout the day. There are several bars where guests can relax and unwind
with a glass of fine wine, fruit juice, or an artisanal cocktail. Buggies are
available to ferry guests around the property, and bikes are free to borrow to
explore the island. Other features include a tennis court and a fitness center along with a lobby gift selling clothing, handicrafts, signature spa products, and necessities like sunscreen.