When searching for the best hotels in Mahé, it is no surprise that the name Constance Ephelia constantly comes up. Boasting an enviable location on the West Coast of Mahé, between two of its most beautiful beaches, in a unique natural setting encompassing a marine national park, a wetland nature reserve and a national park, Constance Ephelia is the largest resort in Seychelles, spanning over 120 hectares.
Entrance Foyer
On entering the hotel, a long open-sided walkway leads you to the main communal areas which are surrounded by a reflective water pond. Walk a few steps further and you will arrive at one of the two main beaches at the resort. South Beach has lovely shallow waters and is great for relaxing.
South Beach
North Beach forms part of Port Launay Marine Park and is more popular for swimming and water sports, most of which are complimentary. The shallow waters are home to thousands of colourful fish and a snorkellers dream.
North Beach
Amid this biodiverse sanctuary are 313 suites and villas including a Presidential villa.
Suites
We stayed in the suites which were set in clusters around central swimming pools. Our room consisted of a king size bed, a sitting area, a work area, a Nespresso machine and a minibar. Coco de Mer shaped chocolates, welcome gifts and a pillow menu awaited us, and sliding doors led to a patio with garden views. The bathroom had a bathtub, a shower, double vanity basins and wardrobes.
Our suite
There are a plethora of things to do at the resort although we couldn’t do many of them because of the inclement weather, which happened to be at its worst that season during our stay. When the rain stopped and the sun shone, we took the opportunity to explore the enormous resort from one end to the other.
Rainforest pathway
More like a tropical village than a resort, it is so huge in fact, that shuttle and buggy services run all day, transferring guests from one point to another. We chose to explore mainly by foot, hiking to the view points and up to the Presidential villa from where we were treated to amazing views of the Indian Ocean, surrounding islands and the secluded Ros Lepa beach.
View from the hilltop villas
Guided activities are offered by the fitness centre and I did a photographic safari with them, where we were taken to some of the best viewpoints in the resort. We were also supposed to go zip lining through the lush forests but the weather didn’t oblige, which was unfortunate as this is the only place in Seychelles where you can zip line. Wall climbing and mangrove kayaking are also available while sporting facilities include a gymnasium, tennis courts and a squash court.
Constance Spa
The Constance Spa is the largest spa village in the Indian Ocean and offers a wide range of therapies as well as thermal facilities, which are complimentary for guests between 10am and 2pm.
Kids Club
Families will love the resort, with its family rooms, kids menus and kids spa treatments. The kids’ club will keep the little ones busy with activity programs, and indoor and outdoor play areas. I found the miniature toilets and sun loungers at the shallow pool so adorable.
Giant Aldabra Tortoises
The Aldabra tortoise sanctuary is home to several giant tortoises. some of which are over 100 years old. There is a daily session where guests get to feed them and the kids love that.
Beach near Cyann restaurant
With so much to do onsite, there is no need to venture out. However, should you decide to explore further, then the Port Glaud waterfall and Morne Seychellois National Park are both nearby.
Corossol Restaurant
Your tastebuds will be spoilt for choice here, with 5 restaurants offering different types of cuisine. At Corossol, we enjoyed lavish breakfast buffets, as well as a Creole buffet dinner accompanied by live Creole entertainment. We loved the Creole food, a delicious fusion of French, Indian and African influences with a high emphasis on seafood.
Adam & Eve Restaurant
One evening, we were hosted by Vikas the quality manager for dinner at Adam & Eve, which serves the most delicious Asian cuisine in an outdoor setting where you can feel the sand between your toes as you eat. We enjoyed a 3 course dinner with seafood tom yum soup, pad thai, Thai pineapple fried rice, stir-fried chicken and mango salad inter alia.
Dinner at Adam & Eve Restaurant
An unparalleled location, along with great facilities, food and accommodation make Constance Ephelia the ideal family friendly tropical resort. We stayed here for 2 nights. However I would recommend at least 3 days in order to take advantage of all the resort has to offer, and although we were sad to leave, we had a visit to their sister property in Praslin, Constance Lemuria, to look forward to.
For more information, visit Constance Ephelia or book here.
See why you should visit Seychelles.
Disclosure: 7
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
The spa looks amazing! Definitely looks like a lovely place to unwind.
WOW! This place really does look like paradise! I would so love to spend some relaxing holidays here 🙂
I would love to do the zip line adventure. It is a great way to see up over the resort and jungle without taking a helicopter adventure. The region looks lush.