Top 5 Seychelles Gourmet Hotels

Gourmet Experiences

Echoing the grand assortment of people who populate Seychelles, Creole cuisine features the subtleties and nuances of French cooking, the exoticism of Indian dishes and the piquant flavours of the Orient. Here are the top 5 Seychelles Luxury hotels offering the best gourmet experiences: 

Le Domaine de l’Orangeraie in La Digue

Enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of La Digue Le Domaine de l’Orangerie offers all day dining.

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Le Combava Restaurant
Le Combava, which means kaffir lime, is an exquisitely designed roof terrace lounge serving à la carte food only. This epicurean delight serves up the finest meals using the freshest ingredients only, for an upbeat and sophisticated culinary experience.

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Santosha Restaurant
Serves popular international fare and local Creole specialties in eclectic mix live cooking style and buffet with the “Catch of the day”. The outside deck graciously overlooks the Indian Ocean and the crystal clear waters for alfresco dining. The breathtaking view of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean will whet your appetite, marking an exquisite and memorable dinner.

Raffles in Praslin

Combining the best of the local culture and cuisine with dishes from around the world.

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Losean Restaurant
Virtual Tour

Meaning ‘ocean’ in Creole, Losean is open for breakfast and dinner. It features regular themed buffets including colourful Mediterranean, Creole, seafood, and barbecue evenings with live entertainment. There is outdoor and indoor seating, and a garden view. Specialties include roast lamb on the spit, wood-burning pizza oven, whole fish, paella, and cookery classes for resident guests.

Curieuse Seafood Restaurant
Virtual Tour

Named after the nearby island, Curieuse this seafood restaurant offers a breezy, island-chic atmosphere in a relaxed and casual venue. It has outdoor and covered seating areas to keep you close to the beautiful environment and private pavilions available for romantic dinners. Indian Ocean seafood and grill, with meat specialties also available, and an international wine list; vegetarian diets and special requests always accommodated.

Denis Island

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Whether it is breakfast in bed or romantic candle-lit dinner on the beach – the night sky your only roof, an intimate table for two on the deck of your own villa, or dinner in the terrace dining room, the refined cuisine of Denis Private Island is nothing short of tantalizing.
The chef prepares daily the most succulent dishes, creative and extensive buffets with live cooking stations fresh from the island’s estate and fished from the surrounding seas for breakfast and lunch. And in the evenings, Creole speciality night, barbecues on the beach, sushi and sashimi prepared from the day’s catch. Another highlight is the elegantly- presented five-course table d’hôte dinners in the dining room or around the pool deck. Before and after dinner, staying open well into the night, the well-stocked bar provides the meeting point for a tête-à-tête or to get to know your fellow guests.

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Constance Ephelia

Constance Ephelia Resort of Seychelles has five restaurants and bars. Each outlet has its own individual concept, design and décor, thereby maximizing  the possibilities in terms of culinary and bar experiences. Our little gourmets are also well catered for with different menus to appeal to different ages – including gourmet baby food.

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Corossol “Live”
Corossol “Live” is the main half board buffet restaurant on South Beach. The main focus is the live cuisine creating interaction between the chefs and the guests. The buffet offers different sections – an Asian station with wok and Tandoori station, as well as Asian noodles, central station featuring a beautiful pizza oven, pasta station, grill and plancha, to name just a few.

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Helios “Mediterranean” Buffet restaurant 

A casual chic restaurant on the South beach with its main feature being a large wood-burning oven. Open for lunch and based on a buffet service with influences from the South of France, Italy, Spain, Morocco, Lebanon, etc… Tapas, mezze, antipasti, are followed by thin and crispy pizzas, whole fishes and dishes baked in the oven in cast iron dishes. A wide range of creative pasta is also on offer. For desserts, “Helios” boasts a selection of creative ice creams and sundaes. Tea/pancake and ice-cream service from 15h00 to 17h00. Open for dinner for special evenings only.

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Adam & Eve…“Ethnic Grill” A la carte grill on South Beach
The à la carte restaurant on the South Beach. Its open kitchen offers a selection of creative salads, a large selection of skewers and quality meats and fish dishes grilled or cooked “à la plancha” in front of the guests. Another speciality of this restaurant is the “native” breads that are prepared and cooked on site and served with their local signature “chutney”. Beach Menu available between 12h00 to 17h00. Open for dinner for special themed evenings.

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Cyann

Cyann “Signature cuisine” is a speciality à la carte restaurant with on North Beach
Cyann is the “haute cuisine” restaurant of the resort, unique in its concept and design. Located at the bottom of the Hillside villas, this restaurant offers a beautiful view over Port Launay marine park. Casual chic for lunch, the restaurant turns into an elegant and refined venue in the evening. Cyann proposes a selection of signature dishes combining French culinary techniques with the lightness and flavours of local and Asian influences. A sushi bar, situated near the pool, offers the best quality fish for lunch and dinner. The Chef’s table experience, allows guests to enjoy the action of the kitchen, as well as a specially created menu. Open for lunch from 12h00 to 15h00. Beach Menu available between 12h00 to 17h00. Open for dinner from 19h30 to 22h30.

Seselwa “Cuisine des Iles”

Casual all day à la carte restaurant  on North Beach. Seselwa is a casual and popular outlet, with a lively ambiance and facing the gorgeous North Beach. Designed with white furniture and brightly coloured cushions, it evokes freshness and the festive spirit of Seychelles. Breakfast is served buffet style. At lunch and dinner, Creole specialities are proposed and the freshest seafood is grilled in front of the guests on the central grill. Flavours of the Islands and the very best ingredients are the words that best describe the Seselwa culinary style. Open for breakfast on a buffet style with à la carte options. Open for lunch from 12h00 to 15h00. Beach Menu available between 12h00 to 17h00. Open for dinner from 19h30 to 22h30.

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Four Seasons Seychelles on Mahe

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RESTAURANT ZEZ

Zez boasts spectacular ocean and sunset views from the top of the hillside.

The breakfast buffet takes you on a journey around the world. Our favourite was the three-egg omelette with crab meat, accompanied with potatoes and tomatoes. Waffles, whipped cream, maple syrup, green banana sauce and french toast, caramelised pineapple, cinnamon, maple syrup

Dinner is a contemporary interpretation of intercontinental cuisine, as well as delicate preparations of local fish.  Specialities to be found are Fines de Claires Oysters, Sautéed Foie Gras, Vanilla Glazed Lobster Tail and Premium beef.

APPETISERS

Fines de Claires Oysters – Half Dozen, Shallots Vinegar, Cocktail Sauce
Yellow Fin Tuna Tartare with Avocado, Mango Coulis
Slow-Roasted Pork Belly with Red Wine Braised Cabbage, White Bean Cassoulet
Sautéed Foie Gras with Takamaka Rum and Banana Flambé, Cinnamon Croûtons
Prawns Al Ajillo with Tomato, Garlic, Potatoes Sautéed
Veal Sweetbread with Eggplant and Tomato Ragout, Crispy Potato
Beef Carpaccio – US Beef Tenderloin, Truffle-Lemon Dressing, Seasonal Greens
Rocket Salad with Fresh Figs, Prosciutto, Pomegranate Vinaigrette Lobster Carpaccio with Baby Greens, Champagne Dressing Caprese Salad – Tomato, Buffalo Mozzarella, Balsamic Reduction
Mixed Vegetable Salad – Bell Peppers, Cucumbers, Mango, Radicchio, Endive, Violet Mustard Vinaigrette

SOUP

Grilled Vegetable Gazpacho with Garlic Croûton, Zucchini Wrap
Creamy Seafood Chowder – Bacon, Shrimp, Scallops, Mussels, Red Snapper
Mushroom Soup with Quail Ravioli, Truffle Foam

MAINS

FISH AND SEAFOOD
Red Snapper with Potatoes, Green Beans, Black Olive Tapenade
Job Fish – Pan-seared, Fava Beans, Cherry Tomatoes, Lemon Preserve Sauce
Mahi Mahi with Lentil Salad, Red Wine Tomato Dressing
Vanilla-Glazed Lobster Tail with Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus, Lobster Emulsion
Seafood Cioppino – Prawns, Octopus, Lobster, Grouper, Garlic Bread

MEAT AND POULTRY
Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops with Potato Croquette, Caramelised Fennel, Mint-Rosemary Reduction
Boneless Beef Short Ribs with Potato Gratin, Haricot Verts, Braising Jus
Angus Beef Tenderloin – Grilled, with Truffle Mashed Potato, Sautéed Spinach, Thyme Jus
Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach, Pine Nuts, Tomato, Creamy Mascarpone Polenta
Duck Confit Risotto with Morel Mushrooms, Crispy Parmesan Cheese

VEGETARIAN
Vegetable and Potato Mille-Feuille with Caramelised Onions, Sautéed Spinach, Tomato, White Bean Ragout
Saffron Risotto with Seasonal Mushroom Ragout

DESSERT
Roasted Pineapple with Coconut-Vanilla Ice Cream
Tiramisu
Strawberry Macaroon with Yogurt-Ginger Sorbet
Churros with a Duo of Toffee and Vanilla Sauce
Citrus Salad with Orange Short Bread and Calamansi Sorbet
Trio of Gelato – Berries, Pistachio, Orange, Hazelnut, Mocha, Lemon, Stracciatella

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Restaurant Kannel

Stylish yet informal, Kannel serves Creole and international fare, featuring a variety of fresh fish and seafood. Enjoy its beach-side location, stunning open-air setting and spectacular views of the water.

APPETISERS

Mediterranean Salad – Tomato, Bell Pepper, Avocado, Cucumber, Onion, Feta Cheese, Coriander, Crispy Bread, Olive Oil and White Vinegar Dressing

Grilled Asparagus with Mixed Bean Salad, Egg and White Balsamic Dressing

Scallop Fritters with Salsa Verde and Avocado Dip

Niçoise Salad with Soft Poached Egg

Caesar Salad – Romaine Lettuce, Crispy Bacon, Toast, Egg and Caesar Dressing

With Grilled Chicken

With Grilled Prawns

Grilled Octopus Skewer with Sweet Chili Glaze

Tuna Tartare with Spicy Okra Salad

Sliced Raw Fish Marinated in Coconut Dressing with Crab and Spring Onion Cakes

Thai-Style Beef Salad with Tomato, Spring Onion, Cucumber, Coriander, Fresh Chili and Garlic

SOUPS

Spicy Lentil Soup

Ginger Fish Soup with Coconut Milk

Wild Mushroom Soup

MAIN COURSES

Penne Pasta with Tomato Tuna Bolognese

Linguine Al Olio with Green Vegetables and Parmesan

Reef Fish Slow-Cooked Creole-Style with Palm Heart Pickle

Mixed Seafood Grill with Arugula and Baby Spinach Salad

Whole Grilled Catch of the Day with Green Papaya Salad and Creole Rice

Steamed Red Grouper in Light Soy Broth with Wok-Fried Bok Choy

Grilled Beef Sirloin with French Fries and Béarnaise Sauce

Lamb Cutlets with Biryani Rice, Masala Potatoes and Onion Raitta

Oven-Roast Pork Loin with Spicy Honey and Stir-Fried Noodles with Pineapple

Creole – Curry Served with Local Chutney and White Rice

With Prawns

With Chicken

With Fish

Creole Dishes

DESSERTS

Vanilla Pannacotta with Exotic Fruit and Mango Sorbet

Pineapple Crumble and Lime-Piña Colada Sorbet

Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée

Warm Chocolate Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream

Tapioca with Coconut Milk and Banana Marinated in Rum

Creamy Chocolate with Raspberries and Lychee Sorbet

Homemade Ice Creams and Sorbets

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Top 10 Mauritius Luxury Villas of 2012

Reflecting on 2012 we have seen some interesting developments. Whilst there are still some firm favourites making the top 10 we have seen a large increase in family groups looking for a traditional yet trendy villa holiday. This year has been hugely successful for several of the villas on this trend in Mauritius. These spacious architect-designed pool villas with often 5+ bedrooms, offer a real home from home with their own local staff to take away those domestic chores.

2012 has also seen the opening of more luxury oceanfront apartments with very positive client feedback. Wedding parties blocking whole complexes were very popular this year, especially for those with guests from the southern and northern hemispheres meeting half way.

Mauritius continues to attract the villa client who can enjoy a tropical home from home, with homemade cooking, hot sandy beaches and the usual warm welcome of the Mauritius people.

Luxury Beach Apartments

 

Cape Point Apartments – Cap Malheureux (North Coast Mauritius)

 

Cape Point is a fantastic seafront property in North Mauritius just 5 minutes from Grand Bay. This year has seen a flurry of wedding groups with guests from all around the globe. Weddings can be held at Cape Point or at other romantic locations nearby. Cape Point has four spacious 3 bedroom apartments and a 4 bedroom penthouse offering a high level of comfort and stunning views over the lagoon and the northern islands. The swimming pool has a large wooden decking area and a pool bar.

 

Leora Beach Apartments – Tamarin, Black River (West Coast Mauritius) 

Leora opened late 2011 and was the first luxury apartments for rental on the west coast. An instant hit with our guests, it will soon be joined in April 2013 by another similar property L’Espanade. Leora Beachfront Apartments are in a stunning location with amazing sea views. There are 12 apartments and 2 penthouses of 3 bedrooms each set in four stylish blocks. Nearby are top-rated golf courses, sports clubs and commercial centres with shops and restaurants. The opening of such apartments are ideal for families, couples and groups of friends.

Traditional & Trendy Luxury Villas

 

Villa Athénée – Poste Lafayette (East Coast Mauritius)

As always, Villa Athénée is a firm favourite every year, this 5 bedroom beachfront thatched villa is traditonal yet stylish. A real home from home, the guests appreciate the ambiance of the villa, deck, pool and lovely soft sand of the beach as well as the delicious cooking provided by Marie-Josee. Excellent choice for a group of friends or large family.

Villa Hermes

 

Villas Hermes – Belle Mare (East Coast Mauritius)

One of our favourites and with fantastic staff, this villa brings family and golfing groups back year after year. Villas Hermes 2 with its 5 bedrooms can be rented along with Villa Hermes 1 with 4 bedrooms. A much sought-after villa which shares the finest beach of Belle Mare with the One&Only St Géran. All bedrooms are en-suite and air-conditioned. The outside covered terrace leads to a spacious lawn overlooking the powder beach and quiet bay. In our opinion you can’t beat both its location and its dedicated staff . A truly authentic Mauritius holiday experience.

La Boiserie – Trou Aux Biches/Mont Choisy (North Coast Mauritius)

On a gorgeous sandy beach, this well positioned  4-bedroom villa with a guest cottage sleeps up to 8 adults and 2 children. Days are spent sunbathing in the beautifully maintained front garden, laid out lawn and sand or dining under the covered wooden gazebo overlooking the stunning bay. Its location is great for sea sports enthusiasts with the  Blue Water Diving Centre and the Big Game Fishing Centre just 75 metres away. This villa has been very popular for large family groups with small children.

Villa K

 

Villa K – Pointe Aux Canonniers   (North Coast Mauritius)

This brand new exclusive villa lies on the beach overlooking the islands off the North coast. It is designed in tropical contemporary style and consists of 4 air-conditioned and ventilated en suite bedrooms sleeping up to 8 guests.

Villa Thalie

 

Villa Thalie – Domaine de Belle Riviere (South Coast Mauritius)

Located in the south west of Mauritius at Bel Ombre is Domaine de Belle Riviere, one of the most exclusive estates in Mauritius comprising some exclusive luxury private villas and the Sofitel So Mauritius five star luxurious hotel and spa. Villa Thalie has 7 bedrooms (4 suites and 3 doubles) and can sleep up to 18. Excellently managed and with complimentary access to the neighbouring Sofitel So Mauritius beach, kids club, restaurants and spa this has been a big hit with our discerning family groups. Ideal location for a very private and sophisticated wedding.

Villa d'Eden

 

Villa d’Eden – Poste Lafayette (East Coast Mauritius)

A traditional thatched and stone villa with pool and a very attentive housekeeper and cook. With 4 bedrooms Villa d’Eden offers a comfortable relaxing stay whether as a couple or with the family.

Tropical Cove

 

Tropical Cove (East Coast Mauritius)

A popular favourite this beautiful 4-bedroom villa is situated in a tropical garden overlooking the tranquil beach of Roches Noires, in a cove well protected from the wind. It is the ideal location for sports lovers who want to kite surf, use championship golf courses and jog along the coast. Ideal for families sleeping 6 adults and 2 children.

Lunea Villas

 

Lunea Villas – Anahita (East Coast Mauritius)

Ideal for golfing groups and family get togethers, Lunea Villas are nestled in the heart of a 213 acre estate of Anahita with views across to the famous Ile aux Cerfs. The estate also includes the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius and the 18 hole Championship golf course designed by Ernie Els.

Hope you’ve had a wonderful year in 2012, we know we have with the Olympics and Paralympics in the United Kingdom to be excited about amongst all the rest that is happening in Mauritius.

We look forward to welcoming you to some of these beautiful locations in 2013 which is already just round the corner!

Heritage In-villa Dining BBQ

One of the best experiences for everyone at Heritage was the In-Villa Dining BBQ. Chefs and waiters come to your villa and prepare the food. Whilst you start your dinner you can see the chef barbequing the meat infront of you; the smells are just as much part of the taste of the meal.

First crudités and salad with freshly prepared dressings decorated the table. First coming of the main course the beef steaks which melted in your mouth like butter. Then, accompanied by a special Barbeque sauce, came the Lamb Shanks which were equally tender and delicious. After this was the culinary pinacle and final main dish, the giant Indian Ocean Prawns were fluffy and generously flavoursome.

The dessert was a beautiful trio of Chocolate Mousse with Citrus Curd, Tiramisu and Tropical Fruit Kebab. Once we had had our coffees to finish, we met the chefs and applauded them enthusiastically as we had a fantastic meal.