Kempinski seychelles resort

Family Getaway turned into Romantic Retreat

at Kempinski

There is always some sort of excitement build-up as you are making your way to a hotel, despite having looked at their website or read through their brochures, but there is nothing quite like seeing it with your own eyes.

After a long journey involving different time zones, airports and sitting around, there is nothing more welcoming than arriving at your destination and to be greeted with a super friendly smile. Welcome to Kempinski Resort – where 5 star service awaits you!

After a ride along the Southern coast of Mahe to reach the Kempinski Resort gates, you enter their grounds and go through a short ride surrounded by verdant landscape and beautiful granitic boulders towering behind. The beauty of the grounds is out of this world and we already felt like we were somewhere very special, unique to the Seychelles.

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Upon arrival at the Pavilion you are welcomed by a collection of friendly smiles, the staff are dressed in the most gorgeous island style outfits and straw hats waiting to pamper you and make you feel at home. With a refreshing cold towel and an exotic welcome drink, I thought to myself, “yes, this is the right choice for a great island escape. So far, so good!”

We decided to take the children to the Kids Club so we could have some down time at the spa – some rest and pampering was very much a requisite for this holiday. We thought we would allow them a little time to get used to their environment and settle in with the staff so we could set off for the massage.

We were taken to our one bedroom hill view suite and the hostess carefully explained all the facilities and amenities. The simple yet tastefully decorated suite with an abundance of room to lounge around, relax and spend time with my family was exactly what we wanted from this trip.

I was blown away when we reached the Kids Club and the staff were waiting for my children and gave them a royal welcome. From the private kids pool, cookie dough activity, the kids didn't even bat an eyelid when we said goodbye. By the time we reached the door, one had already started playing in the sandpit and the other was busy making cookies!

Childless and exhausted we strolled to the Spa hand in hand feeling somewhat abandoned by our children and arrived to a cosy Creole hut at the foot of the mountain surrounded by lush greenery. We were welcomed into their relaxation room overlooking the tropical gardens, so we had some time prior to the massage to simply unwind and enjoy a Hibiscus scented juice – unique tropical flavours! Within minutes I had drifted off to another world...and the massage hadn't started yet.

A young pair arrived to escort us to our private hut designed for couple massages scents wafting in the room overlooking the evergreen surrounds. With a full hour of Marie-Eve relieving all the tension in my muscles, I felt as free as the palms swaying by the beach.

A welcome fruit platter with a selection of tropical fruit was just the beginning of this insight into paradise.

Whilst sitting in the garden overlooking the majestic boulders and watching the children play around the pond spotting herons and other exotic birds that they had never seen before. I realized how this experience was going to be more than just a sun, sea and sand getaway.

In such a state of bliss we thought we would squeeze in a quick cocktail somewhere by the seaside before collecting the children. Sneaking past the Kids Club, I could overhear the children splashing away in the pool and giggling away with on that note, maybe we'll make it 2 cocktails.

Change of mind – after spotting a Moet Chandon kiosk on the beachfront with cosy lounges all around...decision was made – champagne it is! We plonked our leisured limbs on the lounges and each ordered a chilled glass of Moet as we watched the waves crashing gently onto this secluded bay. That very moment defined our stay at Kempinski Resort; our children were well taken care of, we had been pampered, relaxed and now had the chance to simply enjoy each other's company in the most desirable of settings. As they say, “Live the Seychelles Experience!”

After such a relaxing afternoon, we were keen to sample the dining options so we chose Windsong Bar, basically a thatched roof on the beach, authentic to Seychelles, where guests can sit with their feet in the sand overlooking the bay. Dinner was a mix of freshly grilled fish, seafood and meats prepared on the stonegrill which set off a beautiful aroma.

The food was fresh with a delicate smoky taste, topped with tropical creole sauces for those that prefer something more adventurous.

Children, again buzzing from the excitement of their eventful afternoon, were chasing crabs under the palms as we could enjoy some local Seychelles beer with our delicious meal.

Contemplating a cocktail, one of the Spa therapists came round to offer a complimentary hand massage.

What a great suggestion, the Spa attendants were so welcoming and delightful in wanting to make sure we were pampered and relaxed. Of course the little ones wanted a hand massage too as they had been busy making pizza in the Kids Club and needed a rest.

Dessert was definitely one of the highlights of our meal, with a chocolate ganache birthday cake where the team collectively came by to sing happy birthday, we were overjoyed that every staff member was able to make us feel so special welcome.

The following day was spent by the pool to unwind in the Seychelles sun. With the only Olympic sized swimming pool in the Seychelles, you almost felt that you were there on your own and with either side offering an outstanding view; one of the ocean or the other of the mountain tops of Mahe.... spoilt with choice!

Already after 2 days at the resort, we felt well energised and revitalised, ready to face the second part of our journey - Island Hopping between Praslin & La Digue.

Unsure on what awaits us, we at least know that upon our return to Kempinski, we will be sure to unwind and relax as we are pampered and cocooned in this magical part of Mahe island.