Why Mango House Seychelles Is The Perfect Island Getaway
The luxury resort gives guests a friendly, home-style stay that makes you want to take up permanent residency
There have been many who have been rendered speechless by the beauty of the Seychelles. Strung across the Indian Ocean, it is an East African archipelago that is home to a patchwork of 115 sun-kissed islands – a tropical wonderland encompassing prehistoric palm groves, blooming coral atolls, and cloud forests. With its giant boulders, lush vegetation, warm turquoise waters, powder-fine white sand and blazing sunsets, the natural majesty of the Seychelles has made it a coveted destination for those looking to get away from it all. Celestial beauty aside, the rich history of the island nation is all-encompassing. Be it the balmy, cinnamon-scented air that carries with it tales of merchant settlers, the endemic centuries-old Aldabra giant tortoises that roam freely, or the vibrant multi-ethnic Creole culture, everything on the island has a story to tell. Where better to experience this than the recently opened Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts, whose storied DNA interlaces seamlessly with the island itself.
Carved into a hillside on Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles archipelago, Mango House seeks not to impose itself on the landscape so much as bend to its will. Nestled deep in the south of Mahé, a 30-minute drive from Seychelles International Airport, Mango House was originally built as a family dwelling by celebrated Italian fashion photographer Gian Paolo Barbieri who fell in love with the island while shooting in 1975. Moulded around the island’s native fragrant fruit trees, tropical beaches and dramatic rock formations, the property is cradled in the horseshoe-shaped bay of Anse Aux Poules Bleues – literally translated as ‘bay of the blue chickens’, where blue eggshells are a reality, rather than just a Farrow & Ball paint swatch.
The heart of Mango House is the stunning Main House. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto a breath-taking infinity pool which melts into the horizon accompanied by soft tunes from the vinyl player and a larger-than-life bookshelf. A minimalist beach house theme prevails throughout the property where homegrown style, such as wicker furniture, takes centre stage. This is interspersed with Barbieri’s photos and a carefully curated collection of local objets d’art, with local artist Alyssa Adams’ exclusive art print for the hotel – a mix of realism and abstraction with Seychelles at its heart – popping up on masks, robes and trims of sunhats.
Forty-one guest rooms, suites and villas nuzzle into the natural amphitheatre of the bay, either cocooned by the flora and facing the beach or clinging to a steep cliffside. Each room category offers uninterrupted sea views with floor-to-ceiling windows and sun-drenched al fresco balconies. A pearly white, beige and blue colour scheme subtly emulates the natural beauty of the island. All rooms are equipped with sleek satin kimonos and masks in Alyssa Adams’ signature print, a floppy sunhat, and a Panama for Instagram ops around the island. Staying true to the LXR brand, every element of Mango House is connected to its surroundings with a focus on sustainability and supporting local businesses. As such, bathroom amenities are produced by local female artisans, using natural materials.
Lazing on the property’s white sandy beach or snorkelling around it are as appealing as lolling at one of the two pools or heading to Anpe (which means ‘at peace’ in Creole) wellness sanctuary to be pampered using local techniques and scented oils. ‘Welcome home’ is the motto of Mango House, however, and guests are encouraged to leave and explore the mystical island, before returning for homely hospitality. For a truly intimate experience, head to the 65-hectare enchanted hideaway and nature reserve known as Cap Lazare. This private and protected property with its colony of tortoises and numerous land and marine fauna can be rented out for private groups. Alternatively, vist the tiny capital of Victoria, which is low-key and languorous. Dominated by stone and wooden houses from the early 20th century, the colourful façades, shutters, and balustrades give the town a jovial air. Bargains at street markets as well as the spicy aromas floating in the air beckon. The Seychellois way of life – a product of the melding of multiple cultures – can be observed throughout the local art, cuisine, music, dance and architecture. For lunch head to Marie Antoinette, housed in a charming old Creole-style wooden abode on a hill overlooking Victoria, the restaurant has been serving the same Creole food for 30 years. Tangy mango salads, coconutty curries, and tart passionfruit juice line the lace tablecloths as tortoises roam the backyard.
Dining at one of Mango House’s five dining establishments is no less of a culinary treat.
Breakfast at Muse is a homestyle affair. Platters of juicy tropical fruit adorn every table while
friendly waiters float around offering cold cuts and cheeses. The menu features local delicacies such as blue eggs and decadent coconut French toast. By night Muse is transformed into a celebration of Barbieri’s oeuvre. Headed by Neapolitan chef Carmine Faravolo, Mediterranean meets Creole in the sharing plates of carpaccio, pasta, and grills made from market-fresh local ingredients. Unmissable is the chef’s Napoli-style pizza. For an aperitif head to Kokoye, the Indo-Seychellois bar inspired by the Spice Route where drinks are concocted with ingredients that embody the rich and diverse local heritage.
Paying homage to the authentic Seychellois culture and overseen by chef Ralph Ernesta is Moutya. Named after the risqué local dance, the succulent delicacies cooked on sustainable coconut shell charcoal are enjoyed to the rhythmic beat of drums. Thirty-two years in Japan have made the chef Alejandro Moranda at Azido (‘Azi’ meaning taste and flavour, and ‘do’ meaning every time), an expert on contemporary Japanese culinary art. Indulgent sushi platters teeming with seafood from local coves are enjoyed alongside a breathtaking view of the circuitous coastline. For a laid-back lunch by the pool, head to Soley, the vibrant poolside bar where delectable bento boxes can be customised with everything from sliders to sushi. The hand-crafted hospitality of the team means that private dining experiences can be themed and even include live entertainment.
From the resort’s artisanal charm to its thoughtful and genuine service all the way to its amalgamation of design and nature, Mango House Seychelles is a sanctuary from busy lifestyles that allows guests to discover unspoiled Mahé.
Images supplied
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s November 2021 issue