Seychelles Serenade: Harper’s Bazaar Arabia Escapes to Cheval Blanc
With Jean-Michel Gathy’s visionary design, world-class dining and personal majordomes who anticipate every need, Cheval Blanc’s new maison delivers the rare trifecta of style, seclusion and superior service
Explorers often look to tick off a particular destination; loyalists seek out particular properties whose pedigree they trust; and families look at the convenience of logistics. In very rare cases, all three of these nonnegotiables coincide – and that’s why the new Cheval Blanc Seychelles has created such a stir for discerning Middle Eastern travellers. Just a 45 minute car ride away from Mahé airport – a lot of the high-end properties involve a further boat or helicopter transfer so are far less convenient for a weekend break – you come to the gated ‘maison’ on the island’s dramatic South-East coast.
There’s no need to choose between tropical jungle or beach – this chic resort has both. Formerly the site of the Banyan Tree, it has been completely transformed thanks to Belgian starchitect Jean-Michel Gathy, who sensitively designed around the natural topography, with its huge granite boulders, lagoons and marshland, subtly incorporating Seychellois touches. You can of course specify which sprawling villa you’d like to call home; there are uber-private options nestled in the greenery with dreamy views and non-stop birdsong, or steps away from the palm-tree lined sand, closer to the central restaurants and swimming pools. These are, of course, in addition to the private infinity ones that every one of the 52-villas is designed around – with additional options in the fullyequipped wellness centre, Guerlain spa and Le Carrousel children’s area – that comes complete with slide, splash pad and surf simulator.
On arrival you’re greeted by your personal majordome – the equivalent of a butler – who finesses your itinerary, restocks your bar with truffle cashew nuts, notices the chocolate chip cookies are a favourite and ensures your food is halal, charcuterie is without pork, and bottles of bubbly are non-alcoholic (if requested). They’ll also whisk you around on buggies – something necessary given the scale of this 22-hectare resort.The culinary offering at this exclusive resort is impressive; from the freshly-made pasta at Italian Vivamento, to the sumptuous breakfast (with excellent patisserie) at Le White Japanese menu at Mizumi. Make sure to book for the weekly celebratory creole feast – the atmosphere is electric with the staff happy to show off their native dresses, drinks and dishes, with the prime terrace tables taken first.
Cheval Blanc properties are used to servicing a very discrete, yet arguably demanding client. Someone who is willing to pay for the privilege of having their every whim taken care of. But that can only happen with staff who seem to pre-empt your needs before you’ve even fully articulated them. And that’s the magic of this resort. Yes, it is aesthetically beautiful and has a prime location. Its stand-alone villas are designed with every creature comfort accommodated for. And yes, other places may be able to tick some of the options on offer here – but the warmth, discretion and desire-to-please among the team is something that is ineffable and impossible to replicate.
Getting there: With two flights per day on Emirates Airlines, paradise is just four and a half hours away. Visit, emirates.com
Must visit: See giant tortoises, Coco de Mer trees, and over 280 botanical plants in this serene spot in the heart of the capital. Visit, etspga.gov.sc
For more information, visit chevalblanc.com.
Lead Image Caption: Cheval Blanc Seychelles – the maison’s first base in Africa – is perched on Anse Intendance beach, considered one of the most beautiful bays on Mahé island
Lead Image Credits: Oliver Fly
From the Harper’s Bazaar Arabia December 2025 issue.
