It’s certainly not a eureka moment to suggest that the luxury hotel game is about quality, not quantity. Since its inception with the opening of Cheval Blanc Courchevel in 2006, this uber-luxury hotel group has grown to only five properties (Maisons). While this number will soon swell to six as Cheval Blanc Seychelles opens its doors on December 1, a growth rate of just over 0.3 hotels a year will hardly have investors jumping for joy. But that’s not really the point. Expansion without affecting quality is a game of patience, successful decision-making — selecting the most suitable locations — and not succumbing to the easy option: lowering standards.
This latest opening from Cheval Blanc finds itself stretched along Anse Intendance beach, on the southwestern extremities of the Seychelle’s largest island, Mahé. It’s remote enough to feel secluded and private, yet not so disconnected as to become a hindrance.
Here, Cheval Blanc has constructed 52 luxurious villas, 24 of which line the white sand beach, while the remaining 28 blend seamlessly into the green hills behind. Each of these abodes range from 2,350 sq ft to 6,670 sq ft, and each has its own 40-ft swimming pool.
Cheval Blanc Seychelles was designed by Jean-Michel Gathy — a previous collaborator responsible for the similar Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Maldives — with this new property following much the same style. The architecture is contemporary yet inspired by local Seychellois culture and design, ensuring interiors and exteriors blend seamlessly. Interiors are complemented by art pieces from Joel Andrianomearisoa and Prune Nourry.
As this is a Cheval Blanc property, exceptional food is expected to play a key role in each visitor’s stay, and the esteemed brand looks set to deliver with five separate restaurant concepts that chart some of the world’s favored cuisines.
Le White will combine cosmopolitan food with classic Seychellois Creole flavors. Vivamento, situated next to the main swimming pool, brings the casual option and provides Italian bites. Similarly Mediterranean is the beach club Sula, while Mizumi provides seemingly the obligatory Japanese option. Finally, French gastronomy will be covered by Le 1947; given the one in Courchevel holds three Michelin stars, I’d expect big things.
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As Cheval Blanc Seychelles looks to draw in couples, families and groups of friends, the addition of Le Carrousel — an expansive play space for children, families, and younger guests — has been designed to encourage interaction with the natural environment.
Matching the Seychelles tranquility, Spa Cheval Blanc has been created in collaboration with French luxury cosmetics, perfume, and skincare brand Guerlain. Featuring eight rooms and a series of treatments inspired by the island’s natural wonders, this new space looks set to contend with some of the finest spas globally.
Reservations are now open for Cheval Blanc Seychelles for December 1.
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