At the end of a sweeping bridge from mainland Mahe, Eden Bleu Hotel welcomes you to Eden Island, a private region typical of the luxury associated with the Seychelles.
Embedded in lush foliage, the hotel and villas are surrounded by secluded beaches and centred around the marina which has breathtaking vistas over the nearby granite mountains.
In between lounging by the pool admiring the yachts or checking out the boutiques and coffee shops at the Eden Plaza, the hotel is a great base camp for exploring a few of the Seychelles 115 islands.
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Balmy temperatures of between 24 and 30 degrees celsius persist year round, meaning a warm welcome from both the tropical climate and the friendly Seychellois people.
Where is it?
Eden Bleu Hotel lies on the manmade Eden Island, off the coast of Mahe and 3.5km from the capital Victoria. The outer islands of Praslin and La Digue are only a short ferry ride away - a must for anyone who has come to check out the stunning beaches for which Seychelles is renowned.
The hotel
Guests have two luxurious options: stay in the main property, or retreat to your own private villa. The main complex houses 74 luxurious bedrooms, 12 suites or the presidential suite, overlooking one of three fabulous vistas including the marina, mountains, or the island itself.
An additional option is an intimate private villa with a garden and infinity pool which looks across the ocean. The six bedrooms all feature an en-suite shower and bath, while a large kitchen and living room area downstairs brings all the comforts of home to an extended stay.
All villas also come with their own golf buggies to whizz you back to the main complex of the hotel in style.
Dining
Marlin Bleu is the hotel’s airy restaurant, opening out onto the marina. The dining space flings its doors wide onto the poolside terrace, meaning guests can enjoy a cool breeze with their hearty creole fare.
The menu features a selection of fresh seafood, including octopus curry, but in addition to local dishes, there is a range of more familiar options including fried chicken or a burger with fries.
For groups, a creole BBQ can also be cooked up with any spoils from your fishing expedition, as diners enjoy the sunset over the pool and tuck into their catch of the day.
The boardwalk that runs from outside the hotel to nearby Eden Plaza offers an additional option in Bourgeois Bar and there is a selection of other restaurants and bars all within walking distance.
What to do
Eden Island is the perfect base from which to explore the natural beauty of the Seychelles. The nearby port offers a gateway to experience both Praslin and La Digue on an island-hopping day trip. Praslin has stunning white sandy beaches and the Vallee de Anse, said by some fanciful locals to be the site of the original Garden of Eden. On La Digue, take a bike ride through the picturesque roads to arrive at Anse Source d’Argent, allegedly the most photographed beach in the world.
The capital of Victoria is only 5km from the hotel, featuring ‘Little Ben’, a smaller replica of the London landmark, and a market selling a variety of quirky local souvenirs.
How to get there
British Airways now operates direct flights to Seychelles International Airport. Taking just over 10 hours, the direct route means intrepid explorers no longer need to stop over in Dubai.
Prices start from £697 return from London Heathrow and flights depart on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Price and booking
Guestrooms cost from €255 (£222) for a Standard Room up to €530 (£461) for a Luxury Marina View suite.
Eden Bleu Hotel, Eden Island, NA Seychelles Eden Bridge, Seychelles
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