In the last few years, boutique hotels have flourished. Smaller properties with a more intimate feel and fewer amenities are now commonplace. Not everyone wants to stay in an oversized hotel with a spa or indoor pool — sometimes you just want to unpack your bags and feel at home rather than check into another hotel. This is where the Constance Ephelia Hotel Seychelles comes in. It offers guests spacious suites set in beautiful Victorian buildings that have been fully restored but still retain their old-world charm. There’s also a restaurant and bar on site as well as all of the usual facilities you’d expect from an upmarket resort. To find out about what it’s like staying here, keep reading for our review of the Constance Ephelia Hotel Seychelles…
A Brief History of the Constance Ephelia Hotel
The Ephelia Hotel was built in 1903 and was designed by James Ross of Ross and Makins, the architects responsible for the construction of the Victoria Prison, the National Library and the Anglican Cathedral. The property was originally built for use as a government administrative building but it was subsequently converted into a hotel. The Ephelia Hotel was initially managed by the same company that owned the Beau Vallon Beach Hotel and later became the property of the Simeon Brothers. The hotel was renamed the Constance Ephelia Hotel in 2017 following a renovation by the luxury hotel brand, Constance Hotels. The renovation also saw the addition of a new world-class spa as well as a new restaurant that pays homage to the French heritage of the Seychelles.
Awards and Recognition
The Constance Ephelia Hotel Seychelles has been recognised for its high levels of service and its excellent culinary offerings. It was named the Luxury Hotel of the Year in 2018 by the International Hospitality and Tourism Awards. This award is held in high regard and is given to hotels that have demonstrated excellence across all aspects of their business. The hotel also took home the award for Best Boutique Hotel in the Indian Ocean in 2017 from the same awards. The Ephelia also achieved a third-place ranking in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards for the best hotels in Seychelles.
Best season to visit
The best time to visit the Constance Ephelia Hotel Seychelles is between the months of November and April. This period is known as Seychelles high season and when the weather is at its warmest. During this period, the transfer times between the airport and the hotel are slightly longer due to the larger number of guests checking in and out. The high season also sees smaller numbers of fish in the surrounding waters so if you’re hoping to snorkel or scuba dive, it’s best to visit during the low season.
Location of the Constance Ephelia Hotel Seychelles
The hotel is set in a prime location on the east coast of Mahe, one of the islands in the Seychelles. The surrounding area is lush and green, with the sea just a short walk away. If you fancy a change of scenery, the capital, Victoria, is just a 15-minute drive from the hotel.
Rooms & Services Available
The Facilities at the Constance Ephelia Hotel
The hotel offers guests a range of services and facilities. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a spa that offers a range of treatments using locally-sourced ingredients. There are also two swimming pools, one of which is heated, as well as a boardwalk that overlooks the Indian Ocean. There is also the option to take out one of the hotel’s yachts and cruise around the islands.
Food and Dining at the Constance Ephelia Hotel Seychelles
There are a range of dining options for guests at the Ephelia Hotel. The Lobby Lounge and Bar serves a range of cocktails and mocktails, as well as light snacks and finger food. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering a range of international dishes, with an emphasis on French. For those looking to book a romantic dinner, there is also a special dinner on the beach. Guests can choose from a set menu and are served on their own private stretch of sand.
Pros and Cons
As with anything, there are both positive and negative aspects to staying at the Constance Ephelia Hotel. Here’s a list of the benefits and drawbacks of choosing to stay here: The positives include the excellent service, complimentary extras, like the use of the bicycles, and the wonderful location. The negatives include the price, it is perhaps a little more expensive than other hotels in the area, and the fact that there is no direct beach access.
Bottom line
The Constance Ephelia Hotel Seychelles is an excellent choice for travellers looking for an intimate stay in the Seychelles. The rooms are excellent, the staff are warm and welcoming, and the surrounding area is effortlessly beautiful. If you are looking to book a stay at the Ephelia Hotel, you can head to their website to find out more and to make your booking.
